Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia seeking $250 million in damages against the Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick over an article published April 17 alleging excessive drinking and unexplained absences during his tenure. Patel's legal team claimed the article was a "malicious hit piece" relying on anonymous sources and accused the magazine of acting with actual malice. The Atlantic and Fitzpatrick have stated they stand by the reporting and will vigorously defend the lawsuit.
• Kash Patel filed $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit in DC federal court against The Atlantic magazine over an article documenting multiple incidents of alleged intoxication while serving as FBI Director. The lawsuit challenges the article's use of anonymous sources and claims the publication engaged in a "deliberate and malicious smear." The article cited dozens of sources including current and former FBI officials, law-enforcement and intelligence agency staff, hospitality workers, members of Congress, and political operatives.
• FBI Director Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine. The Atlantic stated it stands by its reporting. The lawsuit represents a high-stakes legal action by a law enforcement leader against a news organization over published reporting.
• Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million defamation — FBI Director Kash Patel sued The Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick on Monday for defamation, seeking $250 million in damages over a story published Friday alleging Patel engaged in excessive drinking, unexplained absences, and conduct that alarmed colleagues. The Atlantic's story was based on interviews with more than two dozen sources including current and former FBI officials, intelligence agency staff, and members of Congress, all speaking anonymously. Patel's complaint claims the article is "replete with false and obviously fabricated allegations" published with "actual malice," but legal analysis suggests his case faces significant obstacles under defamation law for public figures.
• FBI Director Kash Patel filed $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — On April 21, Kash Patel sued The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick for $250 million for publishing "a sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece" full of "obviously fabricated allegations." The suit denies that Patel drinks to excess and claims this has never been a source of concern across government. The Atlantic stated it stands by its reporting and will vigorously defend against the lawsuit.
• — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic on April 21, 2026, in response to an article alleging he has alarmed colleagues with excessive drinking. Patel's complaint characterizes the article as "a sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece." According to Popular Information, the complaint itself actually confirms several key aspects of The Atlantic's reporting, suggesting the lawsuit may be a strategic effort to intimidate press coverage of the FBI Director.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed: National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Donald J. Trump — The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, United Academics of Maryland–University of Maryland College Park, the National Association of Minority Contractors, and its DMV chapter filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland challenging Executive Order 14398, issued March 26, 2026. The order mandates a "Diversity Ban" clause in all federal contracts by April 25, 2026, prohibiting "racially discriminatory DEI activities" and requiring contractor certification and reporting under the False Claims Act. Plaintiffs allege the order violates the First Amendment as unconstitutionally overbroad, discriminates on the basis of content, and imposes an unconstitutional condition on federal funding. They seek declaratory judgment, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, and rescission of implementing directives.

Supporting reports

• Petition for review filed — Healthy Gulf v. U.S. Department of the Interior (11th Cir.) — A coalition of environmental groups filed a petition for review in the Eleventh Circuit challenging the Department of Interior and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's approval of BP's Kaskida Project, an ultra-deepwater oil drilling operation in the Gulf of Mexico. The petitioners contend that BP's proposal lacks legally required information, contains significant flaws, and underestimates worst-case oil spill volume by at least half a million barrels.
• Environmental groups file lawsuit challenging Kaskida project approval — A coalition of five environmental groups, including Earthjustice and the Center for Biological Diversity, filed a lawsuit on April 21, 2026 (the 16th anniversary of Deepwater Horizon) seeking to reverse the Trump administration's approval of BP's Kaskida project. The lawsuit alleges BP failed to provide legally required information, cannot demonstrate safe drilling at extreme depths, and lacks adequate containment capabilities to prevent catastrophic spills that could devastate Gulf wildlife including the endangered Rice's whale, sea turtles, and coastal ecosystems.

Supporting reports

• Joe DiGenova sworn in to lead "Russia hoax investigation" — On April 20, 2026, Joe DiGenova, an 81-year-old former Trump election lawyer and conspiracy theorist, was sworn in to oversee a multi-year "grand conspiracy" investigation against Trump's perceived enemies, including former CIA director John Brennan. DiGenova stated that Trump "personally asked" him to lead the investigation and publicly sketched a grand conspiracy narrative framing investigations into Trump as a coordinated plot to deny him civil rights.

