Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump discloses Kushner's role in advising military action against Iran — At a press conference on March 10, 2026, President Trump stated that his son-in-law Jared Kushner, along with Steve Witkoff, Pete Hegseth, and Marco Rubio, convinced him to launch major combat operations against Iran. Trump claimed Iran was preparing an imminent attack. However, U.S. intelligence agencies subsequently told Congress that intelligence did not support the claim of an Iranian preemptive strike threat, contradicting Trump's stated rationale for the military action.

Supporting reports

• DHS reduced Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties staff from 147 to under 40 — According to The Guardian's review of court records, the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) was reduced from 147 full-time employees to fewer than 40. The office received nearly 6,000 complaints between late March and December 12, 2025, but approximately only 183 of those complaints were directly investigated. DHS described the oversight offices as "internal adversaries that slow down operations" when justifying the cuts. The office is responsible for investigating complaints of abuse and misconduct within immigration detention facilities and other DHS operations.
• DHS reduced Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman from 118 to 5 staff — According to The Guardian's review of court records, the DHS Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman was reduced from 118 staff members to five. This office was created by Congress to provide internal reviews and investigate complaints related to immigration enforcement and detention conditions. The office was responsible for investigating abuse allegations in immigration detention facilities, including cases involving children and pregnant women. One former employee described how detainees learned to recognize help by looking for the hummingbird logo on tablets carried by caseworkers from this office.
• DHS oversight offices drastically reduced — Court records revealed that key Department of Homeland Security oversight offices designed to investigate abuse and protect civil rights were drastically reduced. These offices serve as internal watchdogs for DHS enforcement and civil-rights compliance.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration expands investigation into 2020 election results in Arizona — The Trump administration expanded its investigation into the 2020 presidential election. Arizona's Republican state Senate leader confirmed he turned over records to the FBI related to an audit of Maricopa County—which had concluded Trump lost the state—pursuant to a federal grand jury subpoena. The Department of Homeland Security's ICE investigative branch is also conducting its own investigation into Arizona's 2020 election results.
• Federal grand jury subpoenas Arizona legislature for 2020 election audit records — A federal grand jury subpoenaed Arizona's state legislature for records related to its 2020 election review in Maricopa County, according to state senate president Warren Petersen. The subpoena appears connected to the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to promote false claims about the 2020 election. Trump publicly celebrated the subpoena on social media. The specific information sought and records provided remain unclear. Arizona's Democratic attorney general characterized the action as weaponization of federal law enforcement to legitimize debunked conspiracy theories.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFLCIO v. Vought et al. — On March 9, 2026, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and its Illinois affiliate filed suit in the Northern District of Illinois against Russell Vought, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and federal agencies (HHS, CDC) challenging the administration's directive to terminate over $600 million in CDC public health grants to Illinois, California, Colorado, and Minnesota. Plaintiffs allege the terminations were ordered by President Trump in retaliation for these states' sanctuary-city immigration policies and violate the Administrative Procedure Act, the Spending Clause, separation of powers, the First Amendment, and the Fifth Amendment Equal Protection Clause. Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — Havens v. U.S. Department of Education (D.D.C.) — Four student-loan borrowers enrolled in or eligible for the SAVE repayment plan filed a complaint in D.D.C. against the Department of Education, alleging that ED unlawfully refuses to implement the SAVE Final Rule despite the February 27, 2026 dismissal of Missouri v. Trump, which had previously blocked the rule. The complaint asserts that ED continues to deny eligible borrowers loan discharges and forbearance buybacks and maintains inaccurate website information falsely stating the plan remains enjoined. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and seek an order requiring ED to immediately implement the SAVE Final Rule and cancel all qualifying direct loans.

Supporting reports

• US Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs; $175bn in refunds ordered but claims face legal hurdles — The US Supreme Court invalidated Donald Trump's tariff regime, opening the door to approximately $175 billion in refunds for businesses that paid import taxes. A US trade court judge ordered the government to begin paying refunds to importers who paid tariffs deemed illegally collected. However, the refund process faces significant legal and practical obstacles. Trump stated the issue could remain tied up in courts "for the next five years." Small-business owners across multiple sectors report skepticism about pursuing claims due to complexity, legal costs, and uncertainty about government compliance.

