Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Earthjustice files lawsuit challenging EPA approval of datacenter chemicals — Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law organization, filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA's approval of two photoacid generator compounds used in datacenters. The lawsuit argues that the EPA violated the Toxic Substances Control Act by approving chemicals it acknowledged may present unreasonable risk to workers and the public without implementing adequate protective restrictions, and that the approval represents a fundamental failure of the agency's obligation to protect public health.

Supporting reports

• Trump EPA proposes rule to exempt datacenters from public air pollution disclosure — The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new rule that would eliminate the Clean Air Act requirement for datacenters to publicly disclose air pollution emissions. The rule would make disclosure voluntary at state and local officials' discretion rather than mandatory. Datacenters are significant sources of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals. Environmental advocates warn the change will reduce public oversight, prevent communities from knowing what pollutants they will breathe, and weaken enforcement of federal pollution limits linked to asthma, heart disease, and cancer.
• EPA approves two toxic datacenter chemicals despite acknowledged health risks — The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency approved two photoacid generator compounds for import and immediate use in U.S. datacenters, despite acknowledging in consent orders that the chemicals may present "unreasonable risk" to workers and the public and could cause sudden death, cancer, neurological damage, and reproductive harm. The EPA admitted insufficient data to quantify acute toxicity and lethality risks but approved the chemicals anyway with minimal restrictions, prompting a lawsuit by Earthjustice arguing the approval violates the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court strikes down 91-year-old precedent, grants president unlimited removal power over independent agencies — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in Slaughter v. Trump that federal law restricting the president's ability to fire members of independent executive agencies (including the FTC) violates the constitutional separation of powers. The decision overruled Humphrey's Executor v. U.S., a 91-year-old precedent, and endorsed the "unitary executive" theory, granting the president sweeping authority over approximately two dozen multi-member agencies Congress intended to be independent.
• Supreme Court rules in Trump v. Slaughter to expand presidential removal power over independent agencies — On June 29, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in Trump v. Slaughter that the president has broad authority to remove members of independent federal agencies, effectively overturning the 91-year-old Humphrey's Executor precedent. The decision arose from Trump's March 2025 firing of FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. Fired officials and legal experts warn the ruling eliminates civil service protections, enabling politicization, corruption, and pay-to-play dynamics in federal agencies designed to operate independently.
• US Supreme Court rules Trump can fire independent agency leaders, overturning 90-year precedent — The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Trump v. Slaughter that the president can fire leaders of independent agencies without cause, overturning the 1935 Humphrey's Executor precedent. The case centered on Trump's March 2025 firing of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter via email. The ruling affects approximately two dozen agencies with multi-member bipartisan boards, including the FTC, NLRB, and Federal Reserve. Justices Sotomayor, Jackson, and Kagan dissented, arguing the decision grants the president unconstitutional power and defies centuries of political practice and congressional authority.
• Supreme Court rules president has unrestricted power to remove independent agency officials — The Supreme Court decided Slaughter v. Trump in a 6–3 decision, holding that the president has complete authority to remove officers from independent agencies established by Congress without cause. The case arose when Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic FTC commissioner, claiming her service conflicted with his administration's priorities. The majority rejected 90 years of precedent requiring removal only for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance." Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson dissented, arguing the ruling grants the president power exceeding even the English Crown and undermines centuries of bipartisan practice protecting nonpartisan expertise in agencies like the FTC, EPA, SEC, and others.
• Supreme Court Affirms Federal Reserve Independence — The Supreme Court ruled in favor of maintaining the independence of the Federal Reserve, rejecting challenges that could have subjected the institution to increased political influence. This decision preserves the Fed's ability to operate without direct political pressure, which is crucial for maintaining economic stability and policy effectiveness.
• Supreme Court Decision Weakens Independent Agencies — The Supreme Court delivered a ruling that significantly weakens the authority of certain independent federal agencies. This decision could lead to increased political influence over these agencies, potentially affecting their ability to function autonomously and effectively.
• Supreme Court allows Trump to fire FTC commissioner and overturns major restraint on presidential power — The Supreme Court ruled that President Trump has the authority to fire the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner, effectively overturning a significant limitation on presidential power. This decision marks a shift in the balance of power between the executive branch and independent federal agencies, potentially increasing presidential control over such agencies. The ruling could have far-reaching implications for the independence of federal regulatory bodies and the separation of powers within the U.S. government.
• Supreme Court Overturns 90-Year-Old Independent Agency Protections — The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old precedent protecting members of independent agencies from being fired by the president without cause. Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned in dissent that the ruling "reshapes our government," noting that dozens of independent commissions are now likely to become purely executive agencies, shifting tremendous power over broad swaths of American life into the president's hands.
• Supreme Court Overturns Protections for Independent Agencies — The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old precedent that protected members of independent agencies from being fired without cause by the president. Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that this decision could transform these agencies into executive-controlled entities, concentrating power in the presidency. This ruling is seen as a significant shift in the balance of power within the U.S. government.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Trump v. Slaughter (25-332) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Trump v. Slaughter. Docket number(s): 25-332.
• Trump claims unchecked power following Supreme Court ruling — Following the Supreme Court's decision in Slaughter v. Trump, President Trump stated that he now has the authority to remove heads of independent agencies at will, which he believes will allow him to control these agencies to serve his administration's interests. This claim raises concerns about the potential politicization of agencies that have historically operated independently of presidential influence.
• Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump in Slaughter v. Trump — On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in favor of President Donald J. Trump in the case of Slaughter v. Trump, allowing him to fire members of independent agencies created by Congress. This decision overruled nearly 90 years of precedent that limited presidential power over such agencies, asserting that the president has complete control over executive branch officials. The dissenting justices warned that this ruling undermines the independence of agencies designed to operate free from political influence.
• US Supreme Court rules president can fire independent agency heads at will — On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of President Trump in a case brought by former Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, who was fired in March. The court overturned a 90-year-old precedent by holding that the president has the right to remove the head of any federal government agency at will. The decision, justified through the unitary executive theory, grants the president sole total control over the executive branch and opens the door to what critics call an "imperial presidency."

