Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• 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

• Administration instructed grocery stores to deny SNAP discounts — The Trump administration instructed grocery stores that they cannot offer discounts to customers affected by the lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to economics journalist Catherine Rampell. This action compounded the hardship on low-income households already facing a gap in food assistance due to the administration's refusal to fund the program.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Ogles announced consideration of bill to remove Mamdani from office — Rep. Andy Ogles announced he was "looking into" filing a bill to remove Zohran Mamdani from office, claiming "The 14th Amendment may allow Congress the authority to BAN Mamdani from office."
• 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.

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• Agriculture Secretary blamed Democrats for SNAP support — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, told Fox News Channel that Democrats support SNAP because they want to give handouts to undocumented immigrants. She posted on social media that Trump "will not tolerate waste, fraud, or abuse while hardworking Americans go hungry," framing the administration's withholding of SNAP funds as a stance against fraud rather than political leverage.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to cut federal funds if Mamdani wins mayoral election — On the eve of the New York mayoral election, President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funds from the city if Zohran Mamdani, the "communist" candidate, wins. Trump stated that he would only provide the minimum required federal funding, claiming that sending money to a city led by a communist would be a waste. This statement raises concerns about the legality of using federal funding as a political tool, as Congress controls appropriations.
• Trump endorses Cuomo and threatens to withhold federal funds from NYC — On Truth Social, Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral election, saying, "Whether you personally like [him] or not, you really have no choice." He once again threatened to withhold federal funds "other than the very minimum as required" to the city if Zohran Mamdani is elected, whom he called a "Communist" multiple times.

Supporting reports

• DraftKings creates Win For America PAC and donates $2 million — DraftKings donated $2 million to Win For America, a newly created PAC established on November 2, 2025, making DraftKings the sole initial donor. Win For America subsequently funneled $500,000 to the American Conservative Fund (a dark money group supporting Senate Republicans) and $450,000 to American Future PAC, a newly formed group likely to support Democratic candidates. This structure allows DraftKings to channel funds to both parties while maintaining strategic distance from direct donations.

Supporting reports

• US Supreme Court scheduled to hear arguments on Trump's tariff authority under IEEPA — The US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on whether President Trump's imposition of global tariffs is legally valid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. A dozen states have challenged Trump's claim that IEEPA authorizes him to levy tariffs on imports from all countries. The case centers on whether IEEPA permits tariffs—a form of taxation that the Constitution reserves to Congress—and whether Trump's invocation of national emergencies to justify tariffs constitutes an abuse of executive power that violates constitutional checks and balances.
• Oral arguments in Learning Solutions Inc v Trump and Trump v VOS Selections on tariff authority — The US Supreme Court heard consolidated oral arguments on 5 November in Learning Solutions Inc v Trump and Trump v VOS Selections, examining whether the president has authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The cases will determine the scope of presidential power to unilaterally impose trade restrictions and whether such authority is constitutionally constrained or subject to congressional oversight.
• US Supreme Court hears oral arguments on legality of Trump tariffs under IEEPA — The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday regarding the legal basis of Trump's sweeping tariff regime, which the administration justified under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Multiple justices, including conservatives, expressed skepticism about whether IEEPA grants presidential authority to impose tariffs—a power the Constitution reserves to Congress. The court must rule by July 2026. Lower courts have already ruled against the tariffs, and 12 states plus businesses have sued to block them.
• Trump administration argues tariffs are not taxes before Supreme Court — On Wednesday, November 6, 2025, the Trump administration defended its tariff regime before the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are "regulatory" rather than "revenue-raising" and therefore not subject to Congress's exclusive constitutional power to levy taxes. U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer contended that any revenue raised was "only incidental." Multiple justices, including liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Chief Justice John Roberts, expressed skepticism of this argument, noting that tariffs function as taxes on Americans and that taxation is a core congressional power.
• Supreme Court hears arguments on constitutionality of Trump tariffs — On November 6, 2025, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments concerning the legality and constitutionality of President Trump's tariff war, which serves as the centerpiece of his economic policy. During arguments, the administration's lawyer admitted that American consumers pay between 30% and 80% of the tariffs, contradicting Trump's public claims that foreign countries bear the cost. Lower court justices appeared skeptical of Trump's authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.

