Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration orders ban on Anthropic AI use across US government and military — After Anthropic refused to allow its Claude AI model to be used for autonomous weapons systems and mass domestic surveillance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared the company a "supply chain risk" and ordered all US government agencies and military contractors to cease using Anthropic's technology. Anthropic filed a federal lawsuit challenging the ban as unconstitutional punishment for protected speech. Judge Rita Lin presided over a hearing on Anthropic's request for a temporary injunction, questioning whether the government's actions constituted illegal punitive measures rather than a simple refusal to contract.
• Anthropic files federal lawsuit challenging government ban as unconstitutional retaliation — Anthropic filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Department of Defense, alleging that the supply-chain-risk designation and government ban violate the company's First Amendment rights. Anthropic argues the government is punishing the company for its protected speech—specifically its refusal to loosen safety guardrails on Claude and its stance against autonomous lethal weapons—and for displeasing the president. The suit seeks a temporary injunction to pause the ban while the case proceeds.

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• Federal judge orders Trump administration to return deported DACA recipient to US — On March 24, 2026, federal judge Dena Coggins ruled that the Trump administration must return Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez, a DACA recipient, to the United States within seven days. Estrada Juarez was arrested on February 18 during a green-card appointment in Sacramento and deported to Mexico the following day, despite holding DACA protections. Judge Coggins found the deportation a "flagrant violation" of her legal rights, noting she was removed less than 24 hours after appearing in good faith to pursue lawful permanent resident status. The DHS claimed she was subject to a 1998 removal order, but advocacy groups assert the order was never properly finalized.

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• Georgia judge sets $1 bail for woman charged with murder for taking abortion pills — Alexia Moore, 31, was arrested in Savannah on March 4 under Georgia's 2019 law banning abortions after embryonic cardiac activity detection. She was charged with murder after allegedly using misoprostol to end a pregnancy estimated at 22–24 weeks. On March 24, Superior Court Judge Steven Blackerby set her bond at $1 for the murder charge (plus $1,000 each for drug-related charges), stating the charge was "extremely problematic" and expressing doubt the state could secure conviction. Moore was released after posting bond; the case now proceeds to grand jury indictment.

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• US Supreme Court oral arguments in Watson v. Republican National Committee on mail-in ballot counting rules — The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a case challenging Mississippi's law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted if they arrive within five business days of election day (if postmarked by election day). The Republican National Committee argues the grace period violates federal election law setting election day as the first Tuesday in November. Conservative justices questioned whether Congress intended to outlaw late-arriving ballots; liberal justices raised concerns about impacts on military and overseas voters. Fourteen states and DC have similar laws. The case appears poised to curtail mail-in ballot counting rules ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

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• Complaint filed: State of Michigan v. United States Department of Homeland Security — The State of Michigan and City of Romulus filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan challenging DHS's purchase of a 249,090-square-foot warehouse in Romulus for $34.7 million to convert into a 500-bed immigration detention center. The plaintiffs allege seven counts under the Administrative Procedure Act, claiming DHS violated federal law by failing to conduct environmental review despite the property's location in a floodplain, failing to consult state and local officials, and failing to consider existing detention facilities before constructing a new one. The complaint names DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons as defendants and seeks declaratory relief, vacatur of the purchase decision, and injunctive relief barring conversion of the warehouse into a detention facility.

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• State of Minnesota v. U.S. Department of Justice, complaint filed — The State of Minnesota, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans filed a complaint in federal district court against the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Attorney General Bondi, and DHS Secretary Noem. The suit challenges a federal policy of refusing to share evidence with state investigators regarding three fatal or injurious shootings by federal agents during "Operation Metro Surge" in January 2026. Plaintiffs allege the categorical refusal violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the Tenth Amendment, and seek declaratory relief, vacatur of the noncooperation policy, and a court order compelling production of evidence.
• Minnesota sued Trump administration for federal officer shooting records — Minnesota officials sued the Trump administration seeking access to information about shootings by federal officers, including shootings that resulted in the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The lawsuit was filed as part of state-level efforts to defend ordinary Americans and expand protections under law.