Supporting reports

• FDA sends serious enforcement letter to pharmaceutical company; CEO donates $1 million to Trump super PAC days later — On May 26, the FDA sent a letter to pharmaceutical company QOL Medical containing serious allegations that could threaten the company's existence. Days later, QOL Medical CEO Frederick Cooper donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., Trump's super PAC. The timing and sequence raise questions about whether the donation was made in response to the regulatory threat or as an attempt to influence the agency's enforcement action.
• FDA sends warning letter to QOL Medical for false drug advertising — On May 26, 2026, the FDA sent a warning letter to QOL Medical accusing the pharmaceutical company of using "false or misleading" advertising to promote Sucraid, a drug for treating congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID). The FDA alleged that QOL Medical's marketing materials encouraged doctors to prescribe Sucraid for patients with IBS-like symptoms (gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea), despite the drug being unable to treat IBS or its symptoms. The FDA determined QOL Medical violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act's prohibition on drug misbranding. The letter required QOL Medical to respond within 15 working days.

Supporting reports

• FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigns over flavored vape reversal — FDA Commissioner Marty Makary reportedly resigned in protest after Trump directed him to reverse the FDA's prohibition on fruit-flavored vapes. The reversal occurred within a week of Trump's meeting with Reynolds American executives and lobbyist Brian Ballard, who had complained about the ban. The fruit-flavored vape ban had been implemented to protect children from the appeal of flavored nicotine products.

Supporting reports

• FDA issues guidance opening door to flavored vape sales after tobacco donation — The Trump Food and Drug Administration issued new guidance opening the door to the sale of flavored vapes after a tobacco company donated $5 million to the Trump-backed super PAC MAGA Inc. Two days after the donation, Trump had lunch with tobacco industry representatives, during which he complained to administration officials about FDA e-cigarette regulations. The new guidance was issued days later.

