Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Steve Bannon called for special counsel on Epstein case — Steve Bannon, speaking from the stage at the Turning Point USA conference, stated that Epstein is a key that unlocks many things including individuals, institutions, intelligence institutions, and foreign governments. While expressing support for AG Pam Bondi, Bannon called for a special counsel to be named to take over the Epstein case. When asked by NBC how his defense of Bondi went over with the crowd, Bannon reported that audience sentiment during live shows at the conference was running 100% against Bondi remaining as AG, stating "I've never seen anything like it."
• MAGA podcaster Jack Posobiec called for Jan. 6-style investigation of Epstein clients — MAGA podcaster Jack Posobiec, speaking from the stage at the Turning Point USA conference, stated that he will not rest until a full Jan. 6 committee-style investigation is conducted on the Epstein files, with every single client involved having an FBI agent at their door going after them the same way agents went after Jan. 6 participants.

Supporting reports

• Appeal filed — Pedro Vasquez Perdomo v. Markwayne Mullin (C.D. Cal.) 2:25-cv-05605 — Defendants appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit (No. 25-4312 ).
• Summary judgment ruling — CASA, Inc. v. Noem (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-01484 — Plaintiff filed a notice of interlocutory appeal from Judge Chuang's denial of Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment to the Fourth Circuit (Case No. 25-1792 ).
• Case update — Amica Center for Immigrant Rights et al. v. U.S. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00298 — Plaintiffs filed an appeal with the D.C. Circuit.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — King County v. Turner (W.D. Wash.) 2:25-cv-00814 — Plaintiffs filed their third preliminary injunction motion and proposed order , requesting that the court extend the relief previously granted to new jurisdictions, barring HHS from applying unlawful conditions at any stage of the grant-making process, and barring HUD from doing the same as to all grant programs.
• Stay motion decided — CASA, Inc. v. Noem (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-01484 — Judge Chuang denied Plaintiffs' motion to stay the court's July 10 order and opinion pending appeal. However, on the same day, the Fourth Circuit granted an administrative stay, pausing the TPS termination for Afghanistan until July 21.
• Stay motion decided — J.A.V. v. Trump (S.D. Tex.) 1:25-cv-00072 — The Fifth Circuit granted Defendants' unopposed motion to stay the proceedings.
• Federal appeals court temporarily blocks Temporary Protected Status termination for Afghans — A federal appeals court temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for nearly 12,000 Afghans living in the US on the same day their work permits and deportation protections were set to expire. The stay prevents immediate loss of legal status.
• Federal judge blocks refugee ban enforcement — A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from using the president's June proclamation banning people from 12 countries to prohibit 80 refugees who have already been vetted from entering the US. The judge noted that the order "expressly states" that it does not limit efforts to seek refugee status.
• Trump administration appeals racial profiling ruling — The Trump administration filed an appeal to overturn a federal judge's ruling that blocks the Department of Homeland Security from arresting people based on factors related to racial profiling, such as race, accent, and type of work. The ruling applies only to Los Angeles and surrounding areas and was issued following discriminatory ICE raids in California.
• Case update — D.B.U. v. Trump (D. Colo.) 1:25-cv-01163 — The Tenth Circuit held the appeal in abeyance pending the outcome of W.M.M. v. Trump (No. 25-10534) in the Fifth Circuit.
• Case update — Democracy Forward Foundation v. Department of Education (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00940 — Democracy Forward and DOE filed a joint status report which indicates that DOE identified 4, 492 potentially responsive records and that the parties are working together to narrow the scope of the search.
• Notice of appeal filed — State of Colorado v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00121 — Defendants filed a notice of appeal to the First Circuit as to Judge Mary S. McElroy's May 16 preliminary injunction .
• Notice of appeal filed — W.J.C.C. v. Trump (W.D. Pa.) 3:25-cv-00153 — Defendants filed a notice of appeal to the Third Circuit from Judge Haines's June 18 preliminary-injunction order.
• Summary judgment ruling — Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association v. Trump (E.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01464 — Judge Cogan granted voluntary dismissals of Plaintiffs' other claims as moot and granted summary judgment on remaining claims reflected in the July 1 ruling.
• Summary judgment ruling — National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association v. Kennedy (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01265 — Judge Ana C. Reyes held a pre-motion conference and established a briefing schedule for summary judgment.
• Appeal filed — M.A.P.S. v. Garite (W.D. Tex.) 3:25-cv-00171 — The administration appealed Judge Briones' June 9 final judgment order to the Fifth Circuit (Case No. 25-50580 ).
• Case update — Association for Education Finance and Policy Inc. v. McMahon (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00999 — Plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint . In this amended complaint, Plaintiffs removed two IES termination-specific counts for the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) 2024 and a count of termination of access to use data, while limiting all but one of the remaining counts to a specific plaintiff.
• Cases consolidated — A.S.R. v. Trump (W.D. Pa.) 3:25-cv-00113 — The Third Circuit consolidated this appeal, for scheduling purposes, with W.J.C.C. v. Trump, No. 25- 2332 , which-like this case-is before Judge Stephanie Haines in the district court, No. 3:25-cv-00153 .
• Cases consolidated — W.J.C.C. v. Trump (W.D. Pa.) 3:25-cv-00153 — The Third Circuit consolidated this appeal, for scheduling purposes, with A.S.R. v. President United States of America , No. 25-2311 , which-like this case-is before Judge Stephanie Haines in the district court, No. 3:25-cv-00113 .
• Motion denied — New York Immigration Coalition v. Donald J. Trump et al. (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01309 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint to bring the case as a class action on behalf of all persons born in the United States on or after Feb. 19 who have been or will be denied citizenship under the EO being challenged. Plaintiffs also added a new legal claim, arguing that Defendants violated the Administrative Procedure Act by acting contrary to the Constitution.
