Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration awards $1 billion, 15-year contract to Geo Group for Delaney Hall ICE detention — The Trump administration in February awarded a $1 billion, 15-year contract to private prison company Geo Group to operate the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in New Jersey. The facility, recently reopened, has a capacity of 1,000 detainees and is part of the administration's expansion of detention infrastructure to support mass deportation operations. The contract was awarded despite ongoing legal challenges to the facility's operation and a 2021 New Jersey state law barring immigration detention.

Supporting reports

• Department of Education threatens to revoke school funding for teaching about systemic racism — In February 2025, the Department of Education sent a letter threatening to halt federal funding to any school that teaches students about "systemic and structural racism." The letter argues that these lessons "teach students that certain racial groups bear unique moral burdens that others do not." The American Civil Liberties Union sued the Department, arguing that the letter violated free speech. In April, multiple federal judges froze the order.

Supporting reports

• Judge halts DOGE's access to Treasury systems — U.S. District Judge Engelmayer issued an emergency order halting DOGE's attempts to access U.S. Treasury systems, temporarily preventing "special government employees" from accessing these systems. The court also ordered the destruction of any downloaded material from the Treasury Department's records. A hearing is set for February 14 to resolve the matter, with Judge Jeannette Vargas now permanently assigned to the case. The ruling has sparked calls for the judge's impeachment from Elon Musk and JD Vance, who have suggested ignoring the court order.

Supporting reports

• FBI submits list of January 6 investigators to DOJ — The FBI has complied with a demand from the US Department of Justice to provide a list of agents involved in the investigations related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The list, which excludes names, includes details of 5,000 to 6,000 agents such as employee numbers, job titles, and roles. This submission follows a weeklong standoff and raises concerns among FBI employees about potential retaliation from the Trump administration. The acting FBI director, Brian Driscoll, expressed concerns about the safety of personnel if the list becomes public.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order: Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South Africa — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 7, 2025, to address actions by the Republic of South Africa. The order responds to South Africa's Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows the seizure of Afrikaners' agricultural property without compensation. The order halts U.S. aid to South Africa and promotes the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees facing racial discrimination. It also directs U.S. agencies to prioritize humanitarian relief for these refugees. The order reflects U.S. disapproval of South Africa's policies and its international alignments that oppose U.S. interests.
• Executive Order on South Africa sanctions — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14204, halting U.S. aid to South Africa due to its Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows seizure of Afrikaners' property without compensation. The order also promotes resettlement of Afrikaner refugees in the U.S. and directs agencies to prioritize humanitarian relief for victims of racial discrimination in South Africa.
• US suspends aid to South Africa after Trump order — The US State Department has paused most foreign assistance to South Africa following an executive order by Donald Trump. Executive Order 14204, issued on February 7, 2025, claims that white South Africans are being unjustly discriminated against. The order mandates the suspension of aid disbursements, with few exceptions, such as the Pepfar HIV/AIDS program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the directive, delegating authority to Pete Marocco to decide on the continuation of specific aid programs. This move has heightened tensions between the US and South Africa.
• White House issued executive order halting U.S. aid to South Africa and prioritizing Afrikaner refugee resettlement — The White House issued an executive order on February 7, 2025, directing all federal agencies to halt foreign aid and assistance to South Africa, citing the country's Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 (which permits seizure of agricultural property without compensation), alleged racial discrimination against Afrikaners, and South Africa's foreign policy positions toward Israel and Iran. The order directs the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize admission and resettlement of Afrikaners through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order addressing South Africa — The White House published a fact sheet on February 7, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to address what it characterizes as human rights violations in South Africa. The fact sheet states the order directs the U.S. to halt aid to South Africa, establish a plan to resettle "disfavored minorities" as refugees, and hold the country accountable. The document frames South Africa's land expropriation act and treatment of "ethnic minority descendants of settler groups" as discriminatory, and criticizes South Africa's positions on Israel and Iran.

