Trump Action Archive

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• Senate Republicans rebuke Trump over White House ballroom project and political weaponization compensation fund — Senate Republicans issued a rare rebuke of Trump over his lavish White House ballroom project and a controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund for allies claiming to be victims of "political weaponisation." The rebuke signals fracturing Republican unity on Trump's spending priorities and use of public funds for partisan purposes.

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• Federal judge dismisses criminal indictment against Kilmar Ábrego García, finding presumptive vindictiveness — US District Judge Waverly David Crenshaw Jr. dismissed a criminal indictment against Kilmar Ábrego García on May 23, 2026, finding that the Trump administration would not have prosecuted him had he not challenged his deportation to El Salvador. The judge determined there was sufficient evidence of "presumptive vindictiveness" based on the timing of the indictment, statements by acting attorney general Todd Blanche, and sustained DOJ oversight. Ábrego had been deported to a Salvadoran anti-terrorism prison in March 2025 despite a prior court order, then brought back to the US only after being charged with human smuggling related to a 2022 traffic stop.

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• Kevin Hassett claims Iran war has not hurt the economy — White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett appeared on television claiming that Trump's Iran war has not hurt the economy at all. When presented with consumer sentiment data that has cratered to its lowest levels ever, Hassett suggested that consumer sentiment should no longer be called "consumer sentiment" but rather "political sentiment," characterizing it as a "political variable" rather than an economic indicator. He argued that when Americans report feeling terrible about the economy, they are expressing partisanship rather than genuine economic concern.

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• DOJ Removes Jan. 6 Press Releases from Website — Trump's Justice Department admitted to scrubbing press releases from its government website concerning criminal cases related to the Jan. 6 insurrection, including cases involving individuals sentenced to multiple years in prison for assaulting police officers. The DOJ Rapid Response account characterized the removal as an effort to strip the website of "partisan propaganda," marking an effort to erase official records of prosecutions tied to the Capitol attack.

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• White House spokesperson tells Pompeo to "shut his stupid mouth" — Steven Cheung, Trump White House spokesperson, responded to Pompeo's criticism by telling him to "shut his stupid mouth" and leave the work to professionals, using profanity in an official statement. Trump surrogate Alex Brusewitz similarly told Cruz to stop undermining the President.
• White House Communications Director attacks former Secretary of State Pompeo in official statement — White House Communications Director Steve Cheung issued an official statement attacking former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's criticism of the Iran deal negotiations, using profanity and dismissive language. Cheung stated Pompeo "has no idea what the fuck he's talking about" and should "shut his stupid mouth," characterizing Pompeo as uninformed about ongoing negotiations.

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• Trump administration announces Iran memorandum, then reverses course after backlash from Netanyahu and Republican allies — The Trump administration announced a proposed memorandum with Iran involving release of $25 billion in frozen assets, lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, and deferral of nuclear negotiations. Iran's state media contradicted Trump's characterization, stating passage through the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian control and management. Netanyahu called Trump directly; Republican figures including Pompeo, Cruz, Graham, and Wicker publicly criticized the terms. Trump subsequently told ABC he "can't talk about the deal" and that the blockade remains in full force pending certification and signing.
• Trump administration negotiated Iran agreement — Trump announced via social media that an agreement with Iran had been "largely negotiated" following calls with leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The deal reportedly included unfreezing Iranian funds, lifting the U.S. blockade, withdrawing U.S. forces, reopening the Strait of Hormuz with Iranian tolls, and allowing Iran to retain enriched uranium. Iran's state media immediately disputed Trump's claims, noting that American officials had told Iran that Trump's tweets are "primarily for promotional purposes" and should not be taken seriously.
• Trump Claims Progress on Iran Deal Amidst Controversy — President Trump announced via social media that a largely negotiated agreement with Iran is in the final stages, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and unfreezing Iranian funds. However, Iranian state media refuted Trump's claims, stating that they are primarily for U.S. media consumption. The deal has drawn criticism from Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who warned it could undermine U.S. military efforts in the region.

