Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order rescinding collective bargaining rights for federal workers — In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order invoking national security to rescind collective bargaining rights for approximately two-thirds of federal workers—over one million employees. The order stated Trump would not tolerate "mass obstruction" from unions. Six labor unions filed a lawsuit challenging the order as unlawful. Unions initially won a sweeping injunction, but a federal appeals court overturned it. The administration then stripped hundreds of thousands of federal workers of their union contracts in August. Court proceedings continue.

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• Trump administration executive order targeting states with late-ballot policies — A March executive order by President Trump sought to punish states that allow mail-in ballots to arrive after election day. At least three states have ended the practice in response. Lawsuits challenging this portion of the executive order remain ongoing.
• Trump issues executive order targeting mail-in ballot counting — President Trump issued an executive order in March directing the attorney general to "take all necessary action" against states that count mail-in ballots received after election day if postmarked by the deadline. The order prompted immediate legal challenges from the Brennan Center, ACLU, League of Women Voters, and other organizations seeking to block its implementation.
• Trump issues executive order imposing proof-of-citizenship and mail ballot restrictions — In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order seeking to impose proof-of-citizenship requirements on federal voter registration forms and to bar states from accepting mail ballots that arrive after Election Day, even if postmarked before. Courts blocked much of the order, but in August, Trump doubled down by pledging to "get rid of" mail voting altogether before the 2026 midterms. The threat has amplified right-wing suspicion of absentee ballots and emboldened state-level crackdowns.

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• Trump urged impeachment of Judge James Boasberg and attacked him as "radical left lunatic" — Trump in March 2025 urged the impeachment of DC federal judge James Boasberg and falsely branded him a "radical left lunatic" after Boasberg issued a ruling halting the deportation to El Salvador of scores of Venezuelan immigrants with alleged gang ties. The attack prompted Chief Justice John Roberts to issue hours-later criticism of political attacks on the judiciary and warnings against calls to impeach judges for their decisions.

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• Trump administration targeted San Jose State University before Title IX investigation completion — The DC news outlet NOTUS reported that the Trump administration targeted San Jose State University in March before a Title IX investigation into the school had been completed as part of an effort to ramp up punishments against universities.

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• SEC halts fraud prosecution of Chinese national — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has halted its fraud prosecution against Chinese crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun. Sun, who was charged in March 2023 with marketing unregistered securities and manipulating the crypto market, had recently invested $75 million in World Liberty Financial (WLF), a venture backed by Donald Trump. This investment resulted in a significant financial benefit for Trump. The SEC and Sun filed a joint request for a 60-day stay to explore a potential resolution, which was granted by a federal judge. This development raises questions about the SEC's enforcement actions and potential settlements.

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• SEC halts prosecution of Justin Sun — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) halted its prosecution of Justin Sun, a Chinese cryptocurrency entrepreneur charged with securities fraud, following his financial contributions to Trump, raising concerns about political influence on regulatory actions.
• SEC halts fraud prosecution of Chinese national — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has halted its fraud prosecution against Chinese crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun. Sun, who was charged in March 2023 with marketing unregistered securities and manipulating the crypto market, had recently invested $75 million in World Liberty Financial (WLF), a venture backed by Donald Trump. This investment resulted in a significant financial benefit for Trump. The SEC and Sun filed a joint request for a 60-day stay to explore a potential resolution, which was granted by a federal judge. This development raises questions about the SEC's enforcement actions and potential settlements.

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• Trump administration awards $1 billion, 15-year contract to Geo Group for Delaney Hall ICE detention — The Trump administration in February awarded a $1 billion, 15-year contract to private prison company Geo Group to operate the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in New Jersey. The facility, recently reopened, has a capacity of 1,000 detainees and is part of the administration's expansion of detention infrastructure to support mass deportation operations. The contract was awarded despite ongoing legal challenges to the facility's operation and a 2021 New Jersey state law barring immigration detention.