• Appeal filed — Slaughter and Bedoya v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00909 — Judge Alikhan granted a summary judgment and permanent injunction, ordering the administration to reinstate former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter to her previous role. Citing Supreme Court precedent , the court found the administration's termination of Ms. Slaughter violated the FTC Act's removal protections. However, the court dismissed a parallel claim by former Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya as moot, noting he had voluntarily resigned. The administration filed a motion to stay the decision pending appeal, and appealed the permanent injunction to the D.C. Circuit (Case No. 25-5261 ).
• Case update — American Federation of Teachers v. U.S. Department of Education (D. Md.) 1:25-cv-00628 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint , which addresses the ED's notification of Certification to state education agencies (SEAs). Plaintiffs add three additional claims for relief specific to this Certification, including an additional First Amendment (Free Speech and Free Association) claim, an additional Fifth Amendment (Due Process Vagueness) claim, and an additional APA 5 U.S.C. § 706(2) (arbitrary and capricious) claim. Plaintiffs also request that their prayer for relief be extended to the Certification and request a permanent injunction against implementation of this Certification and actions taken on the basis of the aforementioned interpretation of Title VI.
• Case update — Mahdawi v. Trump (D. Vt.) 2:25-cv-00389 — Judge Crawford removed the remaining travel restrictions and permitted Mahdawi to travel throughout the United States for lawful purposes while maintaining Vermont as his primary residence and attending all required court proceedings. The court noted that Mahdawi had complied with the release orders, that there was no indication he presented a flight risk or danger, and that his proposed political speaking engagements did not justify restricting his movement.
• Dismissal entered — Doe v. Collins (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00760 — Plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the action.
• Motion to dismiss decided — American Bar Association v. U.S. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01263 — Judge Cooper granted Defendants' motion to dismiss, thereby terminating the case.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — California v. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-12019 — Plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction and an accompanying memorandum of law in support.
• Stay motion decided — Pedro Vasquez Perdomo v. Markwayne Mullin (C.D. Cal.) 2:25-cv-05605 — The district court denied the administration's motion to stay the temporary restraining order pending appeal, which restricts the administration from engaging in indiscriminate immigration stops in the Los Angeles area and denying detainees access to lawyers. The court rejected the administration's argument that the TRO causes irreparable harm and creates a chilling effect on enforcing immigration law, because “[c]omplying with the law does not impose harm” and the TRO is sufficiently clear that it would not cause confusion.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Pallek v. Rollins (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01650 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in which they added an allegation of arbitrary and capricious actions taken by USDA through the proposal to create a new system of records (the June SORN). On that same day, Plaintiffs filed a motion for an emergency temporary restraining order on that same day, requesting that the court temporarily block Defendants from accessing SNAP applicant and recipient information from state governments or third-party processors.
• Appeal filed — Southern Education Foundation v. United States Department of Education (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01079 — Defendants appealed Judge Friedman's preliminary injunction order to the D.C. Circuit (Case No. 25-5262 ).
• Motion denied — Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Kennedy (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10814 — The First Circuit denied the Defendant's request for a stay of the district court's order.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Board of Education for the Silver Consolidated Schools v. McMahon (D.N.M.) 2:25-cv-00586 — Judge Thompson denied a motion of preliminary injunction from the Board of Education for the Silver Consolidated Schools and dismissed their lawsuit, which seeks to restore the grant terminated by the administration. The court noted the lawsuit is a contractual claim and belongs in the Court of Federal Claims, and even though “the grant seems like a worthwhile expenditure of taxpayer funds” and seems to be lawful under relevant laws, “there isn't jurisdiction in this Court for these claims.”
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Los Angeles Press Club v. Kristi Noem (C.D. Cal.) 2:25-cv-05563 — Plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction, seeking to enjoin Defendants' allegedly excessive use of force and asserting they would suffer irreparable harm absent court protection.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Smith v. Trump (D. Me.) 1:25-cv-00158 — Judge Nancy Torresen granted Plaintiffs' preliminary injunction motion, thereby enjoining Defendants from imposing civil or criminal penalties under the EO and the IEEPA.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of California v. Trump (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10810 — Judge Casper issued an amended preliminary injunction following the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. CASA limiting the use of nationwide injunctions. The amended order continues to block federal agents from enforcing key aspects of the election Executive Order in Plaintiff States, but no longer applies to all States. The amended order also continues to block federal officials from engaging in national enforcement actions that cannot be limited to non-Plaintiff States, such as updating the federal postcard application for all uniformed and overseas voters.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of New York v. Kennedy (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00196 — Judge DuBose denied Defendants' motion to vacate the preliminary injunction.
• Stay motion decided — American Public Health Association v. National Institutes of Health (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10787 — The First Circuit denied Defendants' motion to stay Judge Young's order.