Supporting reports

• Trump claims Iran possesses Tomahawk missiles — On Monday, March 9, when a reporter noted that a Tomahawk missile likely hit the school and asked if the U.S. would accept responsibility, Trump responded that "the Tomahawk…is sold and used by other countries" and suggested that Iran "also has some Tomahawks." Trump's claim contradicts the fact that only three U.S. allies and the U.S. possess Tomahawk missiles, a point raised by a reporter on Tuesday.
• Trump deflects responsibility for girls school strike — When asked whether the U.S. would accept responsibility for the girls school bombing, Trump stated that Tomahawk missiles are "sold and used by other countries" and suggested Iran or "somebody else" may have fired the weapon, despite the U.S. being the only party to the conflict known to possess Tomahawks. He characterized the matter as "being investigated" without acknowledging U.S. responsibility or committing to accountability.
• Trump urged oil tankers to transit Strait of Hormuz despite military threat — Trump stated there is "no reason why oil tankers shouldn't try to run the Straits of Hormuz," claiming "There's nothing to be afraid of! They have no Navy, we sunk all their ships!" Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade echoed the message, urging tanker captains to "show some guts and go through that Strait" to diminish the Iranian threat. The statements encourage commercial shipping to navigate a militarily contested waterway during active conflict.
• Trump claimed Iran may possess Tomahawk missiles despite limited distribution — When asked about video evidence showing a U.S. Tomahawk missile destroyed an Iranian girls school, President Trump claimed that Tomahawk missiles are "very generic" and that Iran may possess them, despite only three U.S. allies plus the U.S. having access to the weapon system. Trump stated the matter was "being investigated" without accepting responsibility.

Supporting reports

• Secretary Hegseth refuses to answer questions about girls school strike — During a 60 Minutes interview, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was asked directly whether the U.S. bombed the Iranian girls school. He declined to provide a substantive answer, stating only that the matter "is being investigated, which is the only answer I'm prepared to give." Fox host Laura Ingraham subsequently criticized the response, calling for the administration to "wrap up its investigation and address head-on" the "horrible unintended tragedy."
• Secretary Hegseth held press conference avoiding questions on Iranian school bombing — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth conducted a press conference where he called exclusively on right-wing media outlets (Gateway Pundit, OAN) and avoided all questions about the bombing of an Iranian girls school that killed at least 175 people, mostly children. Neither Hegseth nor Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine commented on any investigation into the bombing. A reporter attempting to ask about it was ignored.

Supporting reports

• Department of Justice released Epstein documents concerning Trump rape allegation — Under pressure regarding the Epstein files, the Department of Justice released documents concerning an allegation from an Epstein survivor that Trump raped her when she was thirteen or fourteen. The release included four separate FBI interview summaries (FD-302 forms). The DOJ's initial document drop included only the interview discussing abuse at Epstein's hands; the other three interviews discuss Trump. Some files related to the accusation and interviews remain missing.
• DOJ releases Epstein documents related to Trump — The Department of Justice released documents concerning an allegation from an Epstein survivor that Donald Trump raped her when she was a minor. The documents included four FBI interview summaries, known as 302 reports, detailing the survivor's accounts of abuse, including interactions with Trump. Some files related to the accusation remain missing.
• DOJ continues to withhold 37 pages of documents related to Trump sexual assault allegations — According to NPR reporting cited in the article, 53 pages of materials related to Trump's alleged sexual assault of a minor were excluded from the DOJ's January 30, 2026 release of Epstein documents. As of March 10, only 16 pages have been disclosed, leaving 37 pages still withheld by the Trump administration. The missing documents include notes from interviews, a law enforcement report, and license records. The DOJ has not provided an explanation for the continued withholding.

