Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• U.S. military prepares to board Iran-linked tankers and seize ships in international waters — According to U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. military is preparing in coming days to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters, expanding its naval crackdown beyond the Middle East.
• U.S. military prepared to seize Iranian-linked oil tankers in international waters — The U.S. military announced preparation to board and seize commercial vessels linked to Iran in international waters as part of efforts to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abandon its nuclear program. The operation, termed "Economic Fury," follows the U.S. Navy's prior forcing of 23 ships to turn back from Iranian ports. The administration intends to take control of vessels globally that provide material support to Iran, including "dark fleet" vessels carrying Iranian oil.
• General Daniel Caine announced pursuit of Iranian-flagged vessels and dark fleet ships — General Daniel Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced that the U.S. military would "actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran," including dark fleet vessels carrying Iranian oil. Dark fleet vessels are defined as illicit or illegal ships evading international regulations, sanctions, insurance requirements, or other legal obligations.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department appoints Trump loyalist Joe diGenova to lead probe into officials who investigated Trump — The Justice Department announced the appointment of Joe diGenova, a Trump loyalist and 2020 election denier, to lead a Florida-based federal probe into intelligence and law enforcement officials who investigated Trump. DiGenova previously worked with Rudy Giuliani on efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and to obtain damaging information on then-candidate Joe Biden from Ukrainian officials. The appointment signals the administration's intent to investigate and potentially prosecute those who conducted prior investigations into Trump.
• 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

• US Senate votes to repeal Biden-era mining moratorium near Minnesota Boundary Waters — The US Senate voted 50-49 on Thursday to overturn a 20-year moratorium on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters canoe area wilderness, imposed by the Biden administration in 2023. The measure targets 225,000 acres in the Superior National Forest and benefits Twin Metals Minnesota, a Chilean-owned subsidiary seeking to build a copper and nickel mine. The House had already approved the measure, and it is expected to reach President Trump for signature. Environmental groups and Senator Tina Smith opposed the vote, citing contamination risks and foreign ownership concerns.
• Senate passed House Joint Resolution 140 overturning 20-year mining ban upstream from Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — The Senate passed House Joint Resolution 140, which overturns a 20-year mining ban in the area upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) in Minnesota. The measure, introduced by Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) and passed by the House in January, clears the way for a subsidiary of Chilean mining giant Antofagasta to conduct copper-sulfide mining, which produces sulfuric acid, above the pristine BWCA. The region hosts 1,175 lakes and over 1,200 miles of rivers and streams, attracts approximately 165,000 annual visitors, generates $1.1 billion in economic activity, and supports 17,000 jobs.

Supporting reports

• Trump falsely claims Iran agreed to permanent strait opening — After Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire on April 17, Iran opened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels. Trump declared the strait "completely open and ready for business" and claimed Iranian leaders had "agreed to everything," including never closing the strait again. Iran's chief negotiator posted on social media that Trump made seven false claims in one hour.
• Trump declared victory in Iran War on Truth Social with 13 posts claiming imminent peace agreement — Trump posted 13 times on Truth Social claiming total victory in the Iran War and an imminent peace agreement. His posts asserted Iran agreed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, that the U.S. would obtain Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, and that Israel is prohibited from bombing Lebanon. However, Reuters reported significant differences remain between Iran and the U.S., Iran denied agreeing to transfer nuclear material to the U.S., and analysts noted Iran retained substantial leverage over the strait and regional dynamics.
• Trump announced end of Iran war and claimed Iranian concessions via social media posts — Trump announced through interviews and social media posts that the war with Iran was over and peace talks were imminent, claiming Iranian leaders had agreed to remove enriched uranium, never close the Strait of Hormuz again, and end their nuclear program. Trump stated the U.S. Navy would continue blockading Iran's ports and that the U.S. would retrieve Iran's highly enriched uranium at "a leisurely pace" with no payment to Iran. Ron Filipkowski noted Trump posted thirteen times in one hour claiming total victory.
• Iran denied agreeing to transfer enriched uranium to the U.S. — Iranian sources told News18 that Iran has not agreed to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium to the United States, directly contradicting Trump's public claims. A source close to Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that "no form of nuclear material transfer to America has been negotiated."
• Iranian parliament speaker rejected Trump's claims about nuclear agreement — Iran's top negotiator and speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on social media that Trump had made seven claims in an hour, all of which were false. Iran rejected Trump's claim that it had agreed to hand over its uranium stockpile and clarified that the Strait of Hormuz was open only for commercial vessels, not military ships, and would close again if the U.S. blockade continued.
• U.S. negotiates $20 billion payment to Iran for nuclear pledge — The United States entered into negotiations to transfer $20 billion to Iran in exchange for Iran's voluntary nuclear non-proliferation commitment. The arrangement represents a significant financial concession tied to an unenforceable promise.