Supporting reports

• Major news outlets omit Kushner conflict of interest from 97% of Iran diplomacy coverage — Analysis by Popular Information found that of 202 articles published by major news outlets (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times) covering Kushner's diplomatic role in Iran negotiations from February 28 to April 19, 2026, only six mentioned his financial conflict of interest with Saudi Arabia. This represents 97% of coverage omitting the conflict. Five of the six articles mentioning the conflict appeared in the New York Times; one appeared in Foreign Policy and was republished by the Washington Post. The Wall Street Journal, AP, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, and Los Angeles Times collectively published dozens of articles on Kushner's diplomatic role without mentioning the conflict.
• Media coverage analysis reveals 97% of outlets omitted Kushner's Saudi financial conflicts during Iran negotiations — A Popular Information analysis of media coverage from February 28 to April 19, 2026, found that 97% of coverage from major media outlets failed to mention Jared Kushner's multi-billion-dollar business relationship with the Saudi government while he represented the U.S. in Iran negotiations. Kushner's simultaneous diplomatic role and substantial financial interests in a key regional actor constitute a significant undisclosed conflict of interest that received minimal journalistic scrutiny.
• Jared Kushner's financial ties to Persian Gulf governments not widely reported — Major news outlets have not prominently reported that Jared Kushner, the administration's de facto Iran negotiator, has received billions of dollars from Persian Gulf governments. The lack of coverage represents a gap in media scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations.

Supporting reports

• President exempts Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-07, exempting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from Federal, State, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for one year (April 20, 2026–April 20, 2027). The exemption applies to operations subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Ass'n v. Meink. The determination invokes section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, citing paramount national interest. Certain statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317) remain applicable.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation essential to national defense, waiving procedural requirements. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-08, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains, mining, logistics, terminals, and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination cites a prior national energy emergency declaration and asserts that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-10 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act to declare grid infrastructure and supply chains (transformers, transmission lines, substations, power electronics, and related materials) essential to national defense. The determination finds that domestic production capacity is dangerously limited and foreign-dependent, posing a threat to defense readiness. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic manufacturing capability.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity as national defense priority. — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-11 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity essential to national defense. The determination, published April 23, 2026, finds that without federal action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand domestic petroleum capacity.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity as national defense priority — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-12 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints, permitting delays, and infrastructure bottlenecks. The President waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to prioritize large-scale energy infrastructure development, manufacturing, and deployment as essential to national defense. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-09, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, made pursuant to Executive Order 14156 (declaring a national energy emergency), finds that domestic capability cannot be met under existing market conditions due to financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• Trump invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal purchases and financial support for domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity constitute industrial resources essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The memorandum, issued pursuant to a January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand petroleum infrastructure, citing constrained financing, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations as barriers. The determination waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act regulations — President Trump signed a Presidential Determination on April 20, 2026, granting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada a one-year exemption from certain Clean Water Act regulations. The fact sheet states the exemption prioritizes national security and military readiness while claiming compliance with "toughest Federal standards." The determination removes what the administration characterizes as "unnecessary obstacles" to pilot training and operational effectiveness.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal action on large-scale energy infrastructure development and financing — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to a prior national energy emergency declaration (Executive Order 14156), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic energy infrastructure capability, citing financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers as obstacles. The memorandum waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that grid infrastructure and supply chains—including transformers, transmission lines, substations, and related equipment—are essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The determination, issued pursuant to the January 20, 2025 National Energy Emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic production capacity. The memorandum waives procedural requirements of Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) to expedite implementation.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity — President Trump issued a Presidential Determination under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, declaring natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity to be industrial resources essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to the national energy emergency declared in Executive Order 14156 (January 20, 2025), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, financial commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure, waiving standard procedural requirements under the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act to expand coal supply chains and baseload power generation — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The memorandum directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination, including making purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand coal supply chain capacity and baseload generation availability, and waives certain procedural requirements of the Act.
• White House issues presidential memorandum exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, exempting the U.S. Air Force's jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from federal, state, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for a one-year period (April 20, 2026 to April 20, 2027). The memorandum cites section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and notes that some operations are subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Association v. Meink. The exemption does not apply to certain specific statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317).
• Trump signs memos invoking Defense Production Act to expand domestic fossil fuel production — On Monday, President Trump released multiple memoranda citing his January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, directing the energy secretary to expand US oil, coal, and natural gas production under the Defense Production Act. Trump claimed inadequate domestic energy supply poses a national security threat and ordered federal action to ensure "resilient domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity." The memos authorized the energy secretary to make purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to enable fossil fuel projects.