Supporting reports

• Trump told CBS he believes Iran war is nearly complete — In a phone interview with CBS reporter Weijia Jiang, Trump stated that he believes the war with Iran is "very complete, pretty much," claiming Iran has no navy, communications, or air force. He said the U.S. is "very far" ahead of his initial 4–5 week estimated timeframe. When asked about Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said he had "no message for him. None, whatsoever." Trump indicated he has someone in mind to replace Khamenei but did not elaborate. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said ships are moving through but he is "thinking about taking it over." He warned Iran that if they "try anything cute or it's going to be the end of that country."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened Iran with twenty-fold retaliation and destruction — Trump's account posted a threat to Iran stating: "If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far. Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again—Death, Fire, and Fury will reign [sic] upon them—But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!"
• Trump threatened Iran with extreme military retaliation over Hormuz — President Trump posted on social media that if Iran does anything to stop the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit "TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far." He also threatened to "take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again," invoking "Death, Fire, and Fury."

Supporting reports

• Trump told aides he would back killing of new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei — According to Wall Street Journal national security reporter Alex Ward, citing current and former U.S. officials, President Trump has told aides he would support the assassination of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei if he refuses to comply with U.S. demands, including ending Iran's nuclear development program.

Supporting reports

• Spanish-language journalist detained by ICE without warrant shown — Estefany Rodriguez Florez, a reporter for Nashville Noticias who has done stories critical of ICE, was arrested during a traffic stop without being shown a warrant, according to court documents filed by her attorney. Rodriguez, a Colombian citizen with a valid work permit who entered the U.S. lawfully, has been living in the country for five years and applied for political asylum through her U.S. citizen husband. She left Colombia after receiving death threats for her coverage of crime.

