Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• New York City continues payments to indicted developer — The administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams is continuing to pay over $500,000 a month to Weihong Hu, a hotel developer indicted for allegedly bribing a nonprofit CEO. Despite the indictment, Hu's company receives city funds to host a nonprofit program at one of her hotels. Hu is engaged in plea negotiations, potentially implicating Adams and his allies. The payments raise ethical concerns, as Hu could testify against the mayor. The city is working to find an alternative site for the program, but no timeline has been provided.

Supporting reports

• Commerce Secretary encouraged Tesla stock purchase — On Fox, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick encouraged viewers to buy Tesla stock, which would benefit shadow president and top Trump donor Musk and is against federal ethics regulations.
• Musk calls for prosecution of Pentagon leakers — Elon Musk expressed anger over leaks regarding his Pentagon briefing, calling for the prosecution of those responsible. He labeled the New York Times' reporting as propaganda and demanded accountability for the leaks. This reaction highlights tensions between private individuals and government transparency, as well as the potential chilling effect on whistleblowers.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick endorsed Tesla stock on Fox News, violating federal ethics rules — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged the Fox News Channel audience to buy Tesla stock on Wednesday, an endorsement that violated federal ethics rules. The endorsement failed to prop up the stock price. This followed Trump's sales pitch for Teslas at the White House on March 11.
• Record number of Teslas traded in March — Reuters reported a record number of Tesla vehicles being traded in March, with data showing 1.4% of all vehicles traded were Teslas, up from 0.4% the previous year. This increase reflects growing consumer dissatisfaction with Tesla, potentially linked to Elon Musk's political involvement and public statements. The trend may impact Tesla's market position and brand perception.

Supporting reports

• EPA revokes methane emissions charge rule via Congressional Review Act — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule revoking the "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems" rule, effective immediately. Congress passed and President Trump signed a joint resolution of disapproval (H.J. Res. 35, Public Law 119-2) on March 14, 2025, nullifying the November 2024 EPA rule that implemented methane emissions reporting and compliance procedures for petroleum and natural gas facilities. The EPA removed the rule from the Code of Federal Regulations, eliminating reporting requirements and associated compliance procedures for affected industry segments.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department dismisses environmental enforcement lawsuit against Denka, citing end to "DEI programs" — The Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Biden Administration against Denka Performance Elastomer LLC on March 7, 2025. The suit, filed February 28, 2023, alleged that the company's neoprene manufacturing facility in LaPlace, Louisiana posed an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health under the Clean Air Act's emergency powers provision. The dismissal was framed as fulfilling President Trump's executive order to end "radical DEI programs." EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the agency would enforce environmental law "without improperly implementing so-called 'environmental justice.'"
• Trump administration drops environmental lawsuit — The Trump administration has agreed to drop a lawsuit against the Denka synthetic rubber plant in Reserve, Louisiana, which was filed under the Biden administration in February 2023. The lawsuit aimed to curb emissions of chloroprene, a likely human carcinogen, from the plant. The decision to dismiss the case was made in compliance with an executive order issued by Trump targeting "wasteful government" and "DEI programs." This move has been criticized by local community leaders who are concerned about the health risks posed by the plant's emissions.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order establishing national bitcoin stockpile — On March 6, Trump issued an executive order establishing a national stockpile of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The order was issued the day before Trump's "crypto summit" and has drawn criticism from watchdogs for its economic risks and for benefiting bitcoin holders while exposing U.S. taxpayers to financial risk.
• Trump signed executive order delaying tariffs on Mexico and Canada goods under USMCA — On March 6, 2025, Trump signed an executive order delaying tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for one month until April 2. Trump stated the interim period made conditions "much more favorable for our American car manufacturers."
• Trump delays tariffs on Mexico and Canada — President Donald Trump has announced a delay in the implementation of tariffs on Mexico and Canada, specifically affecting the auto industry. This decision comes after initial plans to impose tariffs, which had caused significant concern among businesses and investors. The delay is seen as a temporary relief but adds to the uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy.
• Trump imposes tariffs on Canada and Mexico — President Donald Trump has implemented tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which are projected to negatively impact the U.S. economy. The tariffs are expected to raise costs for American manufacturers and consumers, leading to a contraction in factory activity and a decline in stock market performance. The tariffs have been criticized for increasing policy uncertainty and potentially leading to economic stagnation or recession.
• Trump signed amendment modifying tariffs on Canadian goods under drug-flow emergency authority — President Trump signed an amendment to Executive Order 14193 (issued February 1, 2025) that modified tariffs imposed on Canadian articles. The amendment exempts goods entered duty-free under NAFTA/USMCA terms from additional ad valorem duties and reduces the tariff on potash from 25 percent to 10 percent. The modifications took effect March 7, 2025. The order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act as legal authority.
• White House issued amendment to tariff order on Mexican goods, exempting automotive parts and reducing potash duty. — The White House issued a presidential action amending Executive Order 14194 (issued February 1, 2025). The amendment exempts automotive parts and components entered under NAFTA/USMCA terms from additional tariffs on Mexican goods, and reduces the tariff on potash from 25 percent to 10 percent. The modifications take effect March 7, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EST. The stated rationale is to minimize disruption to U.S. automotive production and employment.
• White House issues fact sheet on tariff adjustments for Canada and Mexico automotive trade — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing adjustments to tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, effective March 6, 2025. The document states that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on March 4 are now tiered: 25% on goods not meeting USMCA rules of origin, 10% on certain energy products and potash from Canada and Mexico outside USMCA preference, and 0% on goods qualifying for USMCA preference. The fact sheet frames the adjustments as protecting the U.S. automotive industry from supply-chain disruption while maintaining border security leverage.
• Trump signs executive order to pause tariffs — President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pause tariffs on USMCA trade from Canada and Mexico until April 2. This decision marks a temporary delay in the imposition of duties on goods from these countries, reversing a previous move to impose sweeping tariffs. The pause is intended to ease tensions and economic impacts amid recent market fluctuations. The executive order reflects Trump's shifting approach to trade policy with key North American partners.
• Trump announces tariff exemptions — President Trump announced exemptions from tariffs on car and truck parts and goods covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, following concerns about inflation and economic growth. This decision reflects the administration's response to economic pressures and market reactions.

