Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump demands DOJ prosecute Comey, James, and Schiff on Truth Social — On September 20, 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi bring charges against former FBI director James Comey, New York attorney general Letitia James, and California senator Adam Schiff. Trump stated "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility" and "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" The post represents direct presidential pressure on the justice department to prosecute political opponents.
• Trump posts demand for prosecution of political opponents on social media — On September 20, Trump posted a message on social media apparently intended privately for Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Adam Schiff. Trump wrote: "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" The posting violated the Presidential Records Act, which requires preservation of presidential communications.
• Trump posts message to Bondi demanding Comey indictment — On September 20, 2025, President Trump posted a message on social media apparently intended as a private communication to Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding that the Justice Department indict Comey and others. The message was posted publicly.
• Trump threatened to fire AG Bondi if she did not indict political enemies — Trump posted on Truth Social threatening AG Pam Bondi with removal if she did not immediately indict his political opponents, specifically naming former FBI Director James Comey and Rep. Adam Schiff. He stated "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" and demanded action against those he claimed were "guilty as hell." The posts were framed as pressure on Bondi to accelerate prosecutions of Trump's perceived enemies.
• Trump publicly pressures Attorney General to prosecute political enemies — Trump posted on Truth Social demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi prosecute his political opponents, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey, and Senator Adam Schiff. Trump wrote that "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility" and demanded "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" The posts came as the Justice Department was being restructured to remove career prosecutors resisting political pressure.
• Trump Publicly Pressures Attorney General to Prosecute Political Enemies — On September 20, 2025, President Trump accidentally posted a private message intended for Attorney General Pam Bondi on Truth Social, revealing his direct pressure on her to prosecute political opponents, including James Comey and Letitia James. The message, visible to approximately 10.8 million followers before being deleted, expressed frustration over perceived inaction and demanded immediate justice. Following the post, both Comey and James were indicted. This incident highlights the President's use of social media to influence legal proceedings against his adversaries.
• Trump claimed he fired Siebert and pressured Attorney General Bondi for prosecutions — On Saturday morning, Trump posted on social media that Siebert "didn't quit, I fired him." In the evening, Trump posted what appeared to be a direct message to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding prosecution of his political opponents, stating: "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" Trump explicitly demanded action against James Comey, Adam Schiff, and Letitia James.
• Trump calls for DOJ action against political opponents; FCC threatens ABC over Kimmel criticism — Trump posted on social media demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi pursue legal action against Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James on mortgage fraud allegations, despite a federal prosecutor's resignation after finding insufficient evidence. Simultaneously, FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke ABC's broadcast licenses after Jimmy Kimmel criticized the administration's response to Charlie Kirk's death, prompting ABC to pull Kimmel's show indefinitely. Democratic leaders warned these actions constitute a path toward dictatorship.

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• Trump directs Attorney General Bondi to appoint aide to prosecute political rivals — After the Homan investigation report was published, Trump posted on social media directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer, as interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia. Trump's stated purpose was to enable prosecution of Democratic political rivals Adam Schiff and Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges both deny. This followed the forced removal of interim US attorney Erik Siebert, reportedly for refusing to bring charges against James due to lack of evidence.

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• Trump threatened military action against Afghanistan over Bagram Airbase — Trump posted on social media that "If Afghanistan doesn't give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!" When asked if he was ruling out troops on the ground to retake the base, Trump responded "We won't talk about that" but stated the U.S. wants the base back "right away and if they don't, you are going to find out what I'm going to do."
• Trump threatens Venezuela and Afghanistan on Truth Social — Trump posted threats on Truth Social against Venezuela, demanding the country "immediately accept all of the prisoners, and people from mental institutions" that he claimed without evidence were "forced" into the US, threatening "incalculable" consequences if they refuse. He also threatened Afghanistan, stating that if the country does not return Bagram Air Base to US control, "BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!"

