Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Federal three-judge panel scheduled to hear arguments on preliminary injunction motion in Utah redistricting case — A federal three-judge panel is scheduled to hear arguments on February 18, 2026, on a motion for a preliminary injunction to block the court-ordered congressional map and instead use the 2021 map for the 2026 election.
• Utah Republicans file federal court challenge to state court-ordered congressional map — Utah Republicans filed a federal court challenge arguing that the state court judge lacked authority to select an alternate congressional map. The challenge seeks to overturn the state court's implementation of the pro-voting plaintiffs' proposed map and restore the 2021 map for the 2026 election.
• Utah Republicans file state court motion to pause court-ordered map and use 2021 map for 2026 election — Utah Republicans filed a motion in state court asking the Utah Supreme Court to pause implementation of the court-ordered congressional map and instead use the 2021 map for the 2026 election, continuing their effort to circumvent the anti-gerrymandering amendment.
• Utah state court judge strikes down 2021 congressional map as violating anti-gerrymandering amendment — A Utah state court judge struck down the state's 2021 congressional map, finding it violated the 2018 constitutional amendment (Proposition 4) restricting partisan gerrymandering. The judge rejected Republican-drawn maps and selected an alternative map proposed by pro-voting plaintiffs. The Utah Supreme Court subsequently upheld this decision, clearing the way for potential Democratic gains in the 2026 election and prompting Republican efforts to overturn the ruling through litigation and ballot repeal.
• Utah Supreme Court upholds state court decision invalidating 2021 congressional map — The Utah Supreme Court upheld the state trial court's decision striking down the 2021 congressional map as a violation of Proposition 4, the 2018 constitutional amendment restricting partisan gerrymandering. This affirmation cleared the way for implementation of the court-ordered alternative map in the 2026 election.

Supporting reports

• Democratic lawmakers demand Trump administration accounting on immigration enforcement impacts on childcare workforce — Forty-eight Democratic lawmakers, led by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth and Representative Mike Quigley, sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services demanding answers about how Trump's immigration policies are exacerbating childcare shortages and costs. The letter cites terminations of temporary protected status (TPS), elimination of lawful immigration pathways, and ICE raids at childcare facilities. About 20% of the US childcare workforce are immigrants—as high as 70% in some regions—and Trump's policies could reduce the workforce by an estimated 15%. The letter documents specific cases of childcare workers detained or losing work authorization, and notes Trump revoked protections for childcare facilities from ICE raids.
• Congress members demand accountability for Palestinian-American teen's detention in Israel — Fifteen members of Congress, led by Senator Peter Welch, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding accountability for the nine-month detention of Mohammed Ibrahim, a Palestinian-American teenager arrested in the West Bank in February 2025. Ibrahim was released in November 2025 after a guilty plea; he reported severe mistreatment including beatings, pepper-spraying, and inadequate food and medical care. The lawmakers posed three questions to Rubio about State Department engagement, investigation requests, and accountability for Israeli personnel.
• Congressional letter to DHS and ICE seeking release of detained double amputee — Representative Pramila Jayapal and 20 members of Congress sent a two-page letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons on February 17, 2026, requesting the release of Rodney Taylor from Stewart detention center in Georgia. Taylor, a 47-year-old double amputee barber, has been detained since January 2025 on the basis of a burglary conviction from his teenage years for which Georgia pardoned him in 2010. The letter cites deteriorating health conditions, inadequate prosthetic care, and inhumane detention conditions including moldy showers and forced meal retrieval despite mobility limitations.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces intent to change voting laws by executive action — Trump's social media account announced that he intends to change the nation's voting laws unilaterally, stating he will present "an irrefutable" legal argument for voter ID and citizenship requirements and that "There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not!" He also called for an end to mail-in ballots except for military, disability, illness, or travel.

Supporting reports

• ICE gutted officer training program, cutting 240 hours from curriculum — Ryan Schwank, a former ICE assistant chief counsel who resigned on February 13 after nearly five years with the agency, testified before congressional Democrats that ICE dismantled its officer training program over the past five months, cutting approximately 240 hours from a 584-hour curriculum. Eliminated courses included instruction on the Constitution, the legal system, firearms training, use of force, lawful arrest procedures, proper detention, and limits of officers' authority. Internal training documents obtained by CBS News show the program was reduced from 72 days to 42 days. DHS disputed the characterization, claiming officers still receive comprehensive training.
• Ryan Schwank resigned from ICE and testified to Congress — Ryan Schwank, ICE assistant chief counsel, resigned on February 13 after nearly five years with the agency and testified before congressional Democrats this week regarding the dismantling of ICE's officer training program and the elimination of constitutional and use-of-force instruction.