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• Trump exploits White House shooting to promote $1 billion ballroom project — Following a shooting incident near the White House involving a 21-year-old with documented mental health issues, Trump used the incident to push for his $1 billion taxpayer-funded gold ballroom project. Kevin Hassett appeared on television claiming the ballroom would not cost taxpayers anything because Trump and donors are covering it, but when pressed on the billion-dollar price tag, said that figure was only for "security," not the ballroom itself. Senator Ron Johnson said he "supports the national security component."

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• USCIS policy memo requiring green card applicants to return to home countries for processing — The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), under Department of Homeland Security oversight, issued a policy memo on Friday requiring foreign nationals seeking to adjust immigration status and obtain green cards to do so from outside the United States via the State Department, rather than through the existing "adjustment of status" process available to those already in the country. The policy affects over 1 million immigrants currently waiting on green cards and will likely force applicants—particularly in mixed-status families—to leave jobs, homes, and relationships for unknown periods. The change reverses a process unchanged for over 60 years.

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• Detainees at Delaney Hall ICE facility engage in hunger and labor strike over conditions; families report medical neglect and inhumane treatment — Immigrants detained at Delaney Hall, a private ICE jail in New Jersey run by Geo Group, launched a hunger and labor strike beginning May 22 to protest substandard conditions including medical neglect, expired food, and inadequate sanitation. Elder Guerra, a Guatemalan immigrant held for five months, suffered a serious head injury in mid-May and was placed in medical isolation without adequate recovery care. Families report distress over visitation restrictions and fear of retaliation. Congressional oversight visits confirmed detainees' claims. DHS and Geo Group deny allegations while detainees report ongoing threats and discrimination from staff.
• Hunger and labor strike at Delaney Hall enters third week with women joining — The hunger and labor strike at the GEO Group-run Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, which began May 22 with approximately 300 detainees, entered its third week in June with dozens of detained women joining. Strikers cited medical neglect, spoiled food, lack of sanitation, denial of bond, and coercion to sign deportation documents. Demands include firing a guard accused of sexually assaulting at least 10 detained women. ICE responded by transferring most original hunger strikers to other facilities.
• Hunger and labor strike by detainees at Delaney Hall enters ninth day — On May 22, approximately 300–400 detainees at Delaney Hall immigration detention center began a hunger and labor strike demanding improved conditions, medical care, a meeting with Governor Sherrill, and expedited processing of their immigration cases. The strike continued through the week of protests, with detainees refusing food and work. The strike prompted family visitation cancellations and sparked external protests in support of the detainees' demands.
• Delaney Hall detainees begin hunger strike over case processing delays — On May 22, 2026, approximately 300 detainees at Delaney Hall, the largest detention center in the Northeast, began a hunger strike demanding immediate release of young, elderly, and medically vulnerable detainees and protesting that immigration judges are ignoring their cases. Detainees cited violations of Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights and reported that judges are conducting mass deportations without proper case review, disregarding federal court habeas corpus rulings, and processing cases at an unsustainable rate—one judge handling 74 cases in a single day.

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• Sen. Thom Tillis responded to Trump's criticism — Sen. Thom Tillis responded to Trump's attack by listing specific policy disagreements, including Trump's advisors' proposals to compensate convicted felons who attacked police, push 50-year mortgages, transform publicly traded companies into state-owned enterprises, fire generals, and avoid holding Putin accountable for crimes in Ukraine. Tillis stated that opposing these policies makes him a "RINO" by Trump's definition and argued that "stupid stuff" is killing Republican chances in November.
• Trump attacked Sen. Thom Tillis over disagreements — Trump posted criticism of Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), calling him "weak and ineffective" and a "Nitpicker" for fighting against Republican Party positions and Trump personally. Trump stated he refused to endorse Tillis for another run due to "too much work and drama," after which Tillis immediately quit the race and announced his retirement. Trump characterized Tillis as screwing the Republican Party with "RINO friends."