Supporting reports

• Gasoline prices rose 14 percent amid Iran conflict — As a result of the Iran military operations, approximately 20 percent of the world's oil supply ceased transit through the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to surge. Gasoline prices rose 14 percent in a single week, with further increases anticipated in jet fuel and diesel affecting transportation and agricultural sectors. The economic impact contradicted the administration's earlier justification for cutting domestic social programs due to fiscal constraints.
• California gas prices exceed $5 per gallon amid Iran conflict — California's average gas price reached $5.20 per gallon on 9 March 2026, a $0.55 increase since the Iran conflict began over a week prior, compared to the national average of $3.47. The price spike reflects broader oil market disruption caused by damaged Middle Eastern facilities and closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Governor Newsom's office attributed the increase directly to Trump's military actions, while the Trump administration characterized the price surge as a temporary disruption justified by removing Iran from power.
• Oil prices spiked to highest level since 2022 due to Iran war — The price of oil spiked overnight to its highest level since global trade surged in 2022 after COVID-19 lockdowns, briefly exceeding $100 per barrel. News that the Group of Seven advanced economies was willing to consider releasing strategic oil reserves brought prices down from their highs. A dropping stock market reflected the spike in oil prices, though drops moderated after news about possible strategic reserve releases and Trump's claim that the war was ending. The market ended higher than it began.
• Strait of Hormuz closure triggers severe global energy crisis — The stoppage of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has triggered what Wall Street Journal reporters describe as "the most severe energy crisis since the 1970s" and is threatening the global economy. The strait carries not only oil but also fertilizer used for crops worldwide. Trump's March 3 offer of government insurance for shipping and possible Navy escorts has been insufficient to restore voyages.
• Oil prices surge amid Middle East conflict — West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 12% to $102.28 per barrel, surpassing $100 for the first time since mid-2022, while Brent crude traded 12% higher at $104.76 per barrel. The surge followed production cuts by Middle East countries amid ongoing regional conflict. Trump dismissed the price spike as a "very small price to pay" for eliminating the "Iran nuclear threat," while analysts noted the administration's war strategy has consumed U.S. munition stockpiles and forced redeployment of air defense systems from South Korea to the Gulf.
• US-Israel war on Iran disrupts oil supply, driving gas prices up across Michigan and the US — A US-Israel military conflict with Iran has crippled major portions of the global oil supply chain, sending gas prices surging. In Michigan, prices spiked 60 cents per gallon in one week, topping $4.30 near downtown Detroit. The average US price rose 27 cents. President Trump dismissed concerns as temporary, stating prices will "drop very rapidly when this is over." Detroit-area drivers expressed frustration over elevated fuel costs tied to the conflict, though reactions to the war itself were mixed.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon reported first week of Iran War cost approximately $6 billion — Pentagon officials told Congress that the first week of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran cost approximately $6 billion. Republicans are expecting the administration to seek additional funding from Congress for continued military operations.
• Pentagon briefs Congress on Iran war costs exceeding $11.3bn in first six days — Pentagon officials conducted a classified briefing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, March 12, 2026, informing top lawmakers that US military expenditures in the Iran conflict have already surpassed $11.3 billion in the first six days. The estimate, presented to Congress, focuses primarily on munitions costs and excludes additional expenses such as force deployment, medical care, and aircraft replacement. The Trump administration initiated the military conflict against Iran, and lawmakers are now seeking clarity on campaign scale and force positioning as scrutiny mounts.
• Pentagon reported first week of Iran war cost $11.3 billion — The Pentagon reported that the first week of military operations in the Iran war cost $11.3 billion. The figure represented the direct financial cost of the conflict to the US military.
• Pentagon reports high costs of military operations — Pentagon officials informed Congress that the military has expended $5.6 billion worth of munitions in the first two days of the war against Iran, with total costs exceeding $11.3 billion in the first six days. Lawmakers are concerned about the impact of these expenditures on U.S. military readiness for future conflicts.
• — Pentagon officials informed Congress that the military has expended $5.6 billion worth of munitions in the first two days of the war against Iran, with total costs exceeding $11.3 billion in the first six days, raising concerns about military readiness for future conflicts.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration eased oil sanctions to benefit Russia during Iran War — The Trump administration eased sanctions on Russian oil, allowing millions of barrels sitting on ships to go to India, with the financial benefit flowing to Russia as it wages war in Ukraine. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz acknowledged the policy but framed it as "common sense," while Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the U.S. is "temporarily suspending some sanctions on Russia to make Russian oil available."
• Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments — The Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments in an effort to stabilize oil markets and reduce economic fallout from the Iran war. The move allows Russia to sell approximately 128 million barrels of oil previously loaded onto tankers facing U.S. restrictions. Brent crude futures closed above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022. Experts estimate Russia has already received approximately $150 million per day from increased oil sales since the U.S. attacked Iran two weeks prior, with Moscow earning an estimated $1.9 billion windfall in taxes on oil exports.
• Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments — Late on March 13, the Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments, permitting sales to buyers worldwide until April 11. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cited the need to ease skyrocketing oil prices caused by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The move contradicts G7 consensus; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated G7 heads had urged Trump not to ease sanctions, noting there was a price problem but not a supply problem, and questioned the U.S. government's additional motives.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge voided actions taken by Kari Lake at Voice of America — U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled on Saturday that Kari Lake, a Trump-appointed official, lacked lawful authority to serve as acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America. Lake had exercised approximately 95 percent of the CEO's duties despite not being employed by USAGM when the former CEO resigned in January 2025 and lacking Senate confirmation. The court voided her actions, including layoffs of over 1,000 journalists and staffers, funding cuts, and restructuring that reduced VOA broadcasting from 49 languages to four. The ruling reaffirms that administrations must follow legal procedures when installing control over public institutions.
• Appeals court voids Kari Lake's tenure as head of US Agency for Global Media for lack of Senate confirmation — Senior judge Royce C Lamberth of the US District Court for the District of Columbia voided the tenure of Kari Lake, a Republican former gubernatorial candidate, who unlawfully led the US Agency for Global Media for several months in 2025 without Senate confirmation. The court voided mass layoffs and other actions Lake took to dismantle the agency overseeing Voice of America and related international news broadcasters, finding her appointment violated constitutional requirements.
• Federal judge voids Kari Lake's unlawful tenure at USAGM, invalidating mass layoffs — US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled that Kari Lake unlawfully served as head of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent agency of Voice of America, after Trump appointed her without Senate confirmation on 31 July 2025. During her tenure through 19 November 2025, Lake cut over 1,000 staff positions and terminated contracts. The judge voided all actions taken during her unlawful service, citing violations of the Appointments Clause and the Vacancies Act. The ruling relied on precedent from the Third Circuit's invalidation of Alina Habba's appointment to lead the US attorney's office in New Jersey.
• Federal judge ruled Kari Lake acted unlawfully in running Voice of America — U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that Kari Lake, head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, acted unlawfully in running the Voice of America and its parent agency. The judge declared all of Lake's actions over the past year null and void, including the layoffs of more than 1,000 journalists and staffers. Lake announced she would appeal the ruling.
• Federal judge voided Kari Lake's authority over Voice of America — A federal judge ruled that Kari Lake had been unlawfully running Voice of America without proper legal authority and voided her actions. Lake had previously laid off more than 1,000 journalists and reduced Voice of America's language broadcasts from 49 to four. The ruling invalidated these personnel and operational decisions made without lawful authorization to hold the position.