Supporting reports

• ICE detains Irish national with valid work permit for five months pending deportation — Seamus Culleton, an Irish national married to a US citizen with a valid work permit and statutory exemption to work, has been held in ICE custody for five months facing deportation. An Irish court warrant from April 2009 for alleged drug possession and obstruction of police emerged during his detention. ICE claims he overstayed his visa; an immigration judge issued a final removal order on September 10, 2025. Culleton disputes signing a deportation consent form and has appealed to the Irish government for intervention.

Supporting reports

• DHS/ICE announces $38.3bn warehouse-to-detention-center conversion plan across 24 facilities — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed plans to acquire and retrofit 24 warehouses nationwide into immigration detention centers with capacity for tens of thousands of detainees. The plan includes 16 regional processing centers (1,000–1,500 capacity each) and 8 large-scale facilities (7,000–10,000 capacity) designated as "primary locations" for deportations. DHS estimates $158m to retrofit a Merrimack, New Hampshire facility and $146m to operate it over three years. The broader $38.3bn effort is intended to support mass deportations and is funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
• ICE expands facilities across United States — ICE has quietly and aggressively expanded across the United States in recent months, buying or leasing new facilities in nearly every state, many outside the country's largest cities but concentrated in Texas. DHS asked the General Services Administration to ignore competitive bidding rules and hide lease listings citing "national security concerns."
• ICE plans $38.3 billion detention center expansion — ICE officials are planning to spend $38.3 billion to buy warehouses across the country. ICE will retrofit sixteen of them to become processing centers that can hold 1,000 to 1,500 detainees at a time before funneling them into eight megacenters that can hold up to 10,000 detainees each.

Supporting reports

• CoreCivic revenue from ICE contracts more than doubled in 2025 — CoreCivic, a private prison company, reported that its revenue from ICE contracts more than doubled in 2025, rising from $120.3 million to $244.7 million. The company's overall profits spiked to $116.5 million, a 70% increase from the previous year. During a quarterly earnings call, investors expressed concern that ICE had not detained as many immigrants as expected, with detention levels at approximately 70,000 rather than the anticipated 100,000. CoreCivic projects even higher revenue for 2026.

Supporting reports

• OMB director diverted USAID appropriations to personal security detail — Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought took $15 million in unlawfully impounded money that Congress had appropriated for the U.S. Agency for International Development—funds designated to feed starving children—and redirected it to his own security detail, according to Reuters reporting citing documents.

Supporting reports

• Democrats blocked Republican funding proposals to demand enforcement reforms — On Thursday, February 13, Democratic lawmakers blocked Republican attempts to pass either full-year DHS funding or a two-week extension without including immigration enforcement reforms. The blocked proposals would have funded the department without addressing Democratic demands for body cameras, visible identification numbers, warrant requirements for arrests on private property, and tightened use-of-force policies. Congress then recessed until February 23, leaving the impasse unresolved.
• Department of Homeland Security partial shutdown begins after Senate fails to pass appropriations bill — The Department of Homeland Security entered a partial shutdown after the Senate failed to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to pass the DHS appropriations bill on Thursday, February 13. Democrats blocked funding, demanding new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations following the fatal shooting of two civilians in Minneapolis. The shutdown affects TSA, Secret Service, and FEMA operations, with TSA workers expected to continue without pay and many FEMA workers furloughed. ICE and CBP operations are expected to continue due to existing funding.
• Senate Democrats block DHS funding bill over ICE reform demands — Senate Democrats voted 52-47 on February 13 to block a House-passed Department of Homeland Security funding package, falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a Republican filibuster. The blockade was triggered by the Trump administration's refusal to implement ICE reforms demanded by Democrats, including mandatory body cameras, agent identification, and restrictions on operations near schools, courts, and polling places. The shutdown will affect TSA, FEMA, and Coast Guard but leave ICE largely unaffected due to prior $75 billion appropriation. Democrats cited recent shooting deaths of two Minneapolis residents by federal agents as catalyst for their stance.
• Senate rejects DHS appropriations bill in party-line vote — The Senate voted 52-47 along party lines to reject the DHS appropriations bill on Thursday, February 13, with only Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania supporting it. Democrats blocked the measure and rejected a Republican proposal for a two-week temporary funding extension, demanding new restrictions on ICE and CBP operations in response to the fatal shooting of civilians in Minneapolis. Republicans resisted key Democratic proposals, including requirements for judicial warrants before agents enter private property, though they agreed to body cameras for agents.
• Senate Democrats block DHS funding over ICE and Border Patrol reform demands — Senate Democrats, in the minority, used the filibuster to block a DHS funding measure passed by the House, demanding reforms to ICE and Border Patrol operations. Their demands include requiring judicial warrants for home entries, visible agent identification, an end to racial profiling and raids of sensitive sites, use-of-force policies, coordination with state and local authorities, detention facility standards, body camera restrictions, and standardized uniforms. The partial shutdown will defund most DHS agencies except ICE and Border Patrol, which received dedicated funding in the July 2025 budget reconciliation bill.
• DHS funding lapsed at midnight with no legislative action — DHS funding expired at midnight with no eleventh-hour legislative action. Both the House and Senate left town without voting on a DHS funding bill, with senators departing for pre-planned travel including the Munich Security Conference and not scheduled to return for 10 days. This left 260,000 DHS employees without funding. Senate Democrats remained united in their demands regarding ICE, with only Sen. John Fetterman joining Republicans on a failed procedural vote.