Supporting reports

• DC U.S. Attorney's Office in crisis under Jeanne Pirro leadership — The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is experiencing severe institutional disruption under U.S. Attorney Jeanne Pirro. The office has lost approximately one-third of its staff through dismissals, demotions, and resignations. The fraud, public corruption, and civil rights unit has been particularly hard hit, losing nearly half its prosecutors, its former chief Jon Hooks, and three former supervisors. Hooks, a senior prosecutor with nearly 20 years of service, was fired by Pirro's top aide Jonathan Hornok during a farewell party for departing colleagues. The departures have significantly damaged the office's capacity to pursue major white-collar cases.

Supporting reports

• Administration withheld War Powers information from Congress — The Trump administration has been reluctant to share information about military strikes with Congress. It excluded senior Senate Democrats from a Senate briefing on the strikes, then offered House members a briefing that did not include lawyers and failed to answer basic questions. The top two leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jack Reed (D-RI), stated the administration has not produced documents, attack orders, and a list of targets required by law.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel blocks public tracking of FBI jet after personal travel controversy — Following press reports of his use of an FBI jet for personal travel, FBI Director Kash Patel requested that flight tracking records for the government jet (N708JH) be removed from public Flight Aware tracking. As of Sunday, November 2, the aircraft is no longer available for public tracking. The move came after flight logs had been publicly accessible and showed the jet's movements related to Patel's trip to see his girlfriend perform.

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• Trump demanded it be illegal to mock his speech — Trump posted on social media that it should be illegal for NBC's Seth Meyers to mock Trump's complaints about electric catapults on aircraft carriers. Trump called Meyers "the least talented person" and "the WORST to perform," and stated that Meyers' criticism was "probably illegal." Trump questioned why NBC continues to employ Meyers, characterizing his commentary as deranged.

Supporting reports

• Administration claims exemption from War Powers Act consultation requirement — The Trump administration is claiming it does not have to consult Congress regarding continued military strikes against Venezuela, contrary to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. The administration notified Congress on September 4, 2025, of a strike against a vessel in the Caribbean allegedly affiliated with a terrorist organization and engaged in drug trafficking. As of November 1, the 60-day deadline requiring Congressional approval approaches on Monday, but the administration has not sought approval and has been reluctant to share information about the strikes with Congress, excluding senior Senate Democrats from briefings and providing incomplete briefings to House members.
• Trump administration ignored War Powers Act deadline for Venezuela strikes — The Trump administration did not seek congressional approval by the November 4 deadline required under the 1973 War Powers Act for ongoing military strikes against Venezuela. The administration took the position that no approval was necessary because U.S. military personnel were not at risk in the strikes, which have killed 65 people so far. The administration's interpretation effectively exempts the strikes from War Powers Act requirements.

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• ICE detention and release of Bruna Ferreira, mother of White House press secretary's nephew — Bruna Ferreira, a 33-year-old Brazilian-born woman and mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in November 2025 during a traffic stop in Massachusetts and held at a Louisiana detention center. An immigration judge ordered her release on a $1,500 bond in early December. Ferreira disputed White House characterizations of her as an absentee parent, stating she actively participates in her son's life. The DHS did not object to her release.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon investigates Senator Mark Kelly for video asserting military personnel can refuse illegal orders — In November 2025, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a retired Navy captain, appeared in a video with five other members of Congress stating "Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders." Trump claimed the video constituted "seditious behavior" punishable by death. The Pentagon announced an investigation into Kelly for possible violation of military law. The DOJ also launched an investigation and sought to indict Kelly and the other members, but a grand jury unanimously rejected the indictment. A federal judge later ruled in Kelly's favor in his lawsuit against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, finding the actions against Kelly constituted unconstitutional retaliation.

