Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump signed deficit-increasing tax cut bill with automatic Medicare cuts — In July 2025, President Trump signed legislation he described as "one big, beautiful bill." The Congressional Budget Office calculated the measure would increase the deficit by $3.4 trillion, triggering automatic cuts of $536 billion from Medicare over nine years beginning after the midterms. The bill also terminates Medicare coverage for legal immigrants who worked and paid Medicare taxes in America for decades.
• Congress passes "One Big Beautiful Bill" omnibus law cutting social programs — In July, Republicans passed an omnibus law that Trump called the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which extended the 2017 tax cuts that primarily benefited the wealthy and corporations while cutting Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and support for healthcare insurance purchases on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The measure was passed under budget reconciliation rules, which cannot be filibustered, allowing passage without any Democratic votes. In the Senate, three Republicans voted against the bill, requiring Vice President J.D. Vance to cast the deciding vote.
• Trump celebrates passage of "One Big Beautiful Bill" tax-and-spending legislation at Iowa rally — President Trump held a campaign-style rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 4, 2025, to celebrate the passage of his signature "One Big Beautiful Bill" tax-and-spending legislation, which narrowly passed the House on Thursday. The bill permanently extends Trump's 2017 tax cuts, adds hundreds of billions to Pentagon and border security funding, slashes health insurance and food stamps, and phases out clean energy tax credits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it will add nearly $3.3 trillion to the deficit over a decade. Trump used the event to mock Biden, repeat election falsehoods, attack the media, and announce plans for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, including a UFC fight at the White House.
• Trump signed reconciliation spending bill eliminating renewable energy tax credits — President Trump signed a Republican reconciliation spending bill on July 4, 2025, that strips away tax credits and incentives for solar and wind energy production. Analysis by Energy Innovation projects electricity rates will rise by up to 18% by 2035, with household energy costs increasing by an average of $170 annually. Republican-leaning states will be hardest hit, with Missouri facing the largest increase at $640 per year. The bill also eliminates subsidies for energy-efficient home construction and upgrades.
• Trump signs major tax and spending bill with Medicaid and SNAP cuts — Donald Trump signed a comprehensive tax and spending bill on July 4, 2025, that extends tax cuts from his first term and creates new deductions for working-class voters. The legislation fundamentally restructures Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by imposing stricter work requirements and forcing states to share costs for the first time. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Medicaid changes could cost 11.8 million people their healthcare coverage, while 8 million people may lose SNAP benefits. The bill also channels tens of billions toward immigration enforcement and border wall construction.
• Trump signs sweeping tax and spending bill with Medicaid cuts and work requirements — On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed a comprehensive bill extending lower tax rates from his first term, creating new tax exemptions, and funding mass deportation plans. The legislation mandates the largest cuts in history to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), mostly taking effect after the 2026 election. It imposes work requirements for Medicaid enrollees and declines to extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, potentially leaving millions without affordable healthcare coverage.
• Trump signs tax-and-spending bill blocking Planned Parenthood from Medicaid funding — On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed a sprawling tax-and-spending reconciliation bill that includes a provision blocking Planned Parenthood affiliates from receiving Medicaid funding for at least one year. The provision, which abortion rights supporters call a "backdoor abortion ban," would force the organization to close roughly 200 health centers. Blue states with larger Medicaid populations would be disproportionately affected. Planned Parenthood immediately sued, and a federal judge granted a temporary freeze on the defunding provision for at least two weeks.
• Trump signs tax-and-spending bill into law — Donald Trump signed a sweeping spending and tax package into law on July 4, 2025, at a White House Fourth of July picnic. The bill passed the Senate by one vote and the House 218–214 on Thursday. It cuts federal safety-net programs (Medicaid and SNAP), allocates $170 billion to immigration enforcement, extends tax cuts skewed toward the wealthy, and ends green energy incentives. Researchers estimate 11.8 million people will lose Medicaid coverage and 8 million will lose SNAP benefits.
• Trump signed budget reconciliation bill into law — President Trump signed the budget reconciliation bill on July 4, 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced at the signing ceremony that Republicans were "laying a key cornerstone of America's new golden age."
• President Trump signed "The One Big Beautiful Bill" into law — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed "The One Big Beautiful Bill" into law on July 4, 2025. The document claims the legislation includes the "largest tax cut in history" for middle- and working-class Americans, permanent increases to the Child Tax Credit, border wall completion and ICE hiring, domestic oil and gas expansion, Medicaid restrictions on immigrants, military modernization, and $1.5 trillion in spending cuts. The fact sheet attributes specific benefits to the legislation without providing legislative text or independent verification.
• Budget reconciliation bill passed by Republicans and signed into law boosts fossil fuels and destroys government efforts to address climate change — Republicans passed a budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law on Friday, July 4. The legislation boosts fossil fuel development and eliminates government programs addressing climate change. This occurred as scientists warn of acute dangers from extreme heat, wildfires, storms, and floods, including the Texas flooding disaster that killed at least 80 people.
• H.R.1 tax and fiscal package became law on July 4, 2025 — On July 4, 2025, H.R.1 (Public Law 119–21), a major tax and fiscal package, became law. Some households saw improved cash flow and some businesses gained new incentives to invest. However, the article notes that tax changes helped only at the margin and did not reset housing prices, insurance premiums, food costs, or interest rates. For many families, the extra cash flow was quickly absorbed by expenses that had already risen.
• Major tax and fiscal package becomes law — Congress enacted Public Law 119-21 on July 4, 2025, a reconciliation measure authorized under H. Con. Res. 14, Title II. Reconciliation bills bypass the Senate filibuster and require only a simple majority, enabling expedited passage of fiscal legislation. The law's specific provisions are not detailed in this record, but reconciliation acts typically address taxes, spending, or deficit reduction with significant budgetary consequences.
• Became Law: Reconciliation Act Pursuant to H. Con. Res. 14