Supporting reports

• TSA agents tipped off ICE to arrest mother and child at San Francisco airport — TSA agents at San Francisco International Airport flagged the immigration status and travel plans of Angelina Lopez Jimenez and her nine-year-old daughter Wendy Godinez Lopez to ICE officers, who arrested them on March 23, 2026. The Guatemalan nationals, who had been released by border agents in 2018 with a notice to appear in court and later ordered removed by an immigration judge, were apprehended as they traveled to Miami. The arrest, filmed by bystanders, drew condemnation from Democratic lawmakers and raised concerns about California sanctuary policy compliance.
• Trump administration expanded data-sharing between TSA and ICE for domestic flight targeting — The Trump administration expanded data-sharing protocols between TSA and ICE beginning last year, marking a major shift in immigration enforcement strategy by enabling ICE to target individuals on domestic flights based on flagged immigration status. This represents a departure from historical practice in which interior immigration enforcement did not previously target domestic air travel. The arrangement has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers who argue it leads to indiscriminate arrests.

Supporting reports

• Trump demands SAVE America Act as condition for DHS funding — Trump posted on Sunday that he would not agree to any DHS funding proposal unless Democrats also supported the SAVE America Act, which would require voters to show proof of citizenship in addition to ID, end mail-in voting, and attack transgender rights. The act is characterized as a voter suppression measure; voting by undocumented immigrants is already virtually nonexistent and illegal, and mail fraud occurs in only approximately 0.000043% of mail-in ballots. Republicans plan to use budget reconciliation to pass the measure without Democratic support, potentially removing more than 21 million Americans from voter rolls.
• Trump signed executive order imposing proof-of-citizenship voting requirement — On March 25, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections" instructing the Election Assistance Commission to add a proof-of-citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form and requiring the Secretary of Defense to impose the same requirement on military and overseas voter forms. The order lists passport, military ID, or government-issued ID indicating citizenship as valid proof, effectively requiring most people to use a passport—which only about half of Americans possess. The order also directs the Attorney General to challenge states that count mail-in ballots received after Election Day and instructs federal agencies to review state voter rolls for fraud.
• Trump Advocates for the SAVE America Act — Trump publicly supported the SAVE America Act, which aims to impose stricter voting requirements, including proof of citizenship and the elimination of mail-in voting. This act is seen as a voter suppression measure, despite the low incidence of mail-in voting fraud.
• Trump Demands Changes to DHS Funding Negotiations — Trump pressured Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without Democratic support, while also insisting on the inclusion of the SAVE America Act, which would impose stricter voting requirements and limit mail-in voting.
• Trump demanded Senate add SAVE America Act to DHS funding — On Sunday, March 27, President Trump demanded that the Senate add the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act to the DHS funding measure. The act would require proof of citizenship to register and vote, severely restrict mail-in voting, and require states to surrender voting lists to a federal database (the SAVE system) used to screen for noncitizens. The Brennan Center estimated the act would remove at least 21 million Americans from voting rolls, with the SAVE database showing false-positive rates as high as 14%.

