Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — State of Maryland & Prince George's County v. Patel et al. — The State of Maryland and Prince George's County filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against the FBI, DOJ, GSA, and their officials, challenging the federal government's decision to overturn the prior selection of Greenbelt, Maryland, as the site for a new FBI headquarters and to relocate the project to the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., with over $1 billion in diverted funds. Plaintiffs allege the agencies exceeded their statutory authority, violated the Administrative Procedure Act, and seek vacatur of the site selection and funds reprogramming decision, plus a permanent injunction.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed: AFGE, AFSCME, NAGE v. OPM Director Kupor et al. (D. Mass.) — The American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and National Association of Government Employees filed suit in federal district court challenging the Office of Personnel Management's "Merit Hiring Plan," which includes an essay question in federal civil service job applications asking applicants how they would help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities. Plaintiffs allege the question violates the First Amendment by compelling speech aligned with presidential priorities and chilling critical speech, and also violates the Privacy Act and Administrative Procedure Act. They seek a court order declaring the question unlawful and permanently enjoining its use in federal hiring.

Supporting reports

• Armed immigration agents arrest US citizen father and drive away with his US citizen toddler from LA Home Depot parking lot — Masked, heavily armed federal immigration agents arrested a 32-year-old US citizen in a Los Angeles Home Depot parking lot on Tuesday morning, then entered his vehicle and drove away with his one-year-old US citizen daughter in the backseat. The child's grandmother was later called to pick up the toddler from an immigration office downtown after hours of waiting. The father remains in custody; DHS alleges he wielded a hammer and threw rocks at agents, and that a stolen firearm was found in his car. The incident was captured on video and has prompted alarm from immigrant advocacy groups.

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• ICE arrested Oregon shop owner Juanita Avila without warrant despite valid green card — On November 5, 2025, ICE agents in Cottage Grove, Oregon, pulled over and arrested Juanita Avila, a legal permanent resident carrying her green card, without a warrant or stated probable cause. Agents tackled her, handcuffed her, and detained her for approximately 30 minutes before releasing her without charges. Her arrest became part of a class-action lawsuit challenging ICE's "arrest first, justify later" tactics. On February 4, 2026, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking ICE from conducting warrantless arrests in Oregon, finding the agency's conduct "brutal and violent" and in systematic violation of constitutional rights.

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• DHS revokes temporary protected status for South Sudanese — The Department of Homeland Security announced it would revoke the temporary protected status of thousands of people from South Sudan, some of whom came to the US as early as 2011 when the country gained independence from Sudan, meaning they will have 60 days to leave the US or face deportation.

Supporting reports

• Republicans file federal lawsuit challenging California's Proposition 50 redistricting measure — David Tangipa, a California Republican assembly member, 18 state voters, and the California Republican Party filed a federal lawsuit in the US District Court for the Central District of California on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, challenging Proposition 50, a redistricting measure approved by voters on November 4. The suit argues the new congressional maps are unconstitutional because they were drawn to increase voting power of a particular racial group (Latino voters) and seeks to block the maps from taking effect, at least temporarily. The measure allows the state legislature to redraw congressional districts to benefit Democrats, potentially flipping up to five House seats.
• Republicans file lawsuit challenging California Proposition 50 — Following Proposition 50's passage, California Republicans filed a lawsuit seeking to block implementation of the new congressional maps. The lawsuit, filed by Republican state lawmaker David Tangipa, 18 California voters, and the state Republican Party, argues that Democrats drew boundaries to increase Latino voting power. Analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California found the new districts would leave racial representation nearly unchanged.
• Republicans file lawsuit to block California congressional maps — Republicans in California filed a lawsuit to block the state's newly approved congressional maps, arguing that they violate the Constitution because they are "based on race, specifically to favor Hispanic voters, without cause or evidence to justify it." On Twitter, Governor Gavin Newsom's press office responded to the lawsuit, saying that while they haven't reviewed it, "it's going to fail," adding, "Good luck, losers."
• California Republicans filed lawsuit challenging Proposition 50 redistricting — California Republicans filed a lawsuit on November 6, 2025, challenging the redistricting process authorized by Proposition 50, which had just passed. Governor Newsom responded dismissively, stating the lawsuit would fail and declining to apologize for Democrats using "the same strategic tools Republicans have employed for decades."
• California voters approve Proposition 50 redistricting measure; Republicans file federal lawsuit within 12 hours — California voters approved Proposition 50 on November 5, 2025, by a 64% to 36% margin, temporarily redrawing congressional districts to give Democrats up to five additional House seats in response to Texas's mid-decade gerrymander. Within 12 hours of polls closing, California Republicans filed a federal lawsuit claiming the new maps are unconstitutional, arguing the redistricting violates equal protection by increasing Latino voter representation. Governor Gavin Newsom responded dismissively, stating the lawsuit would fail. The lawsuit was led by Trump's Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

Supporting reports

• DHS accuses journalist Sami Hamdi of supporting terrorism — On Twitter, the Department of Homeland Security responded to Soumaya Hamdi's USA Today op-ed, accusing British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi, without evidence, of "support[ing] terrorism and actively undermin[ing] the safety of Americans," and warning that foreign nationals can't "hide behind the First Amendment."

