Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• House Oversight Committee chair issues subpoena to Attorney General Bondi — House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) formally issued a subpoena requiring Attorney General Pam Bondi to appear before the committee on April 14 to testify under oath regarding DOJ handling of Epstein files.
• House Oversight Committee subpoenas Attorney General Pam Bondi over Epstein investigation — On March 17, the Republican-led House Oversight Committee issued a subpoena requiring Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and associates, as well as DOJ compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Later that day, Democratic committee members walked out of a private briefing with Bondi after she refused to commit to complying with the subpoena and providing a deposition.
• House committee subpoenas Attorney General Pam Bondi over Epstein files handling — The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, chaired by Republican James Comer, formally subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the Department of Justice's handling of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the DOJ for improperly redacting material, withholding names of potential criminals, and exposing survivor personal information. Bondi is required to appear for a deposition on April 14, 2026. The subpoena followed a March 4 committee vote in which five Republicans joined Democrats to authorize it.

Supporting reports

• Chief Justice John Roberts warns that attacks on judges are "dangerous" and "have got to stop" — On March 17, 2026, Chief Justice John Roberts, in remarks at Rice University, warned that growing verbal attacks on judges are "dangerous, and have got to stop." Roberts' comments came shortly after Trump's attacks on Judge Boasberg and within weeks of Trump's attacks on Supreme Court justices who voted against his tariff policies. Multiple reports indicate that threats of violence against judges have risen significantly in the past year.
• Chief Justice Roberts publicly rebukes Trump's personal attacks on judges — Chief Justice John Roberts delivered remarks at Rice University calling hostility directed at judges "dangerous" and stating it "has got to stop." Though Roberts did not name Trump, the statement responded to Trump's recent social media attacks on federal judges, including Judge James Boasberg, whom Trump called "corrupt" and demanded be removed and disciplined. Roberts distinguished between legitimate criticism of judicial decisions and personally directed attacks, emphasizing that judges work hard to get decisions right and that personal hostility undermines judicial independence.

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• Complaint filed — Environmental Defense Fund v. Wright — The Environmental Defense Fund filed a complaint in D.D.C. alleging that Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Acting Archivist James Byron violated the Federal Records Act by failing to recover records improperly maintained in personal email accounts by DOE political appointees during work on a Climate Working Group report used to support EPA's proposed rescission of the 2009 Endangerment Finding. EDF seeks declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and mandamus compelling the defendants to fulfill their nondiscretionary duties under 44 U.S.C. §§ 2905(a) and 3106(a).

Supporting reports

• House Speaker Johnson defended Iran war citing nuclear enrichment threat — House Speaker Mike Johnson responded to Joe Kent's resignation by aggressively defending the Iran war. Johnson stated that officials understood Iran posed an imminent threat due to its proximity to nuclear enrichment capability and its rapid missile development. Johnson's statement contradicted U.S. intelligence assessments that Iran posed no imminent threat. Trump similarly attempted to justify the war by blaming former President Barack Obama's nuclear deal, claiming that without terminating it, "you would have had a nuclear war four years ago."
• Speaker Johnson defended imminent threat claim without evidence — Speaker Mike Johnson was asked by CNN why Congress has not held oversight hearings on the Iran War. Johnson stated: "We all understood there was clearly an imminent threat that Iran was very close to the enrichment of nuclear capability. I don't know where Joe Kent is getting his information. The president felt he had to strike first to prevent mass casualties." Johnson's statement asserted an imminent threat without providing evidence and dismissed the concerns of a departing senior official.