Supporting reports

• FBI recorded Tom Homan accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover agents; Trump administration closed investigation — The FBI recorded Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover agents posing as business contractors on September 20, 2024, allegedly in exchange for promises to secure government contracts in the border security industry. Federal officials under the Biden administration had planned to monitor whether Homan would follow through after his appointment. However, after Trump took office, officials appointed by Trump reviewed and closed the investigation, with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stating no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing was found.
• Tom Homan investigation into bribery closed by Trump DOJ — The New York Times reported that Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, was recorded in September 2024 accepting a bag containing $50,000 in cash during an undercover FBI investigation. The cash was provided by undercover agents posing as businessmen seeking government contracts related to border security. After Trump took office, DOJ officials shut down the investigation. Emil Bove, a former Trump personal attorney now serving as a federal appeals court judge, expressed skepticism about the case.
• FBI closed investigation into Tom Homan bribery allegations — FBI agents caught Tom Homan, now Trump's "border czar," on video accepting $50,000 in cash from agents posing as business executives after he promised he could help them win government contracts for border enforcement in a second Trump administration. The FBI and Justice Department initially waited to see whether Homan would provide the aid he offered once he joined the new administration. The case stalled when Trump took office, and after FBI director Kash Patel requested a status update, Trump appointees officially closed the investigation. When asked about it, the White House, Justice Department, and FBI dismissed the investigation as politically motivated and baseless.

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• Trump announced military strike on alleged Venezuelan drug boat — On Truth Social, Trump announced that on his orders, the US military conducted a strike on an alleged drug boat from Venezuela, killing three people whom he called "terrorists." The operation was not authorized by Congress and Trump said it took place in international waters. Trump warned that "IF YOU ARE TRANSPORTING DRUGS THAT CAN KILL AMERICANS, WE ARE HUNTING YOU!"
• Trump announced lethal strike on Venezuelan vessel without public evidence — Trump announced on social media that he ordered a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel affiliated with a designated terrorist organization conducting narcotrafficking in the USSOUTHCOM area. Trump claimed three men, whom he called "narcoterrorists," were killed and said the military showed him proof the men were smuggling drugs, but he has not shared that evidence with lawmakers or the public.

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• Tulsi Gabbard revokes 37 security clearances without White House advance notice — Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, revoked security clearances for 37 people—including CIA deputies and two Democratic congressional staffers—without informing the White House in advance. The action targeted individuals involved in 2016 Russia intelligence assessments. White House officials learned of the revocations only after they became public, creating concern about lack of vetting and absence of a documented presidential directive. Gabbard claimed the action was at Trump's direction to punish alleged politicization of intelligence.

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• New York lawmakers and activists arrested blocking ICE access to federal building — On September 19, 2025, at least 70 demonstrators, including 11 elected officials, were arrested during protests at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in lower Manhattan. Protesters blocked the underground garage used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to transport detainees. Inside the building, elected officials including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and state senators demanded access to the ICE intake facility on the 10th floor to inspect conditions. Federal and local police arrested 71 people total; the 11 officials were charged with federal misdemeanors for blocking corridors and released pending court appearance.

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• Federal agents deploy teargas and pepper balls against Chicago ICE facility protesters — Federal law enforcement agents used teargas and pepper balls to disperse approximately 100 protesters, including two Democratic congressional candidates, outside an ICE detention facility in Broadview, Illinois on Friday morning. Demonstrators attempted to block government vehicles from entering the facility during "Operation Midway Blitz," an immigration enforcement surge in Chicago. At least three protesters were arrested; masked agents in riot gear fired pepper balls from rooftops and launched teargas canisters. The Department of Homeland Security later reposted video of the incident on social media.

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• Kayleigh McEnany suggests scrapping Bill of Rights due to Kirk shooting — Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany suggested that constitutional rights should be abandoned because Charlie Kirk was shot, stating "what about all the amendments that Charlie Kirk lost? Because Charlie Kirk has no amendments right now. None." The comment implied willingness to sacrifice constitutional protections in response to political violence.