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• Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel drops trespassing charges against Gaza protest student after media exposure — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel dismissed trespassing charges against Josiah Walker that stemmed from a May 2024 incident at a University of Michigan Gaza encampment raid. The lawsuit alleges the charges relied on a falsified trespassing report and that Nessel was encouraged to prosecute by U-M leadership with pro-Israel bias. Nessel also declined to file a resisting arrest charge after Walker was tackled and arrested at a September 2024 campus festival. The dismissal followed Guardian reporting exposing Nessel's connections to U-M leadership and defense attorney calls for a hearing into potential bias.
• University of Michigan student files federal lawsuit alleging surveillance, false prosecution, and constitutional violations tied to Gaza protest activities — Josiah Walker, a University of Michigan student and leader in Students Allied For Freedom and Equality, filed a federal lawsuit against the university and private investigators alleging a coordinated campaign of undercover surveillance, falsified police reports, illegal stalking, assault, property seizure, and malicious prosecution in 2024–2025. The suit claims the university hired dozens of undercover investigators to surveil pro-Palestinian students, that police manipulated documents to obtain warrants for email and Google Drive access, and that Walker was falsely arrested and imprisoned on trespassing charges. Walker alleges violations of First Amendment free speech rights, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment privacy and due process protections, and seeks monetary and punitive damages.

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• Trump administration loosened federal refrigerant rules for HFCs — On Thursday, the Trump administration loosened federal refrigerant rules for grocery stores and air-conditioning companies, easing limits on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Trump presented the change at a White House event as a way to reduce grocery prices. Industry and environmental critics noted that HFCs are potent climate pollutants and that some U.S. companies had already invested in alternatives the rule was designed to encourage, making the rollback economically and environmentally counterproductive.
• White House issues fact sheet on EPA refrigerant rule revisions and compliance deadline extensions — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump terminated Biden-era refrigerant regulations through EPA revisions to the 2023 Technology Transitions Rule, extending compliance deadlines for hydrofluorocarbon use, and proposing corrections to the 2024 Emissions Reduction and Reclamation Rule to relax leak repair requirements. The fact sheet claims these actions will save Americans $2.4 billion total, preserve over 350,000 jobs, reduce food prices, and lower operating costs for supermarkets, air conditioning systems, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical supply transportation.
• Trump held an Oval Office press conference announcing a deregulation plan for grocery store refrigeration systems as an affordability measure while dismissing concerns about Senate Republican opposition to other administration priorities. — Trump held an Oval Office press conference to announce a plan to lower grocery prices through deregulation of refrigeration systems in grocery stores. When questioned about Senate Republican backlash to the weaponization fund and other priorities, Trump stated he did not know if he was losing control of the Senate and claimed he "only does what's right." The press conference reflected ongoing tension between the White House and GOP Senate leadership over fiscal and policy priorities.

