Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Federal jury convicts three ICE protesters, including army veteran, on felony conspiracy charges — A federal jury in Spokane, Washington, found three protesters—including US Army Sergeant Bajun Mavalwalla—guilty of felony conspiracy charges for their participation in a June 2025 protest against ICE. The defendants face up to six years in prison and $250,000 fines. Legal experts and local officials have characterized the prosecution as a serious escalation in attacks on First Amendment rights. The acting US attorney for eastern Washington resigned rather than sign the indictment, citing lack of injury to officers or protesters.

Supporting reports

• Department of Justice files charges against protester at ICE detention center — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice filed criminal charges against a protester who allegedly kicked and bit an ICE officer outside Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The filing occurred amid escalating clashes between federal agents and demonstrators protesting conditions inside the facility and supporting detained immigrants engaged in a hunger and labor strike.

Supporting reports

• Pam Bondi testifies before House committee on Epstein files handling and admits to redaction errors — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared for a transcribed deposition before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on May 29, 2026, to answer questions about the Department of Justice's handling of Jeffrey Epstein files under her leadership. Bondi admitted to "redaction errors" in the released files but defended the department's overall compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. She stated she delegated oversight to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche rather than leading the effort herself. Democratic lawmakers reported that Bondi refused to answer questions about Donald Trump's involvement in the release or direction of redactions.
• Pam Bondi testifies before House oversight committee on DOJ's handling of Epstein files — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight and Reform Committee to answer questions about the Department of Justice's handling of Jeffrey Epstein case files during her tenure. Bondi testified that Todd Blanche, her deputy and Trump's nominee to replace her as attorney general, was "in charge" of the entire release of Epstein files. She acknowledged redaction errors but defended the department's commitment to transparency. Bondi also stated she had no involvement in Ghislaine Maxwell's prison transfer and declined to discuss conversations with Trump.
• DOJ attorney intervened to block congressional questions about Trump's role in Epstein file handling — During Bondi's appearance before the House Oversight Committee, a Department of Justice attorney sat beside the former Attorney General and personally intervened to shut down questioning whenever Democrats asked about Donald Trump's role or knowledge regarding the Epstein files. Congresswoman Stansbury (D-NM) stated that "The United States Department of Justice is intervening on behalf of Pam Bondi to stop her from answering questions about what happened in the cover-up of this case and her conversations with Donald Trump." Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) reported asking Bondi five separate times about her conversations with Trump; she refused to answer all five times due to DOJ intervention.
• Pam Bondi refused oath, filming, and questions about Trump at House Oversight Committee deposition on Epstein files — Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on May 29, 2026, for a hearing on the Justice Department's handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. Bondi refused to be sworn in, refused to be filmed, and refused to answer questions about her conversations with Donald Trump regarding the Epstein investigation. A DOJ attorney sat beside her and intervened to block questions about the president. Democrats objected strenuously; Chairman James Comer (R-KY) blocked requests for oath and video recording.
• Bondi blamed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche for Epstein file mishandling — During her testimony, Bondi deflected responsibility for the Justice Department's handling of Epstein files by attributing all critical decisions and failures to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. When questioned about redaction failures that exposed survivors' names while protecting Epstein's co-conspirators, and about Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer to a less secure prison facility, Bondi referred questions to Blanche and the Bureau of Prisons. The Democrats' Oversight account noted that under Bondi's tenure, one survivor's name appeared over 500 times in released documents while co-conspirators remained redacted.
• Attorney General Bondi testified on Epstein Files release compliance — Attorney General Pam Bondi testified behind closed doors before members of the House Oversight Committee regarding the Department of Justice's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Bondi acknowledged "redaction errors" but stated the department had been "committed to accountability and transparency" since the process began. House Oversight Chair James Comer downgraded her appearance from a formal deposition to a transcribed interview, meaning she would not answer questions under oath and proceedings would not be videotaped. Bondi deflected responsibility to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in her opening statement.