Supporting reports

• Abigail Slater forced out as DOJ Antitrust Division head — Abigail Slater, head of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division, was forced out after tensions with senior administration figures over efforts to scrutinize and potentially block major corporate mergers. The removal signals that antitrust enforcement was viewed as unacceptable by those pushing a corporations-first agenda.
• Gail Slater ousted as head of DOJ antitrust division — Gail Slater, assistant attorney general for antitrust, was forced out of the Trump administration on Thursday after months of tension with Attorney General Pam Bondi and loss of support from Vice President JD Vance. Disputes centered on Slater's opposition to the Hewlett Packard Enterprise-Juniper Networks merger and interpersonal conflicts within the department. Bondi had communicated to the White House that differences were irreconcilable. Omeed Assefi is expected to assume interim leadership of the antitrust division.

Supporting reports

• DHS uses SAVE tool to identify noncitizen voters — DHS has been using an electronic tool called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE), previously used to check eligibility for public benefits, to find noncitizen voters in a database made up of confidential data from different government agencies. That information includes confidential data from the Social Security Administration, accessed by the Department of Government Efficiency. Republican secretaries of state in twenty-seven states have agreed to use SAVE to check their voter rolls.
• SAVE system makes persistent errors identifying naturalized citizens — The SAVE system makes "persistent mistakes," frequently assessing naturalized citizens as noncitizens. The system automatically refers those individuals to DHS for possible criminal investigation, and in certain states, individuals have had to prove their citizenship to be reinstated as voters. County clerk Brianna Lennon of Boone County, Missouri, stated the system is "not ready for prime time" and she will not risk the security and constitutional rights of voters for bad data.
• ProPublica reported federal voter-verification tool misidentifies citizens as noncitizens — ProPublica reported that a federal tool designed to identify noncitizens on voter rolls is consistently and incorrectly marking U.S. citizens as noncitizens, particularly those born outside the United States. This tool is the same system that states would be required to use under the GOP's SAVE America Act, which passed the House this week. Research from Kansas showed that when a similar version was implemented, approximately 40 ineligible voters were purged while 31,000 legal citizens were prevented from registering—a ratio of 775 legal voters lost for every 1 ineligible voter.

Supporting reports

• Trump signals potential executive order on voting and voter ID requirements — On February 13, 2026, Trump posted on social media that he would present "irrefutable" legal arguments for an executive order on voting, stating "There will be voter I.D. for the midterm elections whether approved by Congress or not." This statement indicates Trump's willingness to impose voting changes unilaterally, bypassing congressional authority. However, in late February, Trump appeared to cool on the specific draft order Ticktin has been promoting, instead focusing on pressuring the Senate to pass the Save America Act, which mandates proof of citizenship and restricts mail-in voting and machine use.
• Trump threatened executive order to take over elections from states — Trump issued a post threatening to take over elections from the states by executive order if the SAVE Act is not passed by Congress. He stated: "We cannot let the Democrats get away with no voter ID any longer" and "If we can't get it through Congress, there are Legal reasons why this SCAM is not permitted. I will be presenting them shortly., in the form of an Executive Order."