Supporting reports

• Trump compared Democrats to "Japanese kamikaze pilots" in remarks to senators — During his speech to Republican senators on November 5, 2025, Trump made inflammatory comparisons, likening Democrats to "Japanese kamikaze pilots." He also recounted a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and expressed admiration for Xi's cabinet members standing "at attention" in fear of their authoritarian boss, stating he wanted his own cabinet to behave similarly.

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• Steve Bannon encourages investigation of Mamdani — In an interview with Politico, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon encouraged the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the Justice Department to investigate Mamdani, saying he's "convinced" that the mayor-elect "did not get citizenship in a fair and honest way." He also suggested the DOJ should seek a temporary restraining order to block Prop 50 in California, "and drag it out for a year" to prevent the new congressional maps from taking effect.
• Steve Bannon calls for citizenship check on Mamdani — Steve Bannon told Politico that Zohran Mamdani's citizenship should be checked immediately by the State Department, DHS, and DOJ, stating "If the guy lied on his naturalization papers, he ought to be deported out of the country immediately and put on a plane to Uganda."

Supporting reports

• Senate Republicans block Democratic resolution to fully fund SNAP benefits during government shutdown — On November 4, 2025, Senate Republicans, led by Majority Whip John Barrasso, objected to a Democratic-led unanimous consent resolution sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley and Chuck Schumer that would have fully funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. The blockade left 42 million SNAP participants facing partial assistance only, as the Trump administration announced it would use a contingency fund providing only $4.65 billion—covering approximately half of the $8 billion monthly food assistance payments. Democratic leaders characterized the move as weaponizing food against vulnerable populations during the ongoing government shutdown.

Supporting reports

• US Senate rejects funding package for 14th time; shutdown enters record-breaking 35th day — The US Senate rejected a Republican-controlled House funding package for the 14th time on November 4, 2025, as the federal government shutdown entered its 35th day—equaling the longest shutdown during Trump's first presidency (2018–19). The shutdown has furloughed federal employees, threatened food assistance to 42 million Americans via SNAP, and disrupted services nationwide. Behind-the-scenes negotiations between centrist Democrats and Republicans are underway to resolve the impasse, though the White House is demanding Democrats vote to fund government before healthcare subsidy talks can begin.

Supporting reports

• House speaker avoids questions on Trump's pardon — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faced criticism for his lack of awareness regarding Trump's pardon of Changpeng Zhao during a news conference. When asked about Trump's admission of ignorance regarding the pardon, Johnson deflected responsibility, stating he had not seen the interview and suggested reporters ask Trump instead.
• House Speaker Johnson declined to address Trump's pardon admission — When journalist Manu Raju asked House Speaker Mike Johnson about Trump's admission on 60 Minutes that he did not know whom he had pardoned, Johnson responded "I don't know anything about that. I didn't see the interview. You have to ask the president about that. I'm not sure." This followed Johnson's earlier criticism of President Biden's use of an autopen for pardons, claiming Biden "didn't even know who he was pardoning."

Supporting reports

• Federal judge ordered SNAP benefits funding from emergency reserve — U.S. District Judge John McConnell of the District of Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to fund SNAP benefit payments using the $4.65 billion emergency reserve Congress had set aside. McConnell suggested the administration could make full November payments by also tapping the Child Nutrition Program and other funds, but left discretion to the administration.
• Federal judge orders administration to restore SNAP benefits — On November 6, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell in the District of Rhode Island found that the Trump administration had violated his prior court order by withholding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The judge accused the administration of withholding benefits "for political reasons" and cited Trump's social media post stating SNAP would be funded only after the shutdown ends as evidence of "intent to defy the court order." McConnell ordered full SNAP payments to states by November 7 for distribution to beneficiaries.
• Judge McConnell found administration ignored court order and mandated full SNAP benefit distribution — After the Trump administration failed to comply with his initial order to distribute at least partial SNAP benefits, Judge John McConnell found the administration in violation and issued a new order requiring the Trump administration to distribute the full amount of SNAP benefits for November to the states for distribution by the end of Friday (November 7, 2025).
• Trump administration appeals SNAP benefits ruling — On November 6, 2025, immediately after Judge John McConnell's order to restore SNAP benefits, the Trump administration filed an appeal of the ruling.