Supporting reports

• DOJ applies FACE Act religious-freedom provision to prosecute church protest for first time — The Trump administration charged protesters and journalists under an unused provision of the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act that prohibits interfering with religious freedom at places of worship. This marks the first use of that provision. Simultaneously, the administration has virtually stopped prosecuting under the FACE Act's original provisions protecting reproductive healthcare access and has pardoned nearly two dozen anti-abortion activists convicted under those provisions. Legal experts call the application to journalists "unprecedented" and "a really dramatic overcharge."

Supporting reports

• California Supreme Court upholds disbarring of Trump lawyer John Eastman — The California Supreme Court upheld a 2024 lower court ruling disbarring John Eastman, a lawyer who played a central role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Judge Yvette Roland had found Eastman exhibited gross negligence by making false statements about the 2020 election without meaningful investigation. The state supreme court denied Eastman's request for review, ordered his name stricken from the roll of attorneys, and imposed a $5,000 fine. Eastman announced he would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
• California Supreme Court disbarred John Eastman — The California Supreme Court disbarred John Eastman, a central legal architect of efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The State Bar concluded that Eastman engaged in appalling and deceitful conduct in his disciplinary findings. The disbarring represents one of the few accountability measures against lawyers who participated in the post-2020 legal challenge to the constitutional transfer of power.

Supporting reports

• House Democrats file six articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — On Wednesday, House Democrats led by Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) filed six articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging "high crimes and misdemeanors" including an unauthorized attack on Iran that killed at least 175 people (including children) in a school strike, deadly strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean, sharing classified information on Signal in 2025, withholding facts about civilian casualties, attempting to punish Senator Mark Kelly for reminding service members of their right to refuse illegal orders, and forcing transgender service members from the military. The articles assert Hegseth violated his constitutional oath and committed war crimes.

Supporting reports

• U.S. District Judge Richard Leon halted above-ground construction of White House ballroom — U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by Republican President George W. Bush, issued an order halting above-ground construction of a proposed White House ballroom but permitting construction of the below-ground bunker to continue. The decision prompted President Trump to post four lengthy social media screeds attacking the judge as "Trump Hating" and claiming the ballroom is essential to national security, containing bomb shelters, military installations, and protective infrastructure. Trump characterized the judicial order as "illegal overreach" and "a mockery to our Court System."
• Federal judge limits Trump's White House ballroom project — Federal Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, ruled that construction on Trump's planned White House ballroom project can proceed only on an underground portion deemed necessary for national security, not on the 90,000-square-foot aboveground addition Trump wanted for entertaining VIP guests. Judge Leon wrote that "national security is not a blank check to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity." Trump had argued the entire project counted as a security project because of bulletproof glass and bomb shelters.
• Trump attacks federal judge blocking White House ballroom construction — Trump attacked a federal judge on Truth Social who blocked the administration's above-ground construction of a White House ballroom, calling the judge "Trump Hating" and "highly political" and baselessly accusing him of "illegal overreach." The judge had authorized below-ground construction, citing protection of national security facilities. Trump claimed the below-ground portion will include bomb shelters and medical facilities.
• President Trump attacked federal judge Richard Leon in social media posts over ballroom ruling — President Trump posted four lengthy social media screeds attacking U.S. District Judge Richard Leon for halting above-ground construction of a proposed White House ballroom. Trump characterized the judge as "Trump Hating," accused him of "illegal overreach," and claimed the judicial order is "a mockery to our Court System." Trump asserted that the ballroom is essential to national security and that no judge can be allowed to stop the project, framing judicial review as an attack on presidential authority and national defense.
• Stay pending appeal decided — National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States v. National Park Service (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-04316 — The D.C. Circuit granted Defendants' emergency motion for a stay pending appeal of Judge Leon's April 16, 2026 order and set an expedited briefing schedule, noting: “The purpose of this administrative stay is to give the court sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motion for a stay pending appeal and should not be construed in any way as a ruling on the merits of that motion.”