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• Senator Cynthia Lummis states First Amendment should not be ultimate right — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) stated that she no longer believes the First Amendment should be the ultimate right, departing from her previous position. Lummis made the statement in the context of the killing of Charlie Kirk, suggesting that extraordinary circumstances justify limiting constitutional protections.
• Senator Cynthia Lummis rejected absolute First Amendment protections — Senator Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, stated that she no longer believes the First Amendment should be the "ultimate right" with "almost no checks and balances," reversing her previous position. She argued that cultural changes justify limiting speech rights and cited concerns about insults leading to violence against politicians.

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• Erik Siebert resigns as US Attorney after Trump pressure — Erik Siebert, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, resigned on September 19 after facing pressure from Trump to file charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Siebert's predecessor had concluded there was insufficient probable cause to charge Comey.
• US attorney Erik Siebert resigns after Trump demands his removal for failing to indict political rival — Erik Siebert, US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, resigned Friday after his office concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge New York attorney general Letitia James with mortgage fraud. Trump publicly demanded Siebert's removal, claiming James was "very guilty of something" despite the investigation's findings. Trump later claimed he "fired" Siebert. The investigation, led under pressure from Trump ally Ed Martin, centered on allegations James misrepresented a Virginia home purchase; evidence showed conflicting intent but no clear criminal conduct.
• Trump administration fires US Attorney Erik Siebert after he declined to prosecute NY AG Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges lacking evidence — President Trump directed the firing of US Attorney Erik Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia after federal prosecutors found no clear evidence that NY Attorney General Letitia James committed mortgage fraud in her 2023 home purchase. Trump officials had pressured Siebert to bring criminal charges despite the absence of incriminating evidence. Siebert's last day was expected to be September 19, 2025. The firing threatens operational continuity at a major US attorney's office handling espionage and terrorism cases and raises concerns about weaponization of the DOJ against political adversaries.
• Erik Siebert resigned as interim U.S. attorney — Interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert resigned on Friday night following Trump's public demand for his removal. Siebert had declined to prosecute Trump's political opponents despite Trump's pressure.
• U.S. Attorney Erik Seibert resigns after refusing to indict Comey — Erik Seibert, the career prosecutor serving as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Maryland, resigned on September 19, 2025, after determining in September that there was insufficient evidence to indict former FBI Director James Comey. Seibert's resignation came under pressure from President Trump, who demanded the Justice Department indict Comey and others.
• Trump demanded removal of interim U.S. attorney Erik Siebert — Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he wanted interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert "out" after Siebert declined to prosecute New York Attorney General Letitia James, who successfully sued the Trump Organization for fraud, for allegedly committing mortgage fraud. Siebert also declined to prosecute former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress. Siebert was Trump's own pick and had won support from both the Virginia Republican Party and Virginia's Democratic senators.

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• Justice Department filed statement of interest supporting Enbridge against Michigan pipeline regulation — The Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division and Civil Division filed a statement of interest in federal court supporting Enbridge Energy against Michigan's termination of the company's Line 5 pipeline easement. The DOJ argued that Michigan's 2020 notice terminating the easement improperly encroached on federal authority under the Pipeline Safety Act and interfered with exclusive federal foreign-affairs power over a U.S.-Canada treaty pipeline. Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson stated the federal government "already comprehensively regulates pipeline safety" and characterized Michigan's action as "state overreach."

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• House Republicans propose 14 bills imposing federal crime policies on DC — House Republicans proposed 14 bills to impose "tough on crime" policies in Washington DC, with some approved by the chamber this week. The bills target the federal district without regard for community input or analysis, according to DC Democratic council chairman Phil Mendelson. The legislative push accompanies Trump's federal intervention in DC policing and reflects Republican efforts to override local governance in the nation's capital.

