Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump Accepts Gift of Jumbo Jet from Qatar — President Trump is set to accept a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the royal family of Qatar, which will serve as Air Force One during his term. The plane will later be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation. The White House counsel and DOJ have concluded that accepting the aircraft does not violate bribery laws or the Constitution's emoluments clause. The gift is expected to be announced during Trump's visit to Qatar.
• Trump responds to criticism over Qatar jet — President Trump addressed criticism regarding a donated 747 aircraft from Qatar, asserting that the transaction was transparent and compliant with the law. He dismissed concerns about the jet being perceived as a personal gift.
• Reports of Trump Administration Planning to Accept $400M Jet from Qatar — Reports have emerged that the Trump administration is planning to accept a luxury plane valued at $400 million from the Qatari royal family. This potential acceptance has sparked ethical concerns, as it may violate the U.S. Constitution's emoluments clause, which prohibits government officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval. The administration reportedly believes the plane can be transferred to Trump's presidential library at the end of his term, arguing it is not conditioned on any official act and thus not bribery.
• Trump Plans to Accept Qatari Gift of Luxury Plane — The Trump administration announced plans to accept a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, which would be used as Air Force One. This decision has raised concerns about potential violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution, as U.S. law prohibits presidents from accepting gifts valued over $480. Trump's acceptance of the plane, which will be transferred to the U.S. Air Force and then to his presidential library, has been defended by his legal team despite its controversial nature.
• — The Trump administration announced plans to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, which would be used as Air Force One. This decision has raised concerns regarding the emoluments clause of the Constitution, as U.S. law prohibits presidents from accepting gifts valued over $480. Trump's acceptance of the plane, justified by his administration as a gift to the Defense Department, has been criticized as a potential violation of ethical standards.

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• Federal appeals court orders return of detained student Rümeysa Öztürk to Vermont — A federal appeals court has upheld a district court's order to transfer Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, from an immigration detention center in Louisiana to Vermont. Öztürk was detained for six weeks following her co-authorship of an op-ed criticizing Tufts University's response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Her lawyers argue that her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process. The court's decision mandates her transfer to Vermont by May 14 for hearings on the legality of her detention.
• Case update — Ozturk v. Hyde (D. Vt.) 1:25-cv-12334 — The Second Circuit rejected the Defendants' appeal and held that Ozturk must be transferred to Vermont by May 14.

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• Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem refuses to acknowledge due process rights — During a meeting of the House Committee on Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem declined to answer a question from Representative Lauren Underwood regarding whether she believes the Constitution grants everyone the right to due process. This refusal follows a similar stance taken by former President Trump in a recent interview.

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• Mohsen Mahdawi released from ICE custody by judge — Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student and activist, was released from federal detention by a judge on May 6, 2025. He had been detained by immigration authorities in Colchester, Vermont, during a naturalization interview and was ordered to be deported by the Trump administration on April 14, 2025, despite not being charged with a crime. The judge's decision to release Mahdawi was critical of the government's actions, likening them to McCarthyist repression. Mahdawi's release allows him to continue his studies and advocacy work.
• Motion denied — Mahdawi v. Trump (D. Vt.) 2:25-cv-00389 — The Second Circuit denied (1) the government's motion for a stay of the district court's release order and extended TRO, and (2) the government's request for a writ of mandamus. The appeal is proceeding on the merits.

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• Michigan AG drops charges against pro-Palestinian protesters — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the dismissal of all charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters who were arrested at a University of Michigan encampment. This decision was made shortly before a judge was to rule on a defense motion to disqualify Nessel’s office due to alleged bias. The motion was based on a report detailing Nessel's connections to university regents who advocated for the prosecution. Despite dropping these charges, Nessel's office continues to pursue cases related to alleged vandalism by other protesters.