Supporting reports

• Government workers sue Trump and Rubio over USAid cuts — The American Federation of Government Employees and the American Foreign Service Association filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, including President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, DC federal court, seeks to block what it claims are unconstitutional actions that have dismantled the US Agency for International Development (USAid), causing a global humanitarian crisis. The suit highlights Trump's order pausing all US foreign aid and subsequent state department orders halting USAid projects, leading to significant layoffs and program shutdowns.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — American Federation of Government Employees v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00352 — Judge Carl J. Nichols issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing USAID from placing employees on administrative leave or evacuating them. He rejected Plaintiffs' request for a restraining order on the funding freeze on the ground that Plaintiffs (USAID employees) could not show sufficient harm to themselves.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court considers reviving nondelegation doctrine — The U.S. Supreme Court is considering reviving the nondelegation doctrine, which could significantly limit federal agencies' power to create regulations. This doctrine argues that Congress cannot delegate its legislative powers to agencies, potentially invalidating many existing regulations. The case in question, FCC v Consumers’ Research, challenges the FCC's authority to impose fees for broadband services. If the court revives the doctrine, it could lead to widespread challenges against various regulatory protections, shifting significant power from Congress to the judiciary.

Supporting reports

• North Carolina judge rules racial bias in death row sentencing — A North Carolina superior court judge, Wayland J Sermons Jr, ruled that racial bias influenced the jury selection in the 2009 death row sentencing of Hasson Bacote. Bacote, a Black man, had his sentence commuted to life in prison last December. The ruling highlighted that Black jurors were struck at three times the rate of white jurors. This decision, based on the Racial Justice Act, could impact North Carolina's death penalty laws, as the state has a significant number of individuals on death row.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order barring transgender participants from women's sports — In February 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that bars transgender participants from competing in women's sports. The order is part of a broader federal crackdown on transgender rights and participation. The State Department has separately instructed officials to deny visas to transgender athletes attempting to enter the U.S. for competitions, with instructions to impose permanent visa bans on those deemed to misrepresent their birth sex.
• Executive Order on Women's Sports Participation — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14201, mandating that federal funds be rescinded from educational programs allowing male participation in women's sports. The order aims to protect female athletes' opportunities under Title IX, emphasizing safety and fairness. It directs the Secretary of Education and other agencies to enforce compliance and adjust policies accordingly.
• Trump signs executive order banning trans athletes from women’s sports — On February 5, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. The order directs federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, to interpret Title IX rules to prohibit transgender girls and women from competing in female sports categories. It mandates immediate enforcement and threatens to cut off federal funding for schools that allow trans women or girls to compete in female-designated sports. The order is expected to face legal challenges and has been criticized by advocacy groups for its impact on trans rights.
• Trump issues executive order on women's sports — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 5, 2025, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports." The order directs federal agencies to ensure that educational institutions receiving federal funds do not allow men to compete in women's sports, citing Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. The order mandates the rescission of funds from programs that fail to comply and calls for the enforcement of policies that preserve female athletic opportunities. It also involves international efforts to promote sex-based categories in sports.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on women's sports eligibility — The White House published a fact sheet on February 5, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs the Department of Justice to enforce a nationwide vacatur of the Biden administration's Title IX rewrite, requires schools and athletic associations to deny participation in women's sports to transgender athletes, directs the Secretary of State to demand changes to International Olympic Committee policies, and instructs the Department of Homeland Security to review visa policies. The fact sheet characterizes the prior administration's policies as a "war on women" and includes testimonials from female athletes.
• White House signed executive order on women's sports eligibility — President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to enforce Title IX to restrict athletic competition in women's sports categories to biological females. The order directs the Secretary of Education to rescind federal funding from educational programs allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, instructs the Department of Justice to enforce the policy, and tasks the State Department with promoting sex-based eligibility standards internationally and at the Olympic level. The order also directs review of immigration policies to prevent males seeking to participate in women's sports from entering the United States.
• Trump bans trans women in sports — President Trump signed an executive order banning trans women and girls from competing in female sports. This order discriminates against trans athletes and limits their participation in sports.

Supporting reports

• Trump halts DOJ civil rights investigations and police reform agreements — Donald Trump stopped all Department of Justice civil rights investigations and police reform agreements, including those in Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, which were established following the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. This move halts efforts to address systemic issues in policing and civil rights violations, raising concerns about accountability and justice.