Supporting reports

• House rejects war-powers resolution on Iran military action — The House of Representatives voted 214–213 to reject a war-powers resolution that would have directed the President to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran absent explicit congressional authorization. The narrow margin—a single vote—reflected deep division over executive war-making authority and congressional oversight. The Senate had blocked a similar measure the day before, continuing a pattern of failed legislative efforts to reassert congressional war powers over military operations.
• House vote held on invoking War Powers Act regarding Iran — The House of Representatives held a vote on invoking the War Powers Act concerning Iran, as part of a day of multiple congressional hearings and legislative activity addressing the ongoing military operations.
• War Powers Resolution to block Iran war fails in House, 213-214 — The War Powers Resolution that would have blocked Trump from continuing Operation Epic Fury failed in the House by a single vote, 213-214. Republican Congressman Massie crossed the aisle to vote yes. Democrat Congressman Golden crossed the aisle to vote no. Republican Congressman Davidson, who had voted yes in March, voted present.
• US House rejects war powers resolution on Iran military action — The House of Representatives voted 213–214 on Thursday to reject a war powers resolution introduced by Rep. Greg Meeks that would have prohibited further military action against Iran. The resolution failed by one vote, requiring at least two additional votes to pass. Three Democrats who previously opposed similar measures—Henry Cuellar, Greg Landsman, and Juan Vargas—voted in favor this time, citing concerns about Trump's handling of the conflict and the risk of open-ended engagement. One Republican, Thomas Massie, voted for passage; one Democrat, Jared Golden, voted against.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr testifies before House Ways and Means Committee on health budget amid vaccine and public health criticism — Robert F Kennedy Jr, health secretary, testified before the US House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday regarding the administration's health budget and policies. Lawmakers from both parties challenged Kennedy over sweeping changes to vaccination recommendations, promotion of vaccine misinformation during a measles outbreak affecting nearly 2,300 cases, cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, and previous racist comments about Black children. Kennedy defended his positions while promoting disputed claims about vaccine safety and hepatitis B transmission risk, and the hearing became contentious with multiple heated exchanges.
• Gov. Andy Beshear defended Pope's biblical interpretation on war — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear responded to claims by Speaker Johnson and Vice President Vance that the Pope was misinterpreting the Bible regarding war. Beshear stated that there is no point in the New Testament where Jesus discusses just war, and that the Pope is simply speaking about Christ who could have brought down fire on the Roman Empire but chose not to. Beshear emphasized that Jesus, "the most powerful person who's ever walked the face of the Earth," could have justified violence but instead chose to be "the Prince of Peace" rather than "the Prince of Power."
• Rep. Linda Sanchez questioned RFK Jr. on public health messaging priorities — During House testimony, Rep. Linda Sanchez questioned RFK Jr. about suspending a pro-vaccine campaign while spending taxpayer dollars on a campaign featuring him drinking milk shirtless in a hot tub with Kid Rock, asking how this constituted a better public health message. RFK Jr. responded by citing global measles epidemic prevention, to which Sanchez countered that no country has seen a bigger percentage increase in measles than the United States.
• Rep. Melanie Stansbury criticized illegal war and administration's actions — Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) stated that millions of people have been displaced and American bases bombed, questioning the justification for the war. She characterized the conflict as illegal, led by a president attacking the Pope, threatening war crimes, and implicated in Epstein files, while being unable to explain the war's purpose or post-war plans.
• Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticized war costs and health care priorities — Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) criticized the administration's spending priorities, stating that the costs of the war are visible in rising gas prices and fertilizer costs, and that the administration wants to spend $2 billion daily on military operations rather than help Americans access health care. She used colorful language to express frustration with the spending priorities.
• Rep. Terri Sewell questioned RFK Jr. on statements about Black children and ADHD medication — Rep. Terri Sewell asked RFK Jr. whether he had ever parented a Black child, referencing a 2024 podcast interview in which he allegedly suggested Black children on ADHD medication should be "re-parented." RFK Jr. denied making the statement. The Ways & Means Committee Democrats subsequently posted a video clip of RFK Jr. from 2024 stating: "Every Black kid is now just standard put on Adderall, SSRIs, benzos, which are known to induce violence, and those kids are going to have a chance to go somewhere and get re-parented."
• RFK Jr. testified before House on health care fraud investigation — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., leading a Trump administration initiative to investigate alleged health care fraudsters, testified before the House. During questioning, Rep. Lloyd Doggett presented a case involving Paul Walczak, who retained $10 million in wages and purchased a $2 million yacht after his mother contributed to the Trump campaign, and was no longer required to pay $4.4 million or serve prison time. Doggett asked whether RFK Jr. recommended pardons for health care fraudsters or if campaign contributions influenced the decisions. RFK Jr. denied the account as not credible.
• RFK Jr. testified before House committee on HHS spending and policy — RFK Jr. testified before a House committee hearing. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici questioned HHS spending on a video of RFK Jr. drinking milk in a hot tub with Kid Rock. Rep. Greg Casar asked about 1.4 million people who lost health insurance from Obamacare; RFK Jr. responded they were "almost all illegal immigrants." Rep. Adelita Grijalva referenced RFK Jr.'s history of performing his own medical research, including cutting the penis off a dead raccoon. Rep. Summer Lee raised concerns that RFK Jr.'s agency instructed programs to remove 200 words from funding applications including the word "Black."