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• Supreme Court Allows Transgender Military Ban — The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order permitting the enforcement of President Trump's ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. This decision allows the ban to take effect while ongoing litigation and appeals are resolved. The ruling has significant implications for transgender rights and military policy, as it reverses previous policies that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly.
• US Supreme Court Allows Trump Trans Military Ban to Take Effect — The US Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can enforce a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military while legal challenges continue. This decision could lead to the discharge of thousands of transgender military members. The court's order was unsigned and did not provide an explanation, with the three liberal justices dissenting. The ban, which was implemented by the Department of Defense, reverses a previous executive order allowing transgender service. Lower courts had previously blocked the ban, but the Supreme Court's decision allows it to proceed.
• Case update — Shilling v. Trump (W.D. Wash.) 2:25-cv-00241 — The Supreme Court issued a stay (with Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson dissenting).
• Supreme Court Grants Stay in United States v. Shilling — On May 6, 2025, the Supreme Court granted the federal government's request for a stay in the case of United States v. Shilling. This decision temporarily halts a lower court's preliminary injunction that had blocked the enforcement of a Department of Defense policy banning individuals with a diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria from military service. The policy, issued under an executive order by President Donald Trump, was challenged by transgender military members and advocacy groups as discriminatory. The stay allows the policy to be enforced while further litigation proceeds.
• Supreme Court grants stay in United States v. Shilling — The Supreme Court granted a stay of the preliminary injunction entered by the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington in the case United States, et al. v. Shilling, Commander, et al. This stay will remain in effect pending the outcome of the appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and any subsequent petition for a writ of certiorari. If certiorari is denied, the stay will automatically terminate. If certiorari is granted, the stay will terminate upon the issuance of the Supreme Court's judgment. Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson dissented from the decision to grant the stay.

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• Federal court orders certification of North Carolina Supreme Court election results — On May 5, a federal court ordered the North Carolina Board of Elections to certify Allison Riggs as the winner of the North Carolina Supreme Court race. This decision came after the court found that the North Carolina Supreme Court's earlier ruling to discard certain ballots violated the constitutional rights of voters. The federal court's order referenced reporting by Popular Information, which identified errors in the Griffin campaign's claims about "never residents." The court's decision effectively ended the prolonged dispute over the election results.
• Federal judge rules Democrat's North Carolina election win must stand — A federal judge ruled that Democrat Allison Riggs must be certified as the winner of a North Carolina state supreme court election, rejecting Republican Jefferson Griffin's challenge to over 60,000 votes. Griffin had argued that election officials wrongly counted these votes, mostly from Democratic-leaning counties. The judge, Richard Myers II, stated that changing election rules post-election and applying them retroactively to a select group of voters was unconstitutional. The ruling paused for seven days to allow Griffin to appeal, but it affirmed Riggs's victory by 734 votes after multiple recounts.
• Federal judge blocks ruling requiring voter eligibility proof in North Carolina — A federal judge blocked a North Carolina supreme court ruling that required over 1,300 voters to prove their eligibility or have their votes discarded in the contested state supreme court race between Republican Jefferson Griffin and Democrat Allison Riggs. This decision came after Griffin, who lost by 734 votes, contested the election results for over six months. The federal judge's order mandated state election officials to certify the election, effectively upholding Riggs' victory. Griffin announced he would not appeal the decision, ending the prolonged legal battle.

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• Trump orders reopening of Alcatraz prison for ‘most ruthless offenders’ — Donald Trump announced a directive to reopen and expand Alcatraz prison, located on an island off San Francisco, to house America's most dangerous criminals. The prison, closed since 1963 due to operational costs and escape attempts, is now a national park and tourist attraction. Trump's plan has been criticized by California Democrats and civil rights advocates as a political distraction and an attack on the rule of law. The Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security have been directed to implement this plan, though its feasibility and seriousness are questioned.
• Trump directs reopening of Alcatraz as a federal prison — President Donald J. Trump announced on his social media feed that he is directing the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security to reopen Alcatraz as a federal prison to house violent offenders. This announcement is framed as a symbol of law and order, although the island has not been used as a prison since 1963. The announcement appears to be a distraction from declining popularity in rural areas and other controversies surrounding his administration.