Supporting reports

• Regulators examined suspicious trades before Trump market announcements — Regulators are examining suspicious trades that occurred just before Trump's announcement regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Similar trades from one of Trump's announcements last month are also under regulatory scrutiny. The timing of massive trades immediately preceding Trump's market-moving announcements suggests potential insider trading or market manipulation.
• Potential insider trading pattern in oil markets tied to Trump announcements — WaPo reporter Josh Rogin reported on CNN that traders shorted oil markets by hundreds of millions of dollars approximately 20 minutes before Trump announced Iran peace breakthroughs, with this pattern occurring at least three times since the war began. The Guardian reported that 16 bets of $100,000 each accurately predicted the timing of U.S. airstrikes on February 27, a single user bet $550,000 on Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination moments before it occurred, and traders bet $950 million that oil prices would fall right before Trump announced a ceasefire.
• BBC reports pattern of insider trading around Trump announcements — Nick Marsh of the BBC analyzed the timing of Trump's market-moving statements against trade volume on financial markets and found "a consistent pattern of spikes just hours, or sometimes minutes, before a social media post or media interview was made public." Marsh noted a similar spike pattern over Trump's announcement of "Liberation Day" tariffs in April 2025.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge in Rhode Island dismisses DOJ lawsuit seeking voter records — A federal judge in Rhode Island dismissed the Department of Justice's lawsuit seeking to obtain sensitive records on every voter in the state. The ruling came after an unfavorable hearing for the government. This marks the fifth consecutive case in which the Trump administration's DOJ has lost its attempt to compel states to surrender voter data, with the administration having sued 30 states total on this issue.
• DOJ falsely claimed compliance with Privacy Act in voter roll complaints — The DOJ's complaints assert that the agency has complied with the 1974 Privacy Act, but the DOJ has not yet filed a Statement of Records Notice explaining how it will use the voter data it is demanding, as required by the Privacy Act. Legal experts characterize this as a premature assertion of an affirmative defense and a significant unforced error.
• DOJ filed California voter roll lawsuit in wrong federal court — The DOJ filed its California voter roll case in the Central District of Los Angeles rather than the Eastern District covering Sacramento, where the state capital and all voter registration files are located. This procedural error represents one of several mistakes in the DOJ's complaints that legal experts characterize as significant flaws in the litigation.
• DOJ files four new lawsuits demanding unredacted voter rolls from states — The U.S. Department of Justice filed four new lawsuits last week seeking unredacted voter rolls from states, bringing the total number of similar actions to 18 states, predominantly led by Democrats. The DOJ claims the lawsuits aim to ensure states are removing ineligible voters and to run rolls through Department of Homeland Security databases. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced Georgia, a GOP-led state, will also be sued, framing voter roll maintenance as "a bipartisan problem." Election experts question whether the stated purpose reflects the full scope of the DOJ's intentions.
• DOJ seeks memoranda granting unprecedented power over state list maintenance — Along with demand letters, the DOJ has asked states to sign memoranda that would grant the agency unprecedented power to conduct list maintenance and order states to conduct it in particular ways—not merely requiring general reasonable maintenance programs but directing specific voter removals by name. Legal experts argue the DOJ lacks statutory authority to take such power from states, and Congress has not authorized such delegation.
• DOJ shifts legal strategy from NVRA/HAVA to Civil Rights Act claims — The December lawsuits filed by the DOJ employ a different legal strategy than the September filings, dropping claims based on the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and Help America Votes Act (HAVA) and instead arguing that Title III of the 1960 Civil Rights Act (CRA) empowers the attorney general to demand unredacted voter data. Legal experts note this shift suggests recognition that the earlier statutory claims were weak, and that the CRA's inspection provisions do not authorize production of unredacted records.
• Judge Carter denies DOJ motion for production of voter records in California — In the California voter roll case, Judge David O. Carter, a Bill Clinton appointee, denied the DOJ's motion for an order to produce records in a short order that did not elaborate on his reasoning. The DOJ had filed the motion days before a scheduled hearing, and California responded with an emergency ex parte application arguing the demand was both rushed and improper.

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• Motion for preliminary injunction filed to block Trump executive order on voting — A motion for preliminary injunction was filed shortly before midnight to block President Trump's recent executive order on voting. The executive order asserts the power to dictate who is permitted to vote by mail. The lawsuit was filed within 24 hours of the order's issuance, with clients being the national Democratic Party and its congressional leaders. The court had set Friday as the deadline for seeking preliminary relief.