Supporting reports

• Tucker Carlson claims CIA preparing criminal referral for Iran communications — Tucker Carlson posted a video on X claiming the CIA is preparing a criminal referral to the Department of Justice alleging he acted as a foreign agent by communicating with people in Iran before the recent US-Iran war. Carlson denied the unleveled charges and asserted his loyalty to the United States. The claim reflects broader tensions within Trump's MAGA movement over the Iran conflict, with Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Steve Bannon, and Marjorie Taylor Greene breaking with the administration over the war.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed: Illinois v. HUD (N.D. Cal.) — A coalition of 16 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia, co-led by Illinois and California, filed a complaint in the Northern District of California challenging HUD's September 2025 Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) Funding Guidance Package. The Guidance threatened to decertify state and local FHAP agencies if they enforce fair housing protections beyond the FHA's seven protected classes (including sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, and criminal records) and imposed new mandatory funding conditions barring agencies from promoting "gender ideology," funding elective abortions, issuing disparate impact findings, and facilitating illegal immigration. Plaintiffs allege the policy is arbitrary and capricious, in excess of statutory authority, and promulgated without required notice-and-comment rulemaking, and seek a stay, declaratory judgment, vacatur, and permanent injunction.

Supporting reports

• Trump endorses FCC chair's threat to revoke broadcast licenses over Iran war coverage — Donald Trump posted on Truth Social expressing he was "thrilled" that FCC Chair Brendan Carr was "looking at the licenses" of news organizations reporting unfavorably on the Iran war. Carr had stated on X that broadcasters running "hoaxes and news distortions" should "correct course before their license renewals come up" or "lose their licenses." In a Reuters interview, Carr said license revocations were "on the table" and accelerated reviews were possible. Trump claimed news outlets "knowingly" disseminated false information and should face treason charges, while Defense Secretary Hegseth barred press photographers and singled out CNN.
• Trump posted social media attacks on New York Times and Wall Street Journal — President Trump posted on social media that the New York Times and Wall Street Journal "actually want us to lose the War" and that their "terrible reporting is the exact opposite of the actual facts." Trump called the outlets "Lowlife 'Papers' and Media" and characterized journalists as "truly sick and demented people that have no idea the damage they cause the United States of America," citing his 2024 election victory as proof that Americans understand events better than "Fake News Media."
• Trump posted that media outlets should face treason charges for false reporting — President Trump posted on social media that media outlets generating stories he characterized as "FAKE" "should be brought up on Charges for TREASON for the dissemination of false information." Trump reiterated support for FCC Chair Brendan Carr's attack on the media and insisted he won the presidential election "IN A LANDSLIDE."

Supporting reports

• Trump signed Executive Order 14395 establishing Task Force to Eliminate Fraud in federal benefit programs — President Trump signed Executive Order 14395 on March 16, 2026, establishing a Task Force to Eliminate Fraud within the Executive Office of the President. The order, published in the Federal Register on March 19, 2026, directs the Vice President to chair the task force and coordinates representatives from twelve federal agencies to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs. The task force is authorized to develop eligibility verification measures, establish fraud-prevention controls, disrupt fraud networks, and coordinate information-sharing between federal and state authorities. The order mandates agencies submit fraud-prevention plans within 90 days and directs the Attorney General to promote private civil actions under the False Claims Act.
• Trump issues executive order establishing Task Force to Eliminate Fraud — President Trump signed an executive order on March 16, 2026, establishing a Task Force to Eliminate Fraud within the Executive Office of the President. The Vice President chairs the task force, with the FTC Chairman as Vice Chair. The order directs the task force to coordinate a national strategy to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs administered by states, including Medicaid, SNAP, and childcare assistance. The order mandates agencies to improve eligibility verification, implement anti-fraud controls, and share data with federal authorities within 30–90 days.
• White House issues fact sheet on Task Force to Eliminate Fraud executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on March 16, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. The order creates a task force chaired by the Vice President to coordinate government-wide efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs including housing, food, medical care, and cash assistance. The fact sheet states the task force will improve eligibility verification, implement pre-payment controls, detect fraud trends, and develop minimum anti-fraud requirements including proof of identity and documentation standards.
• White House signed Executive Order 14395 establishing Task Force to Eliminate Fraud — President Trump signed Executive Order 14395 on March 16, 2026, establishing a Task Force to Eliminate Fraud within the Executive Office of the President. The order directs the Vice President to chair the task force, with the FTC Chairman as Vice Chairman. The task force is tasked with coordinating a national strategy to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs, including Medicaid, food stamps, and childcare assistance. The order directs member agencies to identify fraud-susceptible transactions within 30 days, adopt minimum anti-fraud requirements within 60 days, and submit implementation plans within 90 days. The order also directs the Attorney General to promote private civil actions under the False Claims Act concerning benefits fraud.