Supporting reports

• Governor Walz calls for accountability and federal payment for Minnesota operation damages — Governor Tim Walz addressed Minnesota following the announced withdrawal, calling for accountability and demanding that the federal government pay for damage and destruction caused by the operation. Walz emphasized that trust has been eroded and highlighted the human cost, including generational trauma to children who witnessed classmates being taken away. He credited peaceful protest and civic engagement with forcing the retreat.
• Trump administration withdraws ICE and Border Patrol from Minnesota operation — Tom Homan announced that ICE and Border Patrol personnel deployed under "Operation Metro Surge" will be withdrawn from Minnesota. Homan stated the search operation will conclude, with a significant drawdown already underway and continuing through the following week. The withdrawal follows weeks of documented abuses and local resistance, including pushback from Governor Tim Walz and community documentation of harm.
• Tom Homan announces drawdown of ICE surge in Minnesota — Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, announced on February 13 that the federal ICE surge in Minnesota would be ending, with agents being drawn down over the course of that week and the following week. The announcement came after weeks of intensive enforcement operations that had disrupted schools, businesses, and community life across the state.
• Border czar announces wind-down of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota — Tom Homan, the U.S. border czar, announced on Thursday, February 13, that the administration was winding down "Operation Metro Surge" and that the number of ICE agents in Minnesota would return to normal levels. Homan recently assumed leadership of the operation from Greg Bovino, a senior Border Patrol official who was in charge when federal agents fatally shot two civilians in Minneapolis. The announcement came before the Senate's failed vote on DHS appropriations.
• Trump administration announces drawdown of immigration surge operation in Minnesota — Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, announced at a press briefing that President Trump has approved ending the months-long immigration crackdown surge in Minnesota. Homan stated agents would be returned to normal duties or reassigned, with Minnesota's agent count returning to approximately 100 from over 2,000. The operation had resulted in the deaths of two US citizens, mass detentions, and widespread protests. Security teams will remain to monitor "agitators" opposing immigration enforcement. Homan cited coordination with local law enforcement as enabling the drawdown.
• Trump administration ends ICE surge in Minneapolis — Tom Homan, Trump's immigration advisor, announced that the administration will end its surge of federal agents in Minneapolis, claiming the operation achieved "successful results" including 4,000 arrests. Agents will remain in the city but the surge of thousands will conclude. This announcement came after Border Patrol agents under then-commander Greg Bovino shot and killed a second American citizen in the city, and after more than a dozen federal prosecutors resigned when the Department of Justice declined to investigate the killings.
• Trump Administration's Decision to End Deportation Surge in Minneapolis — The Trump Administration has announced it will end the deportation surge in Minneapolis, a decision attributed to public pressure and advocacy efforts. This move comes after widespread community response and protest against what was perceived as a hostile federal occupation. The decision marks a significant victory for local activists and community organizers who have been working to protect immigrant communities from aggressive enforcement actions.

Supporting reports

• EPA revoked endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions — The Environmental Protection Agency revoked the endangerment finding that has been the basis for regulating emissions from cars and power plants since 2009. The finding reflected scientific consensus that greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels endanger the health and general welfare of the American people. The Trump administration claims the revocation will save Americans $1.3 trillion, primarily through cheaper cars and trucks, but did not factor in costs of extreme weather or pollution-related health issues.
• Trump administration announces repeal of 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases — The Trump administration, led by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, announced it will formally rescind the 2009 Obama-era endangerment finding that determined CO2 and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. This finding has served as the legal foundation for federal climate regulations under the Clean Air Act. The White House press secretary characterized the action as "the largest deregulatory action in American history." Environmental groups have pledged legal challenges, arguing the move will expose Americans to climate risks and health harms while benefiting fossil fuel interests.
• Trump EPA rescinds 2009 endangerment finding, eliminating legal basis for federal climate regulations — The Trump administration, through EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, finalized the rescission of the 2009 endangerment finding—the legal foundation for all federal climate regulations under the Clean Air Act. The administration characterized this as the "largest deregulatory action in American history" and claimed it would save $1.3 trillion, though provided no methodology. Environmental groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, and Sierra Club pledged immediate litigation. The move follows Trump's campaign-trail request for $1 billion from oil executives in exchange for scrapping environmental rules.
• Trump EPA revokes endangerment finding, eliminating climate pollution regulation authority — The Trump administration's EPA, led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, revoked the 2009 endangerment finding that authorized the agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources under the Clean Air Act. Trump called it "the single largest deregulatory action in American history." The move eliminates the EPA's legal basis to impose emissions tracking, reporting, and limits on transportation sources, though stationary sources remain technically covered under a separate Clean Air Act section. Environmental groups and California have pledged legal challenges; experts project 18 billion additional tons of planet-warming pollution by 2055 and up to $4.7 trillion in climate and air-pollution costs.
• EPA moves to revoke greenhouse gas emissions authority — The Environmental Protection Agency moved to revoke its longstanding authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the endangerment finding. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claimed the endangerment finding, which stated that greenhouse gases pose a threat to human health, was built on a "con job" and asserted that climate change does not endanger public health.
• White House issues fact sheet announcing EPA revocation of 2009 Endangerment Finding — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump has revoked the EPA's 2009 "Endangerment Finding" that classified greenhouse gases as harmful to human health under the Clean Air Act. The document claims this action eliminates the regulatory foundation for vehicle emissions standards, fuel economy mandates, and power plant regulations. The fact sheet asserts the revocation will save American families an average of $2,400 on vehicle purchases and reduce overall regulatory costs by $1.3 trillion. The announcement includes statements from industry groups, conservative organizations, and Republican officials supporting the action.

