Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Virginia Democrats convene special session to consider congressional redistricting — Don Scott, the Democratic speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, sent a letter on Thursday alerting members to a special session reconvening to consider legislation on redistricting. The move aims to redraw Virginia's congressional maps to deliver two or three additional Democratic seats. Virginia currently has a 6-5 Democratic advantage in its delegation. The state becomes the second after California to attempt mid-cycle redistricting to benefit Democrats in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri.
• Virginia Democrats Plan to Redraw Congressional Maps — Virginia Democrats, led by House Speaker Don Scott, are planning to redraw the state's congressional maps to potentially add two or three Democratic seats. This move is part of a broader strategy to counter Republican redistricting efforts in other states. The Virginia General Assembly had previously amended the state constitution to create a bipartisan redistricting commission, but Democrats are considering a constitutional amendment to allow partisan redistricting. This would require passing the amendment in two successive legislatures and a ballot referendum. The governor of Virginia cannot veto redistricting legislation.
• Virginia Democrats announce special legislative session to redraw congressional map — Virginia Democrats announced they will hold a special legislative session to redraw the state's congressional map. The author presents this as a Democratic response to Republican gerrymandering and as part of the effort to prepare for the 2026 midterm elections.

Supporting reports

• Senate fails to pass "Shutdown Fairness Act" to guarantee pay for essential federal workers and troops — The US Senate voted 54–45 on Thursday to reject Republican Senator Ron Johnson's "Shutdown Fairness Act," which would have guaranteed pay for federal employees deemed essential and military personnel during the ongoing government shutdown. Democrats opposed the bill, arguing it would grant President Trump discretionary power to choose which workers receive compensation. The shutdown, now in its 23rd day, has furloughed approximately 700,000 federal workers and left hundreds of thousands working without pay. Two Democratic counterproposals also failed to advance.

Supporting reports

• House Democrats accuse Trump of orchestrating illegal scheme to direct $230m in Treasury funds to himself — Representatives Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia sent a letter to President Trump on Thursday condemning his plan to use a confidential Department of Justice administrative process to direct Treasury funds to himself personally. Trump claimed the government owes him "a lot of money" for past DOJ investigations, including the Mar-a-Lago search and the 2016 Russian interference probe. The arrangement would allow Trump as president to decide whether Trump as claimant receives taxpayer funds, with potential months of delay before public disclosure.

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• Trump commutes sentence of former Representative George Santos — Trump commuted the sentence of former Representative George Santos (R-NY), ending his seven-year sentence for fraud after only three months served and removing his obligation to pay $373,749.97 in restitution to his victims. Trump has pardoned or commuted sentences for more than 1,600 people, far exceeding typical presidential clemency. Trump's social media post stated: "Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!"

Supporting reports

• Trump stated intention to kill drug traffickers without congressional declaration of war — When asked by a reporter why he had not sought a congressional declaration of war against South American drug cartels, Trump responded: "Well, I don't think we're gonna necessarily ask for a declaration of war, I think we're just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. OK? We're going to kill them. You know? They're going to be, like dead. OK?" The statement articulates an intention to exercise lethal force against foreign nationals without seeking constitutional authorization from Congress.

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• Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued proclamation declaring Tren de Aragua a terrorist organization based on false intelligence — In September 2024, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an official proclamation declaring Tren de Aragua a "terrorist organization" and condemning President Biden's "open-border policies," citing the unverified "green light" warning to attack law enforcement. Abbott's public safety director called TdA members "cockroaches." The proclamation weaponized the false intelligence claim for political purposes.
• Department of Homeland Security deported Venezuelans using unsubstantiated TdA claims without due process — The Department of Homeland Security used unsubstantiated claims of Tren de Aragua affiliation to deport Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador without due process protections. DHS also moved to revoke the legal status of approximately 600,000 Venezuelan immigrants, actions justified in part by the false "green light" narrative and inflated threat claims.

