Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump Family Profits from Kazakhstan Mining Deal — The New York Times reported that Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump acquired a 20% stake in a company linked to a billion-dollar mining deal with Kazakhstan, secured by the Trump administration. The report also highlights financial ties between the Trump family and companies benefiting from federal mining contracts. The Trump Organization demanded a retraction, but did not deny the profits from the deal.
• — The New York Times reported that within weeks of the Trump administration securing a billion-dollar mining deal with Kazakhstan's president, a firm partly owned by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump took a 20% stake in an entity connected to the project. The Trump family or Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's family has financial ties to at least 14 companies working with the federal government on mining deals, all of which have benefited directly from the administration.

Supporting reports

• Silicon Valley billionaires file counter-ballot measures opposing wealth tax — Tech billionaires, led by Google co-founder Sergey Brin ($82 million spent) and crypto billionaire Chris Larsen ($13.2 million spent), successfully placed two counter-initiatives on California's November ballot designed to block the wealth tax. One measure would prohibit new taxes on individually owned assets and bar retroactive taxation; the other would require audits of voter-initiative-funded programs and prohibit new state taxes after January 1, 2026. The spending represents an unprecedented campaign finance effort to defeat the wealth tax through ballot manipulation.

Supporting reports

• Trump instructs DOJ to investigate oil companies for alleged price gouging — Donald Trump announced via social media post on Tuesday night that he had instructed the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate oil companies for alleged price gouging, claiming they are not lowering gas prices at the pump proportionally to drops in wholesale oil costs amid Middle East conflict. Trump stated "customers are being 'gouged'" and demanded gas prices fall faster. No further investigation details have been released since the announcement.
• Trump directs Justice Department to investigate oil companies for price gouging — Just after midnight, Trump posted that "big Oil Companies" are not dropping gas prices quickly enough and accused them of price gouging. He stated he had directed the Justice Department to "start looking into this" and warned that gasoline prices must drop faster. The post reflects Trump's concern about economic conditions ahead of midterm elections.

Supporting reports

• California Secretary of State certifies billionaire tax ballot measure — California's Secretary of State certified a ballot measure proposing a one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires, after the initiative gathered more than double the required signatures. The measure, backed by the SEIU-UHW union and championed by progressives including Senator Bernie Sanders, would apply retroactively to California residents worth over $1 billion as of January 1, 2026, with revenue directed to food assistance, education, and healthcare. Governor Newsom opposed the measure throughout, including failed last-minute negotiations to reduce the tax to 2%.
• California billionaire tax measure qualifies for November ballot — California's controversial billionaire tax measure officially qualified for the November 2026 general election ballot after an expensive campaign. The measure faced significant opposition from wealthy individuals and Silicon Valley interests who spent millions to derail it. The effort will continue through November, with further spending expected from tech industry opponents seeking to prevent the measure's passage.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon requested $80 billion supplemental funding for Iran War costs — Pentagon Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg called Congressional appropriators requesting approximately $80 billion in supplemental funds to cover Iran War costs. Pentagon officials including Secretary Hegseth and the Pentagon Comptroller had previously testified that the war cost $29 billion, which most believed was a vast underestimate given the stockpiles of SM3, Patriot, THAAD, and Tomahawk missiles used. The President planned to meet with defense contractors Wednesday to urge faster production of depleted missile stockpiles, but contractors indicated they cannot proceed without Congressional appropriations and signed contracts.
• Journalist documented total Iran War costs at $109 billion in less than four months — Journalist Paul Farhi reported that the Iran War has cost at least $109 billion so far, not including tens of billions in indirect costs such as higher gas, fertilizer, and commodities prices and stock-market losses. The war has also resulted in 13 American lives lost and countless Iranian casualties in less than four months.
• White House requests $87.6bn supplemental funding including $67.1bn for Iran war costs — The Trump administration submitted a supplemental funding request to Congress on Wednesday requesting $87.6bn, with $67.1bn designated for Iran war expenses including $21bn for munitions and defense industrial base. The request also includes $1.4bn for Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and $11.1bn for farmers affected by tariff-related economic shocks. Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray, have signaled opposition to funding the unpopular conflict, which Trump initiated in February without prior Congressional authorization.
• Trump submitted $67.1 billion supplemental budget request for Iran War costs — Trump submitted a supplemental budget request of $67.1 billion to cover costs of the Iran War, in addition to a $1.5 trillion military budget request. This request was submitted while the nation carries a $39 trillion national debt.