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• Bipartisan group of ex-federal judges files lawsuit challenging Trump's $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund — Thirty-five former federal judges, including conservative J. Michael Luttig and former district judges Nancy Gertner and Shira Scheindlin, filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida on May 29 seeking to reopen Trump's IRS case. They argue the $1.776bn settlement fund is "a product of collusion and a fraud on the Court," claiming Judge Kathleen Williams may have been deceived before approving it on May 18. The judges contend the fund was created to distribute taxpayer dollars to Trump's political allies, including those convicted in the January 6 Capitol riot.
• Thirty-five federal judges requested Trump lawsuit reopening — Thirty-five federal judges filed a request that U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams reopen a legal case that Trump, his oldest sons, and the Trump Organization had brought against the Internal Revenue Service. Although the Trumps had dropped the suit, the Department of Justice used it as justification for establishing the $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund to compensate those claiming the legal system had been "weaponized" against them for crimes related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The judges' filing challenges the legitimacy of the fund by questioning whether the Trumps and the IRS were actually adversaries in the case.
• Thirty-five former federal judges challenge Trump IRS settlement as fraud on the court — A group of thirty-five former federal judges, appointed by members of both political parties, filed a motion asking U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams to reopen the legal case Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization brought against the Internal Revenue Service. The judges alleged that Trump and his organization dropped the lawsuit and announced a "settlement agreement" with the Department of Justice as a pretext to justify a $1.776 billion slush fund for paying off those convicted in connection with Trump's schemes to overturn the 2020 election results. The judges characterized the lawsuit and settlement as "fraud on the Court," noting that Trump was simultaneously the plaintiff and the person in charge of the IRS, and that the settlement lacked constitutional or congressional authority.
• Florida court ordered Trump to respond to retired federal judges' filing on slush fund — A federal court in Florida ordered President Trump to respond to a filing by 35 retired federal judges who are requesting an investigation into the Anti-Weaponization Fund and the dismissal of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. The retired judges' filing alleges possible "collusion" in the case. This represents an early procedural victory for the judges in their challenge to the fund.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge issues temporary order blocking "anti-weaponization" fund — A federal judge issued a temporary order preventing the Trump administration from establishing the nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund while a lawsuit seeking to stop it is considered. The fund, which originated from a settlement after Trump sued the IRS over disclosure of his tax returns, had been proposed to compensate individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
• Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump's $1.8bn Anti-Weaponization Fund — US District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a temporary restraining order on Friday barring the Trump administration from transferring money into or taking further action on a $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund." The fund was created to settle a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump and his sons over leaked tax returns, without the government mounting a legal defense. The order preserves the status quo pending legal arguments in a challenge brought by Democracy Forward and other plaintiffs, preventing irreversible disbursement of taxpayer funds.
• Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily blocked Anti-Weaponization Fund — U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema for the Eastern District of Virginia issued a temporary order halting the Department of Justice from creating, operating, or distributing funds from the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund, a $1.776 billion slush fund established by the Trump administration to compensate those convicted of crimes related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The order prohibits the administration from transferring money to the fund, considering claims for payment, or paying out any funds. Brinkema scheduled a hearing on the case for June 12. The plaintiffs challenging the fund are people and entities prosecuted or threatened by the Trump administration who argue they are not being treated equally with Trump loyalists in compensation claims.
• Motion granted — Floyd v. Department of Justice (E.D. Va.) 1:26-cv-01399 — Judge Brinkema enjoined Defendants from taking any action related to the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund, including transferring money to the Fund, considering submitted claims, or disbursing any funds. Judge Brinkema also denied the Plaintiffs' motion for expedited briefing and granted the Defendants' request for additional time.
• Federal Judge Brinkema temporarily blocked Trump's $1.776 billion fund for fraudsters and insurrectionists — Federal Judge Brinkema issued a temporary block on any further action involving Trump's $1.776 billion fund, preserving the status quo while litigation moves forward. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 12, 2026. The fund was characterized as being for "fraudsters and insurrectionists."
• Federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund — U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Department of Justice from taking further action on the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund, a $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded initiative. The order blocks the transfer of money to the fund, consideration of claims, and disbursement of funds while plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction is pending. Judge Brinkema scheduled a hearing for June 12 to hear further arguments on the case.
• Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump's $1.776 Billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" — A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from creating or operating a planned $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" designed to compensate individuals who claim they were wrongfully targeted by the government, potentially including those Trump pardoned for Jan. 6 involvement. The order prohibits consideration of submitted claims and disbursement of funds pending a June 12 hearing.