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• Trump administration deploys federal agents to San Francisco Bay Area for immigration enforcement — The Trump administration prepared to deploy more than 100 federal agents to the San Francisco Bay Area, reportedly using the US Coast Guard base in Alameda as a staging ground for a major immigration enforcement operation. The deployment follows weeks of threats by Trump targeting the Democratic-run city. California Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials condemned the move, with Newsom calling it "right out of the dictator's handbook" and comparing it to an arsonist putting out fires. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced executive actions to support immigrant communities ahead of the deployment.

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• New York Attorney General launches Federal Action Reporting Portal for ICE raid documentation — New York Attorney General Letitia James unveiled a "Federal Action Reporting Portal" form inviting residents to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement actions, following a high-profile ICE raid in Manhattan's Chinatown on October 22. The raid involved over 50 federal agents, an armored vehicle, and resulted in the arrest and detention of four U.S. citizens for nearly 24 hours with no charges filed. James stated the portal aims to document potential violations of law and protect New Yorkers from fear and intimidation.

Supporting reports

• Trump importing Argentine beef despite rancher opposition — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that Trump is importing beef from Argentina despite significant frustration from U.S. cattle ranchers. When asked about rancher concerns, Rollins said Trump is frustrated with ranchers for being ungrateful given his tax cuts and cost-reduction efforts. Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned that the import plan is misguided and has created market uncertainty. GOP senators from beef-producing states have raised concerns with the Department of Agriculture, White House advisers, and Trump directly, but the president is "digging in" despite red-state opposition.

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• Senator Kelly reports administration officials unable to explain legal rationale for maritime strikes to Congress — Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) told CBS News on Sunday that when administration officials briefed Congress on the maritime strikes, they "had a very hard time explaining to us the rationale, the legal rationale for doing this and the constitutionality of doing it." The officials informed Congress they possess "a secret list of over 20 narco organizations, drug trafficking cartels" but refused to share the list with lawmakers, preventing congressional oversight of the targeting decisions.

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• Speaker Johnson blocks House session to pay essential workers — Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to bring the House back into session to pay essential workers, stating that doing so would relieve pressure on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. This decision has significant implications for government functionality.
• Speaker Johnson held House adjourned for 80 of last 92 days during shutdown — Speaker Mike Johnson held a daily shutdown press conference blaming Democrats for the government shutdown, citing football season disruptions. House Republicans have kept the chamber adjourned for 80 of the last 92 days. When asked why he would not immediately call a vote to pay essential workers like air traffic controllers, Johnson said doing so would "take the pressure off Schumer" and be a waste of time, prioritizing political leverage over paying federal employees.

Supporting reports

• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims rejects Trump VA's request to halt disability benefits rulings — Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins petitioned the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to pause work on nearly all pending cases during a government shutdown. A unanimous 9-0 panel, led by Trump appointee Chief Judge Michael Allen, rejected the request on October 23, 2025, calling it an "extreme request" and finding the secretary failed to demonstrate why such sweeping relief was appropriate. The court noted veterans had already waited years or decades for toxic-exposure claims to be adjudicated.

Supporting reports

• Illinois establishes Accountability Commission to document federal agent misconduct — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker established the Illinois Accountability Commission to compile evidence of harassment, intimidation, brutalization, and detention of American citizens and legal residents by federal agents. Pritzker stated that federal agency supervisors and inspectors general would normally enforce accountability, but Trump has fired 17 inspectors general and installed cronies at the Department of Justice while MAGA Congress members refuse to conduct oversight. The commission will create an official public record of abuses and rights violations for potential future prosecution.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — Center for Biological Diversity v. National Marine Fisheries Service — Two environmental organizations filed suit in the Northern District of California against the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Marine Fisheries Service, alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Administrative Procedure Act. The plaintiffs challenge the Coast Guard's revised shipping lanes off the California coast, arguing the agency failed to consult with NMFS to ensure the actions do not jeopardize protected species and failed to prepare an environmental impact statement. They also allege NMFS unlawfully withheld and delayed completion of required consultation. Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — O'Hara v. Beck et al. (D.D.C. 1:25-cv-03753) — Sam O'Hara, a District of Columbia resident, filed suit in federal court against Sgt. Devon Beck of the Ohio National Guard, four Metropolitan Police Department officers, and the District of Columbia, alleging that on September 11, 2025, he was unlawfully detained, handcuffed, and prevented from peacefully protesting the National Guard's presence in D.C. while playing music and recording. O'Hara alleges First Amendment violations (suppression of speech and retaliation), Fourth Amendment violations (unreasonable seizure and excessive force), and common law false arrest, false imprisonment, and battery. He seeks declaratory relief, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys' fees, and a jury trial.
• DC resident sues over arrest while protesting national guard deployment with Star Wars music — Sam O'Hara, a Washington DC resident, filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia alleging constitutional violations after his arrest on an unspecified date in September 2025. O'Hara was detained by DC Metro Police after following a national guard patrol while playing "The Imperial March" from Star Wars to protest the Trump administration's deployment of troops. A national guard member, Devon Beck, called police, who handcuffed O'Hara and prevented him from continuing his protest. O'Hara, represented by an ACLU attorney, claims violations of his First and Fourth Amendment rights and seeks compensatory damages.