Supporting reports

• Trump administration shut down US Global Change Research Program website — ABC News reported that the Trump administration shut down the US Global Change Research Program's website, a major federal website that features climate change reports and resources, including National Climate Assessments. The action removes public access to federal climate science information.

Supporting reports

• National Park Service flagged exhibits on climate change, slavery, and Native American imprisonment as non-compliant — By July 2025, National Park Service teams were attempting to interpret Burgum's vague directive not to "inappropriately disparage Americans" and began flagging exhibits deemed problematic. Flagged exhibits included displays on sea level rise due to climate change at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina, information on human enslavement at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, and exhibits on the imprisonment of Seminoles, Cheyennes, Araphaos, Kiowas, Comanches, Caddos, and Apaches at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in Florida.

Supporting reports

• US Supreme Court affirms health secretary's direct oversight of preventive services taskforce — The US Supreme Court ruled in Kennedy v Braidwood Management that the preventive services taskforce—an expert panel convened under the Affordable Care Act—operates under direct oversight of the health secretary. The 6-vote majority opinion, written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, held that presidential and Senate accountability provides sufficient constitutional safeguard. The decision comes hours after RFK Jr's handpicked vaccine advisory panel (ACIP) recommended against thimerosal-containing vaccines, contradicting scientific consensus. Health law experts warn the ruling enables politicization of medical recommendations affecting insurance coverage for treatments ranging from statins to HIV prevention drugs.
• US Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act preventive services provision while affirming health secretary's removal and override powers — The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Kennedy v Braidwood Management, Inc that the Affordable Care Act's requirement for private insurers to cover preventive health services without cost is constitutional. The decision affirmed the constitutionality of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a 16-member expert panel determining which evidence-based preventive services must be covered. However, the court also held that the health secretary may remove task force members at will and review their recommendations before implementation. The ruling centered on whether PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) coverage violated religious beliefs, with plaintiffs represented by the architect of Texas's abortion bounty-hunter law.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr's remade vaccine panel votes to restrict thimerosal in flu shots — Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr unilaterally fired all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) in June 2025 and appointed eight ideological allies. On 26 June, the reconstituted panel voted 5–1–1 to recommend against thimerosal, a preservative used in about 5% of multidose flu vaccine vials, despite decades of scientific evidence showing no real-world harm. The decision bypassed a CDC career scientist presentation on thimerosal safety and instead featured a presentation from an anti-vaccine advocate whose work contained a fabricated study reference.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr unilaterally appoints eight new members to CDC vaccine advisory panel (ACIP) — Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr unilaterally appointed eight new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing 17 previous members. The new chair, Dr Martin Kulldorff, was fired from Harvard for refusing COVID-19 vaccination. The first meeting revealed conflicts of interest disclosure gaps, agenda changes removing a COVID-19 booster vote, and the formation of two new working groups to re-examine vaccine schedules and long-approved vaccines—issues historically promoted by anti-vaccine advocates.
• RFK Jr fires all 17 career members of vaccine advisory panel and appoints ideological replacements — Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr unilaterally dismissed all 17 career scientists and CDC-vetted members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in June 2025 and replaced them with eight ideological allies, including vaccine skeptics and medical professionals with limited vaccine expertise. One newly appointed panelist subsequently withdrew after a government financial review and public disclosure that the secretary's claims about the panelist's university affiliations were false. The action consolidated Kennedy's control over vaccine recommendations that shape national policy and insurance coverage.