Supporting reports

• Trump halted fraud prosecution of Chinese crypto magnate — Former President Donald Trump halted the fraud prosecution of Chinese crypto magnate Justin Sun. Sun had purchased a significant amount of Trump's memecoins, which increased their value and added to Trump's personal fortune. This action has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and corruption within the Trump administration.

Supporting reports

• Trump posts opposition to Biden Medicare rule restricting skin substitute products six days after $5 million donation from affected company — On March 2, 2025, six days after Extremity Care LLC donated $5 million to MAGA Inc., President Trump posted on Truth Social opposing the pending Biden-era Medicare rule that would restrict coverage of expensive skin substitute products. Trump claimed the rule would result in 431,429 lost limbs annually and 187,286 additional deaths. Popular Information reports there is no evidence to support these claims. The Biden rule would have limited Medicare coverage to skin substitute products with scientific evidence of effectiveness.
• Trump opposes Biden Medicare rule targeting Extremity Care — On February 24, 2025, Extremity Care donated $5 million to MAGA Inc., Trump's super PAC. Six days later, Trump publicly opposed a pending Biden administration rule that would have barred Medicare from covering Extremity Care's products. The rule was designed to restrict reimbursement to the 17 skin substitute products with scientific evidence of effectiveness, excluding Extremity Care's offerings. Trump's opposition preceded the Trump administration's subsequent delay of the rule by 40 days.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cancels $400 million in Columbia University funding — In March 2025, the Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University, the epicenter of pro-Palestinian campus protests in 2024. Columbia subsequently agreed to significant administrative changes demanded by the administration, including placing its Middle Eastern studies department under new supervision, banning face masks on campus, expanding police powers, and staffing up its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.
• Trump administration withholds federal funding from Columbia University over antisemitism allegations — The Trump administration pulled $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia University, alleging the institution failed to protect students from antisemitic harassment tied to pro-Palestinian campus protests. Columbia subsequently agreed to changes demanded by the administration as a condition for restoring funding. The administration has also warned at least 60 other universities of possible action and announced a review of $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard University over similar allegations.
• DOJ, HHS, ED, and GSA announce cancellation of $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University — The Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and General Services Administration announced the immediate cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the university's alleged failure to protect Jewish students from harassment and anti-Semitic conduct. The agencies stated the action was taken under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act following a March 3rd notice to the university's acting president. Columbia University holds more than $5 billion in total federal grant commitments. The announcement characterizes the cancellation as the first round of action, with additional cancellations expected.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration suspends $175 million in University of Pennsylvania funding — In March 2025, the Trump administration suspended $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania, citing the university's transgender sports policies. The action is part of a broader crackdown on universities perceived as not aligning with the administration's policy positions.