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• Todd Blanche held a closed-door meeting with Republican Senate leadership to address concerns about a $1.8 billion DOJ "weaponization fund" designed to compensate Trump allies and January 6 defendants, resulting in significant GOP opposition and procedural delays. — White House Counsel Todd Blanche met with Senate Republicans for nearly two hours to defend a $1.8 billion DOJ fund intended to compensate individuals deemed victims of political "weaponization," including January 6 Capitol riot defendants and Trump associates. The meeting was reportedly hostile, with as many as 25 GOP senators speaking in opposition. Multiple Republican senators publicly criticized the fund as fiscally irresponsible, legally unprecedented, and damaging to party electoral prospects. The controversy delayed completion of the reconciliation bill, with Senate leadership announcing a recess until June. Senators proposed conditions including restrictions on who could receive payouts and oversight of fund administration.
• Republican senators meet with acting attorney general over slush fund — Republican senators held a nearly two-hour meeting with acting attorney general Todd Blanche to express opposition to the slush fund and immunity agreement. Senators reported the meeting was "incredibly hostile." Republicans stated they had received no advance warning, questioned the legal basis for the fund, objected to Blanche's explanations of payment mechanisms, and declared they wanted no involvement. As many as 25 Republican senators spoke against the fund and proposed limits on it.
• Multiple Republican senators publicly opposed the $1.8 billion DOJ weaponization fund, with Sen. Thom Tillis warning the fund could damage GOP electoral prospects and Sen. Mitch McConnell calling it "morally wrong." — Republican senators including Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and John Curtis publicly criticized the $1.8 billion DOJ fund. Tillis warned that White House indifference to electoral consequences was "stupid" and would harm the president. McConnell called the fund "utterly stupid, morally wrong." Cassidy noted Americans prioritize basic needs over funding for presidential allies. Collins stated she opposed reimbursing individuals convicted of violence against police on January 6. Murkowski described the fund as a disruption to planned reconciliation efforts. Paul called the arrangement "unprecedented." Curtis expressed dissatisfaction with Blanche's explanations. One GOP senator texted that "our majority is melting down before our eyes."
• Senate Republicans Oppose Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund — Senate Republicans are in open revolt against President Trump's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, leading to the collapse of their own reconciliation bill. The fund, perceived as a slush fund, has caused significant division within the party, prompting Senate Majority Leader John Thune to send senators home until June. This internal conflict highlights the challenges facing the Republican Party in maintaining unity.
• Todd Blanche met with Republican senators over $1.8 billion criminal slush fund — Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Republican senators to discuss Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. Sen. Ted Cruz described the meeting as having "fireworks at an epic level" and "one of the roughest meetings" he had seen in the Senate, with senators "screaming at the AG." The fund has been the subject of intense criticism from GOP senators over its purpose and implementation.

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• Senate Democrats block White House ballroom funding in reconciliation bill — Democrats blocked a Republican attempt to insert $1 billion in funding for security measures related to a ballroom Trump intends to build on the site of the former East Wing of the White House. Democrats noted that Republicans failed to provide required instructions to relevant committees. The Senate parliamentarian agreed the request could not be included in a budget reconciliation measure, and Senate Republicans removed the item.
• US Senate blocks ICE funding bill over Trump ballroom and slush fund provisions — Senate Republicans abandoned a $70bn immigration and border patrol funding bill ahead of a 1 June deadline after backlash over attempts to attach $1bn in White House ballroom security funding and a $1.776bn "anti-weaponization" slush fund tied to a Trump lawsuit settlement. Democrats pledged to force public votes on the ballroom provision. Trump claimed the ballroom was a national security measure and warned the White House would be insecure without the funds.

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• House GOP cancels War Powers Resolution vote on Iran — House Republican leaders abruptly canceled a vote on an Iran War Powers Resolution that was likely to pass due to absences of Republican members and others who signaled support for the measure. The cancellation came after the Senate advanced a similar resolution earlier in the week to limit Trump's military action against Iran without congressional approval.
• House Republican leaders delayed Iran war-powers vote past Memorial Day recess — House Republican leaders delayed a vote on the Iran war-powers resolution into June, after appearing to lack the votes to defeat it. The measure's sponsor, Rep. Gregory Meeks, stated he believed it would have passed. A similar House resolution had fallen on a tie vote the week before. The delay postpones a constitutional confrontation over congressional war-declaration authority.
• House Republicans cancel scheduled war powers resolution vote on Iran conflict — House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled a scheduled Thursday vote on a war powers resolution that would have required President Trump to end the US war with Iran. The measure likely would have passed with bipartisan support. Democrats criticized the cancellation as cowardly avoidance of political embarrassment for Trump. The vote has been postponed until June. Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick stated the resolution would pass when brought to a vote again.
• House Republicans adjourned without voting on War Powers resolution — Rep. Johnny Olszewski (D-MD) reported that House Republicans did not have the votes to continue the war and decided to adjourn for the holiday instead of stopping the war. While the war continues, American taxpayers are paying tens of billions of dollars, service members are being lost, and gas prices are rising. The House closed up shop without addressing the War Powers resolution.