Supporting reports

• FDA approves fruit-flavored vapes after Trump pressure overrides agency scientists — The FDA approved fruit-flavored vapes for the first time after Trump pressured Commissioner Makary to override agency scientists who had halted the approval. Trump made calls over the weekend to pressure the decision. The approval occurred on Tuesday, with the news release attributing the decision to "President Trump's leadership" rather than standard regulatory processes, marking direct political interference in drug approval.
• FDA limits Covid vaccines and refuses Moderna flu vaccine consideration — Vinay Prasad, head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), overruled center scientists to limit Covid vaccines and refused to consider Moderna's new mRNA-based flu vaccine. The flu vaccine decision was quickly reversed after public outcry. Prasad worked with Commissioner Makary to create a new vaccine approval framework announced through a journal article rather than standard agency processes.
• Trump administration pressures FDA commissioner over fruit-flavored vape approval — Trump signed off on a plan to fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary in early May 2026 after scolding him for not approving fruit-flavored vapes, according to the Wall Street Journal. Makary had initially overridden agency scientists to halt approval of the first fruit-flavored vapes before the FDA announced the approval would move forward. The dispute exemplifies broader tensions between Trump and Makary over regulatory independence.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration approves BP's Kaskida ultra-deepwater oil drilling project in Gulf of Mexico — The Trump administration's Interior Department approved BP's $5 billion Kaskida project, an ultra-deepwater oil drilling operation in the Gulf of Mexico that will drill 6,000 feet into water and extend 6 miles into the seabed—deeper than Mount Everest's height. The project is expected to extract 80,000 barrels of oil daily from six wells starting in 2029. Environmental groups filed a lawsuit on the 16th anniversary of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, alleging the project poses catastrophic environmental and community risks and that BP has failed to demonstrate safe drilling capabilities or adequate containment measures for potential spills of up to 4.5 million barrels.

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

• White House issued promotional release claiming administration achievements — The White House published a promotional release titled "Don't Be a Panican. We're Winning — and We're Not Slowing Down." The document claims multiple policy achievements including stock market gains, ICE immigration enforcement actions, halting gender-affirming care for minors, court victories on immigration detention, crime reductions, falling rents and mortgage rates, and zero illegal border crossings for nine consecutive months. The release frames these as evidence of successful implementation of the "America First agenda."
• White House issued fact sheet claiming violent crime plummets under Trump administration — The White House published a fact sheet titled "Violent Crime Plummets Across Major U.S. Cities," citing Axios reporting and claiming steep declines in violent crime in 2025 compared to 2024. The document states murders fell 19%, robberies 20%, and aggravated assaults nearly 10%, and asserts the murder rate in major cities reached its lowest level in at least 125 years. The fact sheet attributes these declines to President Trump's "aggressive, no-nonsense approach to public safety," including federal resource deployment and immigration enforcement.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming inflation victory and real wage gains — The White House published a fact sheet asserting that President Trump has "defeated" inflation, citing a January 2026 Consumer Price Index report showing year-over-year inflation at 2.4% and claiming real average hourly earnings rose 1.2% over the past year, with cumulative real wage gains of $1,400 in Trump's first year. The document attributes price declines in beef, eggs, coffee, energy, and gasoline to Trump's policies and references drug pricing reforms and a "Great Healthcare Plan."
• 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

• EPA announced increase in safe formaldehyde exposure levels — The Environmental Protection Agency announced it is nearly doubling the amount of formaldehyde it considers safe to breathe. Formaldehyde is used in products ranging from building materials and leather goods to craft supplies and causes cancer, miscarriage, asthma, and other health issues by altering DNA. Chemical industry lobbyists have worked for years to water down government regulation of formaldehyde. The method of assessment behind the proposed new rule could change government regulation of other carcinogens as well.
• Trump EPA proposes weakening formaldehyde cancer risk assessment — The Trump administration's EPA announced a proposal to increase exposure levels to formaldehyde it considers safe, reversing Biden-era findings that any exposure to the carcinogenic chemical poses cancer risk. The agency would reverse five of 58 unreasonable-risk scenarios Biden's EPA identified and weaken restrictions for the remaining 53 by adopting a threshold-based risk model instead of the linear approach. Two former American Chemistry Council executives now lead the EPA's chemical safety office.