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• RFK Jr withdraws COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for pregnant women — Robert F Kennedy Jr announced he is withdrawing the federal recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, claiming "there was no science supporting that recommendation" despite extensive research demonstrating vaccine safety in pregnancy. Kennedy stated pregnant women could still choose to receive the vaccine but it would no longer be officially recommended by the health department.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr testifies before House health subcommittee on vaccine policies and healthcare fraud — Robert F Kennedy Jr, US health secretary, faced hours of contentious questioning before the House health subcommittee on vaccine policy reversals, budget cuts, and accusations of lying to senators during confirmation. Kennedy attacked Democratic congressman Frank Pallone over pharmaceutical contributions, then was forced to retract the remarks. He denied promising Senator Bill Cassidy he would not fire the CDC's vaccine advisory committee, which he had disbanded two weeks prior. Kennedy also appeared unfamiliar with a DOJ investigation into UnitedHealthcare for Medicare Advantage fraud.
• RFK Jr announces smartwatch mandate vision for healthcare — Robert F Kennedy Jr unveiled a plan to promote smartwatches and fitness trackers as alternatives to medications, with a goal of every American citizen wearing a wearable device within four years. The scheme would be backed by "one of the biggest advertising campaigns in HHS history" to promote wearables as cost-saving alternatives to expensive medications.

Supporting reports

• Case update — D.V.D. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10676 — The Supreme Court stopped a lower court's order which has prevented the administration from removing immigrants to third countries without an opportunity to present their claims of potential torture first. The Supreme Court's order is now in place while the litigation proceeds. Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson dissented.
• CDC presentation included nonexistent vaccine study — On June 24, a presentation scheduled for Thursday's meeting of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was found to have included a study that does not appear to exist after it was published on the agency's website. The presentation by Lyn Redwood, a former leader of an anti-vaccine group, claimed that the nonexistent study found that the vaccine preservative thimerosal can have "long-term consequences in the brain."
• ACIP agenda cites study that author says was not conducted or published — The ACIP panel's new agenda cited a study that the cited author stated he did not conduct or publish, according to Reuters reporting. This continues a pattern of Kennedy's health department producing references to garbled or nonexistent studies while Kennedy repeatedly touts "gold-standard" science.

Supporting reports

• Case update — American Public Health Association v. National Institutes of Health (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10787 — Judge Young reportedly found that the administration's termination of certain NIH research grants-particularly those focused on gender, diversity, equity, and inclusion-was unlawful and discriminatory.
• Federal Judge Rules NIH Grant Terminations Illegal — A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's termination of hundreds of National Institutes of Health grants was "void and illegal," ordering some to be reinstated. The judge cited racial and LGBTQ discrimination in the decision to ban DEI-related grants.
• Federal judge rules NIH grant cuts by Trump administration illegal — On June 16, 2025, US District Judge William Young ruled that the Trump administration's termination of over $1 billion in research grants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was "void and illegal." The cuts were deemed to represent unlawful racial discrimination and discrimination against the LGBTQ community. The judge ordered the reinstatement of grants to organizations and 16 Democratic-led states that filed the lawsuit. The Department of Health and Human Services, under Secretary Kennedy, is considering legal options, including an appeal and a stay of the order.
• Judge Orders Restoration of NIH Funding — U.S. District Judge William Young ruled that cuts to funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants were illegal and ordered the immediate restoration of those funds. During the hearing, Young highlighted the discriminatory impact of these cuts on communities of color and the LGBTQ community.

Supporting reports

• Secretary of Health and Human Services Dismisses Vaccine Advisory Committee — Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which advises the CDC, stating a need for a "clean sweep" to restore public confidence in vaccine science.