Supporting reports

• Trump's Truth Social post about Iran negotiations preceded unusual market activity and volume spikes. — At approximately 6:50 AM ET, before Trump's 7:05 AM Truth Social post claiming productive Iran negotiations, S&P 500 futures and West Texas Intermediate oil futures recorded sharp, isolated volume spikes during thin premarket trading. Trump's announcement at 7:05 AM triggered an immediate 2.5% surge in S&P 500 futures and a nearly 6% drop in oil futures. Within 56 minutes, the market swung $3 trillion in total market capitalization as Iran denied the claims. CNBC reported the unusual volume activity preceded the announcement.
• Evidence emerged of potential market manipulation tied to Trump's Iran announcements — Reporters including Yun Li at CNBC documented that approximately fifteen minutes before Trump's announcement of "triumphal progress" in Iran negotiations, there was a sudden and sharp jump in S&P 500 futures and oil futures. Economist Paul Krugman noted that someone with insider knowledge could have profited substantially by selling crude oil futures at high prices (Brent crude over $112 on the weekend) and buying them back immediately after Trump's announcement but before Iran's denial, realizing large profits.
• Economist alleges insider trading on false Iran war announcement — Economist Paul Krugman reported that trading volume in S&P 500 and oil futures spiked approximately 15 minutes before Trump announced false U.S.-Iran war negotiations, with oil futures alone worth roughly $580 million. Krugman characterized the pattern as potential "insider trading" and "treason," suggesting that confidential national security information was exploited for private financial gain. The Financial Times estimated the scale of the trades; Krugman called for investigation into the identities of traders and whether they had direct access to classified information or paid intermediaries for tips.
• Suspicious trading in S&P 500 and oil futures preceded Iran announcement — Trading in S&P 500 and oil futures occurred approximately fifteen minutes before Trump announced his team had been negotiating with Iran, despite the announcement later being revealed as false. The timing raised public accusations of insider trading on national security information, potentially endangering Americans by compromising classified information.
• Trader profited nearly $1 million from prescient Polymarket bets on US-Israeli military actions — A trader made nearly $1 million since 2024 from dozens of well-timed Polymarket bets predicting US and Israeli military actions against Iran, winning 93% of their 5-figure wagers on unannounced military operations. The trader placed prescient bets hours before Israeli strikes in October 2024, US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, and the joint US-Israeli surprise strikes on February 28, 2026.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — Newhouse v. U.S. Agency for Global Media (D.D.C. 1:26-cv-00980) — VOA journalists and advocacy organizations filed suit in D.D.C. challenging the administration's dismantling of Voice of America's editorial independence following Executive Order 14238. The complaint alleges that defendants Michael Rigas and Kari Lake, acting for the administration, violated the statutory "Firewall" protecting VOA from political interference by censoring coverage of Iranian protests and forcing the Mandarin Service to publish White House talking points as news. Plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction to restore the Firewall, a declaration of constitutional violations, and a writ of mandamus to compel USAGM to fulfill its statutory duty to provide accurate, independent news coverage.

Supporting reports

• CREW files FOIA complaint against DHS over surveillance of immigration-enforcement protesters — Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a Freedom of Information Act complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Department of Homeland Security, seeking records of DHS tracking and surveillance of protesters opposing expanded immigration enforcement. CREW's February 2026 FOIA requests sought memoranda, policies, and database records related to DHS collection of images, license plates, and personal data on protesters during operations including "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota and "Operation Catch of the Day" in Maine. CREW alleges DHS failed to timely process requests, grant expedited processing, or produce responsive records, and seeks declaratory relief, injunctions compelling disclosure, and attorney fees.