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• Senate Democrats block Republican spending bill over healthcare cuts — The GOP-controlled House passed a bill extending government funding through November 21 on a near party-line vote. Senate Democrats blocked it, citing inadequate protections for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies. Republicans rejected a Democratic counter-proposal to extend funding through October while preserving healthcare programs. The impasse risks a federal shutdown nine months into Trump's term, with both parties accusing the other of obstruction.
• House passed continuing resolution on September 19 — The House passed a continuing resolution on September 19 by a 217–212 vote, largely along party lines, to fund the government at current levels through November 21 and provide additional security funding for Congress members. One Democrat voted for the measure and two Republicans voted against it. Speaker Johnson subsequently informed members the House would not meet on September 29 or 30, forcing the Senate to either accept the House measure or face a shutdown.
• Senate rejected House continuing resolution on September 19 — The Senate failed to pass the House continuing resolution on September 19, with two Republicans voting no. Democrats refused to support any measure that did not extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that Republicans had cut in their July budget reconciliation bill and roll back some of that act's cuts to Medicaid. The Republican budget reconciliation law allows enhanced premium tax credits to lapse at year's end, which the Congressional Budget Office estimated will result in 4.2 million Americans becoming uninsured over the next decade.
• House passes seven-week government funding bill — The House of Representatives passed a seven-week government funding bill on a 217-212 vote, nearly along party lines, ahead of a September 30 shutdown deadline. Speaker Mike Johnson could afford to lose only two votes given unified Democratic opposition. GOP Representatives Thomas Massie and Victoria Spartz voted no, while Democrat Jared Golden voted yes. The short-term patch was crafted with minimal Democratic input, and Senate Democrats indicated the measure is expected to fail in the upper chamber, prolonging funding negotiations and shutdown risk.

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• Trump administration petitions Supreme Court to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — The Trump administration filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court on September 19, 2025, seeking to overturn a lower court order blocking the removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The administration cited unconfirmed mortgage fraud allegations predating her Fed appointment. Cook's lawyers argue the president lacks statutory authority to fire her. The filing represents an escalation in Trump's effort to gain political control over the Federal Reserve's traditionally independent board, following his installation of loyalist Stephen Miran as a governor.

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• Judge Merryday dismissed Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times — U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, threw out the defamation complaint filed by President Trump on September 15 against the New York Times. The judge called the complaint "decidedly improper and impermissible" and criticized Trump's legal team for using the lawsuit as a public forum for abusive language. The complaint contained eighty pages of praise for Trump and allegations against the Times before two defamation counts. Merryday imposed a forty-page limit on any amended complaint.
• Federal judge dismisses Trump's $15 billion libel lawsuit against New York Times — US District Judge Steven Merryday in Florida dismissed President Trump's $15 billion libel and defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, ruling that the complaint lacked "any legitimate legal claims." Merryday, a Bush appointee, gave Trump 28 days to file a revised complaint and ridiculed the original filing, stating that a complaint is not "a public forum for vituperation and invective" or "a megaphone for public relations."
• Federal judge tossed Trump's defamation lawsuit against New York Times — A federal judge dismissed Trump's defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, calling the complaint "improper and impermissible" and stating that "a complaint is not a public forum for vituperation and invective — not a protected platform to rage against an adversary." The judge ordered any revised complaint be limited to 40 pages.