Supporting reports

• MAGA influencer Evan Kilgore expressed betrayal over Epstein handling — MAGA influencer Evan Kilgore stated "I feel totally betrayed" in response to Trump's handling of the Epstein files controversy.
• Alex Jones criticized Trump's Epstein suppression strategy — Alex Jones stated that Trump's handling of the Epstein files has put the Trump administration into a "mega-massive crisis." Jones criticized Trump's press conference statements telling people not to ask questions about Epstein, characterizing this as triggering the Streisand Effect and describing the strategy as "insane."
• Author Michael Wolff described Trump's long Epstein relationship — Author Michael Wolff told Meidas that Trump has gotten away with literally everything, and that Trump's long relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has been hidden in plain sight, waved away, swept under the rug, and ignored. Wolff recounted that when he visited Mar-a-Lago for an interview, Trump's aides asked for a rough outline of topics and told him that if he asked about Epstein, Trump would stop the interview and he would get nothing.
• Elon Musk criticized Trump's Epstein post as "worst post ever made" — Elon Musk responded to Trump's Truth Social post defending AG Bondi by calling it "in the running for worst post ever made." Musk criticized Trump for mentioning "Epstein" half a dozen times while telling everyone to stop talking about Epstein, and called for the files to be released as promised. Musk stated that if thousands of children were abused and the government has videos of the abusers, none of the abusers should remain uncharged.
• MAGA podcaster Benny Johnson broke with Trump over Epstein post — MAGA podcaster Benny Johnson, who has consistently backed Trump for years, broke with Trump over his Epstein post. Johnson stated that Trump has acknowledged the Epstein files exist and that there is something substantive in them, but claims they were written by his enemies and therefore will not be released, questioning what kind of system allows thousands of children to be abused while the government possesses evidence.
• Megyn Kelly criticized Bondi's Epstein handling and media avoidance — Megyn Kelly posted on X that while it may be a relief for AG Pam Bondi to hear the president is still in her corner, huge swaths of the Republican Party are not. Kelly stated that Bondi repeatedly misled on Epstein and did not have the courage to explain herself, and has become camera shy with no questions allowed. Kelly's post received 1.9 million views and 52,000 likes in 24 hours.
• Right-wing podcaster Nick Fuentes declared "MAGA is dead" — Right-wing podcaster and white nationalist leader Nick Fuentes responded to Trump's Epstein post by stating that Trump is now claiming the Epstein files are a Democratic hoax, and declared "MAGA is dead."
• Flynn urges Trump to address Epstein allegations — Mike Flynn, former national security advisor, urged Trump to address the unanswered questions surrounding Epstein, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding child abuse by elites. Flynn's comments reflect ongoing concerns within the MAGA movement about the administration's response to the Epstein case.
• MAGA influencers call for Bondi's firing — Following the DOJ's announcement regarding Epstein, MAGA influencers began calling for the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi, expressing dissatisfaction with her handling of the situation. This reflects a growing rift within the MAGA movement regarding the administration's transparency and accountability.
• Mike Flynn calls on Trump to address Epstein questions — Mike Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor, posted on social media calling on President Trump to address the "massive number of unanswered questions about Epstein, especially the ABUSE OF CHILDREN BY ELITES." Flynn stated that if the administration does not address these questions, "moving forward on so many other monumental challenges our nation is facing becomes much harder" and concluded that "We cannot allow pedophiles to get away" regardless of their elite status.
• Turning Point USA conference attendees boo Trump administration's Epstein handling — Over the weekend, attendees at a conference held by the right-wing Turning Point USA booed the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein case, signaling grassroots disapproval of the administration's reversal on releasing the files.
• Elon Musk amplifies calls to release Epstein files — After Trump's Saturday post attempting to downplay the Epstein issue, Elon Musk wrote to his 222 million followers on X: "Seriously. He said 'Epstein' half a dozen times while telling everyone to stop talking about Epstein. Just release the files as promised." Musk used his control of the X platform to amplify criticism of Trump's handling of the Epstein files.