Supporting reports

• Trump proclamation exempts coke oven facilities from EPA emissions standards for two years — President Trump issued Proclamation 10993 on November 21, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources subject to the EPA's July 2024 Coke Oven Rule from compliance with specified emissions-control requirements for a period of two years beyond the rule's original compliance deadlines. The proclamation invokes section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act and asserts that the required emissions-control technologies do not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption serves national security interests tied to domestic coke and steel production capacity.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting coke oven facilities from EPA emissions standards for 2 years — President Trump issued a proclamation on November 21, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources (coke oven facilities) from compliance with the EPA's July 2024 Coke Oven Rule for a period of 2 years beyond the rule's original compliance deadlines. The proclamation states the exemption applies because the required emissions-control technology does not exist in commercially viable form and asserts the exemption serves national security interests tied to steel and defense production.
• White House issues fact sheet on EPA regulatory relief for coke production facilities — The White House issued a fact sheet on November 21, 2025, describing a proclamation signed by President Trump granting two years of regulatory relief from Biden-era EPA emissions standards for coke oven facilities. The fact sheet states the relief allows facilities to comply with pre-Biden EPA standards instead, claims the Biden rule imposed "unattainable compliance requirements," and asserts the exemption protects steel production capacity and national security. The document frames the action as balancing environmental protection with economic and industrial strength.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announces expanded offshore oil and gas drilling off California and Florida coasts — The Trump administration announced a new federal petroleum leasing schedule for 2026–2031 that includes up to 34 auctions across U.S. waters: six off California, 21 off Alaska (including a region never drilled), and two in the eastern Gulf of Mexico off Florida. The move reverses Biden-era climate protections and reflects Trump's National Energy Dominance Council priority on fossil fuel expansion. California Governor Newsom rejected the plan; Florida Republicans, including Senators Scott and Moody, have signaled opposition due to tourism and environmental concerns.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration proposes rollback of Endangered Species Act protections — The Trump administration presented a plan to weaken the Endangered Species Act through four new rules coordinated by the Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service. The proposal would allow greater weight for economic impact in habitat designations, remove safeguards against future climate impacts, rescind automatic protections for threatened species, narrow the definition of "critical habitat," and create delays in protections for newly listed species. A 30-day public comment period opens Friday.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed Executive Order 14361 modifying tariffs on Brazilian imports, exempting certain agricultural products from the 40% additional duty imposed under EO 14323. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14361 on November 20, 2025, modifying the scope of tariffs on Brazil. The order exempts certain agricultural products from the 40% additional ad valorem duty imposed under Executive Order 14323 (July 30, 2025), which had declared a national emergency based on alleged threats from Brazilian government policies. The modifications, effective November 13, 2025, reflect initial progress in ongoing negotiations with Brazilian President Lula da Silva following an October 6, 2025 call between the two leaders. The Secretary of State is directed to monitor circumstances and implement the order in consultation with Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security, and other officials.
• Trump modifies tariff scope on Brazilian agricultural products following negotiations — President Trump issued an executive order on November 20, 2025, modifying the scope of tariffs imposed on Brazil under a prior July 30, 2025 order that had declared a national emergency. The new order exempts certain agricultural products from the 40 percent additional ad valorem duty, effective November 13, 2025, based on initial progress in negotiations with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and recommendations from administration officials. The order directs the Secretary of State to continue monitoring the emergency and implement the tariff modifications.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14361 modifying tariffs on Brazilian imports — President Trump signed Executive Order 14361 on November 20, 2025, modifying the scope of tariffs imposed under Executive Order 14323 (July 30, 2025). The order removes certain agricultural products from a 40 percent additional duty rate previously applied to Brazilian imports, citing initial progress in ongoing negotiations with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following an October 6, 2025 call between the two leaders. The modifications are effective retroactively to November 13, 2025, and the order directs the Secretary of State to continue monitoring the declared national emergency and consult with relevant officials on implementation.
• Trump proclamation exempts coke oven facilities from EPA emissions standards for two years — President Trump issued Proclamation 10993 on November 21, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources subject to the EPA's July 2024 Coke Oven Rule from compliance with specified emissions-control requirements for a period of two years beyond the rule's original compliance deadlines. The proclamation invokes section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act and asserts that the required emissions-control technologies do not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption serves national security interests tied to domestic coke and steel production capacity.