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• Motion to intervene filed in Louisiana Election Assistance Commission lawsuit — A motion to intervene was filed late in the evening in a lawsuit brought by Louisiana against the Election Assistance Commission. Louisiana is attempting to impose a new "proof of citizenship" requirement for voter registration. The intervention was filed on behalf of the Greater New Orleans Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, challenging Louisiana's scheme which, despite claims to prevent non-citizen voting, actually burdens married women who have changed their last names.

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• Dhillon directs civil rights division to investigate Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for alleged race discrimination — After Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is Black, spoke about hiring Black people in his administration to ensure they "look out for the interest of Black folks," the civil rights division's official account posted a letter from Dhillon informing Johnson he was under investigation for violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act's prohibition on race discrimination. The investigation was announced publicly on social media the day after Johnson's remarks, a highly unusual practice that alarmed former civil rights lawyers and signals the weaponization of civil rights law against efforts to address racial equity.
• Dhillon directs investigation into Cassidy Hutchinson, January 6 committee witness — The civil rights division, under Dhillon's oversight, is investigating Cassidy Hutchinson, the former Trump aide who gave vivid testimony to the January 6 committee about the president's actions on that day. The source notes it is unclear what civil rights violation, if any, Hutchinson committed. The investigation appears retaliatory against a witness who testified against Trump.
• Dhillon directs investigation into Pennsylvania school bus driver firing over "English only" sign — In December 2025, after a local news outlet published a story about a Pennsylvania school bus driver being fired for posting an "English only" sign on her bus, Dhillon posted that she had directed the civil rights division to open an investigation into "this situation implicating DEI wokeness." The investigation was announced on social media days after learning of the incident, departing sharply from standard practice in which the civil rights division does not publicly announce investigations or release letters informing targets they are under investigation.
• Dhillon posts on social media about ongoing DOJ investigations in early stages — Harmeet Dhillon, with 1.3 million followers on her personal X account, has posted official department letters on X announcing civil rights investigations, a highly unusual practice that has alarmed former civil rights division lawyers. The practice violates longstanding norms that investigations remain confidential until formal notice is provided. Dhillon has also posted about investigations in early stages, departing from standard practice in which the civil rights division does not publicly announce investigations.

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• DOJ fires veteran civil rights prosecutor; releases report criticizing anti-abortion prosecution efforts — The justice department fired a veteran civil rights prosecutor who oversaw a criminal case against anti-abortion protesters. The department also released a widely criticized report on efforts to prosecute anti-abortion protesters, signaling a shift away from enforcement against anti-abortion violence and toward protection of anti-abortion activists.

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• DOJ sues UCLA on antisemitism allegations after school rejects $1 billion fine demand — The civil rights division, under Dhillon's direction, sued UCLA on antisemitism allegations after the school rejected a $1 billion fine and other concessions. The lawsuit followed a 30-day investigation period in which Dhillon's deputies pressured attorneys to produce a draft lawsuit despite insufficient evidence, with one deputy stating "We're under a lot of pressure to bring this case," signaling White House or DOJ leadership direction. The investigation was conducted under artificial time constraints that departed from standard practice.

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• Harmeet Dhillon confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights; dismantles civil rights enforcement — Harmeet Dhillon was confirmed by the Senate in a 52-45 vote in April 2025 as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Within two weeks, she issued new mission statements abandoning core civil rights laws (Voting Rights Act, Fair Housing Act) in favor of preventing voter fraud, anti-transgender issues, and preventing discrimination against white people. She involuntarily reassigned career lawyers with decades of experience, triggering an exodus of over 100 attorneys. The division has dropped dozens of anti-discrimination cases and reoriented enforcement away from minorities toward white Americans, leaving the division a "shadow of its former self."
• Dhillon served as co-chair of Lawyers for Trump; promoted false 2020 election claims — Before joining the DOJ, Harmeet Dhillon served as co-chair of Lawyers for Trump in 2020, a position from which she worked on lawsuits contesting the 2020 election results and frequently appeared on television promoting the false claim that the election was stolen. During one appearance on Lou Dobbs Tonight on Fox Business, she suggested Trump's Supreme Court appointees would save the election for him, stating "We're waiting for the United States supreme court which the president has nominated three justices to step in and do something and, hopefully, Amy Coney Barrett will come through and pick it up."
• Dhillon's firm defended Trump against 14th Amendment ballot disqualification effort — Before joining the DOJ, Dhillon's law firm successfully defended Trump against an effort to use a novel interpretation of the 14th Amendment to disqualify him from the 2024 presidential ballot. The firm also defended Trump and several close aides in litigation related to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. David Warrington, who now serves as White House counsel, was a managing partner at the firm.

