Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• MIT reported 20 percent decline in federally funded research — MIT President Sally Kornbluth announced that federally funded research at MIT has declined by 20 percent compared to the previous year, representing a significant loss for one of the nation's most influential research institutions. The decline will also result in a reduction of approximately 500 graduate students, or about 20 percent of MIT's graduate student population. The decline reflects the impact of Trump administration policies on federal research funding.

Supporting reports

• Office of Management and Budget proposed federal grant control rule — The Office of Management and Budget, directed by Russell Vought, proposed a sweeping change to federal rules that would place Trump appointees in control of billions of dollars in federal grants. The proposed rule would empower Trump's appointees to terminate grants that do not align with Trump's priorities, including grants awarded to universities through the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The rule represents an attempt to politicize the distribution of federal research funding.
• OMB publishes sweeping grant-vetting proposal requiring political approval of federal awards to universities and NGOs — The White House Office of Management and Budget published a 400-page proposal requiring Trump-appointed officials to vet all federal grants to universities and nongovernmental organizations based on "American values" as defined by the president and "demonstrably advance the president's policy priorities." The proposal would bypass peer review, allow grants to be terminated at any time for any reason, ban diversity and LGBTQ+ support, prohibit disparate-impact research, and centralize grant administration under OMB Director Russell Vought. The rule-making process began with Friday's Federal Register publication and would take effect in October.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order realigning U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with peer nations' recommendations — President Trump signed Executive Order 14407 directing the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to review a scientific assessment comparing U.S. childhood immunization recommendations with peer developed nations and update the vaccine schedule accordingly. The order acknowledges that the U.S. currently recommends more childhood vaccines than peer nations and directs federal agencies to align immunization policies with the updated schedule while preserving parental authority and religious freedom protections. All vaccines on the revised schedule remain covered without cost-sharing by insurance and public programs.
• Trump executive order directs CDC to halve childhood vaccine recommendations — Donald Trump signed an executive order on May 29, 2026, instructing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the number of recommended childhood vaccines by nearly half, based on a health department assessment authored by anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s HHS. The order would remove vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, rotavirus, influenza, and COVID-19 from the recommended schedule, and cut HPV vaccine doses. Fifteen Democratic-led states have sued to block the changes, arguing they lack scientific basis and will increase disease outbreaks and childhood illness.
• Trump issues executive order realigning U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with peer nations' recommendations — President Trump issued an executive order on May 29, 2026, directing the Department of Health and Human Services to realign U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations with those of peer developed nations. The order cites a scientific assessment finding that the U.S. recommends more childhood vaccines than comparable countries and directs the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to review and update the vaccine schedule accordingly. The order emphasizes parental authority, religious freedom protections, and maintaining vaccine access through insurance and public programs while reducing the number of recommended doses.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order realigning childhood vaccine schedule — The White House published a fact sheet on May 29, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to review an HHS scientific assessment comparing U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations with those of peer developed nations. The order directs ACIP to update the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule based on this review, emphasizing flexibility for parents and doctors. The fact sheet states the assessment found the U.S. recommends more childhood vaccines than peer nations and recommends prioritizing 11 routine vaccines while preserving individualized decision-making.
• White House signed executive order realigning U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with peer nations' recommendations — The White House signed Executive Order 14407 directing the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to review and update the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule based on a scientific assessment comparing American recommendations with those of peer developed nations. The order states the assessment found the U.S. recommends more childhood vaccines than peer countries, including twice as many doses as some European nations, and identifies a consensus set of vaccines recommended across all peer countries. The order directs federal agencies to align immunization policies, funding, and coverage with the updated CDC schedule while preserving parental authority and religious freedom protections.

Supporting reports

• 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.

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

• Republican Senator Josh Hawley introduces bill to remove FDA approval of mifepristone — Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri introduced a bill in March to remove FDA approval of mifepristone, one of two medications used for abortion. The bill represents legislative effort to restrict access to the medication and reflects ongoing Republican pressure on the FDA regarding abortion-related drug approvals.