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• Attorney General Bondi releases first phase of declassified Epstein files — Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in conjunction with the FBI, declassified and publicly released approximately 200 pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls. The release includes evidence lists, flight logs, contact books, and masseuse lists. Bondi stated the files shed light on Epstein's network and provide accountability. The Attorney General has requested the FBI deliver thousands of additional pages of previously undisclosed documents by February 28 and tasked FBI Director Kash Patel with investigating why the initial request was not fully complied with.
• Pam Bondi demands full Epstein files from FBI — Attorney General Pam Bondi has demanded the FBI provide the complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a release of partial documents. Bondi's request highlights ongoing scrutiny and demands for transparency regarding Epstein's connections and activities.
• House Judiciary Committee posts misleading link — The House Judiciary Committee's social media account posted a misleading link purporting to provide access to the Epstein files, which instead directed users to a music video. The incident raises concerns about transparency and the use of official channels for misinformation.
• Attorney General Bondi accused FBI of withholding Epstein investigation files — On February 27, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi released a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel accusing the FBI of "inappropriately withholding thousands of pages of files" related to the Epstein investigation from the DOJ. She demanded the FBI turn over the material by 8 a.m. the following day. This accusation was made after Bondi had stated on Fox News that Trump had directed her to review Epstein's client list for potential release, setting public expectations for disclosure that would later not be met.
• Trump administration delays release of Epstein files after initially promising disclosure to QAnon-aligned influencers — In February 2025, the Trump White House invited 15 right-wing influencers, including QAnon promoters, to meet with Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Vice President JD Vance. They were given binders labeled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1," signaling more releases would follow. Bondi stated on Fox News that Trump had directed her to review Epstein's client list for release. However, months passed without further disclosure. On July 6, the DOJ released an unsigned memo contradicting Bondi's claims, stating there was no "incriminating client list" and no evidence of blackmail. The delay sparked backlash from Trump's MAGA base, including QAnon adherents who believed Trump was covering up evidence.

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• Chris Kluwe Arrested at Huntington Beach City Council Meeting — Former NFL player Chris Kluwe was arrested at a city council meeting in Huntington Beach, California, after making a speech against the Maga movement, which he likened to Nazism. Kluwe approached the councilmembers after his speech, leading to his arrest for disrupting an assembly. The arrest followed the council's approval of a plaque with an acrostic of "Maga" for the city library's 50th anniversary. Kluwe was held for two and a half hours before being charged with a misdemeanor. He now faces a court date in April, with potential involvement from the ACLU.

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• New Orleans police declined barrier inspection offer — Following a deadly truck attack on New Orleans's Bourbon Street, local police cited a malfunctioning hydraulic barrier as a reason for leaving it down. The barrier's manufacturer, Delta Scientific, offered a free inspection and maintenance, which the city did not accept. The attack, carried out by an Islamic State sympathizer, resulted in 14 deaths and nearly 60 injuries. Despite a conversation between Delta Scientific and the police, no inspection occurred. The incident has raised questions about the city's security measures and response to the manufacturer's offer.

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• Supreme Court issues administrative stay on USAid payment — The U.S. Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, issued an administrative stay that temporarily overturns a lower court's decision requiring the Trump administration to release $1.5 billion in funds for work completed on behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAid). This stay removes a deadline set by federal judge Amir Ali, who had ordered the administration to continue funding USAid contractors and non-profit organizations. The funds have been frozen since the start of Trump's second term due to an executive order halting U.S. spending abroad.
• Stay of District Court Orders in AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition Case — The Supreme Court, through Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., issued a stay on the orders of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in the cases numbered 1:25-cv-00400 and 1:25-cv-00402. This stay is pending further order from the Chief Justice or the Court. The order also requires any response to the application to be filed by February 28, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST.
• Motion granted — AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition v. United States Department of State (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00400 — The Government filed an application with the U.S. Supreme Court (while the decision before the D.C. Circuit was still pending) to vacate the district court's TRO and grant an immediate administrative stay. That evening, Chief Justice Roberts granted an administrative stay and ordered a response by the plaintiffs by Feb. 28 at 12:p.m. EST.
• Motion granted — Global Health Council v. Trump (D.D.C.) ​​1:25-cv-00402 — The Government filed an application with the U.S. Supreme Court (while the decision before the D.C. Circuit was still pending) to vacate the district court's TRO and grant an immediate administrative stay. That evening, Chief Justice Roberts granted an administrative stay and ordered a response by Plaintiffs by Feb. 28 at 12:p.m. EST.