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• Trump delays military assault on Iran at request of Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari leaders — Trump stated that the U.S. military was ready to launch a "full, large scale assault" on Iran on short notice but delayed the attack at the request of leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The article notes that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law involved in Iran negotiations, receives tens of millions of dollars annually from a Saudi investment fund controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest influencing Trump's conduct of the war.

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• DOJ Counsel Todd Blanche announced that the Trump administration has granted the president and his family permanent immunity from IRS-related legal claims, shielding Trump from a potentially $100 million tax liability. — Todd Blanche announced a DOJ settlement that permanently bars the government from pursuing IRS-related claims against Trump, his family, or his businesses. The settlement shields the president from a potentially damaging ruling that could have cost him more than $100 million. The underlying dispute centered on a nearly $73 million tax refund Trump claimed around 2010, based on business losses. The IRS had contended that Trump improperly claimed the same losses twice for his Chicago skyscraper, where he reported losses up to $651 million. Eric Trump previously stated the audit remained active in 2024. Blanche characterized the settlement as routine IRS practice, though critics noted the unprecedented nature of granting a sitting president immunity from tax liability.
• Multiple January 6 defendants and Trump associates announced plans to apply for compensation from the $1.8 billion DOJ weaponization fund, with requests ranging from $2 million to $400 million. — Following announcement of the $1.8 billion DOJ fund for individuals deemed victims of political "weaponization," multiple January 6 defendants and Trump associates announced plans to apply for compensation. Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy, stated he planned to apply for $2-5 million. Attorney Peter Ticktin, representing over 400 January 6 defendants, indicated $1.8 billion would be insufficient given defendants' claimed losses. Mike Lindell announced plans to claim $400 million for alleged brand and MyPillow losses. Michael Cohen stated he drafted a letter applying for compensation. Other January 6 participants announced claims ranging from $30 million to unspecified amounts. The applications highlight the fund's unprecedented nature and the scale of claimed damages.
• Todd Blanche held a closed-door meeting with Republican Senate leadership to address concerns about a $1.8 billion DOJ "weaponization fund" designed to compensate Trump allies and January 6 defendants, resulting in significant GOP opposition and procedural delays. — White House Counsel Todd Blanche met with Senate Republicans for nearly two hours to defend a $1.8 billion DOJ fund intended to compensate individuals deemed victims of political "weaponization," including January 6 Capitol riot defendants and Trump associates. The meeting was reportedly hostile, with as many as 25 GOP senators speaking in opposition. Multiple Republican senators publicly criticized the fund as fiscally irresponsible, legally unprecedented, and damaging to party electoral prospects. The controversy delayed completion of the reconciliation bill, with Senate leadership announcing a recess until June. Senators proposed conditions including restrictions on who could receive payouts and oversight of fund administration.
• Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly refused to attend an emergency Oval Office meeting with Trump regarding the weaponization fund controversy, marking a potential first instance of Johnson declining a direct presidential summons. — Trump called Speaker Mike Johnson to an emergency Oval Office meeting to discuss the weaponization fund controversy. According to four aides familiar with the meeting, Johnson refused to attend, potentially marking the first time the Speaker has declined a direct presidential request. A Johnson aide subsequently denied the report. The incident reflects tension between the White House and House leadership over the fund's political viability and fiscal impact.
• Todd Blanche met with Republican senators over $1.8 billion criminal slush fund — Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Republican senators to discuss Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. Sen. Ted Cruz described the meeting as having "fireworks at an epic level" and "one of the roughest meetings" he had seen in the Senate, with senators "screaming at the AG." The fund has been the subject of intense criticism from GOP senators over its purpose and implementation.
• Marjorie Taylor Greene predicted Trump will cancel 2028 election — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared on Alex Jones's podcast and predicted that Trump will cancel the 2028 election, referencing comments Trump made to Zelensky about suspending elections during wartime. Greene expressed concern that Trump's repeated statements about staying in power after 2028 are designed to normalize the idea and test public reaction. She stated that canceling elections during wartime would be unconstitutional and unacceptable.
• Trump announced $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund — Trump posted that he established a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to help those "badly abused" by the Biden administration. Trump claimed he gave up significant money by allowing the fund to go forward, stating he could have settled his own cases for "an absolute fortune" but chose instead to help others receive "justice."