Supporting reports

• Trump EPA plans to remove power plant emissions restrictions — The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reportedly drafted a plan to eliminate all restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants in the United States. The EPA claims these emissions are not significant enough to warrant regulation. This move is part of a broader deregulatory effort targeting various environmental protections. The plan is expected to face legal challenges and public comment before implementation. Critics argue that this action ignores the significant contribution of U.S. power plants to global emissions and the associated public health impacts.
• Trump’s EPA announces rollbacks to power plant pollution limits — The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a plan to roll back regulations on power plant emissions. This includes repealing a climate rule aimed at eliminating greenhouse gases from power plants by the 2030s and weakening the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The rollbacks are expected to increase pollution levels significantly, despite scientific evidence of the harmful effects of such pollutants. The proposals will be open for public comment and are anticipated to face legal challenges.

Supporting reports

• Louisiana House of Representatives passes bill to ban chemtrails — The Louisiana House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at banning chemtrails, a conspiracy theory that claims aircraft vapor trails are laden with toxins for nefarious purposes. The bill, which must still pass through the state senate and be signed by Governor Jeff Landry, mandates the Department of Environmental Quality to record chemtrail sightings and forward complaints to the Louisiana Air National Guard. Although the bill does not impose penalties, it calls for further investigation and documentation, raising concerns about potential impacts on airlines and airport operations.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Scientific Research — On May 23, the White House issued an executive order titled "Restoring Gold Standard Science," which criticizes the previous administration's handling of scientific information and grants political appointees the authority to silence research they oppose. This order raises concerns about the integrity of scientific research and the potential for political interference in scientific discourse.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration proposes budget cuts to NOAA — The Trump administration has proposed a budget that would reduce the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) $6 billion budget by around 25%, effectively eliminating its climate and weather research. This proposal has raised concerns among lawmakers from both parties, as it could significantly impact NOAA's ability to conduct essential research and provide accurate weather forecasts, especially during the hurricane season.
• Proposed Cuts to the National Institutes of Health — The Trump administration's proposed budget for 2026 includes a 43% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), amounting to approximately $20 billion annually. This includes significant reductions to the National Cancer Institute and threatens to end most biomedical research at universities.
• Trump Administration Proposes Further NOAA Budget Cuts — The Trump administration's proposed budget for 2026 includes a 43% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), amounting to approximately $20 billion annually. This includes significant reductions to cancer research and threatens to halt biomedical research at universities.
• — The Trump administration has proposed a draft budget for 2026 that includes a nearly 30% cut to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) budget, amounting to over $1.5 billion. This proposal follows significant staff reductions at NOAA, which have already impacted the agency's ability to forecast weather accurately. The proposed budget cuts could further degrade NOAA's capacity to monitor and respond to severe weather events. Source: Popular Information — Hurricane season is no joke Category: Economic & Regulatory Power Why Relevant: Further budget cuts to NOAA threaten the agency's ability to provide critical weather data, impacting public safety and disaster preparedness. attacks: [science, public_service]

Supporting reports

• Trump administration considers new trials and restrictions for Covid vaccines — The Trump administration is contemplating new clinical trials for Covid boosters and plans to restrict Covid vaccines for children and others. This has led to frustration among parents whose children participated in the original vaccine trials. Robert F Kennedy Jr, head of the US Department of Health and Human Services, has called for new trials using saline placebos for routine childhood vaccines. Additionally, the FDA has proposed restricting Covid boosters for those under 65 without certain health conditions. These potential changes have sparked concern about the impact on vaccine access and public health.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration imposes job cuts and hiring freeze on National Weather Service — The Trump administration has implemented job cuts and a hiring freeze on the National Weather Service (NWS), leading to understaffing in more than a dozen forecast offices along the Gulf of Mexico coast and Puerto Rico. This shortage affects the NWS's ability to provide timely and accurate weather forecasts as the hurricane season begins. The National Hurricane Center is also short of specialists, despite assurances of full staffing. The cuts have resulted in the loss of over 600 staff since Trump took office, impacting the NWS's capacity to alert and prepare communities for incoming hurricanes.
• Cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — The Trump administration's budget cuts have significantly impacted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), leading to staff shortages and reduced capabilities in weather forecasting. Reports indicate that 15 National Weather Service (NWS) offices are understaffed, which could hinder disaster preparedness as hurricane season begins.
• Cuts to the National Weather Service — The National Weather Service (NWS) has experienced staffing cuts, resulting in fewer weather balloons and less data collection, which has already affected forecasts during severe weather events. Reports indicate that 15 NWS offices on the Gulf of Mexico are understaffed, raising concerns about the agency's ability to function effectively during hurricane season.
• NOAA Staffing Cuts Impact Weather Forecasting — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has lost approximately 1,000 employees, including 600 from the National Weather Service (NWS), due to staff cuts since Trump took office. This reduction has left many weather forecast offices understaffed, affecting their ability to launch weather balloons and gather data crucial for hurricane forecasting. The cuts have led to reduced accuracy in weather predictions, with some offices unable to perform regular balloon launches. NOAA has announced plans to hire for "mission-critical field positions" to stabilize operations. Source: Popular Information — Hurricane season is no joke Category: Economic & Regulatory Power Why Relevant: The staffing cuts at NOAA undermine the agency's ability to provide accurate weather forecasts, which are essential for public safety during hurricane season. attacks: [science, public_service]