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

• 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 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

• 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

• EPA head announced revocation of 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases — EPA head Lee Zeldin announced that the Trump administration would revoke the 2009 "endangerment finding," a declaration that found that greenhouse gas emissions lead to global warming and threaten public health. Zeldin called the move, which would remove the federal government's authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, the "largest deregulatory action in the history" of the US, if finalized.
• Environmental groups and former EPA leaders condemned endangerment finding revocation — Zeldin's announcement prompted widespread backlash from environmental groups, the scientific community, and three former EPA leaders. The executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council told AP that the move "boggles the mind and endangers the nation's safety and welfare" as the US faces deadly floods and heat waves, adding that the council will sue the EPA if "this illegal and cynical approach" is finalized.
• EPA moves to rescind 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases — Trump loyalists at the Environmental Protection Agency moved in August to rescind the agency's 2009 endangerment finding that has underpinned climate change regulatory efforts since the Obama administration. The move rejects widely accepted scientific consensus on climate change despite increased scientific evidence supporting the original finding.

Supporting reports

• DOGE staff use AI to eliminate half of government regulations — Staff associated with the "Department of Government Efficiency" are using artificial intelligence to eliminate half of the government's regulations by January 2026. James Burnham, former chief attorney for DOGE, described this as a "creative deployment of artificial intelligence to advance the president's regulatory agenda" as a strategy to make significant progress during Trump's term.