Supporting reports

• House Judiciary Committee launches investigation into Kushner conflict of interest — Congressman Jamie Raskin, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, launched an investigation into Kushner's dual roles as government diplomat and private equity fund manager receiving Saudi payments. In an April 16 letter, Raskin argues the arrangement creates "a glaring and incurable conflict of interest" and that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's financial interest in prolonging the Iran war creates pressure on Kushner to do the same. The investigation seeks communications between Kushner and Saudi officials, the White House, and Trump campaign regarding his government role. Raskin indicates the investigation aims to inform reforms to bribery laws and conflict-of-interest statutes.
• House Democrats investigate Jared Kushner over Middle East conflicts of interest — House Democrats launched a probe into Jared Kushner regarding potential conflicts of interest in his Middle East dealings. The investigation examines whether Kushner's private business interests conflicted with his official role or subsequent activities.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cancels $11 million Catholic Charities contract — The Trump administration abruptly canceled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities, cutting off care for vulnerable migrant children and ending a partnership that has existed for more than 60 years. The article characterizes this as retaliation against the Catholic Church for the Pope's and Archbishop of Baltimore's criticism of the administration's military policies and rhetoric.
• Trump cut federal funding for Catholic charitable program for migrant children — Trump retaliated against the Catholic Church by cutting off federal funding for one of their most successful charitable programs working with children who arrive in the United States, following the Pope's public criticism of the administration's military operations and theology.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — President Trump threatened again to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whose term as chair ends in May. Powell has stated he will continue on the board until the Trump administration drops its criminal investigation of him over alleged cost overruns on renovations of Federal Reserve buildings. The threat represents Trump's ongoing effort to exert personal power over independent government institutions.
• Trump threatens to fire Federal Reserve chair — President Donald J. Trump threatened to fire Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May, amid ongoing tensions related to a criminal investigation into Powell's alleged cost overruns on Federal Reserve building renovations. Powell has stated he will remain on the board until the investigation concludes.

Supporting reports

• Ketanji Brown Jackson delivers public critique of Supreme Court emergency orders favoring Trump administration — Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson spoke for nearly an hour at Yale Law School, delivering a sustained public attack on conservative justices' use of emergency orders to benefit the Trump administration. She characterized the orders as "scratch-paper musings" lacking explanation and oblivious to real-world harms. Jackson noted the court has issued roughly two dozen such orders allowing Trump to implement controversial policies on immigration and federal funding cuts despite lower courts finding them probably illegal. She called for restraint and transparency, stating the court should avoid "continually touching the third rail of every divisive policy issue."