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• Federal prosecutors drop charges against Heather Danae Lewis in church protest case due to mistaken identity — Federal prosecutors notified a federal judge of their intent to drop criminal charges against Heather Danae Lewis, one of 30 people charged in connection with an anti-ICE protest at the Cities church in Saint Paul, Minnesota in January 2026. Lewis was accused of participating in the protest and interfering with congregants' religious rights, but her attorney demonstrated she was in the supermarket parking lot by coincidence, not as a protester. Prosecutors dropped charges "with prejudice," preventing refiling. A magistrate judge criticized the DOJ for slow discovery compliance.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced suspension of Iranian power plant strikes and claimed productive negotiations — At 7:23 a.m. on Sunday, Trump posted that the U.S. and Iran had conducted "very good and productive conversations" over the preceding two days and that he had instructed the Department of War to postpone military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, contingent on the success of ongoing meetings. Iran immediately denied having any direct or indirect contact with Trump's representatives, characterizing the claim as an attempt to manipulate energy prices and buy time for military planning.
• Trump claimed Iran agreed to nuclear restrictions and joint control of Strait of Hormuz — At Palm Beach International Airport, Trump told reporters that Iran had agreed to fifteen points of agreement, including that Iran would never have a nuclear weapon and would not enrich uranium even for medical or civilian purposes. He also claimed the Strait of Hormuz would be "jointly controlled" and suggested he personally would control it alongside "the ayatollah." He referenced potential regime change and compared the situation to Venezuela.
• Trump claimed Iran agreed to nuclear disarmament without providing evidence of Iranian acceptance. — Trump stated that Iran had agreed to complete nuclear disarmament, including no enrichment even for civilian purposes, and cited this as one of the key points of agreement. When asked if Iran had explicitly agreed to these terms, Trump asserted "They have." Iran's Foreign Ministry and state media made no such statements and continued to deny any negotiations or agreements with the United States.
• Trump postponed military strikes on Iran power plants, claiming productive negotiations while Iran denied all contact. — President Trump announced via Truth Social that he was postponing planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, citing "very good and productive conversations" with Iran conducted by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Trump claimed Iran had agreed to nuclear disarmament and joint control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Foreign Ministry, Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf, and state media repeatedly and explicitly denied any negotiations, direct contact, or indirect talks with the Trump administration, characterizing the claims as false statements intended to manipulate markets and buy time for military preparations.
• Trump suggested the U.S. and Iran would jointly control the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump possibly in control. — When asked who would control the Strait of Hormuz under the proposed agreement, Trump stated "it'll be jointly controlled" and when pressed on by whom, responded "Maybe me. Maybe me. Me and the next ayatollah, whoever that is." He also mentioned "a serious form of regime change" and referenced Venezuela. Energy Secretary Chris Wright declined to elaborate on the plan, stating negotiations were early.
• Trump claims diplomatic breakthrough with Iran; Iran denies negotiations occurred — On March 24, Trump announced via Truth Social that the United States and Iran had reached a comprehensive diplomatic breakthrough over the preceding two days and would postpone military strikes on Iranian power plants for five days. Trump claimed the parties had agreed on 15 "major points of agreement," including that Iran would not develop nuclear weapons. However, Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf immediately posted on X that "no negotiations have been held with the US," calling the claim "fakenews." The Iranian Foreign Ministry acknowledged only "initiatives by regional countries to de-escalate tensions," suggesting indirect communication through proxies, not direct U.S.-Iran talks. Trump declined to name the Iranian officials involved or specify the 14 other points of agreement.
• Trump Announces False Negotiations with Iran — On March 24, 2026, former President Trump announced that the U.S. and Iran were in negotiations to end the war, a claim that was later revealed to be false. This announcement coincided with a significant increase in trading volume in S&P 500 and oil futures, raising concerns about potential insider trading based on confidential national security information.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to deploy ICE agents to airports and demanded voting restrictions — At 11:34 a.m. on March 22, Trump posted a threat to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports to conduct security operations and arrest undocumented immigrants unless Democrats agreed to fund the Department of Homeland Security. The post specifically targeted Somali immigrants and Minnesota officials including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Later that evening, Trump stated he would not agree to any DHS funding deal unless Democrats also agreed to the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote and ends mail-in voting, measures widely understood as voter suppression tactics. The post also included attacks on transgender Americans.