Supporting reports

• DOJ and FBI jointly decide to withhold further Epstein files from public release — US Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel jointly concluded a systematic review of Jeffrey Epstein materials and decided not to release further information, including a purported "client list." The memo stated no credible evidence of blackmail or basis for investigation of uncharged third parties was found. The decision triggered backlash from MAGA hardliners, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Steve Bannon, who questioned the Epstein autopsy conclusion and demanded disclosure.
• Justice Department announced no "incriminating client list" exists for Jeffrey Epstein; withheld evidence — The Department of Justice announced that deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain an "incriminating 'client list'" and stated it would not release additional evidence accumulated by investigators, including photographs and more than 10,000 videos. In February 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi had told Fox News that a list was "sitting on her desk awaiting review." The announcement reversed that position. MAGA influencers and media figures had previously demanded release of the files, claiming the Biden administration was covering up Democratic involvement. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, who had promoted the conspiracy theory, reportedly threatened to resign over Bondi's reversal.

Supporting reports

• Hundreds of detainees without criminal charges held at "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration facility in Florida Everglades — The Trump administration's "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility in Ochopee, Florida holds hundreds of immigrants with no criminal records or charges, according to disclosures following a Democratic lawmakers' visit on Saturday. The Miami Herald obtained a list of 700 detainees showing at least 250 had committed only civil immigration violations. Authorities refused to release the full detainee list. Conditions include three exposed toilets per 32-person cage, inadequate water access, and excessive heat. Federal agencies claim the facility is state-run, contradicting public statements by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump about federal funding.
• Detained immigrants at "Alligator Alcatraz" reported inhumane conditions — CBS News reported that immigrants who are detained at the new facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades have said conditions there are inhumane, including only being served one meal a day that had maggots in it, no water to take a shower, and a lack of access to healthcare.
• Rep. Wasserman Schultz documents inhumane conditions at immigration detention facility — Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz conducted an oversight tour of "Alligator Alcatraz," a new immigration detention facility, and reported that detainees are "living in cages" with 32 people per cage and only three toilets per cage. She noted that the sink is attached to the toilet unit, forcing detainees to obtain drinking water and brush teeth where they defecate.
• Miami Herald reports 250+ detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have no criminal record — The Miami Herald reported that more than 250 people detained at "Alligator Alcatraz" have no criminal record, contradicting official claims that the facility would be reserved for the "worst of the worst." The finding suggests the facility is being used to detain individuals without serious criminal histories.