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• Supreme Court intervenes in federal worker reinstatements — Following the mass firings of federal workers by the Trump administration, the Supreme Court intervened, affecting the reinstatement of probationary employees. Some workers were rehired, placed on administrative leave, and then dismissed again. This intervention has contributed to ongoing uncertainty and instability within the federal workforce, as employees face fluctuating employment status and legal battles over their dismissals.
• DOGE's firing blitz was largely stymied in the courts — A court ruling prevented DOGE, the agency led by Elon Musk, from executing a mass firing of government workers, as many are under contract and cannot be dismissed at will. This legal setback hindered DOGE's ability to implement its staffing changes.

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• Office of Special Counsel drops inquiry into federal worker firings — The Office of Special Counsel, an independent watchdog agency, announced it was dropping its investigation into complaints that the Trump administration unlawfully terminated probationary federal workers. This decision reversed the previous conclusion by the former head of the agency, Hampton Dellinger, who was fired by Trump. The move has been seen as a setback for efforts to challenge the legality of the mass dismissals.

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• Judge rules Trump order targeting Perkins Coie unconstitutional — A federal judge, Beryl Howell, permanently struck down an executive order by Donald Trump that targeted the law firm Perkins Coie. The order was deemed unconstitutional, violating the first, fifth, and sixth amendments. The executive order had terminated government contracts with Perkins Coie and barred its attorneys from federal buildings, citing national security risks due to the firm's past work with Hillary Clinton's campaign. Judge Howell criticized the order as retaliatory and discriminatory, and the Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision.
• Judge blocks Trump's executive order against Perkins Coie — Judge Beryl Howell permanently barred the enforcement of Trump's executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie, which restricted federal hiring and access for its lawyers. Howell ruled that the order violated the Constitution and was null and void, citing First, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment protections.
• Fed Judge strikes down Trump's executive order — Federal Judge Beryl Howell struck down Trump's executive order targeting the Perkins Coie law firm, stating that no American president has previously issued such orders against a law firm. The ruling emphasized the importance of constitutional freedoms, including free speech and due process.

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• DoJ closes cryptocurrency unit amid political pressure — In April, the Department of Justice abruptly closed its cryptocurrency unit, which had been active since 2022 in prosecuting criminal schemes involving North Korean hackers. The closure followed criticism from cryptocurrency leaders who supported Trump's campaign, raising concerns about the influence of political donations on law enforcement priorities.
• DoJ halts prosecutions under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, has paused prosecutions of businesses charged with violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for six months. This decision aligns with President Trump's agenda and has sparked criticism for potentially favoring business interests over legal accountability, further indicating the politicization of the justice department.

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• Trump Administration Agrees to Halt School Funding Freeze in Maine — The Trump administration has agreed to halt its efforts to freeze funds for a child nutrition program in Maine, following a settlement with the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had previously suspended these funds after Maine refused to comply with demands to bar transgender girls from participating in girls' sports. Maine had sued the USDA to maintain its funding, and the lawsuit was dropped in exchange for the restoration of funds. The settlement ensures that the USDA will not interfere with Maine's access to funds without following legal procedures.
• Dismissal entered — Maine v. US Department of Agriculture (D. Me.) 1:25-cv-00131 — Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed this action with prejudice.
• Trump Administration Settles with Maine Over Child Nutrition Program — The Trump administration reached a settlement with Maine, restoring federal funds for a state child nutrition program previously frozen due to Maine's trans athlete policies. Maine agreed to drop its lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture.

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• DHS cites domestic abuse allegations to justify deportation refusal — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a press release citing domestic abuse allegations against Kilmar Ábrego García, made by his wife, to justify the refusal to return him to the US. Despite a 2019 court order prohibiting his deportation to El Salvador, Ábrego García was deported in March 2025. The Trump administration has used these allegations to support their stance, despite a federal judge's order to facilitate his return. The legal battle over his deportation continues, with the administration arguing that US courts lack jurisdiction.