Supporting reports

• Trump launches racist tirade against Somalia and Rep. Ilhan Omar — On March 16, Trump made inflammatory statements in the Oval Office calling Somalia "maybe a fourth-world nation" where they "shoot people all over the place" and accused Somalis of coming to the US to "steal" billions of dollars. He also repeated baseless claims that Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), a U.S. citizen, is in the country illegally and directed his new White House anti-fraud task force to investigate her, calling her a "ringleader" without evidence.

Supporting reports

• Trump imposes 10% temporary tariffs under alternative Trade Act authority following Supreme Court invalidation — Following the Supreme Court's February ruling against his tariffs, Trump invoked section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act to impose 10% tariffs on goods from much of the world. These temporary duties expire after 150 days (July 2026). Trump vowed to raise the temporary duty to 15% but has not yet done so. US officials simultaneously launched trade investigations to establish grounds for permanent replacement tariffs.

Supporting reports

• Sen. Schiff refused to vote for additional military funding — Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated on NBC that he would not vote for additional military funding during the conflict. Schiff noted that the military already has all the funding it needs and that the $11 billion spent in the first few days could have been used for hospitals and schools. Schiff also stated that the U.S. is giving Russia $140 million per day by releasing sanctions while Russia provides intelligence to Iran to attack American troops.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration invokes Defense Production Act to force reopening of California offshore oil pipeline — On Friday, March 15, 2026, the Trump administration ordered the reopening of the Santa Ynez offshore oil pipeline system in California, which had been closed since 2015 following a major oil spill. Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked emergency powers under the Defense Production Act, citing national security and military readiness amid the US-Israel war on Iran. Sable Offshore Corporation, the Houston-based operator, announced oil was flowing through the system by Monday, March 18. California Governor Gavin Newsom immediately threatened legal action and the state parks department ordered removal of the pipeline from Gaviota State Park.

Supporting reports

• Laura Loomer accused Tucker Carlson of being Iranian asset; created list of alleged foreign agents — Laura Loomer posted that Tucker Carlson is an Iranian asset and should be jailed, questioning why he would oppose the U.S. killing the Ayatollah. Loomer stated she created a list of conservative influencers she believes are taking money from Iran, Russia, and Qatar and provided supporting evidence to the DOJ. Loomer accused all listed individuals of violating FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act) and stated they deserve jail time.

Supporting reports

• Trump stated U.S. strikes "totally demolished" Kharg Island and may hit it "a few more times just for fun" — After days of conflicting White House messaging on the war's duration, Trump alleged that U.S. strikes had "totally demolished" most of Kharg Island and stated the military may hit the site "a few more times just for fun." Trump added that he did not target energy infrastructure because rebuilding it would take years. The Guardian reported this statement as part of inconsistent White House communications about the conflict's timeline.
• Trump conducted military strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure while on golf course during active war — During the third week of active U.S.-Iran war, President Trump struck Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export terminal located fifteen miles off the Iranian coast, on Saturday. Trump told NBC News the strikes "totally demolished" most of the island and stated "we may hit it a few more times just for fun." The strikes occurred as Iranian military adjusted tactics to target U.S. communications and defense systems, and as the administration claimed total destruction of Iran's military capability while simultaneously requesting allied naval support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration invokes Defense Production Act to force reopening of California offshore oil pipeline — On Friday, March 15, 2026, the Trump administration ordered the reopening of the Santa Ynez offshore oil pipeline system in California, which had been closed since 2015 following a major oil spill. Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked emergency powers under the Defense Production Act, citing national security and military readiness amid the US-Israel war on Iran. Sable Offshore Corporation, the Houston-based operator, announced oil was flowing through the system by Monday, March 18. California Governor Gavin Newsom immediately threatened legal action and the state parks department ordered removal of the pipeline from Gaviota State Park.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge orders ICE to release Minneapolis asylum seeker after 50 days of unlawful detention — U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez ruled that ICE unlawfully detained Elvis Joel TE, an Ecuadorian asylum seeker, for 50 days without legal basis. TE was arrested without a warrant on January 22, 2026, during an ICE raid in Minneapolis, along with his two-year-old daughter. Despite a court order prohibiting their removal from Minnesota, ICE flew both to Texas within 20 minutes. The daughter was released the next day, but TE remained detained. Judge Menendez found no statutory authority for continued detention and ordered his release by March 16, 2026.