Supporting reports

• Texas representative files impeachment articles against Trump — Texas Representative Al Green announced he is filing articles of impeachment against former President Donald Trump. Green's action is in response to Trump's proposal to "take over Gaza," which Green described as a "dastardly deed" amounting to ethnic cleansing. This move is part of a broader Democratic resistance to Trump's policies during his second term. Green's impeachment effort is unlikely to gain significant traction, as other Democratic leaders have indicated that impeachment is not an immediate focus.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks enforcement of Trump's birthright citizenship order — A federal judge in Seattle, appointed by Reagan, issued an injunction against the enforcement of Trump's executive order denying birthright citizenship. Judge Coughenour criticized the president's disregard for the rule of law, emphasizing its importance in his courtroom. This ruling temporarily halts the implementation of the executive order, pending further legal proceedings.
• Judge blocks Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship — U.S. District Judge John Coughenour blocked Trump’s executive order that sought to alter birthright citizenship, declaring it "clearly unconstitutional." This ruling reinforces the rule of law and the constitutional protections afforded to citizens.
• U.S. District Judge blocks Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship — U.S. District Judge John Coughenour blocked Trump's executive order altering birthright citizenship, declaring it "clearly unconstitutional." The judge criticized the administration's disregard for the rule of law in pursuit of policy goals.

Supporting reports

• Gwynne Wilcox sues Trump and NLRB chair over dismissal — Gwynne Wilcox, a former member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), has filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump and Marvin Kaplan, the NLRB chair, following her dismissal. Wilcox claims her removal was politically motivated and violated the National Labor Relations Act. Her lawsuit seeks an injunction for her reinstatement, arguing that her termination undermines the NLRB's independence and leaves the board unable to function due to a lack of quorum. The White House justified the dismissal by labeling Wilcox and others as "far-left appointees."

Supporting reports

• DOJ dismantles foreign bribery unit — Attorney General Pam Bondi has dismantled the Department of Justice's foreign bribery unit, which was responsible for investigating and monitoring foreign interference in U.S. elections. The unit is now limited to investigating cases involving drugs or trafficking under Bondi's new directive. This move has raised concerns about the DOJ's ability to address foreign interference in American affairs.
• DOJ eliminates Kleptocracy Initiative — The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, has eliminated the Kleptocracy Initiative, which was responsible for seizing assets from Russian oligarchs under sanctions. The initiative had recovered billions in stolen assets since 2010. The funds from these seizures are reportedly being redirected to fund new detention facilities in Guantanamo Bay and Texas.
• DOJ scales back enforcement of Foreign Agents Registration Act — Following the disbanding of the Foreign Influence Task Force, the Justice Department under Bondi announced a scaling back of enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires individuals receiving foreign government funds to disclose their connections. This change could facilitate foreign influence in U.S. politics.
• Trump disbands FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force — On February 6, 2025, Pam Bondi, newly appointed attorney general, disbanded the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, which was established to combat foreign interference in U.S. politics. This decision reduces the government's capacity to address foreign threats to democracy.
• Trump administration scales back enforcement of white-collar crimes — Under Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Justice Department is scaling back enforcement of white-collar crimes, including bribery of foreign officials and money laundering, while prioritizing human smuggling and drug cartels. This shift invites foreign interference in American affairs.

Supporting reports

• Federal Judge Halts Funding Freeze — A federal judge halted a funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration, suggesting it was a blatant violation of the Constitution. This ruling comes in response to the administration's attempts to change government priorities through illegal impoundment.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — National Council of Nonprofits v. Office of Management and Budget (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00239 — Judge Alikhan issued a temporary restraining order blocking the OMB from implementing its funding freeze, finding that the Plaintiffs are likely to succeed in their claim that the directive was arbitrary and capricious under the APA, and that the post-complaint rescission of the memorandum was “disingenuous” and still causing irreparable injury. The order directed the OMB to release the frozen funds, notify agencies of this TRO, and file a status report on compliance by Feb. 7, 2025.
• Federal court blocks Trump administration's funding freeze — Judge Loren L. AliKhan of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia blocked the Trump administration's attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in grants and loans, stating that such actions violate the 1974 law that restricts impounding funds.

Supporting reports

• US judge blocks transfer of trans women to men's prisons — A US district judge, Royce Lamberth, issued a temporary restraining order blocking the transfer of transgender women from women's to men's prisons, halting an executive order by Donald Trump. The order, which also barred access to hormone therapy, was challenged by three incarcerated trans women. The judge ruled that the order discriminates against transgender people and violates their constitutional rights. The ruling applies to 16 trans women currently housed in women's facilities, maintaining their housing and medical care as it was before January 20.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Doe v. McHenry (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00286 — Judge Royce Lamberth issued a temporary restraining order and enjoined the government blocking it from transferring the plaintiffs or from discontinuing the plaintiffs' medical care.