Supporting reports

• HUD redirects Continuum of Care funding from permanent housing to temporary shelters — In November 2025, the Trump administration's Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a major policy shift in the Continuum of Care program, redirecting the majority of the $4 billion in annual federal homelessness funds away from permanent supportive housing toward temporary shelters. The new policy reduced the allowable spending on permanent housing from approximately 90% to 30% of grants, mandated treatment for recipients, and penalized jurisdictions using harm-reduction strategies or recognizing transgender individuals. Internal HUD documents indicated this could displace 117,000 people nationwide. The administration rolled back some restrictions in December and courts temporarily blocked funding overhauls in late December, ordering HUD to process 2024-2025 projects while the case proceeds.

Supporting reports

• Paul Singer acquired Citgo at discounted price following Venezuela embargo — Investor Paul Singer, a Trump donor who contributed $5 million to Trump's Super PAC in 2024 and tens of millions more to Republican candidates and Trump's transition, acquired Citgo (the U.S.-based subsidiary of Venezuela's state oil company) in November 2025 for $5.9 billion. Citgo owns three major Gulf Coast refineries, 43 oil terminals, and over 4,000 gas stations. The acquisition occurred at a major discount due to the Venezuela embargo, which limited Citgo's ability to source its preferred Venezuelan crude and forced reliance on more expensive Canadian and Colombian oil.
• Paul Singer acquired Citgo, Venezuelan state oil subsidiary, at discounted price — In November 2025, billionaire investor Paul Singer, through his firm Elliott Investment Management, purchased Citgo—the U.S.-based subsidiary of Venezuela's state-run oil company—for $5.9 billion. Court advisors valued Citgo at $13 billion; Venezuelan officials claimed it was worth $18 billion. The discount was largely attributable to the U.S. embargo on Venezuelan oil, which forced Citgo's refineries to source more expensive crude from Canada and Colombia. Singer is a major Trump donor who contributed $5 million to Trump's Super PAC in 2024.

Supporting reports

• Polymarket CEO previously stated that insider trading on prediction markets is beneficial — In a November 2025 interview with 60 Minutes, Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan stated that "people going and having an edge to the market is a good thing" and characterized insider trading as "an inevitability that this will happen, and there's a lot of benefits from it," while acknowledging the need to be "clear and stringent on where the line is drawn."