Supporting reports

• Trump awarded Boeing $20 billion defense contract — In March 2025, the Trump administration awarded Boeing a $20 billion contract to build the next generation of fighter jets. A criminal conviction can suspend or revoke a company's ability to receive government contracts. This award occurred while Boeing faced potential criminal prosecution for the 737 MAX crashes and while the DOJ was negotiating the non-prosecution agreement.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed executive order initiating Section 232 investigation into timber and lumber imports as national security threat — President Trump signed an executive order on March 1, 2025, directing the Secretary of Commerce to initiate a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into how imports of timber, lumber, and derivative products threaten U.S. national security and economic stability. The fact sheet states the investigation will assess vulnerabilities in the lumber supply chain and provide recommendations for trade remedies. The document claims the U.S. has been a net importer of lumber since 2016 despite capacity to supply 95% of domestic softwood consumption.
• White House signed executive order initiating Section 232 investigation into timber and lumber imports as national security threat — President Trump signed an executive order on March 1, 2025, directing the Secretary of Commerce to initiate an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine whether imports of timber, lumber, and derivative products threaten U.S. national security. The order asserts the wood products industry is critical to national defense and economic strength, claims the U.S. domestic softwood lumber industry can supply 95 percent of domestic consumption, and directs Commerce to report within 270 days with findings and recommendations including potential tariffs, quotas, or export controls.

Supporting reports

• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on timber production expansion — The White House published a fact sheet on March 1, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to increase domestic timber production and streamline federal forest management policies. The order directs agencies to issue new guidance facilitating timber production, reduce approval timelines under the Endangered Species Act, and boost timber sales from public lands. The fact sheet claims the measure will reduce wildfire risks, lower construction costs, decrease reliance on imported timber, and support 750,000 jobs in the wood industry.
• White House signed executive order directing accelerated timber production on federal lands — President Trump signed an executive order on March 1, 2025, directing the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to issue guidance within 30 days to expand timber production on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The order mandates streamlined permitting, expedited Endangered Species Act consultations, categorical exclusions for timber thinning and salvage, and a four-year timber sales target. The order states these measures are necessary to reduce reliance on foreign timber, create jobs, reduce wildfire risk, and lower construction costs.

Supporting reports

• SEC halts fraud prosecution of Chinese national — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has halted its fraud prosecution against Chinese crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun. Sun, who was charged in March 2023 with marketing unregistered securities and manipulating the crypto market, had recently invested $75 million in World Liberty Financial (WLF), a venture backed by Donald Trump. This investment resulted in a significant financial benefit for Trump. The SEC and Sun filed a joint request for a 60-day stay to explore a potential resolution, which was granted by a federal judge. This development raises questions about the SEC's enforcement actions and potential settlements.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration awards $1 billion, 15-year contract to Geo Group for Delaney Hall ICE detention — The Trump administration in February awarded a $1 billion, 15-year contract to private prison company Geo Group to operate the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in New Jersey. The facility, recently reopened, has a capacity of 1,000 detainees and is part of the administration's expansion of detention infrastructure to support mass deportation operations. The contract was awarded despite ongoing legal challenges to the facility's operation and a 2021 New Jersey state law barring immigration detention.

Supporting reports

• NIH reimposes DEI funding freeze despite court order — The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has continued to freeze funding for grants related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, despite a federal court's temporary restraining order (TRO) prohibiting such actions. Internal NIH memos reveal that the freeze applies to new and continuation awards from February 14, 2025, onward. This action contravenes the court's order and affects critical research funding. The NIH's actions follow a Trump administration directive to pause federal financial assistance related to DEI, which was challenged and temporarily halted by the court.
• Trump administration blocks new NIH grant notices — The Trump administration has halted the issuance of new NIH grants by preventing the publication of necessary notices in the Federal Register. This action has stalled approximately 16,000 grant applications, affecting around $1.5 billion in funding. The blockade has led to the postponement of grant review meetings, impacting researchers and potentially delaying critical scientific advancements. The administration has not provided an explanation for this policy or indicated when it might be lifted, raising concerns about compliance with a federal court's TRO against funding freezes.