Supporting reports

• DOJ prosecutors dismiss assault charges against Venezuelan men in Minneapolis ICE case after video evidence contradicts officer testimony — Minneapolis federal prosecutors dismissed felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men accused of attacking an ICE officer on January 14, 2026. The DHS had initially described them as "violent criminal illegal aliens" who attacked with a snow shovel and broom handle. On February 12, prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss with prejudice after "newly discovered evidence" (video footage) proved officer statements were false. ICE director Todd Lyons acknowledged that "sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements" and opened an investigation into possible perjury.
• Justice Department drops charges against men arrested by ICE — The Justice Department dropped charges against Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, who were arrested by ICE agents in Minneapolis and charged with assault on a federal officer. DHS had claimed the men attacked an agent with a snow shovel and broom handle, but video surveillance evidence contradicted the agent's account. The DOJ stated "newly discovered evidence" suggested the allegations were false.
• ICE officers admitted to perjury in criminal case — ICE Director Todd Lyons announced that a joint ICE-DOJ review of video evidence revealed two ICE officers made untruthful statements under oath in an investigation that led to criminal charges against two innocent men. Both officers were placed on administrative leave. The U.S. Attorney's Office is investigating the false statements, and the officers may face termination and criminal prosecution. The DOJ subsequently filed a motion to dismiss all charges, citing newly discovered evidence materially inconsistent with the complaint affidavit.

Supporting reports

• Secretary Noem contradicted by ICE and CBP on domestic terrorism designation — During Senate hearings, Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott and ICE Director Lyons both denied that they had provided Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem with an assessment that Alex Pretti was engaged in domestic terrorism. However, Noem had repeatedly stated publicly that she only referred to Pretti as a domestic terrorist because that is what ICE and CBP told her. The contradiction suggests Noem may have misrepresented the basis for her characterization.
• Sen. Gary Peters questioned whether Noem was told Pretti was domestic terrorist — Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) asked Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott and ICE Director Lyons whether they had provided Secretary Noem with an assessment that Alex Pretti was engaged in domestic terrorism. Both officials answered no. Peters then asked how Noem could possibly have come to that conclusion to tell the American public, and Scott responded that he could not speculate on what someone else would say or why.
• Wall Street Journal reports chaos at DHS under Noem and Lewandowski — Wall Street Journal reporters Michelle Hackman, Josh Dawsey, and Tarini Parti published an investigation describing the Department of Homeland Security as in chaos under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her advisor Corey Lewandowski. The reporters documented that Noem and Lewandowski are using DHS for personal aggrandizement with an eye to elevating Noem to the presidency, including focus on image, firing or demoting 80% of career field leadership, apparent steering of contracts to allies, and excessive demands including a luxury 737 MAX jet for their travel. DHS is currently leasing the $70 million plane and is in the process of buying it.
• Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski misused DHS resources for personal and political purposes — Wall Street Journal reporting revealed that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her adviser Corey Lewandowski used departmental resources for personal and political benefit, including using a luxury 737 MAX jet (being acquired for approximately $70 million) for travel, firing a U.S. Coast Guard pilot over a blanket left on a plane, and attempting to obtain law-enforcement badges and guns for political appointees without proper training. The reporting also documented their public denial of an alleged affair while showing little effort to hide their relationship within the department.
• Coast Guard pilot fired over Kristi Noem's blanket, later reinstated — According to a Wall Street Journal report, a U.S. Coast Guard pilot was fired by Corey Lewandowski, described as Kristi Noem's close adviser, after Noem's personal blanket was left behind on a plane. The pilot was later reinstated because no one else was available to fly the leadership home. The incident reflects broader politicization and culture of intimidation within the Department of Homeland Security.
• DHS pushes for political appointees to receive federal badges and weapons — According to a Wall Street Journal report, Kristi Noem's close adviser Corey Lewandowski pushed for political appointees to receive federal badges and weapons. The moves alarmed career officials and deepened concerns about the politicization of law enforcement within the Department of Homeland Security.