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• Treasury quietly extends Russian oil license — Treasury Secretary Bessent stated two days prior that the U.S. would not renew sanctions waivers on Russian or Iranian oil. Two days later, Treasury quietly extended a license allowing Russian oil transactions for another month via a late Friday night press release, with no announcement, press conference, or explanation.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent reversed decision on Russian oil sanctions waivers — On April 15, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the U.S. would not renew sanctions waivers permitting the sale of Russian oil. On April 18, the administration reversed that decision, renewing the waiver allowing countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products through May 16. The sale of oil provides financial support for Russia's war against Ukraine.
• U.S. Extends Waiver for Russian Oil Purchases — The U.S. administration renewed the waiver that allows countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products, which had been set to expire. This decision comes despite previous statements indicating that the U.S. would not renew such waivers, providing a financial lifeline for Russia amid its ongoing war against Ukraine.

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• US Congress passes 10-day extension of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act section 702 — Both chambers of Congress voted on April 18 to pass a brief 10-day extension of section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (Fisa), a warrantless surveillance law, after Republican infighting blocked attempts at a longer reauthorization. The law allows national security agencies to collect texts and emails sent to and from foreigners outside the US without a warrant, with Americans' communications potentially swept up incidentally. A rare coalition of progressive Democrats and hardline Republicans opposed an unchanged extension, demanding a warrant requirement for Americans' communications. The House vote occurred after midnight following two failed procedural votes.
• Became Law: FISA Amendments Act Extension — Congress passed and the President signed legislation extending Title VII surveillance authorities of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through April 30, 2026. The measure amends the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, preserving federal intelligence-gathering powers on foreign targets and their communications. The law became Public Law 119-84, authorizing continued bulk collection and monitoring frameworks.

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• Department of Justice settled Michael Flynn lawsuit for $1.2 million — The Department of Justice settled a lawsuit brought by Trump's former national security advisor Michael Flynn for $1.2 million. Flynn had sued for $50 million on grounds of malicious prosecution after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russians before Trump took office. The settlement was cited by Democratic lawmakers as an example of potential abuse of power through government settlements of baseless lawsuits.

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• Trump filed $10 billion lawsuit against IRS over tax information leak — Trump, along with his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS after an IRS contractor during his first term leaked some of his tax information along with that of more than 400,000 other taxpayers to two news outlets. Trump claimed the leak caused "reputational and financial harm, public embarrassment, unfairly tarnished their business reputations, portrayed them in a false light, and negatively affected President Trump, and the other Plaintiffs' public standing." The lawsuit amount exceeds 80% of the IRS's annual budget.
• Watchdog organizations filed briefs challenging Trump's IRS lawsuit — Several watchdog organizations filed briefs challenging Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. Democracy Forward argued that the case is "extraordinary because the President controls both sides of the litigation, which raises the prospect of collusive litigation tactics" and that "the conflicts of interest make it uncertain whether the Department of Justice will zealously defend the public [treasury]" in the same manner as it has against other plaintiffs claiming related damages.

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• Summary judgment ruling — State of Oregon v. Kennedy (D. Or.) 6:25-cv-02409 — In an opinion and judgment , Judge Kasubhai granted Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment, vacating and enjoining enforcement of the Department of Health and Human Services's Dec. 18 Declaration and holding that it unlawfully threatened to cut federal funding to providers of gender-affirming care for minors. “This case highlights a leader's unserious regard for the rule of law,” the judge wrote.
• Federal judge overturns Trump administration ban on gender-affirming care for children — U.S. District Judge Mustafa T Kasubhai in Oregon issued a 49-page decision overturning the Trump administration's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, which had been implemented via an HHS declaration by RFK Jr in December 2025. The judge found the policy violated administrative law and the Medicare statute, barred the administration from implementing similar policies under other names, and called the administration's legal arguments "a bald-faced lie." The ruling allows healthcare systems to resume providing gender-affirming care and blocks the proposed rule preventing Medicaid and Medicare from paying for such care.