Supporting reports

• Trump EPA repeals endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions — The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency repealed the endangerment finding, a scientific determination that gave federal officials authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental groups and state attorneys general argue this repeal undermines the Department of Justice's simultaneous legal challenge to Vermont and New York's "climate superfund" laws, which require major polluters to pay for climate damages. The contradiction—claiming federal preemption while denying federal regulatory authority—may strengthen state defenses in climate litigation.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court agrees to hear fossil fuel industry petition challenging Boulder climate suit — The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition from energy producers seeking to dismiss a climate accountability lawsuit brought by Boulder, Colorado, against major oil companies. The energy industry argues that federal law should preempt the state/municipal claims, a preemption argument that may now be weakened by the EPA's repeal of the endangerment finding.

Supporting reports

• Trump denies U.S. responsibility for school strike, blames Iran — On Saturday, March 8, when asked about the possibility the U.S. was responsible for the strike on the Shajarah Tayyebeh girls elementary school, Trump answered: "No. In my opinion and based on what I've seen, that was done by Iran…. We think it was done by Iran. Because they're very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever. It was done by Iran." Trump's denial contradicted the preliminary military investigation findings released days later.
• Trump made false claims about Iran bombing elementary school — At a press conference before the dignified transfer ceremony, Trump claimed that Iran, not the U.S., was responsible for bombing an elementary school that killed 175 people. When asked directly, Defense Secretary Hegseth refused to endorse Trump's claim, stating only "We're investigating." CNN fact-checkers and other outlets found the U.S. was likely responsible for the strike.