Supporting reports

• FDA suppresses publication of vaccine safety research — FDA officials stopped publication of research on the safety of shingles and Covid vaccines. Research on Covid vaccine safety was withdrawn by authors after being accepted by the journal Vaccine following intervention by Vinay Prasad, then the top US vaccines regulator, who decided to pull the study showing that "the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks." This represents top-level interference with peer-reviewed scientific publication.
• FDA halts publication of vaccine safety research — The FDA reportedly stopped the publication of research on the safety of vaccines against shingles and Covid, according to former acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock, who characterized this as part of a "pattern" of "not letting information out that might support the general safety of vaccines." The Trump administration has also avoided discussing unpopular changes to routine vaccine recommendations before midterm elections.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration granted Clean Air Act compliance pauses to 180+ polluting facilities — The Trump administration granted a two-year pause on compliance with the Clean Air Act to more than 180 facilities, including coal power plants and medical sterilizers, that are polluting in 38 states and Puerto Rico. The administration invoked a presidential exemption claiming the technology to implement pollution standards does not exist and that compliance poses a national security risk. The exemption was justified by citing a purported national energy emergency related to emerging industries like artificial intelligence and data centers. This authority has never been used before, and other utilities report they are already using the pollution controls the administration claims do not exist. Democratic senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Adam Schiff introduced legislation requiring congressional approval for future Clean Air Act pauses.

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

• FDA blocked publication of vaccine safety studies, HHS official confirms — The FDA blocked publication of multiple peer-reviewed studies funded by U.S. taxpayer money that found COVID-19 and shingles vaccines to be safe, according to HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon. Studies analyzing millions of patient records found serious side effects were rare. One COVID-19 study examined 7.5 million Medicare beneficiaries over 65; another reviewed 4.2 million people aged six months to 64. Both had been accepted by peer-reviewed journals. The FDA also prevented submission of two Shingrix studies to a drug safety conference in February. Nixon cited methodological concerns; former FDA official Janet Woodcock alleged a pattern of suppressing information supporting vaccine safety.

Supporting reports

• Federal court blocked access to mifepristone by mail — A federal court issued a decision blocking access to mifepristone by mail. Mifepristone has been proven safe and effective since 2000 and accounts for a majority of abortions, with one in four now provided through telehealth. The ruling restricts medication abortion access.

Supporting reports

• OMB proposes $1 trillion federal grant-making overhaul placing funds under political appointee control — Trump's Office of Management and Budget proposed a 400+ page overhaul of the federal grant-making process in May 2026, designed to place nearly $1 trillion in grants under control of political appointees by October. The proposal would institutionalize prior ad-hoc cancellations of research grants deemed "woke," ban diversity and inclusion programs, discourage international scientific collaboration, require alignment with presidential "priorities," and allow the government to cancel awards no longer in its "interest." The public comment period closed after only 45 days, with nearly 500,000 comments submitted, approximately 95% in opposition. Twenty-two state attorneys general have signaled intent to challenge the rule.

Supporting reports

• EPA research arm dismantled — Over 1,500 scientists and experts at the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development have been laid off, reassigned, or pressured to retire, leaving only 124 researchers. An internal memo obtained by the New York Times indicates that remaining research must align with agency and administration priorities. This significant reduction in scientific staff could undermine the EPA's ability to conduct independent research and fulfill its environmental protection mandate.
• EPA research arm dismantled; over 1,500 scientists laid off or reassigned — Over 1,500 scientists and experts at the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development have been laid off, reassigned, or pressured to retire, leaving only 124 researchers. According to an internal EPA memo obtained by the New York Times, remaining researchers must ensure their work "align[s] with agency and administration priorities," effectively politicizing the agency's scientific mission.