Supporting reports

• SEC dismisses lawsuit against Coinbase — On February 21, 2025, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) agreed to dismiss its lawsuit against Coinbase. The lawsuit, filed on June 6, 2023, accused Coinbase of operating as an unregistered securities broker. Armstrong stated that the agreement involved no fines or changes to Coinbase's business practices. This development follows significant political contributions by Coinbase to pro-Trump entities and personal financial benefits to Trump, raising questions about the influence of political donations on regulatory actions.

Supporting reports

• Department of Defense announces plan to identify $50 billion in cuts from Biden-era budget — On February 19, the Department of Defense announced it would identify approximately $50 billion (8% of the Biden administration's FY26 budget) for cuts, framing the reductions as eliminating "climate change" and other "woke programs" as well as "excessive bureaucracy." The DoD stated these cuts would free up funds for programs aligned with Trump administration priorities. As of the article's publication date, no updates on these purported efforts have been provided, and the plan has been superseded by Trump's announcement of a $107 billion budget increase.

Supporting reports

• Mass termination of probationary federal workers across multiple agencies — The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), terminated approximately 24,000 probationary federal workers across agencies including the US Forest Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health and Human Services on February 14, 2025. Workers were given minimal notice (some two hours) to return equipment. Subsequent legal challenges resulted in court-ordered reinstatements, though implementation has been inconsistent, leaving workers in administrative limbo with uncertain benefits and job status.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs memorandum for new tariff plan — President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the development of a comprehensive plan to address trade imbalances by imposing "reciprocal" duties on countries that target US products. The plan aims to create a system of US import duties matching those imposed by other countries. The US Commerce Department, led by Howard Lutnick, will conduct studies and report back by April. No specific new tariffs were announced, but the administration emphasized the potential for economic and national security improvements.
• Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs — President issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate non-reciprocal trade arrangements and propose remedies to establish reciprocal trade relations. The memorandum outlines the "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" to address trade imbalances and unfair practices by foreign trading partners. The plan aims to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and improve economic competitiveness by countering tariffs and non-tariff barriers imposed by other countries.
• President Trump announces Fair and Reciprocal Trade Plan — The White House issued a release announcing President Trump's "Fair and Reciprocal Trade Plan," framed as correcting trade imbalances by imposing reciprocal tariffs on trading partners. The release states the U.S. has an open economy while trading partners keep markets closed, and cites support from industry groups, cabinet officials, and Republican lawmakers. No specific tariff rates, implementation timeline, or formal executive order text is included in the release itself.
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump's "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" trade memorandum — The White House published a fact sheet on February 13, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum ordering development of a comprehensive trade plan to address what the administration characterizes as non-reciprocal trading arrangements. The fact sheet claims the plan will correct trade imbalances, reduce the trade deficit, and prioritize American workers. It cites specific tariff disparities with Brazil, India, the European Union, and others, and asserts that reciprocal tariffs will restore fairness to international trade.
• White House issues memorandum directing reciprocal tariff investigation and "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" — The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing the Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative, and other officials to investigate non-reciprocal trade arrangements with all U.S. trading partners and propose remedies. The memorandum establishes a "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" to examine tariffs, taxes, nontariff barriers, exchange-rate policies, subsidies, and other trade practices deemed unfair. The Secretary of Commerce and USTR are instructed to initiate investigations and submit a report with proposed remedies; OMB must assess fiscal impacts within 180 days.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order pausing FCPA enforcement — President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to pause enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prohibits American companies from bribing foreign officials to obtain or retain business. This move could undermine efforts to prevent public corruption and maintain the rule of law in international business practices.
• Executive Order Pauses FCPA Enforcement — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14209, pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days to review guidelines and policies. The order aims to enhance American economic competitiveness and national security by reducing barriers to commerce abroad. The Attorney General is tasked with reviewing and potentially revising FCPA enforcement actions and guidelines during this period.
• Trump halts enforcement of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to halt prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which bans bribery of foreign officials. The order requires the Attorney General to pause these prosecutions until new enforcement guidance is issued, aimed at promoting American competitiveness. This move has been criticized by anti-corruption groups, who argue it undermines the US's leadership in fighting global corruption. The FCPA has been instrumental in significant corporate cases, including actions against Goldman Sachs.
• Trump Pauses FCPA Enforcement — President Donald Trump issued an executive order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days. The order directs the Attorney General to cease new FCPA investigations and review existing ones, with the possibility of extending the review period for another 180 days. The order aims to enhance American economic competitiveness and national security by reducing perceived overreach in FCPA enforcement, which Trump argues impedes U.S. foreign policy objectives.