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• Trump appointed White House Staff Secretary to chair National Capital Planning Commission — President Trump appointed Will Scharf, his White House Staff Secretary, to chair the National Capital Planning Commission, the independent federal agency responsible for reviewing and approving major construction and renovation projects on federal property in Washington, D.C. This appointment placed a direct presidential subordinate in a position statutorily designed to provide independent oversight of executive branch projects. At a September meeting, Scharf argued that the Commission's jurisdiction covers only new construction, not demolition, thereby creating a procedural rationale for demolishing the East Wing without Commission review.

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• Trump authorizes Defense Department to redirect research and development funds to pay military personnel — President Trump authorized the Department of Defense to pay US military personnel using funds originally allocated for research and development, circumventing the appropriations process during the government shutdown. Budget experts consulted by the Guardian characterized the move as likely illegal, as it reallocates congressionally approved funds without legislative authorization. This action occurred as hundreds of thousands of federal employees and military personnel faced unpaid status during the shutdown.

Supporting reports

• Trump pardoned cryptocurrency executive Changpeng Zhao — President Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, co-founder and former CEO of Binance, on October 23. Zhao had pleaded guilty in 2023 to money laundering, resigned from Binance, paid a $50 million fine, and served a four-month prison sentence. The U.S. government had stated Zhao "caused significant harm to U.S. national security" by allowing terrorist groups like Hamas to move millions of dollars. Trump stated he knew little about Zhao and believed the prosecution was a "Biden witch hunt," citing his support for the cryptocurrency industry.
• Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao — Trump announced a full and unconditional pardon for Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance cryptocurrency exchange, who pleaded guilty in 2023 to money laundering, paid a $50 million fine, and served nearly four months in prison. Binance paid a $4.3 billion penalty. In May 2025, Binance accepted USD1 stablecoin from the Trump family's World Liberty Financial crypto venture as payment for a $2 billion investment, enabling World Liberty Financial to retain tens of millions in annual profits. The pardon enables Zhao to return to business operations.
• Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao — Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, the convicted founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, following months of lobbying efforts by Zhao to boost the Trump family's own crypto company. The DOJ had argued Zhao's company undermined U.S. sanctions against Iran. Zhao hired Teresa Guillen, who also represents special envoy Steve Witkoff's son, and co-counsel Ches McDowell, a hunting companion of Donald Trump Jr. When asked why he pardoned Zhao, Trump said he did not know which person that was and that Zhao was "recommended by a lot of people."
• Trump pardons Binance founder convicted of money laundering — Donald Trump has pardoned Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, who was convicted of laundering money for terrorist organizations. This action raises ethical concerns regarding the influence of personal interests in presidential pardons.
• Trump pardons Binance founder CZ, convicted of anti-money laundering violations — President Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, on October 23, 2025. Zhao had pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws; the Department of Justice stated his conduct "allowed money to flow to terrorists, cybercriminals, and child abusers" through Binance. Zhao served four months in prison and agreed to step down as CEO. The pardon was announced publicly on October 23.
• Binance founder receives pardon after $2 billion transaction with Trump-linked cryptocurrency project — Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance founder and CEO, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to willfully failing to maintain anti-money laundering programs, allowing funds to flow to terrorists and cybercriminals. After serving four months in prison, Binance conducted a $2 billion transaction in May 2025 with a UAE investment fund using USD1, a stablecoin created by World Liberty Financial (WLF), in which Trump and family own approximately 38%. Binance provided technical infrastructure and promotion. On October 24, Trump pardoned CZ, who had hired a Trump Jr. associate for $450,000 to lobby for executive relief.