Supporting reports

• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent criminal referral to DOJ targeting Inspector General Michael Atkinson — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent a second criminal referral to the Department of Justice targeting Michael Atkinson, the intelligence community inspector general who found the 2019 Ukraine whistleblower complaint "credible" and "urgent" and initiated the process of sharing it with congressional intelligence committees, which led to Trump's first impeachment. The referral is intended to criminalize the inspector general's lawful performance of his oversight duties.
• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent criminal referrals to DOJ targeting 2019 Ukraine whistleblower — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent a criminal referral to the Department of Justice targeting the former government official who was the whistleblower in the July 2019 phone call in which Trump pressured Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in exchange for congressionally appropriated defense funds. The whistleblower had reported to the intelligence community inspector general that Trump was using his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election. The referral is viewed as an attempt to criminalize whistleblowing and chill future complaints.
• DNI Gabbard issues criminal referrals against whistleblower and former IG — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard issued criminal referrals to the Justice Department against a whistleblower whose complaint contributed to Trump's first impeachment and former Inspector General Michael Atkinson, who handled the complaint. The specific crimes alleged in the referrals were not disclosed.

Supporting reports

• ICE detains wife of US Army sergeant despite legal protection status — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Deisy Rivera Ortega, a Salvadoran national and wife of Sgt First Class Jose Serrano (27 years military service, Afghanistan deployment), during an immigration office appointment in El Paso, Texas on April 14. Rivera Ortega had received legal protection in 2019 barring deportation to El Salvador and held an active work permit. DHS claimed she entered illegally and was subject to a December 2019 deportation order; her attorney filed a petition challenging the detention's legality. The case exemplifies ICE's expanding enforcement beyond stated priorities of dangerous criminals, affecting military families.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cancelled California offshore wind project funding after climate-denial group request — The Trump administration cancelled federal funding for a California offshore wind project after receiving a request from CFACT, a climate-denial advocacy group. This action demonstrates the direct influence of science-denial organizations on federal energy policy decisions and represents a reversal of renewable energy investment in favor of fossil fuel interests.

Supporting reports

• Congressional subpoena issued to Pam Bondi for Epstein files testimony — Congress issued a subpoena requiring former Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify on 14 April regarding her handling of the Epstein investigative files. The subpoena was issued after Bondi's Justice Department repeatedly missed disclosure deadlines mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA) and faced accusations of withholding documents. The subpoena remains in effect despite Bondi's removal from office, though House oversight leadership indicated uncertainty about whether the deposition would proceed.
• Pam Bondi defies congressional subpoena on Epstein files handling — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi failed to appear for a scheduled 14 April congressional deposition before the House Oversight Committee regarding her handling of Epstein investigative files. The Trump Department of Justice, led by Todd Blanche, notified the committee that Bondi would not appear because she is "no longer attorney general." Ranking Democrat Robert Garcia called the non-appearance an evasion of a lawful subpoena and threatened contempt proceedings. The committee stated it would reschedule the deposition, but the status remains unclear amid broader questions about DOJ transparency on Epstein-related documents.
• Rep. Garcia invokes congressional subpoena for Epstein documents — Rep. Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, responded to Acting AG Blanche's statement by reminding the public that a legally binding congressional subpoena exists for Epstein documents, separate from any DOJ discretionary release standard. Garcia asserted that the subpoena remains in force and the matter will not disappear.
• House Oversight Committee Moves to Hold Pam Bondi in Contempt — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi failed to appear for a scheduled testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee regarding the Department of Justice's handling of the Epstein files. In response, Democrats on the committee announced plans to hold her in contempt of Congress for defying a lawful subpoena. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) stated that Bondi is responsible for the White House cover-up of the Epstein files and emphasized the need for accountability.
• Representative Crockett announced intention to hold Bondi in contempt of Congress — Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) posted that Pam Bondi refused to appear for the House Oversight deposition in defiance of a lawful subpoena. Crockett stated that Oversight Democrats will move to hold Bondi in contempt of Congress, citing her responsibility for leading a White House cover-up of the Epstein files and the need for accountability and justice for survivors.
• Representative Garcia stated people must be held accountable for congressional subpoenas — Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, told the Weeknight that people have to be held accountable for the laws that Congress passes and the subpoenas that it puts in place.
• Department of Justice asserted subpoena no longer in force for former Attorney General Bondi — The Department of Justice took the position that because Pam Bondi was subpoenaed as attorney general and no longer holds that position, the subpoena was no longer in force. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee disagreed with this legal position.
• Former Attorney General Pam Bondi failed to appear for House Oversight Committee deposition — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi was scheduled to testify under oath before the House Oversight and Reform Committee regarding the Department of Justice's handling of the release of Epstein files. The DOJ has released only approximately half of the files despite a law requiring full production by December 19 of the previous year, with many released records heavily redacted despite narrow congressional authorization for redactions. Bondi did not appear for the scheduled deposition.