Supporting reports

• Department of Government Efficiency uses AI tool to create federal regulation "delete list" — The Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), formerly led by Elon Musk, is using an artificial intelligence tool called the "Doge AI Deregulation Decision Tool" to analyze 200,000 federal regulations and identify those for elimination. Internal documents obtained by the Washington Post show the tool has already been deployed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to review over 1,000 regulatory sections and by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to draft deregulations. Doge claims 100,000 regulations can be eliminated, with a goal of cutting 50% of all federal regulations by the first anniversary of Trump's second inauguration.
• DOGE staff use AI to eliminate half of government regulations — Staff associated with the "Department of Government Efficiency" are using artificial intelligence to eliminate half of the government's regulations by January 2026. James Burnham, former chief attorney for DOGE, described this as a "creative deployment of artificial intelligence to advance the president's regulatory agenda" as a strategy to make significant progress during Trump's term.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed Executive Order 14318 accelerating federal permitting for AI data center infrastructure and revoking prior EO 14141. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14318 on July 23, 2025, establishing expedited federal permitting procedures for AI data center projects and related infrastructure exceeding 100 megawatts. The order directs agencies to streamline environmental reviews under NEPA through categorical exclusions, expedite Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act permitting, facilitate programmatic consultation under the Endangered Species Act, and identify federal lands for data center development. It revokes Executive Order 14141 from January 2025 and authorizes financial support including loans, grants, and tax incentives for qualifying projects.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14319 restricting federal AI procurement to models meeting "Unbiased AI Principles" excluding diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14319 on July 23, 2025, directing federal agencies to procure only large language models (LLMs) that comply with "Unbiased AI Principles" emphasizing truth-seeking and ideological neutrality. The order defines DEI as suppression of factual information, manipulation of representation, and incorporation of concepts like critical race theory and intersectionality. OMB must issue implementation guidance within 120 days. Agencies must include compliance terms in new LLM contracts and revise existing ones where practicable, with vendor decommissioning costs charged for noncompliance.
• Trump administration unveils plan to fast-track AI infrastructure by dismantling environmental regulations — The Trump administration rolled out a 28-page scheme on Wednesday to accelerate AI sector development by removing environmental and land-use regulations, streamlining permitting for datacenters and semiconductor facilities, rolling back Biden-era climate-linked subsidy requirements, and seeking exclusions for datacenters from the National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act. Trump is expected to sign three AI-related executive orders during a DC summit keynote address. The plan explicitly rejects "radical climate dogma" and pledges to review state AI laws for interference with federal authority, threatening to withhold federal funding from states with protective AI regulations.
• Trump signs three executive orders on AI, targeting "woke" models and removing environmental protections for datacentres — On Wednesday at an AI summit in Washington, Trump signed three executive orders aimed at advancing U.S. AI development. One order requires AI companies receiving federal funding to maintain "politically neutral" models free of "ideological dogmas such as DEI." A second order deregulates AI development and removes environmental protections for datacentre construction. A third expedites federal permitting for datacentre infrastructure. The orders accompany a 24-page "AI action plan" titled "Winning the Race" that repeals Biden-era AI safeguards and emphasizes speed over regulation.
• Trump issued executive order establishing American AI Exports Program to promote global deployment of U.S. AI technology packages. — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 23, 2025, directing the Secretary of Commerce to establish the American AI Exports Program within 90 days. The program supports development and deployment of full-stack U.S. AI technology packages—including hardware, data pipelines, AI models, security measures, and applications—to allied and partner nations. The order mobilizes federal financing tools through the Economic Diplomacy Action Group to provide loans, guarantees, equity investments, and technical assistance for selected industry consortia. The initiative aims to extend American technological dominance and reduce international dependence on adversary-developed AI systems.
• Trump issues executive order accelerating federal permitting for AI data center infrastructure — President Trump issued an executive order on July 23, 2025, directing federal agencies to streamline permitting and environmental reviews for large-scale data center projects (>100 MW) and related infrastructure. The order establishes expedited review processes under NEPA, creates categorical exclusions for environmental assessment, authorizes use of federal lands for data center development, and revokes a prior Biden-era AI infrastructure order. Agencies must identify financial support mechanisms and coordinate permitting timelines.