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• FBI Director Kash Patel denies excess drinking allegations and threatens lawsuit against The Atlantic — The Atlantic published a report on April 18, 2026, citing allegations from two dozen current and former officials that FBI Director Kash Patel drinks to excess, has been unreachable during his tenure, and has had security detail difficulty waking him. Patel denied the allegations and threatened to sue The Atlantic, posting on X that the story was "false" and a "hit piece." The report also noted concerns among officials about Patel's fitness to lead the agency and public safety implications.
• FBI Director Kash Patel portrayed as poor manager with alcohol issues and security concerns — An article in The Atlantic by Sarah Fitzpatrick portrayed FBI Director Kash Patel as a poor manager who is terrified of losing his job, whose overuse of alcohol, tendency to disappear, and purges of FBI agents who had investigated Trump endangers national security. Fitzpatrick noted that Patel has retained his position by using the FBI to target Trump's perceived enemies, but his focus on matters like whether FBI merchandise looks "fierce" has led officials to conclude "we don't have a real functioning FBI director."
• Atlantic reports concerns about FBI Director Kash Patel's conduct — The Atlantic published a report describing multiple current and former officials' accounts of FBI Director Kash Patel exhibiting a pattern of excessive drinking to the point of obvious intoxication, missed meetings, and periods of being unreachable during critical moments. In one instance, he reportedly told allies he had been fired over a routine IT issue, causing widespread confusion and calls to the White House. Morale inside the FBI is described as collapsing, and officials are raising national security concerns about the leadership. Patel denies everything and says he will sue.
• Atlantic publishes article on Kash Patel's management and conduct — Sarah Fitzpatrick published an article in The Atlantic on April 18 portraying FBI Director Kash Patel as a poor manager who fears losing his job, whose overuse of alcohol, tendency to disappear, and purges of FBI agents who investigated Trump endanger national security.
• Kash Patel denounces Atlantic drinking problem story; announces defamation lawsuit — FBI Director Kash Patel responded to an Atlantic article alleging he has a serious drinking problem affecting his work by posting on social media and appearing on Fox News, denying the allegations and vowing his lawyer will file a defamation lawsuit on Monday. The Atlantic reported multiple instances of Patel's erratic behavior, including a panic-driven "freak-out" when he believed he had been locked out of a work computer, and accounts from officials describing "obvious intoxication" at private clubs and difficulty waking him during work hours.

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• Trump holds Oval Office press conference with Joe Rogan, bans press questions — Trump held a press conference in the Oval Office alongside Joe Rogan focused on psychedelic drugs. He then kicked the press out before questions could be asked, preventing journalists from questioning him about the Strait of Hormuz closure, collapsed talks, and other major developments.
• Trump ejects reporters from Oval Office when asked about Iran claims — Trump kicked reporters out of the Oval Office on Saturday when they attempted to ask questions about his Iran peace claims, including a question from CBS reporter Olivia Rinaldi about vessels allegedly fired upon by Iranian gunboats. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) criticized the action, stating "The Strait of Hormuz just closed again today, and the press are demanding answers on behalf of the American people. Trump kicks them out of the Oval Office. Shameful."

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• Treasury quietly extends Russian oil license — Treasury Secretary Bessent stated two days prior that the U.S. would not renew sanctions waivers on Russian or Iranian oil. Two days later, Treasury quietly extended a license allowing Russian oil transactions for another month via a late Friday night press release, with no announcement, press conference, or explanation.

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• EAC vice-chair McCormick declines to discuss prior controversial statements — Christy McCormick, the EAC's Republican vice-chair, declined to discuss her prior conspiratorial statements claiming Democrats rely on votes from "illegal citizens" to win elections. When asked if she regretted the comments, McCormick stated they were under "some sort of investigation" but declined to specify which investigation. The EAC did not clarify her statement. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read renewed calls for McCormick's resignation, citing the need for the EAC to remain bipartisan and focused on technical election administration.