Supporting reports

• FDA proposes withdrawal of TAVNEOS (avacopan) drug approval due to data manipulation and lack of efficacy evidence — The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research issued a notice proposing to withdraw approval of TAVNEOS (avacopan) capsule, 10 mg, held by ChemoCentryx, Inc. (now owned by Amgen), based on evidence that unblinded study personnel manipulated endpoint results in the pivotal ADVOCATE clinical trial after the initial database lock revealed non-significant results. The original November 5, 2019 analysis showed a p-value of 0.1025 (not statistically significant); after selective readjudication of nine subjects by unblinded personnel, the reanalyzed results showed p=0.0132 (statistically significant). The FDA found the application contained untrue statements regarding database locks and analyses, and identified serious post-market safety concerns including hepatotoxicity and vanishing bile duct syndrome. The applicant may request a hearing by June 1, 2026, with supporting data due by June 29, 2026.

Supporting reports

• CDC blocked publication of report demonstrating COVID-19 vaccine efficacy — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention blocked publication of a scientific report in its own journal showing the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to reporting by The Washington Post. The blocked report found that the COVID-19 vaccine reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits among healthy adults during winter 2025–2026. The suppression of peer-reviewed vaccine efficacy data represents a departure from standard scientific publication practices and raises questions about political interference in public health communication.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed Executive Order 14401 accelerating FDA review and access to psychedelic drugs for serious mental illness treatment. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14401 on April 18, 2026, directing federal agencies to accelerate research, clinical trials, and FDA approval pathways for psychedelic drugs (including ibogaine) to treat serious mental illnesses and reduce suicide rates. The order allocates $50 million from HHS existing funds for state-federal collaboration, establishes Right to Try access for eligible patients, directs the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling of Schedule I substances that complete Phase 3 trials, and mandates data-sharing between HHS, FDA, VA, and private sector partners. The order cites a 37 percent increase in suicide rates from 2000–2018 and notes veteran suicide rates are twice the general population.
• Trump administration issues executive order to accelerate psychedelic medication access — On 18 April 2026, the Trump administration signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate access to psychedelic medications for people with serious mental illnesses. The order mandates inter-agency collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies to share data and increase clinical trial participation, and directs the Drug Enforcement Administration to reschedule psychedelics that complete FDA approval. Legal experts characterize the order's concrete legal impact as minimal, though its symbolic value—reinforced by a high-profile press conference featuring podcaster Joe Rogan and former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell—may influence policy direction and signal Republican openness to psychedelic research.
• Trump issues executive order accelerating psychedelic drug approvals for serious mental illness treatment — President Trump signed an executive order on April 18, 2026, directing federal agencies to accelerate approval pathways for psychedelic drugs (including ibogaine compounds) to treat serious mental illnesses. The order mandates FDA prioritization of Breakthrough Therapy-designated psychedelics, establishes Right to Try access for eligible patients, allocates $50 million in HHS funding for state-federal collaboration, and directs the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling of Schedule I substances that complete Phase 3 clinical trials. The order targets treatment gaps for patients unresponsive to standard therapies, particularly veterans with high suicide rates.
• White House issued fact sheet on executive order accelerating psychedelic drug treatments for serious mental illness — The White House published a fact sheet on April 18, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the FDA to issue Commissioner's National Priority Vouchers for psychedelic drugs with Breakthrough Therapy designations, establishing a Right to Try pathway for investigational psychedelics, allocating $50 million through ARPA-H for state-matched psychedelic research, and directing the Attorney General to initiate rescheduling reviews upon Phase 3 trial completion. The fact sheet frames the order as addressing mental illness and veteran suicide rates.
• White House signed executive order accelerating psychedelic drug approvals for serious mental illness — President Trump signed Executive Order 14401 directing the FDA to prioritize review of psychedelic drugs (including ibogaine) with Breakthrough Therapy designation, allocate $50 million to state-federal collaboration programs, establish Right to Try pathways for eligible patients, facilitate data-sharing between HHS, FDA, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and direct the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling of Schedule I substances that complete Phase 3 trials for approved mental health treatments.
• President Trump signed executive order accelerating psychedelic drug research and access for mental health treatment — On April 20, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate research into and improve access to psychedelic drugs—particularly ibogaine and psilocybin—as treatments for serious mental illnesses, with emphasis on veterans suffering from PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and suicide risk. The order directs HHS, FDA, DOJ, and VA to collaborate on clinical trials, regulatory pathways, Right to Try expansions, and rescheduling considerations. The White House states the order includes $50 million in federal funding for ibogaine research and aims to reduce barriers that have forced veterans to seek treatment outside the United States.
• Rep. Auchincloss questioned FDA approval of psychedelics as political appeasement — During RFK Jr.'s budget hearing, Rep. Auchincloss questioned whether Trump granted FDA approval for psychedelics to appease Joe Rogan and shore up support from his base amid the disastrous Iran war. Auchincloss stated: "In order to appease Rogan's ire, he grants FDA approval" and argued that "safety and efficacy should be the standards by which psychedelics are approved, not the president's attempt to shore up support from his base for a disastrous war in Iran."