Supporting reports

• James Comey charged with lying to Congress and obstruction — Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on charges of lying to Congress about an FBI leak and obstruction of Congress. Comey pleaded not guilty. Over 100 ex-DOJ officials filed an amicus brief characterizing the prosecution as vindictive and in violation of departmental policies barring such prosecutions. Legal experts noted the paltry evidence supporting the charges and the transparent political motivation stemming from Trump's animus over the FBI's 2016 Russia investigation.
• Letitia James charged with bank fraud and false statements — New York Attorney General Letitia James was charged by the DOJ with bank fraud and false statements to a financial unit. James pleaded not guilty. The prosecution followed Trump's public demands for her indictment and came shortly after her office secured a civil fraud judgment against Trump's real estate empire. Legal experts and ex-DOJ officials challenged the charges as retaliatory and lacking sufficient evidence.
• Trump directs DOJ to prosecute political enemies including Comey, James, and Schiff — President Trump exerted intense pressure on the Department of Justice to charge political opponents—former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff—with crimes based on weak evidence. Trump publicly demanded prosecutions via Truth Social, installed loyalist prosecutors including Lindsey Halligan and Ed Martin in key positions, and removed career prosecutors who deemed cases insufficient. Over 100 ex-DOJ officials filed an amicus brief challenging Comey's prosecution as vindictive and unconstitutional. Legal experts and former prosecutors condemned the weaponization of federal law enforcement for partisan revenge.

Supporting reports

• Ed Martin appointed to multiple DOJ roles including weaponization working group — Ed Martin, a combative lawyer with strong MAGA credentials and a history of promoting false election fraud claims and representing January 6 rioters, was appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead a "weaponization working group" targeting alleged DOJ abuses under Democratic administrations. Martin was also given titles including special attorney for mortgage fraud, associate deputy attorney general, and pardon attorney. He has publicly stated that if Trump's enemies "can't be charged, we will name them … and in a culture that respects shame, they should be people that are ashamed." Former prosecutors expressed alarm at his role in spurring indictments of Trump's political opponents.

Supporting reports

• Washington Post profiles Rockbridge Network and MAGA ideology — Elizabeth Dwoskin of the Washington Post profiled Chris Buskirk of the Rockbridge Network, a secretive organization funded by tech leaders to create a network that will permit the MAGA movement to outlive Trump. Political strategists credit the network with pushing J.D. Vance into the vice presidency. Buskirk embraces a theory that a select group of elites are the right people to move the country forward, describing his vision as an "aristocracy" that would govern well so everyone prospers. Network members advocate for unrestrained capitalism and government support for innovators.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacks Jewish voters who support Mamdani — On Truth Social, Trump said that any Jewish person who votes for Mamdani to be mayor of New York City "is a stupid person!!!"
• Trump made antisemitic attack on Jewish voters — President Trump posted on Truth Social: "Any Jewish person that votes for Zohran Mamdani, a proven and self professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person!!!" The post attacked Jewish voters for their electoral choices and used inflammatory language.