Supporting reports

• ICE detention of Canadian mother and autistic daughter in Texas — Tania Warner, a Canadian citizen with a valid work visa through 2030, and her seven-year-old daughter Ayla Lucas, who has autism, were detained by ICE on March 14, 2026, at a border patrol checkpoint in Sarita, Texas, while returning home from a baby shower. Despite presenting valid documentation including a Texas driver's license, work visa, and visa valid until 2030, both were taken for fingerprinting and held at Rio Grande Valley Central processing centre in McAllen. Family members report poor detention conditions and uncertainty about the legal basis for detention.
• ICE detention of Canadian mother and daughter in Texas facilities — Tania Warner, a Canadian citizen with valid work authorization until 2030, and her seven-year-old daughter Ayla were detained by ICE for nearly three weeks after being stopped at a border patrol checkpoint on 14 March. They were held at Rio Grande Valley Central Processing Center and Dilley detention center, facilities criticized for unsafe conditions, inadequate healthcare, and food. Warner reported pervasive pressure to self-deport, chemical exposure causing skin rashes, and witnessing abuse of other detainees. Released on 3 April on a $9,500 bond, they now face deportation proceedings and movement restrictions including an ankle monitor.
• ICE detention of Canadian mother and daughter with autism — Tania Warner, a Canadian citizen with valid work authorization through 2030, and her seven-year-old daughter Ayla (who has autism) were stopped at a US Border Patrol checkpoint in Sarita, Texas on March 14 while driving home from a baby shower. They were detained by ICE and transferred to the Dilley immigration processing center in south Texas. ICE offered release only if Warner agreed to "self-deport" to Canada. The family reports traumatic conditions, including initial detention on floors without mattresses, and Ayla developed a rash during detention.
• ICE detention of Canadian woman and child at Dilley processing center — Tania Warner, a Canadian citizen with valid US employment authorization (expiring June 2030), was detained by ICE on March 14, 2026, at a border patrol checkpoint in Sarita, Texas, along with her seven-year-old autistic daughter, Ayla. Despite possessing documentation showing legal status, Warner was held at Rio Grande Valley processing center, then transferred to Dilley immigration processing center in south Texas. She reported abusive conditions, including handcuffing of children, sleep deprivation via 24-hour lighting, denial of legal counsel access, and coercive pressure to sign self-deportation documents. Her daughter developed a stress-related rash. A lawyer is seeking her release on a $15,000 bond; Canadian officials are exploring diplomatic avenues.

Supporting reports

• Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office expands immigration enforcement capacity and embeds immigration checks into routine local policing — Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office tripled its "designated immigration officers" from 100 to 334 between January 1 and January 31, 2026. In November 2025, the department formally embedded immigration enforcement procedures into standard operating procedures, allowing certified deputies to conduct immigration status checks based on "reasonable suspicion," request immigration officers, and execute civil immigration arrests without state or local criminal charges. The policy creates a tracking system for immigration investigations and routes all custody cases through a new processing step at police headquarters for immigration status verification before jail transport.

Supporting reports

• Nine anti-ICE protesters convicted on terrorism support charges in Texas — Nine protesters were found guilty of providing material support to terrorists and related charges following a July 4, 2025 demonstration at Prairieland detention center near Fort Worth. Prosecutors alleged the defendants were part of an antifa cell and coordinated an ambush on law enforcement; the defendants maintained they planned a peaceful protest and brought firearms for self-defense. The case marked the first federal prosecution alleging individuals were part of an antifa terrorist cell. Sentencing ranges from 10 to life in prison.