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr testifies before House Ways and Means Committee on health budget amid vaccine and public health criticism — Robert F Kennedy Jr, health secretary, testified before the US House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday regarding the administration's health budget and policies. Lawmakers from both parties challenged Kennedy over sweeping changes to vaccination recommendations, promotion of vaccine misinformation during a measles outbreak affecting nearly 2,300 cases, cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, and previous racist comments about Black children. Kennedy defended his positions while promoting disputed claims about vaccine safety and hepatitis B transmission risk, and the hearing became contentious with multiple heated exchanges.
• Gov. Andy Beshear defended Pope's biblical interpretation on war — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear responded to claims by Speaker Johnson and Vice President Vance that the Pope was misinterpreting the Bible regarding war. Beshear stated that there is no point in the New Testament where Jesus discusses just war, and that the Pope is simply speaking about Christ who could have brought down fire on the Roman Empire but chose not to. Beshear emphasized that Jesus, "the most powerful person who's ever walked the face of the Earth," could have justified violence but instead chose to be "the Prince of Peace" rather than "the Prince of Power."
• Rep. Linda Sanchez questioned RFK Jr. on public health messaging priorities — During House testimony, Rep. Linda Sanchez questioned RFK Jr. about suspending a pro-vaccine campaign while spending taxpayer dollars on a campaign featuring him drinking milk shirtless in a hot tub with Kid Rock, asking how this constituted a better public health message. RFK Jr. responded by citing global measles epidemic prevention, to which Sanchez countered that no country has seen a bigger percentage increase in measles than the United States.
• Rep. Melanie Stansbury criticized illegal war and administration's actions — Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) stated that millions of people have been displaced and American bases bombed, questioning the justification for the war. She characterized the conflict as illegal, led by a president attacking the Pope, threatening war crimes, and implicated in Epstein files, while being unable to explain the war's purpose or post-war plans.
• Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticized war costs and health care priorities — Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) criticized the administration's spending priorities, stating that the costs of the war are visible in rising gas prices and fertilizer costs, and that the administration wants to spend $2 billion daily on military operations rather than help Americans access health care. She used colorful language to express frustration with the spending priorities.
• Rep. Terri Sewell questioned RFK Jr. on statements about Black children and ADHD medication — Rep. Terri Sewell asked RFK Jr. whether he had ever parented a Black child, referencing a 2024 podcast interview in which he allegedly suggested Black children on ADHD medication should be "re-parented." RFK Jr. denied making the statement. The Ways & Means Committee Democrats subsequently posted a video clip of RFK Jr. from 2024 stating: "Every Black kid is now just standard put on Adderall, SSRIs, benzos, which are known to induce violence, and those kids are going to have a chance to go somewhere and get re-parented."
• RFK Jr. testified before House on health care fraud investigation — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., leading a Trump administration initiative to investigate alleged health care fraudsters, testified before the House. During questioning, Rep. Lloyd Doggett presented a case involving Paul Walczak, who retained $10 million in wages and purchased a $2 million yacht after his mother contributed to the Trump campaign, and was no longer required to pay $4.4 million or serve prison time. Doggett asked whether RFK Jr. recommended pardons for health care fraudsters or if campaign contributions influenced the decisions. RFK Jr. denied the account as not credible.
• RFK Jr. testified before House committee on HHS spending and policy — RFK Jr. testified before a House committee hearing. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici questioned HHS spending on a video of RFK Jr. drinking milk in a hot tub with Kid Rock. Rep. Greg Casar asked about 1.4 million people who lost health insurance from Obamacare; RFK Jr. responded they were "almost all illegal immigrants." Rep. Adelita Grijalva referenced RFK Jr.'s history of performing his own medical research, including cutting the penis off a dead raccoon. Rep. Summer Lee raised concerns that RFK Jr.'s agency instructed programs to remove 200 words from funding applications including the word "Black."