Supporting reports

• US Senate confirms Chris Wright as energy secretary — The US Senate confirmed Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, as the energy secretary under Donald Trump's administration with a vote of 59-38. Wright, known for his controversial views on climate change, will oversee the Department of Energy, which manages a $50 billion budget, including the maintenance of the US nuclear weapons stockpile. Wright has been criticized for downplaying the effects of climate change, particularly in relation to wildfires in California. He will replace Jennifer Granholm, who supported renewable energy sources.
• US Senate confirms Pam Bondi as attorney general — The US Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as the attorney general with a 54-46 vote, largely along party lines. Bondi, a staunch ally of President Trump, will lead the Justice Department during Trump's second term. Her confirmation comes amid significant personnel changes within the department, including the firing of prosecutors involved in cases against Trump. Bondi has pledged to maintain the department's independence, but her ability to resist political pressure from the White House is under scrutiny. The department faces challenges with morale and concerns about becoming an extension of the White House.
• Confirmation of Pam Bondi as attorney general — The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as attorney general, despite opposition from civil rights groups due to her history of anti-LGBTQ and anti-immigrant stances. The confirmation vote was largely along party lines, with one Democratic senator crossing over to support her.
• Senate finance committee advances RFK Jr's HHS nomination — The Senate finance committee voted to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The vote was along party lines, with 14 Republicans supporting and 13 Democrats opposing. This advancement sets the stage for a full Senate vote. Kennedy's nomination has been controversial due to his past comments on vaccines and healthcare policies. Despite initial concerns, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy supported the nomination after receiving commitments from the administration. The full Senate vote is expected soon, with Kennedy likely to be confirmed given the Republican majority.
• US Senate confirms Russell Vought to lead OMB — The US Senate confirmed Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with a 53-47 vote along party lines. Vought, a key figure in Project 2025, faced strong opposition from Democrats who fear he will work with Donald Trump to dismantle the federal government. Despite an all-night debate by Democrats, Vought's confirmation proceeded, raising concerns about potential overreach in federal funding decisions and the consolidation of executive power.
• Senate confirms Russell Vought as OMB director — Senate Republicans confirmed Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Management and Budget on February 6, 2025. Vought is known for his right-wing views and has been associated with Project 2025, which aims to reshape government functions.

Supporting reports

• Senate Democrats protest against Russell Vought's nomination — Senate Democrats held an all-night protest against Russell Vought, Trump's nominee to lead the White House budget office, due to his role in Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump's second term. Despite their efforts, Vought was confirmed along party lines. The protest was part of a broader Democratic strategy to oppose Trump's agenda, which includes a now-rescinded order freezing federal loans and grants. Activists were pleased with the Democrats' increased resolve to challenge the administration's actions.
• Senate urged to block Russell Vought's OMB appointment — There is a concerted effort to pressure the Senate to block the appointment of Russell Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought, associated with Project 2025, is accused of planning to staff the government with loyalists and undermine agencies by withholding congressionally-allocated resources. His refusal to testify that he would prioritize the Constitution over Trump's demands has intensified opposition. The Senate is expected to vote on his confirmation soon, and public campaigns are urging Senators to reject his nomination.
• Senate filibuster against Russell Vought — Democratic senators, led by Chuck Schumer, initiated a filibuster to block the confirmation of Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Management and Budget. The senators expressed concerns that Vought's proposals would threaten critical federal funding for programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
• Legislation introduced to counter Musk's actions — Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries announced the introduction of legislation aimed at stopping Elon Musk's actions regarding the Treasury's payment systems. The proposed legislation, titled "Stop the Steal," seeks to protect Americans from potential abuses stemming from Musk's control over government financial operations.
• Senate to vote on Russell Vought's confirmation — The Senate is scheduled to vote on the confirmation of Russell Vought as the head of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought is criticized for his role in the Project 2025 agenda, which opponents argue could lead to policies detrimental to working families and democratic governance.
• Judge Griffin's Attempt to Overturn Supreme Court Election — Judge Griffin is reportedly attempting to overturn the results of a Supreme Court election in North Carolina by seeking to discard 65,000 votes. This action has been characterized as an outrageous power grab by the NC Supreme Court. The situation has prompted a campaign by Common Cause NC to raise awareness and ensure that affected voters are informed. The campaign highlights the importance of public vigilance and participation in safeguarding electoral integrity.
• Judge Griffins attempts to alter NC Supreme Court election — Judge Griffins is reportedly attempting to alter the outcome of the North Carolina Supreme Court election by targeting 60,000 votes, potentially affecting the election of Justice Alison Riggs. This action has prompted calls for public engagement and court attendance to ensure the integrity of the election process.
• Protests against government actions held nationwide — Nationwide protests have been held in response to recent government actions, including the seizure of the US Treasury and the potential confirmation of Russell Vought. These protests are described as peaceful expressions of First Amendment rights, with significant public participation.