Supporting reports

• Administration announced partial SNAP funding with delays — Following Judge McConnell's order, the Trump administration announced it would tap only the emergency reserve, funding just 50% of SNAP benefits for November. The administration stated payments would be delayed "a few weeks to up to several months." It added that the disbursement "means that no funds will remain for new SNAP applicants certified in November, disaster assistance, or as a cushion against the potential catastrophic consequences of shutting down SNAP entirely."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to withhold SNAP benefits unless Democrats capitulate on government funding — On November 4, 2025, President Trump threatened on social media to withhold SNAP (food assistance) benefits to 42 million Americans unless Democrats vote to fund the government. The threat came after the Trump administration had been forced by court rulings to provide emergency funds to keep SNAP operating at 50% capacity during the shutdown. Trump's statement—"Snap benefits will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government"—weaponizes a critical anti-poverty program as leverage in the funding standoff.
• Trump announced withholding SNAP benefits to pressure Democrats on government shutdown — President Trump announced via social media that SNAP benefits for 43 million Americans would be withheld until Democrats agree to reopen the government on Republican terms. This directly contradicted a federal court order from U.S. District Judge John McConnell requiring the administration to fund SNAP using emergency reserves. The White House initially claimed full compliance but Trump's announcement made clear the administration intended to use hunger as political leverage in the shutdown dispute.
• Trump announced refusal to comply with federal court order on SNAP benefits distribution — President Trump posted on Truth Social that he would refuse to follow a federal court order requiring SNAP benefits distribution to nearly 42 million Americans, stating benefits would only be given when "Radical Left Democrats open up govt." The White House later clarified the administration was still sending partial food aid benefits despite the president's threat, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the administration was "fully complying with the court order."
• Trump defies court order on SNAP benefits — Also on Truth Social, Trump said that SNAP benefits "will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government … and not before!" despite a court order requiring the administration to issue payments.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened federal funding retaliation against New York City over mayoral election — Trump posted on social media that if New York City voters elected Democrat Zohran Mamdani as mayor, he would restrict federal funding to the city to the bare minimum required by law. The threat was made before Election Day and constituted an attempt to influence voters through coercive use of federal spending power.
• Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo and threatened to withhold federal funds from New York — President Trump posted on Truth Social endorsing Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor and threatened to withhold federal funds from New York if communist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins, stating he would contribute only "the very minimum as required" if Mamdani is elected because "as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened Senate Republicans with retaliation if they do not pass continuing resolution without Democrats — According to an Axios report, a Trump advisor stated that if Senate Republicans do not pass the continuing resolution without Democratic support by eliminating the filibuster, Trump "will make their lives a living hell," including calling them at 3 a.m., attacking them in their districts, and calling them un-American and creatures of a dying institution.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration deploys federal election monitors to California and New Jersey — The Trump administration announced deployment of federal election monitors to California and New Jersey to observe voting on Proposition 50. Governor Newsom accused Trump of attempting to "suppress the vote," and California's Democratic attorney general Rob Bonta announced the state would dispatch its own observers to monitor the federal monitors, creating a confrontational oversight dynamic around a state ballot measure.
• Bomb threats and voter intimidation at polling places on Election Day — Election Day on November 4, 2025, was disrupted by bomb threats at polling places in Virginia and reports of voter intimidation attempts across swing states. Despite these threats, voters continued to cast ballots, with some waiting in line for extended periods. The article frames the intimidation as a test of whether citizens would participate in democracy despite coercion.
• Bomb threats evacuated polling places in New Jersey and Virginia — Bomb threats forced the evacuation of polling places in seven New Jersey counties and at least one polling place in Richmond, Virginia on election day. Voters were told to leave and return later. Despite the threats and disruptions, voters returned to cast ballots after extended voting hours were ordered by a judge in New Jersey.
• DOJ deployed election monitors to California and New Jersey — The Department of Justice deployed "election monitors" to California and New Jersey on election day. The article characterizes this move as "voter intimidation dressed up as oversight," suggesting the monitors were perceived as a federal interference tactic rather than a neutral election protection measure.
• Trump administration deploys federal election monitors to California polling sites and makes unsubstantiated fraud claims — The Trump administration deployed federal election officials to monitor polling sites in five California counties during the Proposition 50 election. Hours before polls opened, Trump posted on Truth Social without evidence that California's voting process is a "giant scam" and claimed the state is under "very serious legal and criminal review." White House Press Secretary Leavitt repeated baseless claims that voting in California is "rigged" and stated the administration is working on an executive order to ban mail-in voting, which voting rights experts say is legally impossible.

Supporting reports

• House Republicans explored using 14th Amendment to prevent Mamdani from taking office — House Republicans, including the NY Young Republican Club, explored using the Constitution's 14th Amendment "insurrection clause" to prevent Zohran Mamdani from being sworn in as NYC mayor if he wins the election. The group argues that Mamdani's statements calling to resist ICE could violate the prohibition on those who "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" or "given aid or comfort to the enemies." Republican lawmakers are considering rolling out legislation once the government shutdown ends, and proponents seek a congressional vote on declaring Mamdani ineligible.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cuts SNAP benefits for November — The Trump administration announced that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive only half of their usual benefits for November. This decision comes after a federal judge previously prevented the USDA from suspending SNAP altogether. Many beneficiaries, including vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled, expressed deep concern over the impact of these cuts on their ability to afford food. The government shutdown has been attributed to a failure of Congress to agree on spending legislation.
• Trump administration to provide partial SNAP funding amid shutdown — The Trump administration announced it will provide half of the usual funds to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to a prolonged government shutdown. This decision follows a court order mandating the administration to comply with emergency funding requirements. The Department of Agriculture will utilize contingency funds to support nearly 42 million people, despite previous claims that such funds could only be used in disaster situations. The announcement aims to address the immediate needs of low-income individuals affected by the funding shortfall.
• Trump administration uses contingency funds for partial SNAP payments — The Trump administration agreed to use contingency funds to distribute partial payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but refused to use other funding sources to make full payments for the month of November. Saturday's lapse of SNAP funding marked the first time in the 61-year history of the program that it has run out of money.

Supporting reports

• Public Citizen reports corporate donors received $279 billion in contracts — Non-profit organization Public Citizen published a report finding that two-thirds of the 24 known corporate donors to Trump's White House ballroom have received a total of $279 billion in government contracts over the past five years. Additionally, 14 of them are either facing federal enforcement actions or have had them suspended by the Trump administration. The corporate and billionaire donors have also spent $1.6 billion on lobbying and campaign contributions over the last five years.