Supporting reports

• Deputy US marshal and man shot during ICE operation in Los Angeles — During an immigration enforcement operation in south Los Angeles, ICE agents surrounded a man in his vehicle during what DHS called a "targeted traffic stop." The man allegedly rammed federal agents' vehicles to flee; officers fired "defensive shots," striking the man in the elbow. A deputy US marshal was hit in the hand by a ricochet bullet. Both were hospitalized. The man, identified as Carlitos Ricardo Parias, 44, was charged with assault on a federal officer and faces up to eight years in prison.

Supporting reports

• Banks demand U.S. government guarantee for $20 billion Argentina lending facility — Banks assembled by Treasury Secretary Bessent—including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs—are demanding that the U.S. government backstop a $20 billion lending facility to Argentina, effectively requiring taxpayers to absorb losses while banks retain profits. The arrangement emerged after private lenders had ceased lending to Argentina due to its heavy debt burden and low repayment likelihood. The Treasury Department confirmed talks remain ongoing but did not dispute the Wall Street Journal's reporting of the guarantee demand.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services v. Donald Trump — Environmental non-profit organizations filed a complaint in D.D.C. challenging a July 17 Trump administration Proclamation that exempted 50 chemical manufacturing plants from Clean Air Act requirements to monitor and control emissions of hazardous air pollutants for two years. Plaintiffs allege the Proclamation is unlawful because it issues blanket exemptions without facility-, standard-, or technology-specific findings, misreads "technology" and "national security," and functions as a de facto amendment of EPA's rule. Plaintiffs seek declaratory relief and an injunction prohibiting EPA implementation.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon replaces departing press corps with far-right outlets after restrictive policy implementation — After Pentagon reporters refused to sign new restrictive press policies introduced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon announced a replacement press corps of 60 journalists from far-right outlets including Lindell TV, Gateway Pundit, Post Millennial, and others. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell characterized departing mainstream journalists as "self-righteous media who chose to self-deport." Major outlets including the Washington Post, New York Times, Atlantic, Fox News, and Newsmax had all declined to accept the new rules, which restricted access to unauthorized material and certain areas.
• Pentagon announced "new media" press corps of right-wing outlets — The Pentagon announced a "new media" press corps made up of 60 people from primarily right-wing outlets including Real America's Voice, the Gateway Pundit, Lindell TV (created by MyPillow CEO and Trump ally Mike Lindell), Turning Point USA's media brand Frontlines, and Timcast, created by podcaster Tim Pool. Pool was among conservative influencers linked to a media company secretly funded by Russian state media employees, which amplified Kremlin interests.
• Pentagon establishes new press corps after traditional pool walks out over censorship demands — The Pentagon announced formation of a new press corps to cover Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense after the traditional press pool resigned rather than accept a requirement to publish only material approved by Pentagon officials. The departing journalists included Hegseth's former colleagues at Fox News Channel. The new press corps, composed entirely of outlets that accepted Pentagon censorship, includes LindellTV (owned by election denier Mike Lindell) and podcaster Tim Pool, who received Russian funding before the 2024 election.