Supporting reports

• El Salvador prison offer — Senator Marco Rubio announced that El Salvador has offered to incarcerate convicted US citizens in their prisons for a fee. This proposal raises ethical and legal questions about outsourcing incarceration to foreign countries.
• U.S. deal with El Salvador for deportees — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a controversial agreement with El Salvador to send deportees of any nationality, including U.S. citizens, to a prison facility in El Salvador. This arrangement raises significant legal and ethical questions regarding the treatment of deportees and the implications for U.S. citizens.

Supporting reports

• Alberto arrested three days after ICE check-in despite humanitarian parole status — Alberto, a 42-year-old from Nicaragua who had been granted humanitarian parole, checked in with ICE using an electronic monitoring program in February. Three days later, he was arrested. This case illustrates the unpredictability and inconsistency of the new enforcement approach, where even those with approved humanitarian status face detention after routine compliance.

Supporting reports

• Deportation of 100+ asylum seekers to Panama without due process — A US military plane carried more than 100 immigrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, China, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Pakistan from California to Panama in February. They were shackled and deported to a third country without due process because their countries of origin refuse to accept them back. The detainees, including children, were locked in a hotel in Panama City, signaling from windows for help. They were then moved to a facility in the jungle between Panama and Colombia. They were later reportedly freed and sought asylum from other countries, their futures uncertain.

Supporting reports

• Florida state colleges enroll in ICE 287(g) program, granting campus police immigration enforcement powers — At least 11 Florida state colleges, including Florida International University and University of Florida, have signed agreements under the ICE 287(g) program, training campus police as federal immigration agents with authority to stop, question, detain, and report students on immigration status. The partnerships were encouraged by Governor Ron DeSantis in February 2025. The program, reactivated by the Trump administration after Obama discontinued it in 2012 for racial profiling concerns, has prompted student protests and fears of visa cancellations and deportations, particularly affecting international students.

Supporting reports

• ICE detention and deportation of man in vegetative state resulting in death — Randall Alberto Gamboa Esquivel, a 52-year-old Costa Rican national, was arrested by ICE in Texas in February 2025 after illegally reentering the US. He was held at Webb County detention center and later transferred to Port Isabel facility. In June, his family lost contact with him; he was later found hospitalized in a vegetative state with encephalopathy and rhabdomyolysis. ICE arranged his deportation via air ambulance to Costa Rica on September 3. He died in a Costa Rican hospital on October 26. His family alleges negligence and inhumane treatment during detention and deportation.

Supporting reports

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water from California dams — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a significant amount of water from two dams in California into river channels along farms in the San Joaquin Valley. This action, ordered by President Trump, has been criticized for its timing, as it occurs during the rainy season when water is not needed for irrigation. Experts warn that this could negatively impact farmers who rely on the water for summer irrigation.
• Trump orders opening of California dams — President Trump ordered the opening of two California dams, aiming to reduce wildfire risk by increasing water flow. However, this decision was reversed after local complaints, as it contradicted water management practices needed during California's rainy season. The action reflects Trump's intervention in state-level environmental management.
• Trump Signs Executive Order Affecting California Water Management — Last week, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Army Corps of Engineers to open two dams in California, releasing over 2 billion gallons of water from reservoirs. Local officials expressed concern that this action nearly flooded farms and may reduce water availability during dry periods. While Trump celebrated the release, experts noted that the water would not benefit Los Angeles, raising questions about the order's effectiveness and potential environmental impact. This move is part of Trump's broader critique of California's water management policies.

Supporting reports

• SEC investigation into crypto billionaire Justin Sun placed on hold in February. — Crypto billionaire Justin Sun, who purchased $75 million in Trump coin at the dinner, had been under SEC investigation for market manipulation. That investigation was placed "on hold" in February 2025, prior to the dinner event.
• SEC halts prosecution of crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun in exchange for settlement — In February 2025, the SEC announced it was halting prosecution of crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun for fraud and market manipulation to work out a settlement. Sun had invested $75 million in World Liberty Financial tokens beginning in November 2024, directly after Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Sun's purchases resulted in a $50 million windfall for Trump and his sons. The timing and terms of the settlement halt suggest prosecutorial discretion exercised in favor of a major investor in the president's personal financial scheme.