Supporting reports

• Elon Musk offered to pay TSA salaries during funding impasse — Elon Musk posted: "I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country." NBC senior politics reporter Jonathan Allen responded that this would "almost certainly violate anti-bribery laws" and noted there is "a reason that federal workers are banned from accepting salaries from sources other than the federal govt."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened Iran with strikes on civilian power plants via social media — On Saturday evening at 7:44 p.m., President Trump posted a threat to attack and "obliterate" Iranian power plants if Iran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The threat targeted civilian infrastructure, which constitutes a war crime under international law. The post was made publicly on social media and immediately destabilized markets and regional security, prompting Iran to threaten retaliatory strikes on Israeli and Gulf state power plants.
• Trump threatened to attack Iranian power plants — At 7:44 p.m. on March 22, Trump posted a threat to attack and obliterate Iranian power plants, including the largest one, if Iran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz without threat within 48 hours. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted in a conversation with Politico that attacks on civilian energy infrastructure constitute war crimes.
• Trump threatens military action against Iran — President Trump issued a threat to Iran, stating that if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully opened within 48 hours, the U.S. would "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants. This statement escalates tensions between the U.S. and Iran amid ongoing military conflicts.
• Trump issued 48-hour ultimatum to bomb Iran's energy infrastructure — Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum threatening to bomb Iran's energy infrastructure—civilian systems including power plants—rather than military targets. Iran's military command responded immediately, stating that if the U.S. strikes Iranian energy infrastructure, Iran will target U.S. and allied infrastructure across the Middle East, including energy systems, IT infrastructure, and desalination facilities. The threat escalated the risk of regional war spiral.
• Trump issued 48-hour ultimatum to Iran over Strait of Hormuz — Trump posted an ultimatum on social media at 7:44 PM Saturday: "If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" The deadline would expire at 7:44 PM Monday. Iran's parliament speaker immediately responded that if power plants are targeted, critical infrastructure and oil facilities throughout the region would be considered legitimate targets.
• Trump threatens to destroy Iranian power plants as war crime — On March 22, Trump posted on Truth Social demanding Iran fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face U.S. military destruction of Iranian power plants. Ben Saul, UN special rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, stated the threatened attack would constitute a war crime under the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit destruction of civilian infrastructure not justified by military necessity. Trump was using the power plants as leverage to coerce Iran into reopening the strait, not claiming military necessity. Iran immediately rejected the threat and warned of retaliation against regional energy infrastructure.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announced ICE agents would replace TSA agents — The Trump administration announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would take the place of some Transportation Security Administration agents. Former national security officials noted that the legality of moving ICE agents into TSA positions is unclear.
• Tom Homan announced ICE deployment to airports beginning next day — When asked on CNN whether ICE agents would move into American airports starting the next day, Tom Homan responded: "Yes. I'm currently working on the plan. We'll execute tomorrow." When pressed on whether ICE agents are trained to handle airport security, Homan claimed they "receive high-level training" and compared the task to "guard an exit to make sure no one comes through that exit." Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries expressed concerns about untrained ICE agents potentially brutalizing or killing Americans at airports.
• Trump announced ICE deployment to airports to assist TSA — Trump announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be deployed to airports to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Border Czar Tom Homan acknowledged there was no detailed operational plan beyond "guarding exits." The deployment positioned immigration enforcement as airport security during a period when international tourism and the World Cup were approaching.
• ICE agents deployed to US airports to assist TSA amid government shutdown — President Trump and border czar Tom Homan announced and deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to major US airports beginning Monday, March 23, to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents with security screening and exit monitoring. The deployment occurred amid a partial government shutdown that began February 14, leaving TSA agents unpaid for over a month. More than 400 TSA agents have resigned and others called out sick, creating hours-long security lines. Homan stated ICE officers would handle non-specialized tasks like monitoring exits to free TSA agents for screening duties, though operational details remained unclear.
• Trump deploys ICE agents to US airports during TSA shutdown — President Trump deployed ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents to 11 major US airports on March 23, 2026, as TSA screening agents went unpaid during a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The deployment occurred amid a budget impasse triggered by Democratic demands for accountability following ICE killings in Minneapolis and documented warrantless detention practices. TSA agents missed their second paycheck, with hundreds reportedly quitting and many refusing to report for duty, causing security lines to stretch for hours across the country.
• ICE agents were deployed to U.S. airports in tactical gear. — Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports across the country, where they appeared in tactical gear. Travelers and media posted videos of agents "milling around in tactical gear mostly doing absolutely nothing other than getting in people's way." Trump stated ICE would arrest undocumented migrants at airports and indicated the National Guard could be deployed if needed. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move as part of Trump's standard playbook.
• Trump administration deployed ICE agents to major airports — President Trump confirmed that his administration would deploy ICE agents to major airports across the country on March 23, ostensibly to assist TSA agents who had been working without pay for over a month due to a Department of Homeland Security shutdown. At least one person was violently arrested by ICE at an airport following the announcement. Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon subsequently stated on his podcast that the deployment could serve as "a test run…to really perfect ICE's involvement in the 2026 midterms," calling it "perfect training."
• Trump administration deploys ICE agents to airports for security support amid TSA staffing crisis — The Trump administration deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to U.S. airports to provide "non-specialized security support" including exit lane manning, crowd management, and line control. This deployment follows a partial government shutdown since mid-February that has caused TSA officer shortages—more than 450 TSA officers quit during the shutdown—and long security lines. Acting TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News ICE would help alleviate challenges facing TSA officers. The shutdown stems from Senate disagreement over immigration enforcement reforms tied to TSA funding.
• Trump deploys ICE agents to airports amid DHS funding shutdown — President Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports on Monday, citing the need to ease congestion at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints caused by the ongoing DHS funding lapse. The funding shutdown, which began in mid-February, has resulted in hours-long security lines at some airports. Trump framed the ICE deployment as a response to operational necessity, though the move places immigration enforcement personnel in civilian airport security roles during a period when Democrats are demanding stronger oversight of immigration agents.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico in Texas — Trump launched a public attack on James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, using insults, conspiracy claims, and escalatory rhetoric. The attack occurred as Trump simultaneously refused to endorse either Republican candidate John Cornyn or Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, signaling internal division within the Republican party over the race.
• Trump declined to endorse in Texas Republican Senate primary — Trump indicated he will not be making an endorsement in the Republican primary runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. During a post trashing Democratic nominee James Talarico, Trump claimed it doesn't matter who the GOP nominee is: "I believe that any human being running against him - sick, incompetent, close to death or, even a child, would win." Talarico has consistently polled ahead of both Republicans by slim margins. The bulletin notes this is Trump's excuse to stay out of the race despite pressure from Senate Republican leadership to endorse Cornyn and opposite pressure from MAGA supporters backing Paxton.