Supporting reports

• US Veterans Affairs restricts publication without clearance — Senior officials at the US Department of Veterans Affairs have mandated that VA physicians and scientists must seek clearance from political appointees before publishing in medical journals or speaking publicly. This directive was communicated via emails from Curt Cashour, the VA’s assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs, and John Bartrum, a senior adviser to the VA secretary. The move follows the publication of a perspective piece by VA pulmonologists in the New England Journal of Medicine, which criticized the impact of staff reductions on veterans' health care.

Supporting reports

• Administration Proposes Significant Cuts to NASA Funding — The Trump administration's proposed budget includes a 25% cut to NASA's funding, amounting to approximately $6 billion, while allocating $1 billion to initiatives focused on Mars. This budget proposal reflects a shift in priorities that may impact scientific research and exploration efforts.
• Administration proposes significant cuts to NASA funding — The Trump administration's proposed budget includes a plan to cut about 25% of NASA's funding, amounting to approximately $6 billion, while allocating $1 billion of the remaining budget to initiatives focused on Mars.

Supporting reports

• EPA dissolves its office of science and technology — The Environmental Protection Agency announced the dissolution of its office of science and technology, which was responsible for developing scientific research and guidelines for water policy. This decision is part of a broader restructuring plan under the Trump administration, which also includes adding 130 positions to the office of chemical safety and pollution prevention to address a backlog of chemical and pesticide reviews. The move has been criticized for potentially compromising the scientific integrity of the agency's work.
• Trump administration announces cuts to EPA staff and budget — The Trump administration, through EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, announced a significant reduction in the Environmental Protection Agency's staff and budget, cutting it to levels reminiscent of the 1980s. The budget will be slashed by $300 million for the fiscal year 2026, and the Office of Research and Development (ORD) will see its 1,500 staff members needing to reapply for about 400 new positions. This move is part of a broader overhaul aimed at aligning with Trump's goals of energy independence and cost-cutting. Critics warn that these changes could undermine scientific independence and turn the EPA into a political entity.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Biological Research Safety — On May 5, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at improving the safety and security of biological research. The order mandates the cessation of federal funding for dangerous gain-of-function research conducted by foreign entities in countries with inadequate oversight, such as China. It also requires the development of a strategy to manage risks associated with non-federally funded research and enhances accountability and transparency in federally funded research. The order seeks to prevent catastrophic consequences while maintaining readiness against biological threats and promoting global leadership in biotechnology and health research.