Supporting reports

• Trump pardons Capitol attacker later convicted of child sexual abuse — Andrew Paul Johnson, who participated in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, was pardoned by Trump early in his presidential term as part of approximately 1,500 clemencies granted to Capitol defendants. Johnson was arrested in Tennessee in August 2025, extradited to Florida, and found guilty on Tuesday of five counts of child sexual abuse, including molesting children under 12 and 16. He faces possible life imprisonment. Police documents allege Johnson used promises of money and inclusion in his will to silence victims.

Supporting reports

• Attorney General Bondi testified before House Judiciary Committee and refused to answer questions about Epstein co-conspirators — Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Judiciary Committee on February 11, 2026. When asked by Congressman Nadler how many of Jeffrey Epstein's co-conspirators had been indicted and how many perpetrators were being investigated, Bondi did not answer directly. Instead, she attacked members of Congress throughout the hearing. When Congresswoman Jayapal asked survivors of Epstein's crimes to stand if they had not met with the Department of Justice, all survivors present raised their hands. Jayapal then asked Bondi to turn and apologize to the survivors; Bondi refused to acknowledge them and instead attacked Democrats over past impeachment proceedings.
• Pam Bondi testified before House Judiciary Committee on Epstein files handling — Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee to address her handling of Epstein-related documents and redactions. Her testimony drew intense criticism from Democratic lawmakers and observers who alleged she was covering up information, lying under oath, and that the DOJ had improperly surveilled members of Congress reviewing the files. Multiple representatives and senators called for her impeachment or resignation, citing her conduct as unprofessional and her role in withholding documents and redacting victim information.
• Attorney General Bondi refused to release Epstein files to public as required by law — Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee but refused to release all Epstein files to the public as Congress required when it passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Bondi did not acknowledge survivors of Epstein's sexual assaults and sex trafficking who were present in the audience. When Representative Pramila Jayapal urged her to apologize to survivors for the sloppiness of the release that left many survivors' names, identifying information, and sexually explicit photos unredacted while covering perpetrators' names, Bondi accused Jayapal of theatrics and dragging the hearing "into the gutter."
• Pam Bondi defends DOJ Epstein file handling in heated House judiciary committee hearing — US Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House judiciary committee on Wednesday to defend the Department of Justice's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Democrats questioned the DOJ's compliance with a law mandating complete release of the files, citing concerns about released survivor names and unexplained redactions of names of potential crime perpetrators. Bondi avoided substantive answers, instead attacking and insulting Democratic questioners, calling one a "washed-up loser lawyer" and refusing to apologize to Epstein victims present in the hearing room.
• DOJ Refuses to Release Epstein Files to Congress — The Department of Justice (DOJ) did not comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee but did not provide satisfactory answers regarding the withheld documents, which has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the administration.

Supporting reports

• Senator Kelly files lawsuit against Defense Secretary Hegseth — Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth challenging the censure and attempted rank reduction as unconstitutional retaliation for protected free speech. Kelly argued that the video he and other Democrats made was constitutionally protected and that Hegseth had undertaken an "unconstitutional crusade" against him.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth censures and attempts to demote Senator Kelly over video — Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary, formally censured Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain and sitting U.S. Senator, and attempted to reduce his rank and pension in retaliation for Kelly's participation in a video urging troops to refuse illegal orders. Kelly filed a lawsuit against Hegseth arguing the video was protected free speech and that Hegseth undertook an "unconstitutional crusade" against him.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth censures Senator Kelly and attempts rank reduction — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth formally censured Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain and NASA astronaut, over his participation in the video urging troops to resist unlawful orders. Hegseth attempted to reduce Kelly's rank and pension. Kelly subsequently filed a lawsuit against Hegseth, arguing the video constituted protected free speech and that the secretary had undertaken an "unconstitutional crusade" against him.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Kelly v. Hegseth (D.D.C.) 1:26-cv-00081 — Judge Leon granted Plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction, enjoining the administration from censuring Senator Mark Kelly or initiating proceedings to reduce his retirement rank and pay, finding that such actions likely violated the Senator's First Amendment rights by retaliating against him in response to a video message in which he warned U.S troops not to follow illegal orders.
• Federal judge blocks Pentagon retaliation against Senator Mark Kelly — Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, ruled that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth cannot penalize Senator Mark Kelly over a video in which Kelly reminded service members of their oath to the Constitution and duty to refuse illegal orders. The judge blocked the Pentagon from pursuing disciplinary action against Kelly, finding that an effort to cut his retirement benefits was likely unconstitutional.
• Judge Richard Leon blocked Hegseth disciplinary proceedings against Sen. Mark Kelly — Bush appointee Judge Richard Leon issued an order blocking Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth from proceeding with disciplinary action against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a retired naval officer, for voicing opinions on military actions and policy. The judge ruled that retired servicemembers serving in Congress and exercising oversight responsibility over the military are not subject to reduced First Amendment protections, and that Hegseth had trampled on Kelly's First Amendment freedoms.
• Judge Leon blocks Pentagon's attempt to reduce Mark Kelly's military rank and pension — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a censure letter on January 5, 2026, seeking to reduce Senator Mark Kelly's retired military rank and pension after Kelly appeared in a November video urging service members to reject unlawful orders. Judge Richard Leon issued a preliminary injunction on February 13, blocking the Pentagon's action and ruling that Hegseth had violated Kelly's First Amendment rights and threatened the constitutional liberties of military retirees. The ruling rebuked the Trump administration's attempt to criminalize dissent.