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• Judge rules Alien Enemies Act does not allow deportation of alleged gang members — On April 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ruled that the Alien Enemies Act does not authorize the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants alleged to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang. This ruling, which applies only to the southern district of Texas, is a significant rebuke to the Trump administration's use of the 18th-century law to deport alleged gang members. The decision follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling requiring adequate notice for those being removed under the law, and it challenges the administration's interpretation of the statute's scope.
• Motion granted — J.A.V. v. Trump (S.D. Tex.) 1:25-cv-00072 — Judge Rodriquez granted certification of the class of plaintiffs, described as: “Venezuelan aliens, 14 years old or older, who have not been naturalized, who Respondents have designated or in the future designate as alien enemies under the March 14, 2025, Presidential Proclamation … and who are detained or reside in the Southern District of Texas.” Judge Rodriguez followed the class certification with an order granting a permanent injunction . The court wrote: "The historical record renders clear that the President's invocation of the AEA [Alien Enemies Act] through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statute's terms." On the scope of the injunction, Judge Rodriguez wrote: “To the extent that J.A.V., J.G.G., and W.G.H., or any member of the certified class, have been detained or are detained in the future pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, they have not sought and do not obtain any relief. In addition, the conclusions of the Court do not affect Respondents' ability to continue removal proceedings or enforcement of any final orders of removal issued against J.A.V., J.G.G., and W.G.H, or against any member of the certified class, under the Immigration and Nationality Act.”
• Federal Judge Blocks Use of Alien Enemies Act Against Venezuelans — A Trump-appointed federal judge permanently blocked the administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to detain, transfer, or deport Venezuelan immigrants, ruling that its invocation "exceeds the scope" of the law. This ruling is limited to the Southern District of Texas.
• Judge Rules Against Deportation of Venezuelans — Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ruled against the Trump administration's use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to justify the deportation of Venezuelans from the Southern District of Texas. He permanently prohibited such deportations, stating that the law applies only during wartime or a hostile invasion, not to migration.
• — Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ruled against the Trump administration's use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to justify the deportation of Venezuelans from the Southern District of Texas. He permanently prohibited such deportations, stating that the law applies only during wartime or a hostile invasion, not to migration by alleged gang members.

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• Senators demand report on wrongful deportations to El Salvador — Senators Chuck Schumer, Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine, and Alex Padilla announced they would require the Trump administration to produce a report on wrongful deportations to El Salvador. This demand follows the controversial deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, who was sent to El Salvador despite a court order preventing his removal due to credible fear of persecution. The senators' action seeks to address potential violations of due process and ensure accountability in immigration enforcement.

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• Trump administration asks Supreme Court to intervene on Venezuelan TPS — The Trump administration has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in its efforts to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 300,000 Venezuelan migrants in the United States. This request follows a federal judge's order in March that blocked the termination of TPS, which was initially decided by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Justice Department argues that allowing Venezuelans to remain is contrary to national interest, while the judge's order highlights potential harm to individuals and the U.S. economy. A federal appeals court had previously declined to pause the judge's order.

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• US charges migrants for entering military buffer zone on Mexico border — The US Department of Justice has initiated criminal prosecutions against at least 28 migrants for entering a newly established military buffer zone along the US-Mexico border. These charges were filed in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The buffer zone, which spans 170 miles and is 60 feet wide, is patrolled by active-duty US troops. The establishment of this zone has been criticized by civil liberties groups as an erosion of constitutional principles, as it allows military involvement in civilian policing without invoking the Insurrection Act.