Supporting reports

• White House issues fact sheet on U.S.-China trade and economic agreement — The White House published a fact sheet announcing a trade and economic deal between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, reached during Trump's visit to South Korea. The agreement states that China will halt fentanyl precursor shipments, suspend export controls on rare earth elements and critical minerals, end retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, purchase specified quantities of U.S. soybeans, and suspend investigations targeting U.S. semiconductor companies. In return, the United States will reduce tariffs on Chinese imports by 10 percentage points, extend tariff exclusions, and suspend certain end-user control rules and maritime-sector investigations for one year.
• Trump reduces China tariffs on synthetic opioid precursors from 20% to 10% following Beijing's commitments on fentanyl control. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14357 on November 4, 2025, reducing additional tariffs on Chinese goods from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective November 10, 2025. The reduction follows China's commitment to restrict fentanyl precursor chemical exports to North America and implement stricter global controls. Trump had previously imposed 10 percent duties in February 2025 and raised them to 20 percent in March 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, citing the synthetic opioid crisis as a national emergency. The tariff modification applies to articles subject to the prior duty rate under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
• Trump suspends heightened reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports under trade arrangement through November 2026 — President Trump signed Executive Order 14358 on November 4, 2025, continuing suspension of heightened reciprocal tariffs on People's Republic of China imports until 12:01 a.m. EST on November 10, 2026. The order implements the "Kuala Lumpur Joint Arrangement" reached following Trump's October 30, 2025 meeting with President Xi Jinping. Under the arrangement, China commits to suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products until December 31, 2026, eliminate coercive export controls on rare earth elements and critical minerals, and address retaliation against U.S. semiconductor manufacturers. The U.S. maintains the tariff suspension contingent on China's compliance with commitments.
• Trump reduces synthetic opioid tariffs on China from 20% to 10% following PRC commitments — President Trump issued an executive order on November 4, 2025, reducing additional tariffs on Chinese imports from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective November 10, 2025. The reduction followed commitments by the People's Republic of China to take measures to halt fentanyl shipments to the United States, including stopping designated chemical exports to North America and strictly controlling other chemical exports globally. The order modified duties originally imposed under Executive Order 14195 (February 1, 2025) and amended by Executive Order 14228 (March 3, 2025), delegating implementation to the Secretary of Homeland Security with ongoing monitoring of PRC compliance.
• Trump suspends heightened tariffs on China imports under trade agreement — President Trump issued an executive order on November 4, 2025, continuing the suspension of heightened reciprocal tariffs on imports from the People's Republic of China until November 10, 2026. The order implements the "Kuala Lumpur Joint Arrangement," a trade deal reached after Trump's October 30, 2025 meeting with President Xi Jinping. Under the agreement, China committed to suspend coercive controls on rare earth elements, address retaliation against U.S. semiconductor manufacturers, purchase U.S. agricultural exports, and suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products through December 31, 2026. The U.S. committed to maintain the tariff suspension through the specified date.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14358 suspending heightened reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports through November 10, 2026, implementing a trade arrangement reached with President Xi Jinping. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14358 on November 4, 2025, continuing the suspension of heightened reciprocal tariffs on People's Republic of China imports until November 10, 2026. The order implements a trade arrangement (the "Kuala Lumpur Joint Arrangement") reached following Trump's October 30, 2025 meeting with President Xi Jinping. Under the arrangement, the PRC committed to suspend rare earth export controls, address retaliation against U.S. semiconductor manufacturers, purchase U.S. agricultural exports, and suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products until December 31, 2026. The U.S. committed to maintain the tariff suspension. The order directs Treasury, Commerce, and the U.S. Trade Representative to monitor PRC compliance and report to the President.
• Trump signed executive order reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 20% to 10% in exchange for PRC commitments on fentanyl precursor controls — President Trump signed Executive Order 14357 on November 4, 2025, reducing additional tariffs on products of the People's Republic of China from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective November 10, 2025. The order states the reduction follows discussions with the PRC and its commitment to take measures to end fentanyl flows to the United States, including stopping shipment of designated chemicals to North America and strictly controlling exports of other chemicals globally. The order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to monitor PRC implementation and authorizes modification if commitments are not met.

Supporting reports

• Federal courts blocked Trump's National Guard deployments in five cities — Federal courts have blocked or ruled against Trump's National Guard deployments in Washington, D.C., Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Memphis. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled that Trump's deployment of thousands of Guard troops to patrol the capital "violates federal law" and is illegal. In Portland, Trump appointee Judge Karin Immergut found Trump "did not have a lawful basis" to federalize the Guard under the rebellion statute and rejected his portrayal of the city as "war ravaged." In Los Angeles, a federal court concluded the Guard's activities crossed into unlawful domestic law enforcement, violating the Posse Comitatus Act. In Chicago and Memphis, judges issued injunctions blocking Trump-aligned Guard deployments as unconstitutional or likely unlawful under federal and state law.

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• Federal judge Andrew Hanen to rule on Trump administration proposal eliminating DACA work permits in Texas — US District Court Judge Andrew Hanen is preparing to rule on competing proposals for the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Trump administration submitted a proposal that would revoke work permits for DACA recipients in Texas while reopening the program to new applicants in other states. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals previously ruled DACA unlawful but narrowed the impact to Texas. Hanen's decision could affect approximately 86,000 DACA recipients in Texas, many of whom are employed, own businesses, and support families.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge ordered administration to fund SNAP using emergency reserves — Federal Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to use emergency reserve funds to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits after the administration refused to fund the program as leverage in negotiations over a government shutdown and healthcare subsidies. The judge quoted Trump's own social media post claiming "it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding" and ordered at least a partial payment within the week.
• Federal judges rule against Trump administration's SNAP benefit suspension — Two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration's suspension of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown is likely illegal. The judges ordered the administration to consider using emergency funds established by Congress to continue providing benefits to the 42 million Americans reliant on SNAP. One judge emphasized the necessity of these funds for the program's operation.
• Federal judges rule on SNAP benefits during government shutdown — Two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration's suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown is likely illegal. The administration claims it cannot use a reserve fund established by Congress for emergencies to distribute benefits scheduled to be cut off on November 1. The judges ordered the administration to decide by Monday whether to pay SNAP benefits from that fund, as lawsuits are underway to ensure food assistance for the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP.
• Judge orders USDA to use emergency funds for SNAP benefits — U.S. District Judge John McConnell ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to utilize emergency funds to provide SNAP benefits, requiring an update from the administration by November 3. The judge stated that the funds are necessary for the program's operation, despite the ongoing government shutdown.
• Case update — Rhode Island State Council of Churches v. Rollins (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00569 — Judge McConnell, Jr. followed up on his oral ruling with a written order requiring the administration to make full SNAP payments no later than Monday, or alternatively, partial payments by the end of Wednesday. The order further enjoins the administration from terminating any waivers for able-bodied adults without dependents before the waivers expire.