Supporting reports

• Judge Christopher Cooper ordered removal of Trump's name from Kennedy Center — U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper of the District of Columbia ordered the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to remove Trump's name from the building, all official materials, and signage within fourteen days. Cooper also blocked the Kennedy Center's plan to close for two years. The judge affirmed that Congress, not the Trump administration, has authority over the Kennedy Center's name and operations. Cooper found that the Kennedy Center's board had agreed to the closure without legal counsel and that the executive director had proposed the shutdown within minutes of assuming the role.
• Judge Cooper issued ruling requiring Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center — On May 29, 2026, Judge Christopher R. Cooper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that Trump's name must be removed from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, finding that Congress alone has authority to change the center's name and that the board's renaming violated statutory restrictions on memorials. Cooper set a midnight June 12 deadline for removal of all signage, merchandise, and related materials bearing Trump's name.
• Federal judge ordered Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center — U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington, D.C., declared that the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees lacked authority to rename the facility for President Trump. The judge ruled that only Congress can change the Center's official name under federal statute (20 U.S.C. 76h-76s), and voided the Board's December 18, 2025 resolution to rename it the "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center." The court found the defendants violated the Kennedy Center's organic statute by installing signage, altering the website, and issuing materials bearing Trump's name.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge dismisses charges against Chicago protest defendants due to prosecutorial misconduct — U.S. District Judge April Perry dismissed charges against six people, including a Democratic congressional candidate, who were indicted for interfering with a federal agent and conspiring to interfere with a federal agent at a protest at a detention facility. Judge Perry discovered that prosecutors had conducted ex parte communications with individual grand jurors, removed jurors who refused to indict, overstated evidence strength, and then redacted transcripts to hide these actions. Perry stated she had never witnessed such prosecutorial behavior in hundreds of grand jury transcripts.

Supporting reports

• Trump rescinded off-road vehicle restrictions on federal lands — President Trump issued an executive order rescinding Executive Orders 11644 (1972) and 11989 (1977), which had imposed criteria for designating off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, the Secretary of War, the TVA Board, and other relevant agencies to initiate rulemakings to rescind or revise regulations implementing those prior orders. Trump's order characterizes the prior restrictions as vague, outdated, and barriers to energy production, timber harvesting, utility maintenance, and recreational access.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14408 rescinding off-road vehicle restrictions on federal lands — President Trump signed Executive Order 14408 on May 29, 2026, rescinding Executive Orders 11644 (1972) and 11989 (1977), which had established criteria for off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, the Secretary of War, the TVA Board, and other relevant agencies to initiate rulemakings to rescind or revise regulations implementing those prior orders. The administration characterizes the prior orders as imposing "vague, subjective criteria" that create "barriers to energy and timber production" and "permit delays," and states the rescission will "facilitate" greater access and "multiple use benefits."
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order rescinding federal land access restrictions — The White House published a fact sheet on May 29, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that rescinds Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which had imposed restrictions on off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs federal agencies to rescind or revise regulations implementing those prior orders. The fact sheet states the rescission will "restore balanced land management" and increase access to federal lands for recreation, energy development, timber production, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Trump rescinded off-road vehicle restrictions on federal lands via Executive Order 14408 — President Trump signed Executive Order 14408 on May 29, 2026, rescinding Executive Orders 11644 (1972) and 11989 (1977), which had restricted off-road vehicle use on federal lands to minimize environmental and wildlife impacts. The order directs federal agencies to initiate rulemakings to replace the prior regulations with a framework permitting greater access and recreational use. The administration argues the prior orders imposed vague, subjective criteria that created barriers to energy production, timber harvesting, and utility maintenance while limiting public recreation.

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• Federal agents spray chemical agents on protesters at New Jersey ICE detention facility — On May 28, 2026, federal ICE agents deployed chemical spray and pepper balls against protesters gathered outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, where over 300 detainees were conducting a hunger and labor strike. Agents also struck protesters with batons and pushed them into oncoming traffic. According to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, six protesters were arrested. The escalation followed ICE's transfer of strike leader Martín Soto to another facility.

Supporting reports

• New Jersey Department of Health denied full access to Delaney Hall — The New Jersey Department of Health was denied full access to Delaney Hall detention center for inspection purposes. Governor Mikie Sherrill subsequently joined calls for the facility's immediate closure following the denial and reports of abuse.