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• Federal judge orders release of Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention — A federal judge in Vermont ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green-card holder and Columbia University student, from immigration detention. Mahdawi had been detained and ordered deported by the Trump administration despite not being charged with a crime. The judge, Geoffrey Crawford, stated that Mahdawi was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community and that his continued detention would likely chill protected speech. Mahdawi was released on bail pending the resolution of his case in federal court, allowing him to continue residing in Vermont and travel to New York for school and legal meetings.
• Motion granted — Mahdawi v. Trump (D. Vt.) 2:25-cv-00389 — The court granted Petitioner's motion, ordering him released on his personal recognizance during the pendency of his habeas proceeding. The judge based his decision on the Petitioner's likelihood of success on the merits of his claims of Due Process, First Amendment and Fifth Amendment violations, and concluded that his release was in the public interest, as his continued detention would have a chilling effect on protected speech and was justified due to the “extraordinary circumstances” surrounding his case.
• Palestinian Student Released from ICE Detention — Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, was released from ICE detention after a judge ordered his immediate release on bail. The judge compared the administration's targeting of student activists to McCarthyism.
• Appeal filed — Mahdawi v. Trump (D. Vt.) 2:25-cv-00389 — The Trump Administration appealed the Court's orders on April 24 and 30, extending the TRO and granting Petitioner's motion for release, respectively.

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• Supreme Court Blocks Deportation of Javier Salazar — The U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency order temporarily blocking the deportation of Javier Salazar, a 19-year-old Venezuelan immigrant, who was detained by ICE and faced deportation under the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act. Salazar, who has no criminal record, was arrested in Maryland and transferred to a detention center in Texas. The Supreme Court's intervention prevents his immediate deportation, allowing him time to seek legal remedies. The administration had argued for expedited deportations, but the court's order emphasizes the need for due process.

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• Appeals Court Blocks DHS Migrant Transfers — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security from transferring migrants to other federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, to avoid due process rights. This ruling protects migrants' legal rights.

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• Trump Uses Alien Enemies Act to Expel Alleged Foreign Terrorists — President Donald Trump defended his use of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 wartime authority, to detain or deport citizens of an enemy nation, specifically targeting alleged foreign terrorists for expulsion from the United States. This move is part of his broader immigration policy, which he claims is necessary to protect national security. The act has faced criticism and legal challenges, with opponents arguing it oversteps presidential authority and targets specific groups unfairly.

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• Detention and Disappearance of Venezuelan Migrants in the US — On March 13, 2025, Neiyerver Rengel, a Venezuelan migrant, was detained by federal agents in Irving, Texas, and subsequently disappeared into custody without communication. Reports indicate that Rengel, along with at least 252 other Venezuelans, was deported to El Salvador and imprisoned under accusations of gang affiliation. The detentions have been labeled as "enforced disappearances" by Human Rights Watch, as families remain uninformed about the detainees' whereabouts or legal status. This situation has sparked fear and uncertainty within the Venezuelan community in the US.

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• New exclusive club "Executive Branch" opens in D.C. — A new invitation-only club called "Executive Branch" opened in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., backed by Donald Trump Jr. and megadonor Omeed Malik. The club, which costs over half a million dollars to join, aims to facilitate private discussions between top business executives and Trump advisors and cabinet members. The club reportedly already has a waiting list.
• Trump family launches "Executive Branch" club for elite access — A new invitation-only club called "Executive Branch" has opened in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., backed by Donald Trump Jr. and megadonor Omeed Malik. The club, which costs over half a million dollars to join, is designed for top business executives to engage privately with Trump advisors and cabinet members. The club reportedly already has a waiting list, indicating significant interest among wealthy individuals in accessing political power.
• — Donald Trump Jr., along with Trump donor Omeed Malik and others, has launched an exclusive club called the "Executive Branch," which requires a membership fee exceeding half a million dollars. The club is designed for business and tech leaders to foster relationships with the Trump administration, offering access to Trump advisers and cabinet members. This initiative raises concerns about monetizing access to government officials and the potential for influence peddling.

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• Senators request ethics inquiry into Trump's $TRUMP contest — Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren have requested an urgent inquiry by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics into President Trump's $TRUMP contest. They argue that the contest may violate federal ethics laws and constitutional prohibitions, including the federal bribery statute and emoluments clauses. The contest allows foreign actors to potentially buy influence with Trump without public disclosure of their identities, raising significant ethical and legal concerns.