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• Trump, Vance, Putin, and Netanyahu endorsed Orban — The bulletin reports that Trump, Vice President Vance, Putin, and Netanyahu have all endorsed Hungarian PM Viktor Orban while attempting to tamper in Hungary's election next month. Netanyahu stated: "Viktor Orbán has been like a rock. Today, we live in turbulent times. You need leaders who can protect against this rising tide and can also ensure safety and stability for their own countries. This is what Viktor Orbán has in abundance."
• Trump endorsed Viktor Orbán for reelection in Hungary — Trump posted on social media endorsing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for reelection in Hungary's April 12 elections. Trump praised Orbán as "a true friend, fighter, and WINNER" and stated he was "WITH HIM ALL THE WAY," urging Hungarians to vote for Orbán and citing improved U.S.-Hungary relations under his administration.

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• Trump administration files civil rights lawsuit against Harvard over antisemitism allegations — The Trump administration, through Attorney General Pam Bondi, filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal court in Massachusetts alleging Harvard University violated the civil rights of Jewish and Israeli people by allowing anti-Israel protesters to operate on campus "with impunity" following the 2023 Gaza conflict. The 44-page filing claims Harvard enforced bias policies selectively, permitting pro-Palestinian demonstrations including a 2024 encampment while Jewish students faced harassment and were denied access to facilities. The lawsuit invokes Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and seeks to block up to $9 billion in future federal grants and recoup previously awarded funds.