Supporting reports

• Ramsey County investigation into ICE detention opened; DHS refuses to provide evidence — Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher announced an official investigation into the ICE detention of ChongLy Thao as potential kidnapping, false imprisonment, and burglary. County officials stated that the Department of Homeland Security had failed to respond to a March 20 request for evidence and set a deadline of April 30 for DHS to provide records, witness interviews, and video recordings. DHS declined to cooperate and characterized the investigation as a "political stunt to demonize ICE law enforcement."

Supporting reports

• Acting AG Todd Blanche declares DOJ finished releasing Epstein documents — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared on Fox News on the morning of April 14 and reaffirmed that the Department of Justice is completely finished releasing Epstein-related documents. Blanche stated that all documents have been turned over, contradicting reports that millions of documents remain unreleased.
• Todd Blanche downplays DOJ non-compliance with Epstein Files Transparency Act deadline — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche downplayed controversy surrounding the Department of Justice's repeated failure to meet the 19 December deadline mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA) for releasing all investigative documents. Questions remain about whether documents withheld under claimed lawful exemptions should actually be disclosed. This occurred two weeks before Blanche made contradictory public statements expressing support for additional Epstein inquiries and victim testimony.

Supporting reports

• DOJ Civil Rights Division demanded Michigan election records — Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general of the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ, released a letter dated April 14 demanding that a Wayne County, Michigan elections official provide records from Wayne County and Detroit from 2024 and alleging fraud in 2020. This occurred despite Trump winning Michigan statewide and losing Wayne County by nearly 250,000 votes, suggesting the demand targeted a Democratic-leaning jurisdiction.

Supporting reports

• DOJ files motions to vacate January 6 seditious conspiracy convictions — The US Department of Justice, under Trump-appointed US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, filed motions on April 15, 2026, to overturn seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers members convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021 Capitol siege. The filing targets convictions of leaders including Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Stewart Rhodes. This action follows Trump's January 2025 mass pardons and commutations of roughly 1,600 Capitol-related defendants, including Enrique Tarrio, who had been sentenced to 22 years. The filing would erase convictions from defendants' records.
• Department of Justice moved to dismiss seditious conspiracy convictions of January 6 defendants — The Department of Justice filed a motion to vacate the seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys members convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Lenerz wrote that "The United States has determined in its prosecutorial discretion that dismissal of this criminal case is in the interests of justice." This action follows Trump's January 2025 pardons and sentence commutations of January 6 participants, effectively erasing accountability for convictions related to the attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
• DOJ seeks to dismiss Oath Keepers and Proud Boys Jan. 6 convictions — Trump's Justice Department filed a motion with a federal appeals court to dismiss seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys members charged for their roles in the January 6 insurrection. The defendants had previously received sentence commutations on Trump's first day in office but were not among the 1,200+ individuals pardoned for January 6-related crimes.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration repeals "endangerment finding" underpinning US climate regulations — The Trump administration repealed the "endangerment finding," the legal determination that serves as the basis for virtually all US climate regulations. This action was celebrated at the Heartland Institute conference as a top priority achieved. The repeal removes the regulatory foundation for EPA authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and implement climate policy, effectively dismantling decades of climate governance infrastructure.

Supporting reports

• Chinese tanker transits Strait of Hormuz despite U.S. naval blockade — The sanctioned Chinese tanker Rich Starry, sailing under a Malawian flag and carrying 250,000 barrels of methanol, transited the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, 2026, passing through despite the Trump administration's announced naval blockade involving 10,000 U.S. Marines, sailors, and airmen, over a dozen warships, and dozens of aircraft. The Trump administration took no reported action in response. Maritime intelligence firm Kpler reported only six vessels crossed the Strait that day.

Supporting reports

• Religious Liberty Commission holds final hearing on religious liberty in America — The Religious Liberty Commission, established by President Trump, held its final hearing on April 13, 2026, to discuss religious liberty in America. Chairman Dan Patrick stated that the commission concluded that the phrase "separation of church and state" does not appear in the Constitution and has been misused by "the anti-God left" to suppress religious liberty. The hearing featured testimony from nine witnesses, including civil rights activists, clergy, legal scholars, and religious leaders from Christian, Hindu, and Jewish traditions.