Supporting reports

• Treasury issued 60-day general license waiving Iranian oil sanctions — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a temporary 60-day general license authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil, as well as refined products and petrochemicals. The license permits U.S. refiners to import Iranian oil and pay for it in U.S. dollars, effectively restoring Iran's access to dollar transactions and allowing the country to monetize an estimated $8–9 billion in oil already at sea, plus ongoing sales and release of frozen assets.
• Treasury issues Iran sanctions waiver allowing oil sales in U.S. dollars — The U.S. Treasury Department issued a 60-day general license and sanctions waiver permitting Iran to sell oil, petrochemicals, and natural resources globally, including to the United States, using U.S. dollars for transactions. The action followed the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland, where Vice President JD Vance and Jared Kushner participated in quadrilateral negotiations involving the U.S., Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar aimed at advancing a Middle East conflict resolution deal. The waiver represents a significant reversal of Trump administration sanctions policy.
• Trump administration waived sanctions on Iranian oil — The Trump administration waived sanctions on Iranian oil for the period covered by the MOU, as specified in that agreement. The waiver increases the value of Iranian oil exports and represents a significant economic concession to Iran as part of the peace agreement framework.
• Iranian oil tankers move through Strait of Hormuz — Following the Treasury Department's sanctions waiver, Iranian oil tankers began moving through the Strait of Hormuz in massive volumes, indicating immediate implementation of the newly permitted oil sales. The movement of tankers represents the practical execution of the sanctions relief announced by the U.S. government.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration awarded no-bid contract for reflecting pool repairs to company owned by Trump donor — The National Park Service awarded a no-bid contract worth at least $1.7 million for a water purification system at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to Greenwater Services, a firm ultimately owned by the J.J. Cafaro Investment Trust, led by Trump donor John J. Cafaro. Cafaro's wife chaired the 2017 International Red Cross Ball at Mar-a-Lago, and the company's Florida address is listed as Cafaro's mansion near Mar-a-Lago. An Interior Department spokesperson stated the White House was not involved in the selection and the department was unaware of Cafaro's political support for Trump.

Supporting reports

• Senator Cramer defends Trump's crypto involvement as pro-growth policy — On Fox Business, Senator Kevin Cramer defended Trump's crypto involvement by arguing that pro-growth policies should not be stopped because they might personally benefit the president's family. This came as the CLARITY Act, crypto legislation that would benefit Trump's own holdings, remains stalled in the Senate. Maria Bartiromo noted that Democrats want to ban government officials including the president from crypto entirely. Cramer responded that Trump should not have to be exempt from being successful.

Supporting reports

• U.S. grants Iran immediate oil sanctions relief under MOU — The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. will allow Iran to immediately begin selling oil and fuel upon signing the MOU this week, providing Tehran with immediate financial incentive and economic windfall. Sanctions waivers on oil sales take effect immediately upon signing and cover banking, transportation, and insurance services. Iran receives upfront sanctions relief with additional relief tied to future performance.
• US to Lift Sanctions on Iran — As part of the draft deal framework, the United States will reportedly lift all sanctions on Iran. These sanctions had been in place since 2012 and had severely impacted Iran's economy. The lifting of sanctions is expected to allow Iran to sell oil freely and significantly boost its economic prospects. This development marks a major policy reversal and a concession by the US in the face of military and economic pressures.
• Iran to Charge Fees on Strait of Hormuz Transit — Iran will reportedly start charging fees on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. This move is part of the concessions made by the US in the draft deal framework. Charging tolls on international shipping is a significant economic gain for Iran and represents a shift in control over a vital maritime route.
• US and Allies to Pay Iran Reconstruction Fund — The United States and/or its Middle Eastern allies will reportedly pay Iran a $300 billion reconstruction fund as part of the draft deal framework. This payment, equivalent to one year of Iran's GDP, would effectively serve as war reparations. The fund is intended to aid Iran's recovery and economic growth following the conflict.
• US-Iran Draft Deal Framework Revealed — A draft deal framework between the US and Iran has been revealed, indicating that Iran agrees not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons, and both nations agree to halt hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon. Iran will guarantee free and safe commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. This framework suggests significant concessions by the US, as it effectively marks a retreat from the conflict initiated by the Trump administration. The deal is seen as a capitulation, with Iran emerging in a stronger position both economically and militarily.