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cancelled California offshore wind project funding after climate-denial group request — The Trump administration cancelled federal funding for a California offshore wind project after receiving a request from CFACT, a climate-denial advocacy group. This action demonstrates the direct influence of science-denial organizations on federal energy policy decisions and represents a reversal of renewable energy investment in favor of fossil fuel interests.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration repeals "endangerment finding" underpinning US climate regulations — The Trump administration repealed the "endangerment finding," the legal determination that serves as the basis for virtually all US climate regulations. This action was celebrated at the Heartland Institute conference as a top priority achieved. The repeal removes the regulatory foundation for EPA authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and implement climate policy, effectively dismantling decades of climate governance infrastructure.

Supporting reports

• White House issues fact sheet on Working Families Tax Cuts and labor market gains — The White House issued a fact sheet promoting President Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts, highlighting tax relief for gig workers and service employees. The document claims over 5.5 million Americans have claimed tax-free tips (averaging $7,100 deduction), over 25 million have claimed tax-free overtime (averaging $3,000), and that typical families see $10,000 annual take-home gains. It also claims manufacturing added 15,000 jobs in March 2026 and construction added 26,000, with private sector weekly earnings up 3.9% year-over-year.
• White House releases 2026 Economic Report of the President — The Council of Economic Advisers announced the release of the 2026 Economic Report of the President on April 13, 2026. The report, prepared annually, provides a comprehensive review of economic policies and their impact. This year's report covers 14 chapters addressing administration policy priorities, including the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," regulatory reform, trade policy, energy dominance, artificial intelligence, housing, supply chains, defense industrial base, workforce development, DEI costs, healthcare competition, private equity access, ESG capital misallocation, and macroeconomic forecasts.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting Working Families Tax Cuts and tax refund season — The White House published a fact sheet on April 14, 2026, promoting the Working Families Tax Cuts initiative. The document features testimonials from workers, small business owners, and financial advisors claiming that provisions including "No Tax on Tips," "No Tax on Overtime," and "No Tax on Social Security" have increased tax refunds by $1,500–$2,500 and boosted consumer spending and business investment. The fact sheet attributes job growth and manufacturing expansion to the tax policy.
• NYC Mayor Mamdani secures tax deal targeting ultra-wealthy out-of-state second home owners — New York City Mayor Mamdani secured a deal to tax ultra-wealthy out-of-state second home owners. The policy represents a progressive fiscal measure aimed at addressing wealth inequality and generating revenue from non-resident property holders in the city.
• OBBB corporate tax breaks projected to cost over $1 trillion over 10 years — The corporate tax breaks included in Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, excluding provisions primarily benefiting small businesses, are projected to cost the federal government over $1 trillion in foregone revenue over the next decade, according to the article. This massive fiscal cost occurs as corporate effective tax rates have plummeted from 38% in the 1960s to 12.8% after Trump's 2018 tax cut, and further to 4.9% for major tech firms in 2025 under the expanded OBBB provisions.
• Trump promoted "no tax on tips" policy while OBBB cut Medicaid and ACA coverage — President Trump promoted the "no tax on tips" provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill at a White House event featuring DoorDash worker Sharon Simmons, claiming it would provide substantial tax relief to workers. However, the article documents that only 2.5% of all workers receive tips, and in 2022, 37% of tipped workers did not earn enough to owe federal income tax and thus would not benefit. The primary beneficiary is employers, who gain justification to reduce base wages. Simultaneously, the OBBB included large cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, causing millions to lose health insurance coverage.
• White House issued fact sheet on tax cuts and refunds — The White House issued a fact sheet claiming that President Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts legislation has delivered "the largest refunds in history" for Americans in the 2026 tax season. The fact sheet states the legislation made permanent reduced income tax rates from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, restored business tax cuts, and added provisions including exemptions on tips, overtime, Social Security, and car loan interest, plus an enhanced child tax credit and increased standard deduction. The document asserts these provisions result in "hundreds if not thousands of dollars per year in extra tax savings" for Americans.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting Working Families Tax Cuts Act — The White House issued a fact sheet on Tax Day 2026 promoting the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which the document states was signed by President Trump. The release claims the legislation has delivered tax relief to millions of Americans through provisions including no tax on tips (6 million filers, average $7,100 deduction), no tax on overtime (25 million filers, average $3,100), no tax on Social Security (30 million seniors, average $7,500), doubled standard deduction (105 million filers), enhanced child tax credit (34 million families), and various business and agricultural provisions. The document asserts the average refund is 11% higher than the prior year and 19% higher than the four-year average.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting No Tax on Tips policy — The White House issued a fact sheet celebrating President Trump's "No Tax on Tips" policy during an event in Las Vegas. The document states that over 53 million Americans have claimed at least one of Trump's new tax cuts, including six million filers who claimed No Tax on Tips for an average deduction of over $7,100. The fact sheet includes testimonials from Las Vegas workers and claims the policy represents "the largest tax cuts in American history" and that "every single Democrat in Congress voted against" the measure.