Supporting reports

• Trump Administration Cuts Federal Climate Science Agencies — The Trump administration has enacted sweeping cuts to federal agencies like NOAA and FEMA, firing climate scientists and halting data collection. These actions have disrupted climate research and preparedness, with significant implications for national and global climate response capabilities. The administration bypassed congressional oversight, using executive orders to implement these changes.
• Trump Administration Rolls Back Environmental Regulations — In the first 100 days of his second term, President Trump has taken over 140 actions to roll back environmental regulations, including rewriting pollution limits for vehicles and power plants, and reconsidering the public health impact of greenhouse gases. The administration has also accelerated environmental reviews for drilling projects and rescinded water efficiency standards. These actions have faced legal challenges, with courts scrutinizing the administration's attempts to bypass standard regulatory procedures.
• Trump Signs Executive Orders to Boost Fossil Fuel Industry — President Trump signed executive orders to ease restrictions on fossil fuel extraction and exports, appointing industry supporters to key federal positions. The administration has also exempted the fossil fuel industry from certain tariffs, despite economic instability caused by these policies. These actions have been criticized for prioritizing industry interests over environmental and economic stability.
• Trump Targets Public Lands and Environmental Protections — The Trump administration has rescinded protections for federal waters and initiated changes to the National Environmental Policy Act, reducing public oversight. Plans include fast-tracking mining and drilling on public lands and rolling back the Endangered Species Act. These actions threaten conservation efforts and public land management.
• Trump administration declares an "energy emergency" to expand drilling — President Trump has declared an "energy emergency" to open more land and ocean areas for oil and gas drilling. This declaration is part of a broader effort to increase fossil fuel production in the United States, reversing environmental regulations and dismissing climate science. The administration's actions have led to a surge in expected greenhouse gas emissions from US oil and gas fields, contributing to global climate change concerns.
• Trump administration halts approvals of new solar and wind projects on federal lands and waters — The Trump administration has stopped the approval of new solar and wind projects on federal lands and waters. This move is part of a broader agenda to promote fossil fuels and reduce support for renewable energy. The administration has also criticized subsidies for clean energy and imposed high tariffs on solar panels from countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. These actions have led to the cancellation or downsizing of several large-scale clean energy projects, affecting planned investments in renewable energy.

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• FDA delays approval of new Covid-19 vaccine — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has delayed the approval of a new Covid-19 vaccine from Novavax. The delay is reportedly due to a review by a political appointee known for skepticism towards vaccines. This decision has created confusion about whether vaccine makers need to conduct new safety and efficacy trials for routine updates. The delay and the requirement for a clinical trial as part of post-approval surveillance have raised concerns about political interference in vaccine approval processes.
• Health department announces changes to vaccine testing and surveillance — The Health and Human Services (HHS) department, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced plans to alter vaccine testing methods and build new surveillance systems. This includes implementing placebo-controlled trials for new vaccines, a significant shift from previous practices. The department also mentioned developing systems to measure vaccine risks and benefits, though details were not provided. These announcements have raised concerns among experts who view the proposed placebo testing for established vaccines as unethical and potentially harmful to public health.

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• Trump Administration Dismisses Scientists from Climate Assessment — The Trump administration informed nearly 400 scientists they would no longer contribute to the National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report. This decision affects the report's comprehensiveness and scientific integrity.
• Trump administration dismisses contributors to climate report — The Trump administration has dismissed nearly 400 contributors to the sixth National Climate Assessment (NCA), a key US government study on climate crisis preparedness. This assessment, mandated by Congress, is crucial for federal and local governments to plan for climate impacts such as extreme heat, hurricanes, flooding, and drought. The contributors, consisting of scientists and experts, were notified by email, leaving the future of the report, due in 2028, uncertain. The move has drawn criticism for undermining scientific integrity and leaving the nation vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

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• RFK Jr. proposes autism study using private medical records and health registry — Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced plans for a large-scale autism study drawing on private medical records from federal and commercial databases, plus a new health registry to track autistic Americans. Simultaneously, a leaked HHS draft proposes cuts to disability services, education, and research. Kennedy has also claimed autism "destroys" families and does not contribute to society—claims contradicted by research showing genetics underlie 95% of autism cases and that diagnostic increases reflect improved awareness, not an "epidemic."
• Musk accessed and collected government data on U.S. individuals — Elon Musk, overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, has been scooping up data from various government agencies about individuals in the U.S. This data collection represents a "treasure trove" that could be used for shaping society, garnering government contracts, raising money through sale, or blackmailing individuals. The collection occurred following Tesla's earnings plunge of 71% in the first quarter.
• NIH collecting Americans' private medical records without explicit consent for autism study — Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Jay Bhattacharya announced that the NIH is collecting Americans' private medical records from federal and commercial databases, including from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Service, pharmacy medication records, and smartwatch/fitness tracker data, to support Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s pledge to identify autism causes by September. The NIH is also in talks with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to access additional databases.
• NIH collects private medical records for autism study — The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced it is collecting private medical records from various sources, including federal and commercial databases, to study the causes of autism. This initiative has raised concerns about privacy and the handling of sensitive health information.