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• Trump dismisses economic impact of Iran War as "peanuts" despite $43.6 billion in additional fuel costs — President Trump stated that high gas prices caused by the Iran War amount to "peanuts" and said he does not consider Americans' financial situations when negotiating with Iran. According to The Iran War Energy Cost Tracker at Brown University, the conflict has caused Americans to spend an additional $43.6 billion on fuel costs, with the average U.S. household paying an extra $331 in combined gasoline and diesel expenses. Trump doubled down on earlier comments dismissing the economic burden, saying it was worth paying "a little more" for gasoline to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
• Trump minimized Iran War fuel-cost impact despite $43.6 billion in household expenses — President Trump compared high gas prices caused by the Iran War to "peanuts," downplaying their economic impact. However, according to Brown University's Iran War Energy Cost Tracker, Americans have spent an extra $43.6 billion on fuel costs due to the Iran War, with each U.S. household paying over $330 in additional costs across gasoline and diesel.
• Trump delays military assault on Iran at request of Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari leaders — Trump stated that the U.S. military was ready to launch a "full, large scale assault" on Iran on short notice but delayed the attack at the request of leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The article notes that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law involved in Iran negotiations, receives tens of millions of dollars annually from a Saudi investment fund controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest influencing Trump's conduct of the war.

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• Trump promotes unregulated online casino after $1 million Super PAC donation from Stake co-owner — Trump repeatedly promoted Stake, an unregulated online casino operating illegally according to state gambling regulators, on Truth Social on April 9, May 8, and twice on May 20, 2026, featuring AI-generated images of himself, UFC CEO Dana White, and the Stake logo. The promotion occurred shortly after Bijan Tehrani, Stake's co-owner and a named defendant in a California lawsuit alleging illegal gambling operations, donated $1 million to MAGA Inc. on April 27, 2026. Stake.us faces more than a dozen lawsuits and is blocked in at least 17 states.
• Trump promotes unregulated online casino on Truth Social following $1 million super PAC donation — President Trump repeatedly promoted Stake, an unregulated online casino that state gambling regulators say is operating illegally, on Truth Social in posts on April 9, May 8, and twice on May 20. According to Federal Election Commission filings, Stake co-owner and co-founder Bijan Tehrani donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., Trump's primary super PAC, on April 27—between Trump's promotional posts. The timing and pattern suggest a quid pro quo arrangement.
• Reynolds American donated $5 million to Trump super PAC before favorable vape policy — Tobacco company Reynolds American donated $5 million to Trump's super PAC one week before the Trump administration introduced a new policy allowing Reynolds American and other companies to sell flavored vapes. The timing suggests a potential quid pro quo arrangement between a corporate donor and favorable regulatory treatment.

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• Judge dismisses Trump's IRS lawsuit — Judge Kathleen Williams dismissed Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, noting that the withdrawal of the case did not reference any settlement and that there was no legal basis for the claims. The judge emphasized the importance of transparency and the public's interest in government conduct, highlighting the lack of settlement documents submitted by the Department of Justice.
• Judge Kathleen Williams dismisses Trump's IRS lawsuit, finding no legal settlement — Judge Kathleen Williams issued an order dismissing Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, ruling that because Trump's withdrawal of the suit "does not reference any settlement or include a stipulation of settlement, there is no settlement of record." The judge noted that federal agencies represented by the DOJ neither submitted settlement documents nor filed documents ensuring settlement was appropriate where an outstanding question existed as to whether an actual case or controversy existed. The judge emphasized the public's strong interest in knowing about government conduct and fair administration of justice.