Supporting reports

• Immigration judges fired without cause under Trump's second term — Approximately 100 of 735 immigration judges nationwide have been fired without cause since Trump's second term began in 2025, including judges with low asylum grant rates. The Justice Department is actively recruiting replacements and has made clear through recruiting materials that "conscientious adjudication of asylum claims is no longer the point," explicitly advertising positions as "deportation judge" roles focused on maximizing deportations rather than fair adjudication.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed Executive Order 14386 directing the Department of War to procure power from coal-fired generation facilities for military installations via long-term Power Purchase Agreements, citing national defense and grid reliability. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14386 on February 11, 2026, directing the Secretary of War, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to seek long-term Power Purchase Agreements with coal-fired energy production facilities to serve Department of War installations and mission-critical facilities. The order frames coal generation as essential to national security, grid reliability, and defense operational readiness, and prioritizes projects enhancing grid reliability, on-site fuel security, and mission assurance for defense and intelligence capabilities.
• Trump signed executive order directing Defense Department to purchase billions in coal-generated power — At a White House ceremony surrounded by coal industry leaders, lawmakers, and miners, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Defense Department to purchase billions of dollars of power produced by coal. Trump characterized environmental regulations as "the Radical Left's war on the industry." The event included presentation of a trophy naming Trump "the undisputed champion of beautiful, clean coal."
• Trump issues executive order directing federal military installations to procure power from coal-fired generation facilities — President Trump issued an executive order on February 11, 2026, directing the Secretary of War (in coordination with the Secretary of Energy) to procure power from U.S. coal-generation facilities through long-term Power Purchase Agreements for Department of War installations and mission-critical facilities. The order frames coal as essential to national defense and grid reliability, citing a prior national energy emergency declaration. It prioritizes projects enhancing grid reliability, on-site fuel security, and defense mission assurance.
• President Trump signed executive order directing Department of War to purchase coal power — On February 12, 2026, President Trump held a "Champion of Coal" event at the White House where he signed an executive order directing the Department of War to purchase coal-generated power and announced Tennessee Valley Authority's recommitment to coal. The White House release states Trump was honored as the "Undisputed Champion of Beautiful, Clean Coal" and framed the action as supporting coal workers, rural communities, and energy independence. Multiple lawmakers and industry leaders attended and issued statements of support.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on coal power for military installations — The White House published a fact sheet on February 11, 2026, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Department of War to prioritize long-term Power Purchase Agreements with coal-fired energy facilities to supply military installations and critical defense facilities. The fact sheet states the order aims to ensure "uninterrupted, on-demand baseload power" and claims coal provides reliable energy superior to intermittent renewable sources. It asserts that Trump's prior coal-related executive orders have "stopped the closure of 17 gigawatts of coal power" and resulted in new investments.
• White House signed Executive Order 14386 directing Department of War to procure power from coal-fired generation facilities for military installations — The White House signed Executive Order 14386 on February 11, 2026, directing the Secretary of War, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to procure power from coal-fired generation facilities through long-term Power Purchase Agreements to serve Department of War installations and mission-critical facilities. The order frames coal as essential to national and economic security, citing grid reliability, on-site fuel security, and defense mission assurance as priorities. The order references prior executive orders declaring a national energy emergency and establishing coal as central to grid security.
• Trump signs executive order requiring military to purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants — President Trump signed an executive order at a "Champion of Coal" event directing the Department of Defense to procure increased electricity from coal-fired power plants. The order was issued on the same day as the endangerment finding rescission. Trump received the inaugural "Undisputed Champion of Coal" award from the Washington Coal Club, a pro-coal industry organization. The coal industry contributed $3.5 million to Trump's 2024 election campaign.
• Trump Signs Executive Order to Support Coal Industry — President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order directing the Defense Department to purchase billions of dollars of power produced by coal during a ceremony at the White House. He also announced that the Department of Energy will allocate $175 million to modernize and extend the life of coal-fired power plants in several states. This action is part of Trump's broader agenda to support the coal industry, which he claims is under attack from the "Radical Left."