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• DOJ dismisses four Biden-era civil rights lawsuits against police and fire departments — Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Department of Justice dismissed four lawsuits filed under the Biden administration against police and fire departments in Durham (North Carolina), Maryland State Police, Cobb County (Georgia), and South Bend (Indiana). The Biden DOJ had alleged discrimination in hiring practices involving written exams, physical exams, and credit checks. The Trump administration characterizes the dismissals as ending "discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives" and prioritizing "merit" over "race-based" hiring standards.
• DOJ ordered to dismiss DEI lawsuits — Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered the DOJ's Civil Rights Division to dismiss DEI lawsuits that accused police and fire departments of using discriminatory hiring tests. This order raises concerns about the enforcement of civil rights laws.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order expanding power of Musk's Doge agency — On February 26, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order to expand the power of Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge). The order mandates a centralized system for recording and justifying federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans, with oversight by Musk's team. It excludes law enforcement, military, immigration, and national security activities. The order is part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce, with plans for significant downsizing in various agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Executive Order on Government Efficiency Initiative — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 26, 2025, to implement the "Department of Government Efficiency" Cost Efficiency Initiative. This order mandates federal agencies to establish systems for recording and justifying payments under federal contracts and grants, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. It requires agency heads to review and potentially terminate or modify existing contracts to reduce federal spending. The order also includes provisions for reviewing contracting policies and freezing credit card use, with certain exceptions for critical services. The initiative seeks to streamline government spending and improve efficiency.
• White House issued executive order directing federal agencies to implement cost-efficiency measures through centralized contract and grant justification systems, travel restrictions, and real property reviews. — The White House issued an executive order on February 26, 2025, titled "Implementing the President's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Cost Efficiency Initiative." The order directs all federal agencies (excluding law enforcement, military, immigration enforcement, and intelligence community) to establish centralized technological systems recording every contract and grant payment with written justifications; review and potentially terminate or modify existing contracts and grants within 30 days; freeze employee credit cards for 30 days except for disaster relief and critical services; restrict non-essential travel; and conduct comprehensive reviews of contracting policies and real property holdings. Agency heads must consult with DOGE Team Leads and report monthly to the DOGE Administrator.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on government contracting efficiency — The White House published a fact sheet on February 26, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump implementing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. The fact sheet states the order directs agencies to review all contracts and grants for waste, fraud, and abuse; requires government payments and travel expenses to be justified and made publicly available where possible; and instructs the General Services Administration to submit a plan for disposing of unnecessary real property. The fact sheet claims the federal government spent approximately $759 billion on contracts in fiscal year 2023 with "minimal safeguards."
• Trump signed executive order expanding Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" — On February 26, 2025, Trump signed an executive order expanding the power of Elon Musk's so-called "department of government efficiency." The order calls for a "transformation" in federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans by requiring a centralized payment system monitored by Musk's team. The order states "This order commences a transformation in Federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans to ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public."
• Executive order on government spending signed — President Trump signed an executive order that places the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in charge of reviewing all payments from the U.S. government. This order centralizes spending oversight under DOGE, which is led by Amy Gleason, and aims to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.
• — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14222, initiating the "Department of Government Efficiency" Cost Efficiency Initiative. This order mandates federal agencies to implement systems for recording and justifying payments, reviewing contracts and grants, and managing real property to enhance transparency and accountability in government spending.

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• US Supreme Court orders new trial for Richard Glossip — The US Supreme Court has overturned the murder conviction and death penalty of Richard Glossip, an Oklahoma death row inmate, citing constitutional violations due to prosecutors' failure to disclose evidence that could have supported his defense. The decision mandates a new trial for Glossip, who has consistently claimed innocence in the 1997 murder-for-hire case of Barry Van Treese. The ruling reflects a rare intervention by the Supreme Court in a death penalty case, with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting. The Oklahoma County District Attorney has indicated that the death penalty will not be pursued in the new trial.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Glossip v. Oklahoma (22-7466) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Glossip v. Oklahoma. Docket number(s): 22-7466.