Supporting reports

• Michael Wolff files defamation lawsuit against Melania Trump — Journalist Michael Wolff filed a lawsuit against Melania Trump in New York seeking declaratory judgment and damages for defamation. The lawsuit was filed after Melania allegedly threatened to sue Wolff for $1 billion over comments he made about the Trumps and Jeffrey Epstein.
• Biographer Michael Wolff sued by Melania Trump for defamation — Biographer Michael Wolff filed a lawsuit against Melania Trump after she threatened to sue him for $1 billion for statements he made on the MeidasTouch podcast and in a Daily Beast article alleging she played an extensive role in White House efforts to minimize Epstein's relationship with herself and her husband. Wolff's lawsuit characterizes Melania's threat as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) designed to silence speech and intimidate critics. Wolff stated he would welcome the opportunity to depose both Trumps under oath regarding their relationship with Epstein.

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• Capitol insurrectionist pardoned by Trump arrested for threatening to kill House Minority Leader — CBS News reported that a Capitol insurrectionist pardoned by Trump was arrested over the weekend for allegedly threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. In a court filing, the man allegedly wrote in a text message, "Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC I cannot allow this terrorist to live." The man was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. The arrest demonstrates that Trump's pardons of January 6 participants have not prevented subsequent violent threats.

Supporting reports

• New York City officials rejected federal ICE operation and reaffirmed sanctuary policy — Following the October 21 ICE raid on Canal Street, New York City officials issued statements rejecting the operation and reaffirming the city's sanctuary stance. A City Hall spokesperson stated the city "never cooperate[s] with federal law enforcement on civil deportation matters" and had no involvement. Council Member Christopher Marte, representing Chinatown, issued a public critique calling the raid "unnecessary, unacceptable, and antithetical to our city's values as a sanctuary for all people."
• ICE conducted unannounced raid on Canal Street in Manhattan's Chinatown — On October 21, 2025, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in tactical gear conducted a surprise enforcement operation on Canal Street in Manhattan without notifying New York City officials. DHS described it as targeting counterfeit goods sales. Vendors fled; bystanders gathered to document the action. City Hall stated it had no involvement and does not cooperate with federal civil deportation enforcement. The operation broke with New York City's 36-year sanctuary policy established by Executive Order 124 in 1989.
• ICE conducts enforcement raid in Manhattan's Chinatown targeting street vendors — On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a raid in Manhattan's Chinatown near Canal Street, detaining several individuals and deploying military-style vehicles. DHS characterized it as a "targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation" focused on counterfeit goods sales. The operation drew swift condemnation from New York state and local officials, including Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, and Mayor Adams, who criticized the use of force against street vendors and bystanders and characterized the raid as creating fear rather than safety.
• ICE conducts immigration raids targeting street vendors in New York City — Under the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, ICE has made 7,488 arrests in New York in 2025, with street vendors increasingly targeted. In late October, 14 people were detained in Manhattan's Chinatown after a conservative influencer posted about "African illegal immigrants" selling goods. A second large-scale operation in late November was thwarted when 200 protesters blocked law enforcement vehicles from leaving garages. Street vendors—96% of whom are immigrants and 27% undocumented—face heightened vulnerability to these sweeps.
• ICE raid in Manhattan's Chinatown results in detention of four U.S. citizens — Federal ICE agents conducted a large-scale raid in Manhattan's Chinatown on October 22, deploying over 50 masked and armed agents, an armored military vehicle, and riot gear targeting street vendors. Four U.S. citizens were arrested and held for nearly 24 hours without charges before being released on October 23. Congressman Dan Goldman stated the operation was a "militarized effort to incite tension" unrelated to public safety, and widespread protests erupted across New York City.
• ICE raids Chinatown on counterfeit goods charges; protests erupt; at least two arrested for protesting — Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, along with FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, and CBP, conducted a raid on Canal Street in Manhattan's Chinatown on October 22, targeting vendors selling counterfeit goods. Between 15 and 40 vendors were arrested; at least two additional people were detained for protesting and blocking ICE operations. Hundreds of demonstrators assembled at 26 Federal Plaza, chanting against ICE. Videos showed armed agents zip-tying detainees, shoving onlookers, and an armored vehicle rolling through streets. DHS claimed rioters became violent and obstructed law enforcement; one person was arrested for assault on a federal officer. Local officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, condemned the raid's tactics and Trump administration's approach.