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• Representative Raskin introduces legislation to prohibit taxpayer-funded settlement slush funds — Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) introduced the "No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026" in the House, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to pay off anyone claiming to have faced "weaponization" of the law by the federal government, including January 6 rioters. Raskin stated Congress must reassert control over federal spending to prevent what he characterized as "brazen looting of taxpayer funds."
• Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) drafted bipartisan legislation to eliminate the $1.8 billion DOJ weaponization fund and signaled intent to use discharge petition procedures to bypass House leadership if necessary. — Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi drafted legislation to kill the $1.8 billion DOJ fund created to compensate Trump allies and January 6 defendants. Fitzpatrick sent questions to DOJ Counsel Todd Blanche seeking details about fund eligibility and administration. The representatives indicated they would pursue discharge petition procedures to bring the bill to a House floor vote, circumventing Speaker Mike Johnson's expected opposition. Fitzpatrick has previously used discharge petitions to pass bipartisan bills over GOP leadership objections. The effort reflects bipartisan concern about the fund's legality and fiscal impact.

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• Ketanji Brown Jackson issues public rebuke of Supreme Court over political appearance and erosion of public trust — Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson delivered a rare public criticism of the US Supreme Court at an American Law Institute conference, warning that the court "can and should be better" and risks losing public confidence due to decisions by its 6-3 conservative supermajority. She specifically cited the court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act and emergency orders allowing Trump policies to take effect, arguing the court must appear apolitical and "be very constrained" to maintain legitimacy. Jackson emphasized that "public confidence is really all the judiciary has."

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• Trump demands Senate replace parliamentarian with loyalist — Trump posted on his social media account demanding that Senate Republicans replace Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, appointed by President Obama, with a Trump loyalist. Trump criticized MacDonough as "brutal to Republicans" and claimed she had been unfair in her rulings. The demand followed the parliamentarian's ruling that blocked $1 billion in ballroom funding from a reconciliation bill.
• Trump demands Senate pass voting restriction and eliminate filibuster — Trump posted demands that the Senate pass the SAVE America Act, which would significantly restrict voting rights, and that the Senate eliminate the filibuster to enable passage with a simple majority. Trump threatened that if Republicans did not pass "at least one of these two provisions quickly," Republicans would "never see another Republican President again."

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• Federal judge bans ICE arrests at Manhattan immigration courts except in rare cases — US District Judge P Kevin Castel issued a 15-page order on Monday prohibiting ICE agents from arresting immigrants at three federal courthouses in lower Manhattan (26 Federal Plaza, 201 Varick Street, and 290 Broadway) except under exceptional circumstances or when public safety is threatened. The ruling responded to a lawsuit by the ACLU, New York Civil Liberties Union, Make the Road NY, and other groups. Castel found a strong governmental interest in immigration enforcement must be balanced against individuals' right to attend removal proceedings and pursue asylum claims without fear of arrest. The judge noted the Trump administration had recently reversed its position on whether 2025 policies applied to immigration courts, and he corrected what he called a "clear error" after prosecutors apologized for material misstatements to the court.

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• ICE officer Christian Castro charged with assault in shooting of Venezuelan man Julio Sosa-Celis — Christian Castro, a 52-year-old ICE officer, was charged with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty for shooting Venezuelan national Julio Sosa-Celis in the leg on January 14, 2026, during the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Video evidence contradicted federal claims that Sosa-Celis attacked agents with a shovel; he had dropped the weapon and was running inside when shot. Federal prosecutors had initially charged Sosa-Celis but dropped charges after evidence proved inconsistent with testimony.