Supporting reports

• Class action complaint filed in Rodriguez v. Porter (D. Idaho) — Three families filed a class action complaint in federal court challenging a Oct. 19, 2025 raid at La Catedral, a venue hosting a family horse-racing event with predominantly Latino attendees. Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers executed the raid pursuant to a search warrant based on an anonymous tip; plaintiffs allege the officers acted in an armed and violent manner and denied detainees food, water, medical attention, and bathroom access. Arrest warrants were subsequently issued for five individuals on non-violent gambling charges. Plaintiffs allege the raid was part of a broader federal immigration-enforcement initiative and violated their Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, seeking class certification and a declaration that the Administration's actions were unlawful.
• ACLU files federal civil rights lawsuit over Idaho horse racing venue raid — The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal civil rights lawsuit following an ICE raid on a horse racing venue in Wilder, Idaho, that resulted in the detention of 105 undocumented immigrants and the temporary detention of 375 U.S. citizens or lawful residents. Only five arrests resulted in criminal charges, all for unlicensed gambling. The lawsuit was filed after federal agents allegedly used zip ties on children during the operation.

Supporting reports

• Deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti during immigration enforcement operations — Two people, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal immigration agents during "Operation Metro Surge" enforcement actions in Minneapolis. The killings occurred while the individuals were protesting immigration enforcement. These deaths exemplify the violent conduct of federal agents during the surge and have intensified fear within immigrant communities and among those opposing the enforcement operation.
• Secretary Noem contradicted by ICE and CBP on domestic terrorism designation — During Senate hearings, Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott and ICE Director Lyons both denied that they had provided Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem with an assessment that Alex Pretti was engaged in domestic terrorism. However, Noem had repeatedly stated publicly that she only referred to Pretti as a domestic terrorist because that is what ICE and CBP told her. The contradiction suggests Noem may have misrepresented the basis for her characterization.
• Sen. Gary Peters questioned whether Noem was told Pretti was domestic terrorist — Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) asked Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott and ICE Director Lyons whether they had provided Secretary Noem with an assessment that Alex Pretti was engaged in domestic terrorism. Both officials answered no. Peters then asked how Noem could possibly have come to that conclusion to tell the American public, and Scott responded that he could not speculate on what someone else would say or why.
• Senate hearing on Minneapolis federal occupation and ICE deployment — Two heated Senate hearings took place: one with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and another with ICE and Border Patrol officials. Ellison testified that Minneapolis felt occupied by the federal government, comparing the experience to the Boston Massacre. He reported being stonewalled by federal authorities in two cases (Alex Pretti and Renee Good) and stated the feds were not investigating the Renee Good matter and had not provided access to evidence.
• VA Secretary Collins refuses to correct false claims about VA nurse Alex Pretti's killing — During a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing, VA Secretary Doug Collins declined to correct Trump administration officials' characterization of Alex Pretti—a VA nurse shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on January 24—as a "terrorist." Democratic lawmakers pressed Collins on the killing and his agency's restructuring plans. Collins expressed sympathy but refused further comment, citing an ongoing investigation. The hearing also revealed the VA has lost over 30,000 employees and closed 1,000 hospital beds while posting a $1 trillion contract encouraging private insurers to bid on veteran care.

Supporting reports

• ICE enforcement escalation expands into community spaces and everyday interactions under Trump administration second term — The Trump administration's second-term deportation push has escalated dramatically, expanding enforcement into community spaces and everyday interactions. ICE has systematically made it harder for people in detention to access legal representation, moved to eliminate bond hearings and conventional release mechanisms, and transferred detainees to remote facilities far from legal aid organizations and family support systems. Communities from New Bedford, Massachusetts to counties across Kentucky and North Carolina report growing fear as enforcement sweeps continue and jail-based transfers increase.
• ICE arrests through local jail cooperation reached 48 percent — Analysis of newly released federal data by the Prison Policy Initiative shows that nearly half of all ICE arrests in the United States now occur through local jail cooperation rather than federal enforcement actions. Individuals arrested for minor offenses are automatically reported to ICE, which places detainers to hold them past their release date, funneling them into the deportation system before conviction or judicial review. States with sanctuary policies show lower rates; states with 287(g) agreements show higher rates.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration arrests and seeks to deport student activists opposing US support for Israel — The Trump administration has arrested and sought to deport students including Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk who campaign against US support for Israel. The administration has also restricted on-campus support and gender-affirming care for transgender people. These actions target students for their political speech and civic engagement.