Supporting reports

• DOJ opens criminal inquiry into E Jean Carroll for alleged perjury — The Trump administration's Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll, the writer who accused President Trump of sexual assault, examining whether she committed perjury in a 2022 deposition during civil lawsuits against him. Carroll had stated she received no outside financial support for her legal battles, but later disclosed that a non-profit funded by billionaire Reid Hoffman had paid some legal fees. A federal appeals court dismissed perjury claims in 2024. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has recused himself due to his prior representation of Trump in Carroll's civil case.
• DOJ launched criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll — The Justice Department launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the woman who successfully sued Donald Trump for sexual abuse and defamation. The reported focus is alleged perjury related to funding for her lawsuits against Trump. The investigation was characterized as naked retaliation and revictimization of a sexual assault survivor by the man who assaulted her, using federal law enforcement as a weapon.
• DOJ opens inquiry into Reid Hoffman entity that funded E. Jean Carroll's lawsuit against Trump — The Department of Justice, led by US Attorney Andrew Boutros (Northern District of Illinois), opened an investigation into American Future Republic, a nonprofit backed by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman that helped fund E. Jean Carroll's defamation lawsuits against Donald Trump. Carroll is not the subject but the investigation focuses on potential money-laundering conspiracy and obstruction related to her 2022 deposition in which she stated she received no outside funding, later contradicted when Hoffman's support was disclosed. The investigation follows similar DOJ actions against other liberal-aligned nonprofits.
• Department of Justice launches criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll — The Department of Justice under President Trump initiated a criminal investigation into whether E. Jean Carroll, the journalist who successfully sued Trump for defamation and sexual assault, committed perjury in her testimony. Carroll had stated she was not being paid to launch the lawsuit; the investigation centers on whether this was false, given that billionaire Reid Hoffman later paid some of her legal fees and expenses.

Supporting reports

• National park entrance fees diverted to Trump D.C. renovation projects — The New York Times reported that the Trump administration has diverted at least $67 million in entrance fees paid by the American people to national parks to fund Trump's renovation projects in Washington, D.C. The diverted funds include a multi-million dollar contract to repaint the Reflecting Pool, awarded to a MAGA-connected contractor. The diversion represents a misappropriation of public funds collected for park maintenance and operations.
• National Park Service diverts $67 million in entrance fees for DC beautification — The National Park Service is using at least $67 million in park entrance fees to fund beautification projects in Washington, D.C., ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The projects were directed by Trump and include a $7 million paint job on the Reflecting Pool. The Interior Department is spending at least $95 million in total taxpayer funds on DC beautification projects, all initiated between December 2025 and April 2026. The funds come from entrance fees that would normally support park operations and maintenance nationwide.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon loan of $620 million pushed through for Trump Jr.-linked company — ProPublica reported that a top White House aide intervened to expedite a $620 million Pentagon loan for a small North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr. A person involved in the transaction told ProPublica: "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The company's valuation jumped from approximately $200 million to billions following the White House intervention, indicating the loan was granted on terms favorable to Trump family interests rather than merit-based criteria.
• Pentagon awarded $620 million loan to Trump Jr.-linked startup via White House request — ProPublica reported that the Pentagon awarded a $620 million loan to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr., following a direct request from Peter Navarro, a White House adviser and friend of Trump Jr. The Pentagon and the company initially denied any political favoritism, with Trump Jr.'s spokesperson claiming he was not involved. However, interviews and DOD records show Navarro initiated the loan request, and Vulcan's was the only deal among dozens of Pentagon funding considerations that originated from a top presidential aide. Pentagon staff worked at an unusually rapid pace with minimal sleep to complete the loan in a matter of weeks after receiving the White House directive.
• Trump trade advisor pressures Pentagon to loan $620 million to company with Trump Jr. stake — Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro personally pressured the Pentagon to loan $620 million to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup in which Donald Trump Jr. holds a financial stake. The Pentagon invested $620 million in Vulcan, a rare-earth magnet company, and another $80 million in its partner ReElement. The Commerce Department provided $50 million in additional incentives, and the government took a $50 million stake in Vulcan. When Trump Jr.'s venture capital firm 1789 Capital invested in August 2025, Vulcan was valued at approximately $200 million; after government investments, the valuation jumped to around $2 billion.
• Pentagon Approves $620 Million Loan to Trump Jr. Company at White House Direction — ProPublica reported that a $620 million loan approved by the Pentagon to a company linked to Donald Trump Jr. was initiated by White House adviser Peter Navarro, with a Pentagon source stating, "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The loan was approved last year and represents a direct intervention by the White House in Pentagon contracting decisions.