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• EPA finalizes amendments to oil and natural gas emissions standards, modifying temporary flaring provisions and net heating value monitoring requirements. — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized amendments to the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS OOOOb) and Emissions Guidelines (EG OOOOc) for crude oil and natural gas facilities. The rule extends the allowable duration for temporary flaring of associated gas from 24 hours to 72 hours during equipment malfunctions, maintenance, and safety situations, with provisions for longer durations under exigent circumstances. The EPA also revised net heating value (NHV) monitoring requirements for flares and enclosed combustion devices, expanding exemptions from continuous monitoring to all flare and control device types when inert gases are not present, while requiring monitoring only when inert gases are added or other scenarios decrease NHV content. The rule becomes effective June 8, 2026.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr. and HHS implement public health restrictions and cuts — Under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Trump administration has slashed routine childhood immunizations, cut public health funding to states, spread misinformation during a measles outbreak, and proposed ending Medicaid and Medicare payments to hospital systems offering gender-affirming care to pediatric patients. These actions have prompted grassroots organizing and political candidates to make public health a central campaign issue in the 2026 midterms.

Supporting reports

• AI industry funds Innovation Council led by January 6 operative to boost MAGA candidates — The AI industry has hired Taylor Budowich, a key operative in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, to lead the Innovation Council, a new group planning to spend $100 million to boost Republican candidates in the 2026 midterms. Budowich previously directed over $200,000 in advertisements to build crowds for the January 6, 2021 attack and founded MAGA Inc., Trump's main Super PAC. The Innovation Council is organized as a nonprofit to avoid disclosing donors or filing with the Federal Election Commission, maintaining donor anonymity through complex organizational structures.
• Leading the Future PAC spent more on attacking Democrat than supporting Democrats — Leading the Future, a pro-AI PAC that raised over $125 million and claims to be bipartisan, has spent approximately $2.9 million supporting Republicans and $2.5 million supporting Democrats. However, the PAC's Democratic affiliate, Think Big, spent $2.3 million attacking Democrat Alex Bores running for Congress in New York. The Democrats supported by the PAC, Jesse Jackson Jr. and Melissa Bean, are running in historically blue Illinois districts where Republican candidates are unlikely to win.
• Leading the Future pledged $5 million to support Byron Donalds' gubernatorial campaign — Leading the Future, the pro-AI PAC claiming bipartisan support, pledged to spend $5 million in support of Representative Byron Donalds' (R-FL) campaign for Florida Governor. This spending was reportedly an effort to solidify the PAC's relationship with the White House, demonstrating how corporate political spending is used to maintain access and influence with the Trump administration.
• Innovation Council created pages describing AI concerns as "hoaxes" — The Innovation Council, led by Taylor Budowich, created a series of web pages that describe concerns about AI job displacement, data center energy use, and safety as "hoaxes." The pages were later taken offline but were indexed by the Bing search engine. The group's public website features materials created by the Trump White House.