Supporting reports

• Trump posted demands to condition legislation on passage of voting restrictions bill — Trump posted on social media that he will not sign other bills until the "SAVE AMERICA ACT" is passed, demanding voter ID requirements, proof of citizenship, elimination of mail-in ballots except for military/illness/disability, prohibition of transgender athletes in women's sports, and bans on gender-affirming care for minors. He stated the bill "supersedes everything else" and "MUST GO TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE."
• Trump threatens legislative veto unless Congress passes strict voter ID act — On Sunday, President Trump posted on Truth Social that he will not sign any bills until Congress passes the Save America Act, a voting restriction measure. On Monday, he reiterated this demand at a Republican event in Miami, calling for proof of citizenship, elimination of mail-in ballots except in narrow cases, and unrelated provisions banning transgender participation in women's sports. The bill has passed the House but faces steep odds in the Senate due to the filibuster rule. Trump's threat represents an attempt to leverage executive power to force legislative action on a measure voting rights advocates say would disenfranchise millions of Americans.
• Trump announced refusal to sign legislation until Congress passes SAVE America Act — On Sunday, President Trump announced he would not sign any other legislation until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which passed the House on February 11, 2026, by a vote of 218 to 213. The bill requires documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. A Center for American Progress analysis estimated that approximately 69 million American women and 4 million men lack birth certificates matching their current legal names due to marriage or name changes, and would be blocked from voting under the bill. The measure would also apply to routine voter registration updates and threatens election officials with civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance.
• Trump threatened to withhold bill signatures unless Senate passes SAVE Act — Trump posted on social media threatening that unless the Senate weakens the filibuster to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act over Democratic objections, he will not sign other bills. His message demanded voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements, elimination of mail-in ballots except for military and disability cases, and other restrictions. The message also included demands unrelated to voting, including bans on transgender medical care for minors and transgender athletes in women's sports.
• Trump threatens Congress over voting legislation — Donald Trump threatened Republican senators on social media, stating he would not sign any bills unless they passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which includes strict voter ID requirements and limits on mail-in ballots. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer criticized the act as a modern form of Jim Crow that would disenfranchise millions.
• House passes Save America act with restrictive voting provisions — The House approved the Save America act, legislation requiring documented proof of U.S. citizenship to register and vote, voter ID requirements, prohibitions on mail voting, bans on gender-affirming care for minors, and restrictions on transgender women in sports. The bill would allow private parties to sue election officials and impose criminal penalties for registration without citizenship documentation. Voting rights advocates warned the measure would prevent millions of Americans from voting, particularly affecting married women whose documents may not match current names.
• Trump demands Senate majority leader alter filibuster rules to force vote on Save America act — Donald Trump publicly pressured Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune to change Senate filibuster rules to force a vote on the Save America act, a bill that would impose strict voter ID and citizenship documentation requirements, ban mail voting, and restrict transgender medical care and sports participation. Trump declared he would not sign any other legislation until the bill reached his desk. Thune refused, citing lack of votes, but some Republicans including John Cornyn reversed prior positions to support rule changes to advance the bill.
• Trump escalated pressure on Congress to pass SAVE America Act — Trump escalated pressure on Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Court records indicate that approximately 69 million American women do not have a birth certificate matching their current legal name, often due to marriage, making compliance with such a requirement difficult for a large eligible voter population.
• Save America act introduced with expansive voting restrictions and election worker liability provisions — The Save America act, a rebranded expansion of last year's failed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility act, includes four major provisions: mandatory documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and any registration changes; strict photo ID requirements for all voting methods including mail ballots; criminal penalties and private right of action against election officials who register voters without citizenship proof; and mandatory transfer of state voter rolls to the Department of Homeland Security for comparison against federal benefit eligibility databases. The bill would take immediate effect upon signature, requiring states to overhaul voter registration systems mid-election cycle.
• Trump vows to block all legislation until Senate votes on Save America voting restrictions bill — Donald Trump announced he will not sign any other legislation until Republicans pass the Save America act, a sweeping voting restrictions bill that would impose documentary proof of citizenship requirements, strict voter ID mandates for mail and in-person voting, criminal liability for election officials, and mandatory transfer of state voter rolls to the Department of Homeland Security. The Senate is scheduled to vote next week but lacks the 60 votes needed to overcome the filibuster, making passage unlikely. The bill would take effect immediately upon presidential signature and would affect all American voters.

Supporting reports

• Surveillance and pretrial detention used as punishment without conviction in Mazurek case — Over three years, John Mazurek endured two months of jail detention, 24-hour house arrest with ankle monitoring for six months, continued ankle monitoring for an additional 12 months, and a hidden surveillance camera placed on a utility pole outside his house. These measures were imposed during the pretrial period without any conviction. Mazurek characterized the experience as "the process was the punishment," noting that authorities used pretrial detention and surveillance as a de facto sentence despite his lack of conviction. The hidden camera was removed only after The Guardian reported on it and raised Fourth Amendment concerns.