Supporting reports

• Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara remains in ICE custody despite bond order — AP reported that Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara is still in ICE custody despite a judge ordering his release on bond last week. Guevara, who was arrested last month while covering the "No Kings" protest, continues to face deportation proceedings.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration detaining immigrants from 26 countries at Guantanamo Bay — CBS News reported that the Trump administration is currently detaining dozens of immigrants from 26 countries and six continents at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, including immigrants from Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Russia, the UK, and Vietnam.

Supporting reports

• Trump calls for supporters to stop focusing on Epstein files — On July 12, 2025, President Trump posted on Truth Social urging his supporters to stop pursuing the Epstein files, calling the matter a distraction from his administration's accomplishments. Trump wrote that supporters should "not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about" and criticized "selfish people" trying to hurt the administration over the issue. The post was notably "ratioed" on Truth Social—receiving more comments than likes—suggesting unusual disagreement from his base.
• Trump posts lengthy social media screed defending Bondi and attacking critics — At 5:21 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday, July 12, Trump posted a long, incoherent message on Truth Social defending Attorney General Pam Bondi and attacking "selfish people" trying to hurt his "PERFECT administration" by focusing on Epstein. He suggested the Epstein files were created by Obama, Hillary Clinton, Comey, Brennan, and Biden administration officials, and called for focus on voter fraud and political corruption instead. The post received more comments than likes or shares, indicating disapproval from his own followers.
• Trump posts social media message dismissing Epstein files as Democratic fabrication — Trump posted a lengthy message on social media on July 12, 2025, characterizing the Epstein files as a "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax" created by "Radical Left Democrats" and other supposed enemies. He dismissed the matter as a scam and criticized his own supporters for demanding the administration release the files, calling them "weaklings" and stating he no longer wanted their support.
• Trump posted on Truth Social defending AG Pam Bondi amid MAGA base backlash over Epstein files — Trump posted a lengthy message on Truth Social defending Attorney General Pam Bondi against criticism from his MAGA base, claiming the Epstein files were created by Obama, Hillary Clinton, and other Democratic figures. The post backfired severely; after 24 hours it received over 40,000 replies, 99% negative, all from Trump supporters. The post triggered the largest rift in the MAGA movement since the author began covering it five years ago, with prominent MAGA figures, podcasters, and influencers expressing betrayal and disillusionment.
• Trump posts unhinged Truth Social rant about Epstein files closure — Trump posted a 400-word Truth Social message attacking critics of his administration's decision to close the Epstein file, calling them "selfish people" and claiming "We have a PERFECT Administration." He directed the FBI and Director Kash Patel to focus instead on "Voter Fraud, Political Corruption, ActBlue, The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020," dismissing the Epstein matter as unimportant.
• Trump posted on Truth Social about Epstein and blamed Obama for cover-up — Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday night telling followers to move on from Epstein allegations while blaming Obama for covering up "everything." The post received over 46,000 replies, with over 90% negative responses from Trump's base. The post attempted to shift focus away from the Epstein matter while attributing responsibility to the previous administration.
• Trump dismisses Epstein question at cabinet meeting — When a reporter asked Trump about Epstein during a press opportunity at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump responded dismissively, saying "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years. Are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable." His attempt to downplay the story drew further attention to it.
• Trump claims Epstein files were "made up" by Comey and Obama — Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed that the Epstein files were "made up" by former FBI Director James Comey, along with former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, comparing the matter to investigations of the 2016 Trump campaign's ties to Russia. The claim contradicts the existence of documented criminal proceedings.
• Trump dismisses Epstein inquiry as "hoax" and attacks supporters demanding transparency — President Trump posted on Truth Social calling supporters who question the administration's handling of Jeffrey Epstein case details "weaklings" and accused them of falling for a "radical left hoax." He told reporters the case was "boring" but said he would release "credible" files without defining the term. The Justice Department and FBI had announced the previous week that Epstein died by suicide and no client list would be released, sparking backlash from Trump's base and calls from House Speaker Mike Johnson for full transparency.
• Trump rants about Epstein backlash on Truth Social — On Truth Social, Trump ranted about the Epstein backlash, which he calls a "Hoax," saying his "PAST supporters have bought into this 'bullshit,' hook, line, and sinker," called them "weaklings," and said he doesn't want their support anymore. The post demonstrates Trump's frustration with criticism of his handling of the Epstein matter.