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• FCC chair signals regulatory scrutiny of ABC talk shows — FCC Chair Brendan Carr suggested the commission might investigate whether ABC talk shows including The View "qualify as bona fide news programs" and therefore remain exempt from equal-opportunity rules. Carr's comments came after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show following his critical remarks about Charlie Kirk, raising concerns that regulatory threats influenced the network's decision to remove the comedian.
• FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatens broadcast licenses over Kimmel content — FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke the broadcast licenses of local television stations that continued to air Jimmy Kimmel's show, pressuring them to drop the program. Carr made the threat while simultaneously signaling openness to rule changes that would allow Nexstar Media Group to acquire Tegna, a merger that would violate existing FCC ownership caps. The coordinated pressure on Nexstar CEO Perry Sook—who would become a billionaire from the deal—created a quid pro quo dynamic linking regulatory approval to media censorship.
• FCC Chair Carr approves Skydance-Paramount merger with Trump donor ombudsman condition — FCC Chair Brendan Carr approved Skydance Media's $8 billion merger with Paramount with a condition that a Trump donor be installed as an ombudsman at CBS News. The approval tied regulatory action to the placement of a political loyalist in a news oversight position.
• FCC Chair Carr claims credit for defunding NPR and PBS and removing liberal hosts — FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated that "NPR has been defunded. PBS has been defunded. Colbert is retiring. Joy Reid is out at MSNBC. Terry Moran is gone from ABC and is now admitting that they are biased. CBS has now made some commitments to us that they are going to return to more fact-based journalism." Carr presented these outcomes as accomplishments resulting from his regulatory actions.
• FCC Chair Carr launches investigation of NPR and PBS — FCC Chair Brendan Carr launched an ongoing investigation of NPR and PBS over sponsorship practices. This action is part of a broader pattern in which Carr has criticized nearly every major media company, demanded answers from YouTube parent Alphabet over alleged discrimination against faith-based programming, and threatened to block mergers of companies engaged in DEI practices.
• Sinclair Media demands Kimmel apology and donation to Charlie Kirk organization — Sinclair Broadcast Group, a right-leaning media company that owns local television stations, demanded that Jimmy Kimmel apologize and make a donation to Charlie Kirk's organization. Sinclair also seeks FCC approval to increase ownership caps for television stations, creating a similar quid pro quo dynamic as with Nexstar.
• FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened ABC over Jimmy Kimmel's commentary on Charlie Kirk assassination — FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened ABC and its local affiliates with regulatory action after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made statements about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Carr stated the FCC had "remedies" available and told the network to "change conduct" regarding Kimmel or face "additional work for the FCC ahead." ABC, concerned about retaliation, cancelled Kimmel's show in response to the threat.

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• Pentagon issues media restrictions requiring journalists to sign pledge limiting information access — The Pentagon, under Secretary Pete Hegseth, issued a memo Thursday requiring journalists to sign a pledge restricting their movements within the building and prohibiting access to any unauthorized information, including unclassified documents. Journalists who refuse to sign lose their Pentagon press passes. The memo follows May restrictions limiting reporter movement to specific areas and Hegseth's removal of major news organizations from Pentagon offices. The policy has drawn criticism from press advocates as a violation of First Amendment protections.
• Trump calls for broadcast license revocation over negative coverage — Speaking on Air Force One Thursday, Trump stated without evidence that 97% of major US networks are "against" him and called for broadcasters' licenses to be "taken away" due to negative coverage. The statement followed backlash over ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show. Senator Cynthia Lummis endorsed the argument, telling Semafor that broadcast licenses are "a privilege" rather than a right and expressing doubt about the First Amendment as "the ultimate right."
• Trump criticizes Fox News polling as worst he has received — President Trump responded to Fox News polling showing 52% of Americans believe he has made the economy worse and only 30% saying he has made it better. Trump told Rupert Murdoch to "go get yourself a new pollster because he stinks," characterizing the Fox polling as "the worst polling I've ever had."
• President Trump suggested revoking broadcast licenses of networks critical of his administration — President Trump suggested that the federal government should revoke FCC licenses of broadcast television networks that are "against" him or provide him with "bad publicity." Trump specifically referenced criticism from late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, stating that networks focused on criticizing him should not be allowed to operate. FCC Chair Carr indicated the matter would be reviewed.
• Trump called for late-night comedians to be fired for criticizing him — President Trump called for late-night comedians to be fired for criticizing him, despite the fact that some had not made statements specifically about the Charlie Kirk assassination. The calls for termination were based on general political opposition expressed on their shows.