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• White House issues release attacking sanctuary city policies and Democratic officials over immigration enforcement — The White House published a release titled "Sick Politicians Want Killers, Rapists Roaming Our Streets" characterizing sanctuary city policies as shielding violent criminal immigrants. The release lists specific ICE arrests in Saint Paul, Chicago, Washington State, Los Angeles, and New York City, naming Democratic officials (including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Chicago Representatives Delia Ramirez, Chuy García, and Mike Quigley, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) and quoting their statements opposing immigration enforcement cooperation. The release frames these officials' positions as enabling violent crime.

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• Elon Musk uses X platform to urge impeachment of judges — Elon Musk, using his social media platform X where he has over 200 million followers, has repeatedly urged the impeachment of judges whose rulings he dislikes. On February 25, Musk stated: "The only way to restore rule of the people in America is to impeach judges." These posts target judges who have blocked or delayed Trump administration actions and Musk's "department of government efficiency" initiatives.

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• White House issued memorandum suspending security clearances for Covington & Burling LLP members and directing contract review — The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing the Attorney General and heads of executive agencies to immediately suspend active security clearances held by Peter Koski and all members, partners, and employees of Covington & Burling LLP who assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith, pending review of their roles in what the memorandum characterizes as "weaponization of the judicial process." The memorandum also directs agencies to terminate engagements with the firm to the maximum extent permitted by law and instructs the Office of Management and Budget to direct all agencies to review government contracts with the firm.
• White House issues fact sheet on suspension of security clearances for Covington & Burling LLP employees — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed a memorandum suspending security clearances for employees of Covington & Burling LLP, including Peter Koski, who assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith. The fact sheet states the administration will review and terminate federal contracts with the firm and evaluate all existing contracts to align with administration priorities. The document characterizes the firm's provision of legal services to Smith as "weaponization of government."

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• ICE deports Venezuelan teenager to El Salvador despite agents reportedly knowing he was not the intended target — Merwil Gutiérrez, 19, a Venezuelan asylum seeker living in the Bronx, was detained by ICE on 24 February alongside 237 other Venezuelans and subsequently deported to El Salvador's Cecot prison. According to his father, ICE agents stated at the time of arrest that Gutiérrez was not the person they intended to apprehend. Gutiérrez has no criminal record, gang ties, or connection to El Salvador. The deportation occurred under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as part of the Trump administration's broader removal campaign.

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• NIH reimposes DEI funding freeze despite court order — The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has continued to freeze funding for grants related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, despite a federal court's temporary restraining order (TRO) prohibiting such actions. Internal NIH memos reveal that the freeze applies to new and continuation awards from February 14, 2025, onward. This action contravenes the court's order and affects critical research funding. The NIH's actions follow a Trump administration directive to pause federal financial assistance related to DEI, which was challenged and temporarily halted by the court.
• Trump administration blocks new NIH grant notices — The Trump administration has halted the issuance of new NIH grants by preventing the publication of necessary notices in the Federal Register. This action has stalled approximately 16,000 grant applications, affecting around $1.5 billion in funding. The blockade has led to the postponement of grant review meetings, impacting researchers and potentially delaying critical scientific advancements. The administration has not provided an explanation for this policy or indicated when it might be lifted, raising concerns about compliance with a federal court's TRO against funding freezes.