Supporting reports

• Trump's $14 million Reflecting Pool renovation covered in algae; conservative media blamed sabotage — The Trump administration's $14 million no-bid contract to renovate the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resulted in the pool becoming covered in green algae. The renovation painted the pool bottom blue but failed to address filtration and circulation problems, accelerating the algae problem. Conservative media personality Grant Stinchfield declared the algae a result of sabotage by the left, calling it vandalism by people who "can't stand Trump, American greatness and his quest to make DC beautiful again." The post received 3.2 million views. The actual cause was stagnant water with poor filtration, a basic scientific problem.
• National Park Service dumps hydrogen peroxide into Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool — National Park Service workers dumped bottles of hydrogen peroxide directly into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the morning of June 16 in an attempt to mitigate an algae bloom caused by recent renovations. Reuters photographer Jonathan Ernst captured foam floating on the surface. Dr. Michael O'Brien questioned on social media whether the approach was scientifically sound, noting that at least 8,000 liters of 12% hydrogen peroxide would be needed to reach minimum concentration to kill algae.
• Trump administration awards no-bid contract for Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool renovation — The Trump administration awarded a $14.2 million no-bid contract to Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings to renovate the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, intending to turn it "American flag blue" for the nation's 250th birthday. The contractor had previously worked on a swimming pool at one of Trump's golf clubs. Days after completion, algae proliferated in warm weather, forcing National Park Service workers to use skimmers and hydrogen peroxide to address the bloom. The administration claims a "nanobubbler technology" water treatment system will resolve the issue.
• Reflecting Pool renovation cost $16 million instead of stated $1.5 million — Federal contracting records revealed that Trump's renovation of the Reflecting Pool by the Lincoln Memorial cost approximately $16 million, not the $1.5 million Trump had publicly stated. The pool is now fouled with green algae. Trump and Interior Department officials claimed the project was a success and reposted articles praising the renovation despite the cost overrun and visible algae contamination.
• Workers treated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with hydrogen peroxide to address algae bloom — Workers poured hydrogen peroxide into the Reflecting Pool by the Lincoln Memorial to attempt to kill an algae bloom that had turned the pool bright green. The algae bloom resulted from Trump's renovation of the pool, which included dark paint on the pool floor. The dark paint caused the sun to heat the water faster than before, creating conditions that accelerated algae growth, an outcome experts had warned about.
• U.S. Park Police arrested cyclist for touching peeling pool material — On Friday, June 18, former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn, 67, was arrested by U.S. Park Police for destruction of government property, a misdemeanor, after he reached into the reflecting pool to feel the detached blue epoxy material while on a 52-mile bike ride. Hearn denied vandalizing anything, stating he was unaware of what was happening before being handcuffed. The arrest occurred as the pool's coating was actively peeling and floating in algae-filled water.
• Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool develops severe algae bloom after $14 million renovation — Days after completion of a $14 million renovation, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool developed an algae bloom more severe than any recorded in June for at least five years. Trump had promised in April to clean up the "filthy" and "disgusting" water and resurface the basin to eliminate leaking and paint it "American flag blue." After refilling began on June 4, Trump praised the "clean, beautiful water." However, satellite analysis by University of Virginia environmental scientist Alana Menendez detected more algae in the pool in an image taken the week after reopening than in any June images from 2021 onward. The Interior Department began treating the pool with hydrogen peroxide and nanobubble ozone technology, but the hydrogen peroxide is causing the new blue paint to peel, as documented in social media posts.

Supporting reports

• UFC announces fighter bonuses in Trump family cryptocurrency at White House event — The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced it will pay performance bonuses to fighters in USD1 stablecoins issued by World Liberty Financial, a Trump family cryptocurrency venture co-founded by Donald Trump and his sons in 2024. The event, UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for June 14 on the White House south lawn on Trump's birthday. World Liberty Financial is listed as the "Presenting Partner" of a $250,000 bonus pool. The arrangement directly connects Trump family financial interests to a high-profile government property event, raising conflict-of-interest concerns despite White House claims that Trump's assets are held in a trust managed by his children.

Supporting reports

• US Department of Justice approves $111 billion Paramount–Warner Bros Discovery merger — The Trump administration's Department of Justice antitrust division approved the $111 billion merger of Paramount Skydance (controlled by the Ellison family) and Warner Bros Discovery after an eight-month investigation. The DOJ concluded the transaction would not harm competition in streaming, linear television, or theatrical film distribution. The deal still faces scrutiny from UK and European regulators and potential legal challenge from a coalition of US state attorneys general, with concerns raised about job losses, news network consolidation, and editorial independence at CNN.

Supporting reports

• Elon Musk became world's first trillionaire — On June 13, 2026, Elon Musk became the world's first trillionaire on paper when shares of his rocket company SpaceX were offered to the public. Musk had poured more than $290 million into the 2024 election to elect Trump and other Republicans.