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• OMB proposes rule placing federal research grants under political appointee control — On May 29, 2026, OMB Director Russ Vought proposed a rule that would place all federal research and discretionary grants under the control of political appointees rather than scientific experts. The rule would prohibit grants that "promote anti-American values" and require awards to "demonstrably advance the president's policy priorities." Stand Up for Science estimates nearly half of approximately 10,000 NIH-funded clinical trials could be discontinued, including over 1,000 cancer trials, pediatric studies, and trials addressing veterans' health, suicide, heart disease, and diabetes. The public comment period closes July 13, 2026.
• Trump administration proposed merit-based federal research grant system be replaced with political appointee approval — On May 29, 2026, the Trump administration proposed dramatic changes to federal research grant awards. Rather than continuing the merit-based system established through rigorous peer review, grants would be awarded based on approval by political appointees. The Office of Management and Budget, directed by Christian nationalist Russell Vought, would control grant allocation. The proposal limits foreign collaboration and allows the OMB to revoke grants deemed to fail "program goals, Federal agency priorities, or the national interest."
• Russell Vought proposes political control over research grants — Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget and co-author of Project 2025, proposed on May 28 that political appointees in his office should have final say over research grants, including those for the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other governmental science agencies. The proposal aims to root out what it characterizes as a "woke" policy agenda and would also require approval by political appointees for international research collaboration.

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• Alabama appeals federal court's map ruling to Supreme Court — Alabama's state leadership has filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the federal district court's decision blocking the 2023 congressional map. The appeal seeks to overturn the lower court's finding of intentional racial discrimination and would allow the state to eliminate the second majority-Black congressional district. The appeal signals Alabama's refusal to accept the court's determination of unlawful vote dilution.
• Federal court blocks Alabama's 2023 congressional map for intentional racial discrimination — A federal district court ruled that Alabama's 2023 congressional map was tainted by intentional race-based discrimination against Black voters, violating the 14th Amendment and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The court ordered Alabama to continue using the court-ordered map from the 2024 election cycle, which resulted in the election of Rep. Shomari Figures in the new congressional District 2. Alabama has appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court, seeking to eliminate the second majority-Black district.

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• Trump refiles $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein letter story — Donald Trump's legal team refiled a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, and reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joe Palazzolo over a July 2025 article alleging Trump sent a "bawdy" letter to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. A Florida judge had dismissed the original case in April without prejudice, finding Trump's team had not adequately demonstrated actual malice. The amended complaint, seven pages longer, reiterates that no authentic letter exists and claims the Journal published despite knowing the story was false or with serious doubts.
• Trump refiles $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal — Trump refiled a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over its publication of an article describing a card allegedly from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. Trump claims the article damaged his reputation and that the card is fake, though it originated from Epstein's estate and was later provided by the estate to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles had dismissed the original lawsuit last month, finding Trump came "nowhere close" to establishing actual malice, but permitted amendment and refiling.

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• Department of Justice argued for unlimited presidential firing power — Karen Lesperance, a lawyer for the Department of Justice, told Judge Jesse Furman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York that the government's position is that the President has the power to fire anyone, even if doing so for political reasons. The statement was made in the case of Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. When Judge Furman asked whether there were any limits to presidential firing power—such as whether the President could fire people to create an "all-white executive branch" or "all-Black" executive branch—Lesperance avoided answering the question. Comey's lawyer characterized the Justice Department's position as a "novel and breathtaking theory about the scope of" presidential power.

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• Department of Justice sues four states over undercover license plate policies — The Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Maine, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts on May 28, 2026, challenging state policies that deny confidential license plates to federal law enforcement agents. The DOJ alleged the policies are unconstitutional, threaten agent safety, and undermine federal operations including immigration enforcement. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the policies are discriminatory and obstructionist. The Civil Division was instructed to identify additional state and local laws impeding federal operations.

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• Complaint filed — Gill v. United States Department of Justice — Allison M. Gill, a former Department of Veterans Affairs employee, filed a complaint in the Southern District of California challenging the DOJ's establishment of the "Anti-Weaponization Fund," created by settlement of Trump v. IRS on May 18, 2026. The Fund, authorized to distribute $1.776 billion from the Judgment Fund to individuals claiming harm from "Lawfare" or "Weaponization," was established without notice-and-comment rulemaking. Gill alleges the Fund Establishment Order and DOJ Notice violate the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to publish notice in the Federal Register or afford interested parties an opportunity to comment. She seeks declaration of APA violation, vacatur of the orders, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief barring implementation pending APA-compliant rulemaking, and temporary relief to prevent depletion of the Fund's corpus.