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• Judge blocks Musk agency access to personal data — U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman issued a temporary restraining order preventing Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) from accessing sensitive personal information of millions of Americans. The ruling stops the Department of Education and the Office of Personnel Management from sharing federal employees' and student borrowers' data with Doge, citing potential violations of federal privacy laws. This decision follows a lawsuit by federal employee unions, student loan recipients, and veterans, and represents a significant judicial check on Doge's activities since its establishment by a January executive order.
• Federal court issues injunction against DOGE — On February 24, 2025, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), preventing it from disclosing personally identifiable information of federal employees to the DOGE team. This decision followed a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions, which cited a report by Popular Information and Musk Watch. The court found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in their claim that OPM's actions violated the Privacy Act. The TRO is set to expire on March 10, 2025, pending further court determination.
• Judge blocks data sharing with Musk's department — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Department of Education and Office of Personnel Management from sharing sensitive data with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. This decision addresses concerns about data privacy and security.
• Federal judge blocks Doge from accessing personal data — A federal judge temporarily blocked Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) from accessing sensitive personal information of millions of Americans. This decision challenges the Trump administration's efforts to downsize the federal government by limiting Doge's access to data maintained by the US education department and the US office of personnel management.

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• Federal court issues injunction against DOGE — On February 24, 2025, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), preventing it from disclosing personally identifiable information of federal employees to the DOGE team. This decision followed a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions, which cited a report by Popular Information and Musk Watch. The court found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in their claim that OPM's actions violated the Privacy Act. The TRO is set to expire on March 10, 2025, pending further court determination.

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• Federal employee unions amend lawsuit against DOGE — Federal employee unions have amended their lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to include recent actions by Elon Musk. The lawsuit claims that Musk's directive for federal employees to report their weekly accomplishments violates the Administrative Procedure Act, as no notice was published regarding this requirement. The unions argue that the directive lacks procedural compliance and is part of a broader pattern of mass firings.
• Lawsuit amended against Musk's employment directive — A federal lawsuit was amended to argue that Elon Musk violated the law with his demand that federal employees submit an email about their accomplishments or risk being fired. This legal challenge addresses concerns about employment practices and worker rights.

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• Arrest warrant issued for Rep. Cory Mills — An arrest warrant for Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) was issued by DC police and sent to the US Attorney’s Office. The warrant is related to a domestic violence incident involving a 27-year-old woman who is not Mills' wife. The police report details that Mills allegedly grabbed, shoved, and pushed the woman, resulting in visible bruises. Mills reportedly admitted to police that the situation escalated from verbal to physical violence.

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• Trump administration halts NIH funding process — The Trump administration has blocked the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from submitting study sections to the Federal Register, a necessary step for funding medical research. This action likely violates a federal judge's temporary restraining order against federal funding freezes. The NIH's inability to proceed with study sections effectively halts the extramural research program, impacting research on diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The move has been criticized as a violation of court orders and a disruption to scientific progress.

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• Trump expected to name Kash Patel as head of ATF — Former President Trump is expected to appoint FBI Director Kash Patel as the head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), a move likely to please the National Rifle Association (NRA).
• Dan Bongino named deputy director of FBI — President Trump appointed Dan Bongino, a known election denier and conspiracy theorist, as the deputy director of the FBI. This appointment raises concerns about the politicization of federal law enforcement agencies.
• Trump appoints Kash Patel as FBI director — The Trump administration has appointed Kash Patel, a known supporter of far-right ideologies and conspiracy theories, as the director of the FBI. This move has raised concerns among experts who fear that federal law enforcement may deprioritize the threat from far-right extremist groups like the Base, a neo-Nazi organization. The appointment is seen as part of a broader policy shift away from policing far-right extremism, potentially exposing Americans to increased domestic terror threats.
• Trump appoints Dan Bongino as FBI deputy director — President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Dan Bongino, a far-right podcaster with no prior experience in the FBI, as the new deputy director of the agency. Bongino is known for his conservative commentary and support of Trump's false claims regarding the 2020 presidential election. This appointment has raised concerns about the future direction of the FBI under Bongino's leadership.
• Kash Patel appointed as FBI director — Kash Patel has been officially appointed as the new FBI director, with Dan Bongino as his deputy. Patel has signaled a lack of interest in pursuing investigations into far-right extremism, including groups connected to the January 6 Capitol attacks. Instead, he has indicated a focus on Black Lives Matter, antifascist activists, and media figures. Patel's leadership marks a shift in FBI priorities, potentially reducing scrutiny on far-right groups and impacting domestic terrorism investigations.