Supporting reports

• Trump authorizes ICE agents to use "whatever means necessary" to protect themselves and arrest protesters — President Trump posted on Truth Social granting "total authorization" to ICE agents to protect themselves during immigration enforcement operations, directing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan to arrest protesters impeding ICE operations. Trump instructed law enforcement to use "whatever means is necessary" against those throwing rocks or bricks. The authorization followed clashes between federal agents and protesters during immigration raids on two California cannabis farms in Ventura County on July 10, where teargas was deployed and approximately 200 suspected undocumented immigrants were arrested.

Supporting reports

• Trump Suggests Revoking O'Donnell's Citizenship — On July 12, 2025, President Trump suggested he might revoke comedian Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship, claiming she is a "Threat to Humanity." This statement follows a federal judge's ruling that barred the administration from denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants.
• Trump threatened to revoke citizenship of natural-born American citizen Rosie O'Donnell — On July 12, 2025, at approximately 9:42 a.m., President Trump posted on Truth Social that he was "giving serious consideration to taking away" the citizenship of comedian and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell, a natural-born American citizen born in New York who has relocated to Ireland. Trump called her "a Threat to Humanity." O'Donnell responded on Instagram, asserting her rights and criticizing Trump's authoritarian posture. A federal judge had barred the administration from denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants on Thursday, July 10.
• Trump threatens to strip Rosie O'Donnell of citizenship — Trump posted on Truth Social that he is "giving serious consideration" to taking away the US citizenship of Rosie O'Donnell, a longtime critic who moved to Ireland after his 2024 election. Trump called O'Donnell "a Threat to Humanity." Legal experts note Trump lacks constitutional authority to unilaterally revoke citizenship.

Supporting reports

• Homeland Security Secretary Noem imposes centralized approval requirement for FEMA expenditures over $100,000 — Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, issued a directive requiring that all FEMA expenditures or contracts worth $100,000 or more be submitted to her office for prior approval. Former officials warn this centralization of decision-making will impede rapid disaster response and may result in preventable loss of life by slowing mobilization during emergencies.
• Trump administration imposes grant cuts and spending restrictions on FEMA, degrading disaster-response capacity — The Trump administration has cut FEMA grant programs and imposed new spending restrictions, including a requirement that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem approve all expenditures over $100,000. These actions, combined with a mass staff exodus of approximately 2,000 employees since January 2025, have left the agency dangerously underresourced ahead of hurricane season. Former FEMA officials warn the agency may lack funds by month's end and cannot handle multiple concurrent disasters, potentially resulting in preventable loss of life.
• Noem diverted HHS disaster funds to immigration enforcement and advertising — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spent $200 million on an advertising campaign promoting Trump's agenda and $21 million to transport approximately 400 migrants to Guantanamo Bay, many of whom were subsequently transferred out. Senator Chris Murphy warned in May 2025 that Noem was on track to violate the Anti-Deficiency Act by spending more money than Congress allocated, leaving the agency "broke by July, over two months before the end of the fiscal year." Noem justified the spending as fulfilling a mandate from voters for border security.

Supporting reports

• Mahmoud Khalil files $20m damages claim against Trump administration for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist detained by the Trump administration for over three months, filed a $20 million damages claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act against the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and the State Department. The claim alleges false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation as an antisemite in connection with his pro-Palestinian campus activism and deportation proceedings. Khalil was released in June 2025 after months in immigration detention without criminal charges.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department files statement of interest in deplatforming antitrust case — The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division filed a statement of interest in federal court in Children's Health Defense et al. v. Washington Post et al., a case in which plaintiffs allege they were deplatformed for sharing independent COVID-19 commentary. The DOJ statement argues that antitrust law protects viewpoint competition in news markets and that companies abusing market power to suppress independent voices harm competition and the free flow of information. The filing positions the Antitrust Division as defending "free markets, including the marketplace of ideas."