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• DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin denies hunger strike and abuse allegations on Fox News — DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin appeared on Fox News on May 28, 2026, and denied the hunger strike and abuse allegations at Delaney Hall, characterizing the protests as "political theater." Mullin claimed ICE was "providing them a safe place to stay, and food, and a place to sleep" and "going above and beyond" by offering a convenience store.

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• White House proposes legislation to place Trump's image on new $250 currency bill — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced at a White House press conference that the administration is pushing Congress to approve legislation permitting a living person—Donald Trump—to appear on a new $250 bill, ostensibly to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. The proposal would require changing a federal law enacted in 1866 that prohibits any living person from appearing on U.S. currency. Bessent stated the treasury has already begun preparing prototypes. House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, immediately opposed the measure, calling it a "hard no."
• Trump administration pushed to place Trump's face on $250 bill — The Washington Post reported that Trump's political appointees pressured the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a proposed $250 bill featuring Trump's portrait. Federal law has prohibited living people from appearing on U.S. currency since 1866, and a $250 denomination does not exist and would require an act of Congress. The bureau's director informed the appointees the proposal was illegal and would take years to implement. The director was subsequently reassigned and effectively demoted, and the political appointee who led the push became the acting director.

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• DHS Secretary Mullin floated removing customs agents from sanctuary city airports — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin floated the idea of pulling customs agents from airports in sanctuary cities, which would effectively end international travel to those cities. Senator Jim Banks called the proposal a good idea. The proposal was characterized as based on a false assumption that airlines would divert all international flights from major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco to red state airports.
• DHS Secretary Mullin threatens to withdraw Customs agents from sanctuary-city airports — DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced he has White House approval to remove U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from international airports in sanctuary cities that refuse to assist ICE with deportations. The threat targets major hubs including New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Mullin stated on Fox that if CBP officers are withdrawn to support ICE operations, international flights would be unable to process passengers, effectively preventing entry to the U.S. The announcement follows police refusal to clear protesters outside a New Jersey DHS detention facility.
• Sen. Jim Banks endorses airport withdrawal threat as pressure on sanctuary cities — Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) appeared on Fox News to support DHS Secretary Mullin's plan to withdraw Customs officers from sanctuary-city airports. Banks characterized the threat as a legitimate tool to "crack down on what these sanctuary mayors have created" and framed it as benefiting Republican red states that "play by the rules." The statement reflects Republican leadership alignment with the coercive federal action against Democratic-led cities.
• Markwayne Mullin proposed removing customs processing from sanctuary airports — Representative Markwayne Mullin has been "obsessed" with the idea of pulling customs processing from airports in sanctuary jurisdictions as a punitive measure, according to CNN reporting. However, the travel industry has pushed back hard against the proposal, and the White House has not signed off on it. The proposal would be difficult to implement because airline routes are set far in advance and many busy airports lack extra capacity.

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• Trump administration pushed to place Trump's face on $250 bill — The Washington Post reported that Trump's political appointees pressured the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a proposed $250 bill featuring Trump's portrait. Federal law has prohibited living people from appearing on U.S. currency since 1866, and a $250 denomination does not exist and would require an act of Congress. The bureau's director informed the appointees the proposal was illegal and would take years to implement. The director was subsequently reassigned and effectively demoted, and the political appointee who led the push became the acting director.

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• Democratic Senator Andy Kim pepper-sprayed by ICE agents during facility visit — U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) was pepper-sprayed by ICE agents on May 27, 2026, after visiting Delaney Hall detention center in Newark with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. Sherrill was denied entry to the facility. Kim subsequently condemned ICE and Geo Group and called for immediate closure of the facility.
• ICE pepper-sprays U.S. Senator Andy Kim during facility access attempt — On May 27, 2026, masked and armored ICE personnel pepper-sprayed U.S. Senator Andy Kim as he and other Democratic lawmakers, including New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, attempted to enter Delaney Hall to inspect conditions. Kim has made multiple prior visits in his congressional capacity and has publicly declared conditions "inhumane." DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin characterized the lawmakers' visit as "a political stunt" and denied the hunger strike was occurring, contradicting accounts from released detainees and advocates.

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• ICE transfers hunger strike leader Martín Soto to another facility — ICE transferred Martín Soto, a key organizer of the hunger and labor strike at Delaney Hall, to another detention facility. Advocates allege the transfer was retaliatory action against Soto for organizing the strike. The transfer prompted escalated protests outside the facility on May 28.