• White House issued executive order pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement — The White House issued an executive order on February 10, 2025, directing the Attorney General to cease initiating new FCPA investigations and enforcement actions for 180 days while reviewing enforcement guidelines. The order states that FCPA enforcement "harms the interests of the United States" and "impedes" foreign policy objectives. The Attorney General is instructed to review existing investigations and issue revised guidelines prioritizing "American economic competitiveness" and "Presidential foreign policy prerogatives." The order characterizes current FCPA enforcement as "overexpansive" and claims it wastes prosecutorial resources.
• White House issues fact sheet on FCPA enforcement pause — The White House issued a fact sheet on February 10, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order directing the Attorney General to pause Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement actions and issue revised enforcement guidance. The fact sheet states that past and existing FCPA actions will be reviewed, and future investigations and enforcement must be approved by the Attorney General. The document frames the pause as necessary to restore American competitiveness and national security.
• Trump signs executive order pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — President Trump signed an executive order pausing the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits bribery of foreign officials. This suspension could lead to increased corruption in international business dealings.
• Trump signed executive order pausing prosecutions under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — On February 10, 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the DOJ to halt prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign government officials. Attorney General Pam Bondi was instructed to pause prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 until she issues revised enforcement guidance promoting American competitiveness. Trump stated the action would "mean a lot more business for America." The White House claimed the law disadvantages US firms compared to foreign competitors.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports — Donald Trump announced new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US, affecting major trading partners such as Canada and Mexico. This move is part of Trump's broader trade policy overhaul and comes as a response to China's retaliatory tariffs on US products. The tariffs are set to take effect immediately and are in addition to existing metal duties. The announcement has drawn criticism from international leaders and raised concerns about potential economic impacts.
• Trump announces tariffs on steel and aluminum imports — President Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States. This decision could impact international trade relations and domestic industries reliant on these materials, potentially leading to increased costs and economic uncertainty.
• President Trump terminates steel import agreements — President Trump issued a proclamation terminating existing alternative agreements on steel imports with several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, EU countries, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK. Effective March 12, 2025, these imports will be subject to a 25% ad valorem tariff as initially set by Proclamation 9705. The decision aims to address increasing steel imports that threaten U.S. national security by replacing alternative agreements with tariffs.
• Presidential Proclamation Adjusts Aluminum Tariffs — President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation increasing tariffs on aluminum imports from 10% to 25% ad valorem, effective March 12, 2025. This action aims to address national security concerns by reducing aluminum imports and supporting domestic production. The proclamation also terminates previous agreements with Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the EU, and the UK, subjecting their aluminum imports to the revised tariff rate.
• Trump issued proclamation raising aluminum tariffs from 10% to 25% and terminating trade agreements with six countries — President Trump signed a proclamation adjusting aluminum import tariffs effective March 12, 2025. The order raises the tariff rate from 10 percent to 25 percent ad valorem on aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles. It terminates alternative trade agreements with Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, European Union member states, and the United Kingdom, subjecting all aluminum imports from these countries to the new 25 percent rate. The proclamation also terminates the product exclusion process that had allowed certain aluminum products to avoid tariffs, and directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a process for including additional derivative aluminum articles under the tariff regime.
• Trump issued proclamation terminating steel tariff exemptions and expanding tariff coverage — President Trump signed a proclamation adjusting steel imports into the United States, effective March 12, 2025. The proclamation terminates tariff exemptions and alternative trade agreements with nine countries and the EU (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, UK, and Ukraine), subjecting all their steel and derivative steel article imports to a 25 percent ad valorem tariff. It also expands tariff coverage to additional derivative steel articles, terminates the product exclusion process that previously allowed relief from duties, and directs U.S. Customs to enforce maximum penalties for misclassification.
• White House issues fact sheet on Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs — The White House issued a fact sheet on February 11, 2025, describing proclamations signed by President Trump to restore and expand Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The fact sheet states that Trump reinstated a 25% tariff on steel and elevated aluminum tariffs to 25%, eliminated exemptions for ten countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the European Union, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom), and applied stricter classification standards. The document claims these measures protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices and global excess capacity.
• Trump announced 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum — On February 11, 2025, Trump announced 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, effective without exceptions or exemptions. The action ended previous exemptions granted to certain countries and increased aluminum duty from 10% to 25%. Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro stated the tariffs ensure America never relies on foreign nations for critical industries. Implementation was set for March 12, suggesting the administration would broker deals with seeking governments.
• White House issued release promoting Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum — The White House published a release on February 11, 2025, announcing that President Trump had imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports and elevated the tariff to 25% on aluminum imports under Section 232. The release compiled statements of support from industry associations, unions, corporate executives, and Republican lawmakers. The document frames the tariffs as protecting American manufacturing and closing loopholes from Trump's first term.