• Trump issues executive order requiring federal AI procurement to prioritize "truth-seeking" and "ideological neutrality" over diversity and inclusion principles. — President Donald Trump signed Executive Order "Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government" on July 23, 2025, directing federal agencies to procure only large language models (LLMs) that comply with two principles: truth-seeking (prioritizing historical accuracy and scientific objectivity) and ideological neutrality (rejecting DEI-influenced outputs). The order defines DEI in AI as suppression of factual information about race or sex, manipulation of representation, and incorporation of concepts like critical race theory and intersectionality. Within 120 days, the Office of Management and Budget must issue guidance to agencies; agencies must include compliance terms in new LLM contracts and revise existing ones within 90 days of guidance issuance.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14319 directing federal agencies to procure only large language models compliant with "Unbiased AI Principles" excluding diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14319 on July 23, 2025, directing federal agencies to procure large language models (LLMs) that comply with two stated principles: "truth-seeking" and "ideological neutrality." The order defines "DEI" as including suppression of factual information about race or sex, manipulation of representation, and incorporation of concepts like critical race theory and systemic racism. OMB must issue implementation guidance within 120 days. Agencies must include compliance terms in new LLM contracts and revise existing ones where practicable, with vendor decommissioning costs charged for noncompliance.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on AI procurement standards — The White House published a fact sheet on July 23, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing federal agencies to procure artificial intelligence models that adhere to "Unbiased AI Principles" emphasizing truthfulness and ideological neutrality. The order instructs the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance for agency implementation and mandates that federal contracts for large language models include compliance terms and vendor accountability provisions. The fact sheet frames the order as preventing "woke AI" and DEI-driven bias in federal AI systems.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order accelerating federal permitting for data center infrastructure — The White House published a fact sheet on July 23, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to accelerate federal permitting of data center infrastructure. The order directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial support (loans, grants, tax incentives) for qualifying projects exceeding 100 megawatts of new load, including data centers, semiconductors, and related infrastructure. The order revokes a Biden-era executive order, streamlines environmental reviews, designates projects for expedited permitting under FAST-41, promotes use of Brownfield and Superfund sites, and authorizes data center construction on federal lands.
• White House releases "America's AI Action Plan" outlining 90+ federal policy actions — The White House issued "Winning the AI Race: America's AI Action Plan" on July 23, 2025, pursuant to President Trump's January executive order on AI leadership. The plan identifies over 90 federal policy actions across three pillars: accelerating innovation, building AI infrastructure, and leading in international diplomacy. Key policies include exporting American AI to allies, expediting data center permits, removing federal regulations hindering AI development, and updating procurement guidelines to ensure frontier AI models are "objective and free from top-down ideological bias."
• White House signed Executive Order 14318 accelerating federal permitting for data center infrastructure — The White House issued Executive Order 14318 on July 23, 2025, directing federal agencies to expedite permitting and environmental reviews for data center projects exceeding 100 megawatts of new load dedicated to AI, as well as related energy and component manufacturing infrastructure. The order revokes Executive Order 14141, establishes categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to bypass environmental review, streamlines Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act permitting, authorizes use of federal lands including military installations for data center development, and directs the EPA to expedite Brownfield and Superfund Site reuse. The order defines "Qualifying Projects" to include facilities with $500 million+ capital commitments or national security designation, with authority to designate projects vested in Commerce, Defense, Interior, and Energy secretaries.
• Trump signs Executive Order 14320 establishing American AI Exports Program to promote global deployment of U.S. AI technology packages. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14320 on July 23, 2025, establishing the American AI Exports Program to coordinate federal support for exporting full-stack American AI technologies globally. The order directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with State and OSTP, to issue a public call for industry proposals within 90 days. Selected proposals will receive priority access to federal financing tools, including loans, loan guarantees, equity investments, and political risk insurance, coordinated through the Economic Diplomacy Action Group. The program aims to extend U.S. technological dominance and reduce international dependence on adversary AI systems.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting export of American AI technologies via executive order — The White House issued a fact sheet on July 23, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to establish an American AI Exports Program. The order directs the Secretary of Commerce to develop and deploy full-stack AI technology packages (hardware, data systems, models, cybersecurity, sector applications) to allies and partners. The fact sheet states the initiative aims to strengthen ties with allies, promote U.S. standards, maintain technological dominance, and reduce global reliance on systems from adversarial nations.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting U.S.-Indonesia reciprocal trade deal — The White House published a compilation of industry statements praising a reciprocal trade framework with Indonesia. The document claims the deal eliminates approximately 99% of tariff barriers on U.S. industrial, food, and agricultural exports, unlocks market access, and removes non-tariff barriers. Industry groups representing steel, petroleum, technology, agriculture, dairy, and meat sectors issued statements welcoming the agreement's provisions on digital trade, tariff elimination, and market access.
• White House signed Executive Order 14320 establishing American AI Exports Program — The White House signed Executive Order 14320 on July 23, 2025, directing the Secretary of Commerce to establish the American AI Exports Program within 90 days. The order mandates a coordinated federal effort to promote export of full-stack American AI technology packages (hardware, data pipelines, models, security measures, and applications) to specified target countries. The order mobilizes federal financing tools through the Economic Diplomacy Action Group, including direct loans, loan guarantees, equity investments, and political risk insurance, to support selected priority AI export packages.