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• California sheriff seizes 650,000+ ballots from 2025 election amid disputed fraud claims — Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County, a Republican candidate for California governor, seized over 650,000 ballots from the 2025 election via search warrant, claiming to investigate allegations of unlawful ballot casting related to Proposition 50. State election officials and California Attorney General Rob Bonta dismissed the fraud allegations, noting only a 103-vote discrepancy between machine and submitted counts. Bonta called the seizure unprecedented and designed to sow election distrust. A superior court judge appointed a special master to recount the ballots.
• Riverside County Sheriff seized 650,000 ballots from November election — Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a leading Republican candidate for governor, seized more than 650,000 ballots from the November election and is investigating whether they were fraudulently counted. Bianco stated: "This investigation is simple: Physically count the ballots and compare that result with the total votes recorded." California Attorney General Rob Bonta responded: "This is unprecedented in both scope and scale based on no facts or evidence. There is no indication, anywhere in the US, of widespread voter fraud. Counts, recounts, hand counts, audits, and court cases all support this."
• Riverside County Sheriff seized over 650,000 ballots citing unsubstantiated ballot discrepancy claims — Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco seized over 650,000 ballots in March 2026, citing claims by right-wing activists of a 45,896-ballot discrepancy in the county's special election. County Registrar Art Tinoco produced records showing only a 103-vote discrepancy attributable to human error. California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit to halt Bianco's investigation. Bianco, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, has continued to push the probe despite contradictory official records.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration lifted sanctions on Iranian oil at sea — On Friday, the Trump administration lifted sanctions on Iranian oil currently at sea in an attempt to lower global oil prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran after the February 28 U.S. attack. The action enables Iran to sell approximately 140 million barrels of oil worth about $14 billion, including to the United States and China. Iranian oil has been under sanctions since 1979.
• Treasury Department lifts sanctions on Iranian oil at sea to lower energy prices — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on March 21 that the Treasury Department was temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto ships as of that date, through April 19. The license allows most countries to purchase the Iranian oil. According to NBC, at current prices the oil would be worth more than $14 billion for Tehran. The administration argued Iran would have difficulty accessing the revenue, but the mechanism for preventing access was unclear. The move occurred during active U.S. military conflict with Iran.
• U.S. temporarily waives sanctions on Iranian oil — The United States temporarily waived sanctions on Iranian oil at sea, allowing it to flow despite escalating military tensions with Iran. This decision has been criticized as contradictory, as it effectively funds a conflict against U.S. interests. The waiver reflects the administration's prioritization of economic factors over strategic military objectives, raising concerns about the coherence of U.S. foreign policy.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent stated U.S. lifted sanctions on Iranian oil as part of strategy — When asked on NBC why the U.S. lifted sanctions on Iranian oil, helping Iran obtain $14 billion in oil revenue while at war with the U.S., Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded: "We have always planned for this contingency. In essence, we are jujitsuing the Iranians." Sen. Chris Murphy countered that Trump is "suspending sanctions on Iran and Russia, which will put over $15 billion in their treasuries to help them fund the wars against us."
• Russia increased crude oil sales due to eased sanctions — Ukrainian President Zelensky stated: "Over the past week, Russia launched nearly 1,550 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs, and two missiles. Over that same week, due to the easing of sanctions, Russia increased its crude oil sales to finance its war. Revenues give Russia a sense of impunity and the ability to continue the war. That is why pressure must continue and sanctions must work."
• Trump lifted Treasury sanctions on Iranian oil while claiming to oppose sanctions relief. — Trump announced that Treasury had lifted sanctions on Iranian oil. When asked about this in light of his past criticism of President Obama for providing Iran $1.7 billion, Trump stated he wanted "as much oil in the system as possible" and claimed "We don't even know that Iran gets that money." The statement appeared to contradict his earlier public opposition to sanctions relief for Iran.

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• ProPublica report detailed $220 million DHS ad contract to cronies — A November 2025 ProPublica report by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski documented that the Department of Homeland Security awarded a $220 million contract for a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign to cronies. The contract circumvented transparency laws by being awarded to a small company that then subcontracted the work to associates of Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski. Trump allegedly commented on the arrangement: "Corey made out on that one."

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• Trump publicly discloses congressman's terminal health diagnosis without consent — During a press conference with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Kennedy Center leaders, President Trump revealed that Republican congressman Neal Dunn had a terminal health condition and would have been "dead by June" without White House medical intervention. Trump stated he provided treatment "for him first and for the votes second." The disclosure occurred without apparent prior public consent from Dunn, though his office later indicated he was "completely fine" with it. The incident prompted criticism from etiquette experts and Republican strategists regarding presidential propriety and privacy norms.

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• Trump threatens to deploy ICE agents to airports — President Trump threatened to deploy ICE agents to airports to take over security due to DHS funding issues. He framed this as a crackdown, targeting Somali immigrants and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. This move comes amid a global conflict and reflects Trump's focus on immigration enforcement over other pressing issues. The threat is part of a broader pattern of using immigration as a political tool, especially in the context of ongoing funding disputes in Congress.
• Trump threatens ICE deployment to airports amid DHS funding standoff — President Trump threatened via Truth Social post to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to U.S. airports on Monday if Democrats do not agree to measures strengthening security and immigration enforcement. The threat came amid a partial DHS shutdown that began February 14, with Democrats blocking a funding bill for the fifth time. Democrats are demanding changes to ICE operations, including better officer identification, codes of conduct, and judicial warrant requirements, following an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis that resulted in two protester deaths. TSA agents have begun quitting en masse due to missed paychecks.
• Trump threatened to deploy ICE agents to airports and demanded voting restrictions — At 11:34 a.m. on March 22, Trump posted a threat to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports to conduct security operations and arrest undocumented immigrants unless Democrats agreed to fund the Department of Homeland Security. The post specifically targeted Somali immigrants and Minnesota officials including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Later that evening, Trump stated he would not agree to any DHS funding deal unless Democrats also agreed to the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote and ends mail-in voting, measures widely understood as voter suppression tactics. The post also included attacks on transgender Americans.