• Meta created multiple Super PACs with $65 million in funding — Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, created multiple new pro-AI Super PACs: Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California, which received $20 million, and the American Technology Excellence Project (ATEP), which received $45 million. While Meta indicated the PACs would support bipartisan candidates, the ATEP appears to favor Republicans, with spending concentrated in Illinois and Texas. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was appointed to Trump's President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and Meta donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund.
• Andreessen appointed to Trump's science advisory council after major political donations — Marc Andreessen, a cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz, was appointed to Trump's President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Andreessen and his partner Ben Horowitz each donated $12.5 million to Leading the Future, a pro-AI PAC, and both had previously donated millions to a Super PAC supporting Trump in the 2024 election. Andreessen's appointment follows this pattern of corporate political investment followed by executive branch access.

Supporting reports

• Endangered Species Committee votes to exempt Gulf of Mexico oil and gas drilling from ESA protections — The Endangered Species Committee, convened for the first time in over 30 years, voted unanimously to grant an exemption from the Endangered Species Act for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested the exemption citing national security concerns related to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and global energy prices. The exemption could jeopardize the Rice's whale (51 remaining), whooping cranes, sea turtles, and other marine species. Environmental groups have pledged legal challenges.
• Endangered Species Committee grants exemption for Gulf of America oil and gas activities from Endangered Species Act requirements — The Endangered Species Committee, by unanimous vote on March 31, 2026, granted an exemption under section 7(h) of the Endangered Species Act for Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities based on a national security finding by the Secretary of War. The exemption exempts federal agencies from consultation, jeopardy, and adverse modification mandates, and prohibits the taking of endangered species in connection with covered oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities in federal and state waters of the Gulf of America.
• Complaint filed — Healthy Gulf v. Endangered Species Committee, Secretary of Defense (D.D.C. 1:26-cv-01118) — Conservation nonprofits filed a complaint challenging an Endangered Species Committee decision issued March 31, 2026, granting a categorical exemption excusing all oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America from Endangered Species Act requirements. The exemption was based on a March 13, 2026 National Security Finding by the Secretary of Defense asserting that litigation threatens national security. Plaintiffs allege the Committee bypassed mandatory ESA procedures, including public hearings and formal reports, and that the Finding lacks evidence of irreconcilable conflict between species protection and oil production. Plaintiffs seek declaratory relief and vacatur of both the Finding and the Exemption.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed: Montana Wildlife Federation v. Burgum (D. Mont. 4:26-cv-00133) — Three conservation organizations filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana challenging the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's December 2025 amended greater sage-grouse resource management plans for Montana and Wyoming. The complaint alleges that the BLM violated the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act by eliminating oil and gas leasing prioritization requirements, removing habitat protections, weakening mitigation standards, and removing an adaptive management framework in response to state governors' objections rather than conservation science. Plaintiffs seek vacatur of the 2025 Plans and reinstatement of the 2015 Plans.