Supporting reports

• Federal judges ruled administration's SNAP funding refusal likely illegal — Two federal judges found that the Trump administration's refusal to use Congressional reserves to fund SNAP benefits in an emergency was likely illegal. One judge ordered the government to use the reserved funds. Despite the court order, the administration did not immediately comply. Trump posted on social media claiming government lawyers believe the administration lacks legal authority to pay SNAP and instructed lawyers to ask the court for clarification, while blaming Democrats for the shutdown and directing SNAP recipients to contact Senate Democrats.

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• Trump directs Defense Department to prepare for military action in Nigeria — On Truth Social, Trump directed the Defense Department to "prepare for possible action" in Nigeria to "completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists" allegedly killing Christians, an accusation Nigeria denies. He also threatened to cut off all aid and assistance to Nigeria. The directive came less than an hour after Trump watched a Fox segment about Christian targeting by Islamic groups in the country.
• Trump threatened military invasion of Nigeria — Trump posted on Truth Social that if the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the United States will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and "may very well go into that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing,' to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists." Trump stated he is "hereby instructing our Dept of War to prepare for possible action" and warned that if the U.S. attacks, "it will be fast, vicious, and sweet." Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded with an X post stating that "The Dept of War is preparing for action" and that either the Nigerian government will protect Christians or "we will kill the Islamic Terrorists."

Supporting reports

• ICE enforcement operations and detentions in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington DC on Halloween — Federal ICE agents conducted enforcement operations across multiple U.S. cities on Halloween 2025. In Chicago and suburbs, agents arrested multiple people and clashed with protesters; Evanston's mayor reported agents "assaulted" residents. In Los Angeles, ICE agents wore Halloween costume masks during enforcement. In Washington DC, national guard troops and federal officers dispersed a group of people, arresting five minors aged 14–18. Illinois Governor Pritzker had requested a pause in enforcement; Homeland Security Secretary Noem refused.
• ICE operations in Evanston with pepper spray and arrests of US citizens — On Friday (31 October 2025), ICE operations near Chute Middle School in Evanston, Chicago, escalated when federal agents used pepper spray and arrested three US citizens on allegations of "violence against law enforcement." The incident occurred during Halloween weekend celebrations despite the governor's request for a pause in enforcement operations.
• National Guard and federal officers disperse group and arrest five minors in Washington DC — On Halloween night in Washington DC, the Metropolitan Police Department and national guard troops dispersed a group of people they accused of being "disorderly" in the Navy Yard neighborhood. Five people were arrested, all aged 14–18. The incident reflects federal involvement in local law enforcement operations following the deployment of nearly 2,400 national guard troops to the city.

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• Illinois advocates sue ICE over conditions at Broadview detention facility — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois and the MacArthur Justice Center filed a federal lawsuit on Friday against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), US Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security, alleging "inhumane and torturous" conditions at the Broadview immigration processing facility near Chicago. The lawsuit claims ICE agents denied detainees private calls with attorneys, blocked members of Congress, faith leaders, and journalists from entering, coerced detainees to sign documents they did not understand, and denied food, medical care, and basic necessities. Attorneys argue these actions violate Fifth Amendment due process rights and First Amendment rights to legal counsel, and seek court orders to improve facility conditions.