Supporting reports

• Largest DHS immigration enforcement operation in history deployed to Minneapolis; two US citizens fatally shot by federal officers; children detained — The Department of Homeland Security deployed the largest immigration enforcement operation in its history to Minneapolis, involving 3,000 federal agents. The operation resulted in the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal officers and the detention of children as agents swept through neighborhoods. The operation was characterized as aggressive and led to Minneapolis residents describing themselves as "under siege." Following intense community pushback and public backlash, additional federal agents were withdrawn, but the underlying hardline enforcement policy continues.

Supporting reports

• New York attorney Joshua Nass charged with attempted extortion of client over unpaid fees — Joshua Nass, a 34-year-old New York lobbyist and attorney connected to a Trump pardon issued in November 2025, was arrested and charged in federal court in Brooklyn with attempted Hobbs Act extortion. Prosecutors allege Nass threatened a former client and the client's son over an alleged $500,000–$600,000 debt for lobbying services, instructing an associate to intimidate the client at his home and threatening physical assault or kidnapping. Nass was released on a $5 million bond secured by five properties and $50,000 cash, with GPS monitoring imposed.

Supporting reports

• Michigan state representative Noah Arbit attacks Muslim politician Abdul El-Sayed on social media — Pro-Israel state representative Noah Arbit posted on X (formerly Twitter) attacking Abdul El-Sayed, a former Detroit health official running for U.S. Senate, accusing him of stoking hatred against Jews. Arbit invoked AIPAC and drew a logical line from El-Sayed's criticism of Israel to the Temple Israel attack. El-Sayed had expressed horror at the attack and called for an end to the cycle of violence involving Israeli strikes, the Iran war, and the synagogue attack, while distinguishing between criticism of Israel and antisemitism.

Supporting reports

• FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatens broadcaster license revocation over Iran war coverage — FCC Chair Brendan Carr warned broadcasters on March 14 that they could lose their licenses if they continue "running hoaxes and news distortions," specifically referencing coverage of Trump's Iran war policy. Carr stated broadcasters "have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up." Senator Elizabeth Warren responded by calling the threat "straight out of the authoritarian playbook" and noting it violates constitutional protections for free speech.

Supporting reports

• Energy secretary Chris Wright restarts Sable Offshore pipeline under Trump Defense Production Act order — US energy secretary Chris Wright restarted the Sable Offshore pipeline system using powers granted by Trump through an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act. The pipeline, which links the Santa Ynez offshore platform to California refineries, had been shut down following a 2015 spill that released over 100,000 gallons of crude oil. Wright's restart order superseded California state law and court orders. Sable Offshore began shipping hydrocarbons on March 14 and expects to sell 50,000 barrels per day by April 1, 2026.
• Trump administration invokes Defense Production Act to force reopening of California offshore oil pipeline — On Friday, March 15, 2026, the Trump administration ordered the reopening of the Santa Ynez offshore oil pipeline system in California, which had been closed since 2015 following a major oil spill. Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked emergency powers under the Defense Production Act, citing national security and military readiness amid the US-Israel war on Iran. Sable Offshore Corporation, the Houston-based operator, announced oil was flowing through the system by Monday, March 18. California Governor Gavin Newsom immediately threatened legal action and the state parks department ordered removal of the pipeline from Gaviota State Park.

Supporting reports

• Trump declares war completion based on personal feeling rather than military assessment — When asked by Fox News personality Brian Kilmeade when the war will end, Trump replied "When I feel it, when I feel it in my bones." This statement reflects Trump's pattern of basing major military decisions on personal intuition rather than intelligence, strategy, or military counsel. It mirrors his earlier justification for initiating the war based on a "feeling" that Iran was planning attack, contradicted by Pentagon officials' private briefings to Congress that no such intelligence exists.
• Trump stated war would end when he "felt it in his bones" without military strategy or objectives — When asked how long the war would last, Trump responded that it would end when he felt it in his bones. The statement provided no military strategy, defined objectives, or timeline. Military analysts and former officials noted that wars are decided by logistics, strategy, alliances, and political resolve, not gut feelings or social media posts. The response demonstrated a lack of coherent war planning.