Supporting reports

• EPA proposes rule eliminating the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases — The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new rule to eliminate the endangerment finding established in 2009 that, based on scientific evidence, determined that greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and methane warm the planet and endanger human life. Most vehicle, factory, and power plant emissions standards currently in place derive from this finding. EPA officials told the New York Times they intend to argue that climate regulations, rather than greenhouse gas emissions themselves, cause harm to human health through higher prices and reduced consumer choice.

Supporting reports

• Trump proclamation exempts ethylene oxide sterilization facilities from EPA emissions standards for two years. — President Trump issued Proclamation 10959 on July 17, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources subject to the EPA's April 2024 ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions rule from compliance for two years beyond the rule's original deadlines. The proclamation asserts that required emissions-control technology does not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption serves national security by preventing disruption to the supply of sterile medical devices. Affected facilities will remain subject to pre-rule emissions obligations during the exemption period.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting medical sterilization facilities from EPA ethylene oxide emissions rule for two years — President Trump issued a proclamation granting a two-year exemption from the EPA's April 2024 ethylene oxide emissions standards rule for commercial sterilization facilities. The proclamation states the exemption applies to 24 named companies operating approximately 40 facilities nationwide. Trump asserts the rule's compliance technology does not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption is necessary for national security to prevent disruption of sterile medical device supply. The proclamation extends all EtO Rule compliance deadlines by two years for listed facilities.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting taconite iron ore processing facilities from Clean Air Act emissions standards for 2 years — President Trump signed a proclamation on July 17, 2025, exempting certain taconite iron ore processing facilities from compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's March 2024 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants rule. The proclamation extends all compliance deadlines under the Taconite Rule by 2 years, citing national security interests and claims that required emissions-control technologies are not commercially viable. The exemption applies to six named facilities operated by U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs in Minnesota and Michigan.
• Trump proclamation exempts certain chemical manufacturers from HON Rule emissions standards for two years — President Trump issued Proclamation 10957 on July 17, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources subject to the EPA's May 2024 Hazardous Organic Naphtha (HON) Rule from compliance with section 112 Clean Air Act emissions-control requirements for two years beyond the rule's original compliance deadlines. The proclamation invokes national security and chemical manufacturing resilience, asserting that compliance technology is not commercially available. Affected facilities will revert to pre-HON Rule emissions obligations during the exemption period.
• Trump proclamation exempts taconite iron ore processors from Clean Air Act emissions standards for two years — President Trump issued Proclamation 10958 on July 17, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources engaged in taconite iron ore processing from compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's March 2024 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) rule under section 112 of the Clean Air Act. The proclamation extends all compliance deadlines by two years, citing unavailability of required emissions-control technology and national security interests in domestic steel production. Affected facilities revert to pre-rule emissions obligations during the exemption period.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting 25 chemical manufacturing facilities from Clean Air Act emissions standards for 2 years — President Trump signed a proclamation on July 17, 2025, exempting 25 named chemical manufacturing facilities from compliance with the EPA's May 2024 Hazardous Organic Noxides (HON) Rule for 2 years beyond the rule's original compliance deadlines. The proclamation asserts that the technology to implement the HON Rule is not commercially available and that the exemption serves national security interests by protecting domestic chemical supply chains. The exemption extends all compliance deadlines by 2 years, during which affected facilities remain subject to pre-HON Rule emissions standards.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting coal-fired power plants from EPA emissions standards for two years — President Trump signed a proclamation on July 17, 2025, exempting certain coal-fired electric utility generating units from compliance with the EPA's 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule for a two-year period (July 8, 2027 to July 8, 2029). The proclamation states the exemption applies to three named facilities (Cardinal Units 1–3 in Ohio, Craig Generating Station Units 2–3 in Colorado, and Dallman Unit 4 in Illinois) and asserts that the required emissions-control technology does not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption serves national security interests by protecting coal-sector jobs and grid reliability.
• White House issues fact sheet on EPA regulatory relief proclamations — The White House issued a fact sheet on July 17, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed four proclamations granting two years of regulatory relief from EPA emissions standards for coal plants, taconite iron ore processing facilities, and chemical manufacturers producing semiconductors, medical device sterilization, and defense-related chemicals. The fact sheet states these exemptions allow facilities to comply with pre-Biden EPA standards instead of current rules, claiming the relief supports national security and economic stability while avoiding "unattainable compliance requirements."