Supporting reports

• Two teens charged with attempted bombing outside NYC Mayor Mamdani's home during anti-Islam protest — Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were arrested on March 7 after allegedly throwing explosive devices containing TATP near Gracie Mansion during dueling protests—a far-right "Stop the Islamic Takeover" rally led by pardoned January 6 rioter Jake Lang and a counter-demonstration. Federal authorities allege the teens are Islamic State supporters who confessed to the plot. They face charges including attempted material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, use of a weapon of mass destruction, and unlawful possession of destructive devices. If convicted, they could face decades in prison.
• DOJ announces charges against two ISIS supporters for attempted detonation of explosive devices at Gracie Mansion protest — The Department of Justice announced charges against Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, alleging they attempted to detonate two improvised explosive devices during a protest outside Gracie Mansion in Manhattan on March 7, 2026. According to the complaint, Balat threw one device into a crowd of protesters and dropped a second device near NYPD officers. Both men allegedly stated support for ISIS after arrest. The devices contained TATP explosive with metal shrapnel attached. Charges include attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, use of a weapon of mass destruction, and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
• Two teenagers charged with terrorism for throwing explosives at Gracie Mansion — Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were charged in federal court with terrorism and weapons of mass destruction offenses after allegedly throwing improvised explosive devices during an anti-Islam demonstration outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence on Saturday. According to a criminal complaint, both declared allegiance to ISIS. Neither device exploded; both were made safe by the NYPD bomb squad. The men allegedly traveled from Pennsylvania to carry out the attack.
• Two teenagers charged with terrorism over explosive devices at anti-Islam protest outside NYC mayor's home — Two teenagers, Emir Balat (18) and Ibrahim Kayumi (19), were charged in federal court with five counts each including terrorism, use of weapons of mass destruction, and possession of explosive devices. On Saturday, March 8, they allegedly threw improvised explosive devices containing TATP during an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Neither device exploded; both were neutralized by the NYPD bomb squad. The defendants, from Pennsylvania, admitted involvement and pledged allegiance to ISIS. They were arrested within an hour of arriving in New York.
• Explosive device thrown at anti-Islam protest outside NYC mayor's residence — Counter-protesters threw improvised explosive devices (IEDs) outside New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's official residence during a clash with far-right anti-Islam demonstrators led by Jake Lang on Saturday. Police confirmed the devices contained nuts, bolts, screws, and hobby fuses and could have caused serious injury or death. Two men, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested at the scene. A third suspicious device was found in a vehicle nearby. Six people total were arrested during the confrontation.

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• John Mazurek accepts Alford plea in Cop City arson case, resolves three-year prosecution without conviction — John Mazurek, a 33-year-old Georgia carpenter, resolved a three-year felony arson case by accepting an Alford plea to the reduced charge of criminal damage to property on March 7, 2026. Superior Court Judge Emily Richardson approved the plea, which carries a decade of probation but no conviction. Mazurek had faced up to 20 years for allegedly burning police motorcycles during July 2023 protests against a police training facility. The case involved two months of jail time, 24-hour house arrest, ankle monitoring, and persistent surveillance. Prosecutors' evidence centered on trace DNA from a soda bottle fashioned into an incendiary device, though defense analysis showed genetic material from up to five additional people on the bottle.
• Probation conditions imposed on Mazurek restrict First Amendment protest activity and association — As part of the Alford plea resolution, Judge Emily Richardson imposed probation conditions requiring Mazurek to abstain from "activities, movements, rallies or protests … outwardly expressing or proclaiming anti-government sentiment" for ten years. He was also prohibited from associating with "Defend the Atlanta Forest," described by prosecutors as a group but which functioned as a social media account broadcasting movement messages. Legal experts note such conditions are common in politically motivated prosecutions and serve to isolate defendants and communities from legitimate First Amendment activity.

Supporting reports

• Trump dismissed question about Russian support for Iran attacks — During a roundtable on college sports on March 7, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked Trump about the Washington Post report that Russia was helping Iran target and attack Americans. Trump responded by calling the question "stupid" and refusing to engage with the topic, instead redirecting to other subjects.