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• Trump signed Executive Order 14401 accelerating FDA review and access to psychedelic drugs for serious mental illness treatment. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14401 on April 18, 2026, directing federal agencies to accelerate research, clinical trials, and FDA approval pathways for psychedelic drugs (including ibogaine) to treat serious mental illnesses and reduce suicide rates. The order allocates $50 million from HHS existing funds for state-federal collaboration, establishes Right to Try access for eligible patients, directs the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling of Schedule I substances that complete Phase 3 trials, and mandates data-sharing between HHS, FDA, VA, and private sector partners. The order cites a 37 percent increase in suicide rates from 2000–2018 and notes veteran suicide rates are twice the general population.
• Trump administration issues executive order to accelerate psychedelic medication access — On 18 April 2026, the Trump administration signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate access to psychedelic medications for people with serious mental illnesses. The order mandates inter-agency collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies to share data and increase clinical trial participation, and directs the Drug Enforcement Administration to reschedule psychedelics that complete FDA approval. Legal experts characterize the order's concrete legal impact as minimal, though its symbolic value—reinforced by a high-profile press conference featuring podcaster Joe Rogan and former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell—may influence policy direction and signal Republican openness to psychedelic research.
• Trump issues executive order accelerating psychedelic drug approvals for serious mental illness treatment — President Trump signed an executive order on April 18, 2026, directing federal agencies to accelerate approval pathways for psychedelic drugs (including ibogaine compounds) to treat serious mental illnesses. The order mandates FDA prioritization of Breakthrough Therapy-designated psychedelics, establishes Right to Try access for eligible patients, allocates $50 million in HHS funding for state-federal collaboration, and directs the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling of Schedule I substances that complete Phase 3 clinical trials. The order targets treatment gaps for patients unresponsive to standard therapies, particularly veterans with high suicide rates.
• White House issued fact sheet on executive order accelerating psychedelic drug treatments for serious mental illness — The White House published a fact sheet on April 18, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the FDA to issue Commissioner's National Priority Vouchers for psychedelic drugs with Breakthrough Therapy designations, establishing a Right to Try pathway for investigational psychedelics, allocating $50 million through ARPA-H for state-matched psychedelic research, and directing the Attorney General to initiate rescheduling reviews upon Phase 3 trial completion. The fact sheet frames the order as addressing mental illness and veteran suicide rates.
• White House signed executive order accelerating psychedelic drug approvals for serious mental illness — President Trump signed Executive Order 14401 directing the FDA to prioritize review of psychedelic drugs (including ibogaine) with Breakthrough Therapy designation, allocate $50 million to state-federal collaboration programs, establish Right to Try pathways for eligible patients, facilitate data-sharing between HHS, FDA, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and direct the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling of Schedule I substances that complete Phase 3 trials for approved mental health treatments.
• President Trump signed executive order accelerating psychedelic drug research and access for mental health treatment — On April 20, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate research into and improve access to psychedelic drugs—particularly ibogaine and psilocybin—as treatments for serious mental illnesses, with emphasis on veterans suffering from PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and suicide risk. The order directs HHS, FDA, DOJ, and VA to collaborate on clinical trials, regulatory pathways, Right to Try expansions, and rescheduling considerations. The White House states the order includes $50 million in federal funding for ibogaine research and aims to reduce barriers that have forced veterans to seek treatment outside the United States.
• Rep. Auchincloss questioned FDA approval of psychedelics as political appeasement — During RFK Jr.'s budget hearing, Rep. Auchincloss questioned whether Trump granted FDA approval for psychedelics to appease Joe Rogan and shore up support from his base amid the disastrous Iran war. Auchincloss stated: "In order to appease Rogan's ire, he grants FDA approval" and argued that "safety and efficacy should be the standards by which psychedelics are approved, not the president's attempt to shore up support from his base for a disastrous war in Iran."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens bombing campaign if no Iran deal by Wednesday — Trump told reporters that if there is no deal with Iran by Wednesday, the U.S. would "have to start dropping bombs again." Earlier, he had told reporters Iran "agreed to everything," which the source characterizes as "blatant lies."
• Trump Threatens to Destroy Iranian Infrastructure — Former President Trump threatened to destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran, despite having declared the war over just 48 hours earlier. This statement adds to the volatility of the situation and raises concerns about potential escalations in conflict with Iran.
• Trump threatens to destroy all Iranian power plants and bridges if deal not reached — Trump posted that if Iran does not accept a "very fair and reasonable DEAL," the U.S. will "knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran," declaring "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!" UN Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the threat on ABC and CBS, characterizing power plants and bridges as "legitimate military targets" and rejecting characterizations of such destruction as war crimes.
• Trump threatened military strikes on Iran if deal not signed — President Trump told Fox News that if Iran does not sign a proposed deal, "the whole country is going to get blown up" and threatened to "take out their bridges and their power plants." The statement was made approximately five hours before Trump posted on Truth Social claiming he was in no hurry to complete a deal and was under no pressure to do so, creating a contradiction in messaging about the urgency and status of Iran negotiations.