Supporting reports

• Federal agencies and UFC invested $60 million in White House cage fight event — Federal agencies and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) are investing at least $60 million toward a White House cage fight event scheduled for Trump's 80th birthday on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The funding has paid for a fighting arena on the South Lawn of the White House and approximately 900 workers since May 20, 2026. Trump owns significant stock in TKO Holding Group, the parent company of UFC.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration suspends federal funding to Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, under Secretary Scott Turner, suspended federal funding to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the nation's largest continuum-of-care homeless services agency, pending an investigation into alleged fraud. HUD cited violations of conflict-of-interest rules, misuse of funds for empty hotel rooms, and failure to provide documentation. LAHSA disputed the allegations, stating it had corrected or was correcting nearly all issues raised. The suspension affects approximately 8% of LAHSA's budget and jeopardizes housing stability for thousands of homeless individuals in Los Angeles.

Supporting reports

• Interior Secretary Burgum cited fabricated national security rationale to cancel wind turbine projects — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced cancellation of wind turbine projects that had already been funded, citing a report from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming wind turbines pose a national security threat because drones could use them as cover for undetectable attacks on the U.S. The rationale was widely characterized as absurd and motivated by Trump's personal animus toward wind energy stemming from a decades-old dispute over a wind farm near his golf course in Scotland.

Supporting reports

• Trump family made $2.3 billion in cryptocurrency licensing since second term began — Reuters investigation shows that the Trump family has made at least $2.3 billion in cryptocurrency licensing ventures since Trump began his second term. More than a million investors in their enterprises have suffered at least $2.3 billion in losses. Investors believed Trump's position as president and his perceived business acumen guaranteed profits; some still hope Trump will make things right while others expressed regret, anger, and embarrassment.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs Secure America Act, allocating $70bn to immigration enforcement through 2029 — President Trump signed the Secure America Act into law on June 10, 2026, after the House passed it 214–212 largely along party lines. The legislation allocates $38bn to ICE, $26bn to Customs and Border Protection, and $5bn to the Department of Homeland Security through September 2029. The bill ends a 75-day partial DHS shutdown that began in February after Democrats blocked funding following federal agents' killing of two US citizens during an ICE operation in Minneapolis.
• Trump signed budget reconciliation measure adding $70 billion for ICE and CBP — President Trump signed a budget reconciliation bill that added $70 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The signing occurred at an event in the Oval Office where Trump was asked about the inflation report.
• Became Law: Secure America Act — The Secure America Act became Public Law 119-98 on June 10, 2026. Congress enacted this measure through the standard legislative process. The bill's specific provisions and policy effects require review of the full text; the record confirms passage and presidential signature or veto override.
• House Republicans approve $70bn Secure America Act funding immigration enforcement through Trump's term — The House of Representatives passed the Secure America Act on a 214-212 party-line vote, allocating $70bn to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement ($38bn), Customs and Border Protection ($26bn), and the Department of Homeland Security ($5bn) through September 2029. The bill ends a months-long Democratic blockade that had forced a 75-day DHS shutdown following federal agents' killing of two US citizens in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement operations. Democrats unanimously opposed the measure, citing lack of oversight and accountability for ICE operations.
• House passed Secure America Act funding ICE and Border Patrol $70 billion — On June 11, the House passed the Secure America Act by a vote of 214–212 with no Democratic support. The Senate had cleared it 52–47 the previous week. Trump signed it June 12. The law funds ICE and Border Patrol through the end of Trump's term, allocating approximately $38 billion to ICE, $26 billion to Border Patrol and border technology, and $5 billion in discretionary funds for the Homeland Security Secretary. This follows a previous law providing $75 billion for ICE over four years, making it the most heavily funded federal law enforcement agency.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting Secure America Act funding for ICE and CBP — The White House issued a fact sheet on June 9, 2026, promoting the Secure America Act, legislation that the document states provides approximately $70 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through fiscal year 2029. The fact sheet characterizes the act as ending "Democrat obstruction" and claims it will fund border security operations, immigration enforcement, and related law enforcement activities. The document includes statements from Republican officials, law enforcement organizations, and conservative groups supporting the legislation.