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• Pentagon issues media restrictions requiring journalists to sign pledge limiting information access — The Pentagon, under Secretary Pete Hegseth, issued a memo Thursday requiring journalists to sign a pledge restricting their movements within the building and prohibiting access to any unauthorized information, including unclassified documents. Journalists who refuse to sign lose their Pentagon press passes. The memo follows May restrictions limiting reporter movement to specific areas and Hegseth's removal of major news organizations from Pentagon offices. The policy has drawn criticism from press advocates as a violation of First Amendment protections.
• Pentagon revoked press credentials for unauthorized information gathering — On Friday, the Pentagon announced it would revoke press credentials for any journalists who gather information, even unclassified information, that the Pentagon has not expressly authorized for release. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who in February removed long-standing media outlets including NPR, the New York Times, and NBC News and replaced them with right-wing outlets, is investigating leaks of negative stories about him and defense issues. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell characterized the changes as "basic, common-sense guidelines," but the National Press Club called it a "sharp departure" from decades of practice.
• Trump stated negative media coverage is "really illegal" — In the Oval Office on Friday, Trump told reporters that covering the administration negatively is "really illegal." He stated that broadcasters cannot have "free airwaves" if they receive them from the U.S. government. Trump's FCC chair Brendan Carr has complained that many broadcasters have liberal bias and do not serve the public interest as required by FCC regulations.

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• Trump threatens renewed federal takeover of DC police department — After his initial 30-day federal takeover of the Washington DC police department expired, President Trump threatened to seize control again. National guard troops and federal agents remain deployed in DC neighborhoods. House Republicans have proposed 14 bills imposing "tough on crime" policies in the district, some of which have been approved by the chamber this week, amid Trump's claims of an "out-of-control" crime wave that city leaders dispute.

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• ACIP votes against prescription requirement for Covid-19 vaccine, adopts "individual-based decision making" framework — The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), reconstituted by RFK Jr after he took control of HHS, voted 6–6 with chair Martin Kulldorff breaking the tie against recommending that people obtain a prescription for Covid-19 vaccines. The committee also voted to recommend "individual-based decision making" for coronavirus vaccination and that the CDC promote informed consent processes highlighting "risks and uncertainties" around Covid vaccines. The votes followed a contentious two-day meeting marked by confusion, animosity, and members raising anecdotal concerns over data-driven analysis.
• Trump signs Executive Order 14351 establishing "Gold Card" visa program for wealthy foreign investors — President Trump signed Executive Order 14351 on September 19, 2025, creating the "Gold Card" visa program administered by the Secretary of Commerce. The program grants expedited immigrant visa eligibility to foreign nationals who make unrestricted financial gifts to the Department of Commerce: $1 million for individuals or $2 million for corporations sponsoring individuals. The order directs State, Commerce, and Homeland Security to implement the program within 90 days, establish application processes, set administrative and transfer fees, and treat gifts as evidence of exceptional business ability and national benefit under immigration law.
• Trump announced $100,000 fee for H-1B visa worker entry — Trump announced that companies employing skilled workers holding temporary H-1B visas would have to pay a $100,000 fee for their entry into the U.S. beginning Sunday. The announcement triggered a rush of workers outside the country on business trips, vacations, or family visits to return before the rule took effect. The administration did not clarify until Saturday that the fee does not apply to those who already hold visas.
• Trump administration issues proclamation imposing $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed a proclamation restricting entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers and requiring a $100,000 payment to accompany new H-1B petitions. The proclamation directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to restrict approvals for petitions not accompanied by the payment, allows case-by-case exemptions, and directs the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security to issue joint guidance on verification and enforcement. The fact sheet claims the measure addresses alleged abuse of the H-1B program and displacement of U.S. workers.
• Trump issued proclamation restricting H-1B nonimmigrant worker entry unless employers pay $100,000 fee — President Trump signed a proclamation on September 19, 2025, restricting entry of H-1B specialty occupation workers into the United States unless their prospective employers pay a $100,000 fee per worker. The proclamation states the H-1B program has been "deliberately exploited to replace, rather than supplement, American workers" and cites data showing foreign STEM workers doubled between 2000 and 2019 while overall STEM employment grew only 44.5 percent. The restriction takes effect September 21, 2025, and expires after 12 months unless extended. The Secretary of Homeland Security may grant exemptions if hiring is deemed in the national interest.
• White House issues FAQ on H-1B visa proclamation with $100,000 fee requirement — The White House published a frequently-asked-questions document on September 21, 2025, explaining a proclamation signed by President Trump on September 19, 2025, titled "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers." The proclamation imposes a $100,000 payment requirement on all new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, including the 2026 lottery. The FAQ states the proclamation does not affect previously issued visas or petitions submitted before the effective date, and does not restrict travel for current H-1B visa holders. The White House indicates further reforms are planned, including Department of Labor rulemaking to raise prevailing wage levels and Department of Homeland Security rulemaking to prioritize higher-paid workers in the H-1B lottery.