Supporting reports

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water from California dams — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a significant amount of water from two dams in California into river channels along farms in the San Joaquin Valley. This action, ordered by President Trump, has been criticized for its timing, as it occurs during the rainy season when water is not needed for irrigation. Experts warn that this could negatively impact farmers who rely on the water for summer irrigation.
• Trump orders opening of California dams — President Trump ordered the opening of two California dams, aiming to reduce wildfire risk by increasing water flow. However, this decision was reversed after local complaints, as it contradicted water management practices needed during California's rainy season. The action reflects Trump's intervention in state-level environmental management.
• Trump Signs Executive Order Affecting California Water Management — Last week, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Army Corps of Engineers to open two dams in California, releasing over 2 billion gallons of water from reservoirs. Local officials expressed concern that this action nearly flooded farms and may reduce water availability during dry periods. While Trump celebrated the release, experts noted that the water would not benefit Los Angeles, raising questions about the order's effectiveness and potential environmental impact. This move is part of Trump's broader critique of California's water management policies.

Supporting reports

• SEC investigation into crypto billionaire Justin Sun placed on hold in February. — Crypto billionaire Justin Sun, who purchased $75 million in Trump coin at the dinner, had been under SEC investigation for market manipulation. That investigation was placed "on hold" in February 2025, prior to the dinner event.
• SEC halts prosecution of crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun in exchange for settlement — In February 2025, the SEC announced it was halting prosecution of crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun for fraud and market manipulation to work out a settlement. Sun had invested $75 million in World Liberty Financial tokens beginning in November 2024, directly after Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Sun's purchases resulted in a $50 million windfall for Trump and his sons. The timing and terms of the settlement halt suggest prosecutorial discretion exercised in favor of a major investor in the president's personal financial scheme.

Supporting reports

• Paramount dismantles DEI programs under FCC pressure — In February 2025, Paramount Global issued an internal memo instructing employees that it would not "set or use aspirational numerical goals related to the race, ethnicity, sex or gender of hires" and would redirect DEI funding to other programs. This followed FCC Chairman Carr's March message to media companies seeking FCC approval, encouraging them to "get busy ending any sort of their invidious forms of DEI discrimination." The dismantling of diversity initiatives was undertaken to improve Paramount's chances of FCC approval for its merger with Skydance Media.

Supporting reports

• Billy Long's campaign debt paid off by donors with tax issues pending before IRS — Billy Long, Trump's nominee to run the IRS, had his 2022 campaign debt paid off by donors who have current tax issues pending before the IRS. Long had loaned $130,000 to his unsuccessful 2022 Senate campaign and was personally liable for over $100,000 of that debt. Shortly after Trump announced Long as his IRS nominee, Long's dormant campaign committee raised $137,000 in under three weeks in January 2025. Two-thirds of the donations were at the maximum allowed amount of $2,900, and one-third came from donors in the tax consultant industry or people with tax-related legal issues. Long used the funds to reimburse himself for his campaign loan.