Supporting reports

• Federal court issues temporary restraining order limiting ICE arrests based on race or occupation in central California — On 11 July, a federal judge in the central district of California issued a temporary restraining order restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting people based on race or occupation. The order came in response to an ACLU lawsuit documenting that ICE agents had conducted sweeps targeting people with brown skin, often without warrants or reasonable suspicion. The judge found "a mountain of evidence" supporting allegations of racial profiling. The order applies to the federal court's jurisdiction covering over 19 million people in southern and central California, though enforcement has continued outside the protected zone.
• Federal judge issues temporary restraining order limiting ICE stop authority in Los Angeles — A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order against DHS immigration enforcement operations in the Los Angeles region, prohibiting agents from stopping individuals without "reasonable suspicion" of immigration law violation. The order explicitly bars agents from using race, ethnicity, accent, location type (bus stops, car washes, day labor sites, agricultural sites), or presence at particular locations as justification for stops. The ruling directly responds to legal complaints documenting systematic racial profiling during weeks of intensive ICE raids and represents a potential major disruption to the federal government's enforcement campaign.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Pedro Vasquez Perdomo v. Markwayne Mullin (C.D. Cal.) 2:25-cv-05605 — The district court granted two temporary restraining orders , barring immigration officers from stopping individuals based on inappropriate factors including race, accent, location or work, and requiring that detainees in a federal building in Los Angeles be provided access to counsel at all times.

Supporting reports

• ICE raids two California cannabis farms with chemical munitions deployed against protesters — Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, accompanied by National Guard troops in military vehicles, conducted raids on two Glass House Farms locations in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties on July 10. Federal agents fired chemical munitions (smoke/tear gas) to disperse protesters gathered on roads near the farms. Video showed children fleeing, workers being detained with bound hands, and local officials including U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal being denied entry to observe the operation. At least three people were transported to hospitals. The company stated it fully complied with search warrants.
• ICE raids on cannabis farms used tear gas and less-lethal ammunition; disabled veteran U.S. citizen arrested — On July 10, 2025, ICE agents conducted raids on two licensed cannabis farms in Southern California. Agents deployed less-lethal ammunition and tear gas, injuring multiple people, one critically. Agents arrested 200 people, including George Retes, a 25-year-old disabled veteran and U.S. citizen employed as a security guard at one farm. ICE agents claimed Retes was a protester. His family reported that local sheriff and police departments stated they do not know his whereabouts.
• Detainees denied legal access and confidential attorney communication — Immigration attorneys reported being denied access to the Everglades detention facility to meet with clients and unable to have confidential phone calls with detainees. This denial of legal access prevents detainees from receiving counsel regarding their cases and violates fundamental due-process protections, particularly significant given that nearly half of ICE detainees lack criminal records.
• George Retes, U.S. Army veteran, detained and held without legal process for three days — On July 10, 2025, George Retes, a 25-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was detained by federal agents while traveling to work as a security guard at a Southern California cannabis farm. Despite identifying himself as a U.S. citizen with identification in his nearby car, Retes was violently arrested, held in a jail cell for three days and nights, and denied the right to make a phone call, see an attorney, appear before a judge, or access basic hygiene after being exposed to pepper spray and tear gas.
• Farm worker dies from injuries sustained during ICE raid on California cannabis farm — Jaime Alanís, 57, a farm worker at Glass House Farms in Ventura County, California, died from catastrophic injuries after falling approximately 30 feet from a greenhouse roof during a Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement raid on July 11, 2025. The raid resulted in the arrest of at least 200 workers suspected of being in the country without legal status. Alanís called his family saying he was hiding and fleeing agents before the fall. He sustained a broken neck, fractured skull, and severed artery. DHS stated he was not in custody when he fell, though the raid created the circumstances leading to his death.

Supporting reports

• ICE arrested Trump-supporting Iranian-American mother despite decades of U.S. residency — Arpineh Masihi, a Trump-supporting mother of four U.S.-born children, was arrested by ICE despite having lived in the United States since age 3. She was handcuffed in front of her children at her home in Los Angeles and is now detained at a facility in the Mojave Desert. Despite her arrest, Masihi continues to support Trump's immigration policies.

Supporting reports

• DOJ Antitrust Division closes investigation into T-Mobile/UScellular merger without seeking injunction — The Department of Justice Antitrust Division announced on July 10, 2025, that it had closed its investigation into T-Mobile's proposed acquisition of UScellular without seeking an injunction to block the deal. Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater stated that while the investigation raised concerns about wireless market consolidation and spectrum aggregation—noting the "Big 3" carriers control over 90 percent of U.S. mobile subscriptions and 80 percent of spectrum—the Department concluded that potential consumer benefits from network improvements outweighed competitive harms. The statement acknowledged risks to future competition from continued spectrum consolidation but determined enforcement was not warranted in this case.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces 50% tariff on Brazil, citing Bolsonaro trial as "witch-hunt" — On Wednesday, President Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian products, explicitly linking it to what he called a "witch-hunt" trial against former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. Trump also announced tariffs on seven other countries (Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq, Sri Lanka) ranging from 25–30%, effective 1 August. Trump cited Brazil's regulation of social media platforms and claimed an unfair trade deficit. Brazilian President Lula rejected the demands, asserting Brazil's sovereignty and independent judiciary.