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• Trump issues "Gold Card" visa program for wealthy foreign investors — President Trump issued Executive Order "The Gold Card" on September 19, 2025, establishing a visa program administered by the Secretary of Commerce that grants expedited immigrant visa eligibility to foreign nationals who make substantial financial gifts to the U.S. government. The program requires a $1 million gift from individuals or $2 million from corporations sponsoring individuals. The order directs the Secretaries of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security to implement the program within 90 days, including establishing application processes, fees, and procedures for visa adjudication and status adjustment.
• White House issues Executive Order 14351 establishing "Gold Card" visa program tied to financial gifts — The White House signed Executive Order 14351 on September 19, 2025, establishing a "Gold Card" visa program administered by the Secretary of Commerce. The order permits foreign nationals who make unrestricted gifts of $1 million (individuals) or $2 million (corporations) to the Department of Commerce to obtain expedited immigrant visas. The order directs State and Homeland Security to treat such gifts as evidence of exceptional business ability and national benefit under existing visa law. Gifts are to be deposited in a Treasury fund for commerce promotion.
• White House issues fact sheet on Gold Card visa program — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed an executive order establishing a "Gold Card" visa program. The program facilitates expedited immigrant visas for aliens donating $1 million individually or $2 million if paid by a corporation on behalf of an individual. The order directs the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with State and Homeland Security, to establish application processes and deposit gifts into the Treasury to promote commerce. The fact sheet frames the program as prioritizing "high-value contributors" and generating revenue while reversing what it characterizes as Biden-era "lax immigration policies."

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• Trump directs Republicans to refuse budget negotiations with Democrats — Senator Chris Murphy reported that Trump has instructed Republican lawmakers not to negotiate with Democrats on government funding, creating an impasse less than two weeks before the government runs out of money on September 30. Democrats sought only to prevent ACA premium increases and ensure Trump comply with budget law rather than spend funds at his discretion to reward allies or punish enemies. Republicans refused to engage in negotiations, with Murphy characterizing the situation as Republicans "gunning for a shutdown."

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• Justice Department launches civil rights investigation into City of Austin employment practices — The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division announced an investigation into the City of Austin, Texas, to determine whether its employment practices discriminate based on race, sex, color, and national origin in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The investigation targets the city's Office of Equity and Inclusion and its stated use of "racial equity" criteria in hiring and executive searches. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon characterized such practices as "illegal and un-American."

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• DHS arrests NYC elected officials conducting immigration oversight — Agents from the Department of Homeland Security arrested New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams along with ten other city and state elected officials near federal immigration courts when they attempted to conduct oversight of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the building.
• DHS Arrests Elected Officials Conducting Oversight — Agents from the Department of Homeland Security arrested New York City comptroller Brad Lander, public advocate Jumaane Williams, and ten other city and state elected officials while they were attempting to conduct oversight of detainees at federal immigration courts. This action raises concerns about the government's treatment of oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement.
• Brad Lander trial on arrest during immigration detention facility inspection — Brad Lander, former New York City comptroller, stood trial on June 10–11, 2026, for allegedly blocking an elevator at 26 Federal Plaza during a September 18, 2025 attempt to inspect ICE detention hold rooms. Lander and ten other elected officials sought access to review conditions after a federal judge had ordered improvements following overcrowding complaints. When denied inspection access, they sat chanting; Federal Protective Service officers arrested them. Lander's defense argued the arrest exemplified suppression of political dissent; prosecutors focused narrowly on elevator obstruction. The judge was to issue a verdict on June 12.