Supporting reports

• Department of Justice issues legal opinion concluding EEOC disparate-impact guidelines violate the Constitution — The Department of Justice, through its Office of Legal Counsel, issued a formal opinion to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission concluding that EEOC guidelines on disparate-impact liability under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act are unconstitutional. The opinion states that EEOC's framework, which held employers liable for unequal hiring and promotion outcomes regardless of intent, pressured employers to engage in racial discrimination. The DOJ opinion permits employers to use hiring practices—including aptitude tests, criminal-background checks, and SAT scores—without fear of Title VII liability based solely on disparate outcomes, requiring only that practices serve a valid business purpose. The opinion also raises the evidentiary burden on disparate-impact claimants, requiring them to prove the specific practice caused unequal outcomes and to identify an equally effective alternative.

Supporting reports

• QOL Medical CEO donates $1 million to MAGA Inc. amid FDA enforcement action — On June 8, 2026, Frederick "Derick" Cooper, CEO of QOL Medical, donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., President Trump's super PAC, while the company faced an active FDA enforcement action for false drug advertising. This donation occurred just 13 days after the FDA's May 26 warning letter and during the 15-day response period. Cooper has donated $4 million to MAGA Inc. in the past two years (February 2025: $2 million; October 2025: $1 million; June 2026: $1 million), far exceeding his prior political giving history.

Supporting reports

• Senate Republicans pass $70 billion funding for ICE and CBP — Senate Republicans passed a measure providing approximately $70 billion in additional funding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) without addressing Democratic demands for reforms following violent enforcement actions. This funding is part of a larger budget reconciliation measure that significantly increases the budgets of these agencies, potentially limiting future reform efforts. The funding is set to last through the remainder of Trump's term, complicating oversight and accountability.
• Senate Republicans passed $70 billion supplemental funding for ICE and CBP without Democratic reform conditions — In the early morning hours of Friday, Senate Republicans passed a budget reconciliation measure providing approximately $70 billion in additional funding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of Border Patrol. This action occurred without addressing any of the Democratic demands for reforms to ICE and Border Patrol operations that had been made following violent sweeps resulting in the deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Republicans used the budget reconciliation process to bypass a potential Democratic filibuster and secure passage with a simple majority.
• Senate passes ICE funding bill allocating $70 billion without restrictions — The Senate passed an immigration enforcement funding bill that allocated $70 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without spending restrictions. The bill also failed to block a $1.776 billion discretionary fund controlled by the Trump administration. Both North Carolina senators voted in favor of the measure.

Supporting reports

• Jared Kushner received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia for private company — During a podcast interview with Lex Fridman, Kushner was asked why he took $2 billion from Saudi Arabia for his private company. Kushner responded that the money was invested in Israel to build ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel and to connect businessmen from both countries. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) subsequently questioned whether Kushner could be trusted to negotiate on behalf of the U.S. government given his financial ties to countries that benefit from war with Iran.

Supporting reports

• Reflecting pool repairs exceeded budget by over $12 million — The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation project, initially projected to cost $1.8 million and be completed by July 4, 2026, actually cost at least $14.2 million. The administration awarded a no-bid contract and agreed to a 20% profit margin, which a National Park Service analysis found to be "inflated." The project was declared complete on June 6, but within days algae bloomed in the pool and the blue epoxy coating began peeling.
• Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool covered in algae bloom — Reporters documented a thick green algae bloom overtaking the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 10 and 11, 2026. The Trump administration blamed "residual algae" from supply lines for the environmental degradation of the iconic monument.

Supporting reports

• Washington Post reported corporate donors to Trump ballroom project received federal contracts — A watchdog report detailed that more than half of the publicly identified corporate donors to Trump's White House ballroom project received new or expanded federal contracts worth collectively over $50 billion. Fourteen of 27 known corporate donors secured additional federal business following their contributions. Lockheed Martin received approximately $43.8 billion in new contracts; Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Palantir also received increased federal contracts. Many donating companies simultaneously faced federal enforcement actions that were eased or suspended under the Trump administration.
• Fourteen Trump ballroom project donors won over $50 billion in federal contracts — According to reporting by Jonathan Edwards of the Washington Post on June 4, 2026, fourteen of the twenty-seven known donors to Trump's $400 million ballroom project have won new or expanded federal contracts totaling over $50 billion since making their donations. The pattern suggests a direct correlation between donations to the president's personal project and receipt of federal contract awards.

Supporting reports

• Department of Energy announces $17.5 billion in loans to Westinghouse for nuclear reactor construction — In June 2026, the Department of Energy announced $17.5 billion in loans to Westinghouse and local utility and energy companies to build 10 large-scale commercial nuclear reactors across the United States. Westinghouse had filed for bankruptcy in 2017 when its nuclear technology projects exceeded cost and timeline estimates. The timing of this loan announcement coincides with the administration's approval of the Saudi Arabia nuclear deal, which will generate billions in contracts for Westinghouse.