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• White House issues release on restricting benefits access for undocumented immigrants — The White House issued a release stating that at President Trump's direction, the administration is restricting undocumented immigrants' access to taxpayer-funded benefits across multiple federal agencies. The release claims the action preserves approximately $40 billion in benefits for U.S. citizens and states that the Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Labor, and Justice are implementing restrictions on programs including Head Start, post-secondary education tuition, food assistance, workforce development, and other services. The release frames this as reversing "decades of bureaucratic defiance."

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• State Department announces mass layoffs affecting 15% of domestic staff — The US State Department announced plans to lay off approximately 1,800 employees (nearly 15% of domestic staff) through reductions in force (RIFs) and voluntary redundancies. The restructuring will merge or eliminate several hundred bureaus and realign the department's mission with Trump administration foreign policy priorities. The layoffs proceed after the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration against a federal judge's hold on mass government firings. Bureaus focused on immigration and democracy promotion will see significantly altered missions.

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• Justice Department announces investigation into Minnesota hiring practices — The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division announced an investigation into the State of Minnesota and its Department of Human Services to determine whether state employment hiring practices discriminate based on race and sex. The investigation was prompted by a Minnesota policy requiring hiring supervisors to justify hiring non-underrepresented candidates, with non-compliance subject to disciplinary action. The Civil Rights Division will investigate whether Minnesota engages in a pattern or practice of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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• New Hampshire federal judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship executive order nationwide — Federal Judge Joseph LaPlante in New Hampshire issued a nationwide injunction blocking Trump's January 2025 executive order that denied citizenship to children born to undocumented parents. The judge certified a sweeping class-action lawsuit on behalf of pregnant women and infants, finding the government's constitutional arguments unpersuasive and ruling that deprivation of citizenship constitutes irreparable harm. A seven-day stay was granted to allow appeal. The decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling restricting nationwide injunctions, making class-action suits the primary mechanism for district judges to halt policy across large areas.
• Federal judge granted class action status to birthright citizenship lawsuit — On July 10, 2025, a federal judge appointed by Republican President George W. Bush granted class action status to a lawsuit challenging Trump's executive order attacking birthright citizenship. U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante barred the administration from denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants. Judge Laplante paused his ruling for one week to give the administration time to appeal.
• Class Action Status Granted in Birthright Citizenship Lawsuit — A federal judge granted class action status to a lawsuit challenging Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, preventing the administration from denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants. The judge paused the ruling for a week to allow for an appeal.

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• Senator Durbin stated Bove should not be appointed to federal bench — On July 10, 2025, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a statement that Emil Bove "belongs nowhere near the federal bench." Durbin characterized the allegations as "a declaration of defiance of our courts at the highest level of our government by a man who now seeks a lifetime appointment to one of the highest courts in our land."

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• Timothy Leiweke indicted for bid-rigging conspiracy on Texas arena contract — Timothy Leiweke, former president of the Denver Nuggets and ex-CEO of MLSE, was charged by federal grand jury on Wednesday with organizing a conspiracy to rig bidding for the $388 million Moody Center at the University of Texas at Austin. Investigators allege Leiweke conspired with a competitor's CEO from February 2018 to June 2024, arranging for the rival firm to withdraw its bid in exchange for subcontracts. OVG, Leiweke's company, won the sole bid and completed the arena in 2022, continuing to receive significant revenues. Leiweke resigned as OVG CEO following the indictment.

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• Senate Democrats released documents supporting whistleblower complaint against Bove — On July 10, 2025, Senate Democrats released a trove of documents provided by whistleblower Erez Reuveni to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The documents, including texts and emails, confirm that Department of Justice lawyers misled Judge James Boasberg about the timing of deportations to El Salvador. One DOJ lawyer told the judge he did not know when the Trump administration intended to deport the men, while internal communications showed DOJ lawyers knew deportations were planned within 24 hours.