Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Louisiana health department cancels mass vaccination promotion — The Louisiana health department, under the direction of Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham, has decided to cease promoting mass vaccinations through media campaigns and health fairs. This decision, outlined in an internal memo, emphasizes vaccination as a personal choice rather than a public health mandate. The move has sparked concerns about potential increases in preventable diseases like measles and polio. Despite this, the department will continue to stock and provide vaccines. The decision comes amid a measles outbreak in neighboring Texas and has been criticized by public health advocates.

Supporting reports

• White House issues promotional release claiming multiple policy achievements — The White House published a promotional release titled "Wins Come All Day Under President Donald J. Trump" on February 14, 2025, cataloging claimed achievements from the preceding week. The document asserts actions including: hostage releases from Russia and Belarus; tariff impositions on steel and aluminum; trade policy announcements; diplomatic engagement with Russia, Ukraine, Jordan, and India; energy project approvals; federal workforce reductions (75,000+ resignations); executive orders on vaccine mandates, federal hiring freezes, and DEI program restrictions; agency investigations; name changes (Gulf of America); and various regulatory and personnel actions. The release attributes supportive statements to industry groups and foreign officials.

Supporting reports

• Establishment of the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14212, establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission. The commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases in the U.S., with a focus on childhood health issues. The commission will study contributing factors, advise on policy, and recommend strategies to combat these health challenges.
• President Trump signed executive order establishing Make America Healthy Again Commission — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission on February 13, 2025. The commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases and mental health disorders in the United States. It will focus on reversing these trends by promoting transparency in health research, improving food quality, and expanding treatment options. The commission will also provide recommendations to the President on strategies to combat childhood chronic diseases.
• White House established Make America Healthy Again Commission by executive order — President Trump signed an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Commission is tasked with investigating root causes of America's health crisis, with initial focus on childhood chronic diseases. It will produce a 100-day assessment on childhood chronic disease and a 180-day strategy to improve children's health, operating under four policy directives: transparency in federally funded health research, prioritizing gold-standard research on disease causation, working with farmers on food safety and affordability, and expanding treatment options and health coverage flexibility.
• — The White House issued an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to address what the order characterizes as a childhood chronic disease crisis in the United States. The order directs the Commission to study contributing causes—including diet, medical treatments, environmental factors, and corporate influence—and to submit an assessment within 100 days and a strategy within 180 days. The Commission comprises 14 federal officials across health, agriculture, education, and other departments.

Supporting reports

• Musk's agency site adds data from rightwing thinktank — Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) website added data from the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), a rightwing thinktank known for opposing climate-focused policies. The CEI's "unconstitutionality index" was included on the website's regulations page. CEI has a history of lobbying against climate treaties and regulations, and has ties to the Koch brothers' network. The addition of CEI data to the Doge website raises concerns about the influence of controversial thinktanks on government transparency and policy.

Supporting reports

• Judge blocks Trump from cutting NIH research funding — A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked the Trump administration's attempt to impose a 15% cap on indirect costs for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. This decision came after 22 states and major universities sued, arguing that the proposed cuts would significantly harm medical research funding. The administration's proposal aimed to reduce overhead costs, which are essential for maintaining research facilities and equipment. The court's intervention prevents the immediate implementation of these cuts, which were criticized for potentially undermining critical disease prevention research.

Supporting reports

• Judge orders CDC and FDA to restore webpages — A federal judge, John Bates, has ordered the Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, and the FDA to restore webpages that were removed following an executive order by Donald Trump. The order, which targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, led to the removal of critical public health information. The judge emphasized the harm to everyday Americans, particularly underprivileged individuals seeking healthcare, and mandated the restoration of the webpages to their state as of January 30.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed executive orders to scrub diversity terms from health websites — On his first day in office, Donald Trump signed executive orders mandating the removal of terms related to race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and other diversity-related terms from U.S. health agency websites. This action led to the temporary removal of thousands of webpages and the permanent alteration of content, affecting the availability of vital health information. The orders have raised concerns about the impact on health research and the ability of healthcare providers to access necessary information for evidence-based care.

Supporting reports

• Robert F Kennedy Jr's confirmation hearing for HHS Secretary — Robert F Kennedy Jr, a known Trump ally, recently underwent a confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). His nomination has sparked significant controversy due to his past anti-vaccine stance and potential plans to cut Medicaid. Critics, including public health researchers and some of his own family members, have expressed strong opposition, fearing his policies could harm public health. Despite this, Kennedy's supporters, who favor alternative medicine and wellness, are optimistic about his potential leadership.
• Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed as health secretary — Robert F Kennedy Jr was confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services after a Senate vote of 52 to 48. All Republicans except Mitch McConnell supported his nomination. Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, will oversee agencies like the CDC and FDA. His confirmation has sparked controversy due to his past statements on vaccines and his financial ties to anti-vaccine litigation. Despite opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, Kennedy was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.
• Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence — The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the U.S. director of national intelligence, with all Democrats voting against her and all Republicans, except Mitch McConnell, voting in favor. McConnell expressed concerns about Gabbard's qualifications for the significant role overseeing the intelligence community.
• RFK Jr. confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on February 13, 2025. Despite his long-standing anti-vaccine stance, Kennedy assured Republican Senators during his confirmation process that he would not restrict access to vaccines. However, shortly after his confirmation, Kennedy announced plans to convene a new panel to study the childhood vaccination schedule, raising concerns about potential changes to federal vaccine policies.
• Senate Republicans confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary — Senate Republicans, with the exception of Mitch McConnell, voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This decision has raised concerns among some senators regarding Kennedy's lack of relevant experience and controversial statements about public health. Senator Jon Ossoff expressed disbelief that the Senate would place such an individual in charge of national public health.
• Senate Republicans confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services — On February 13, 2025, Senate Republicans, with the exception of Mitch McConnell, voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. This decision has raised concerns among some senators regarding Kennedy's lack of relevant experience and controversial statements about public health. Senator Jon Ossoff expressed disbelief that the Senate would place such an individual in charge of the nation's public health agencies.

Supporting reports

• Trump nominates Neil Jacobs to NOAA — President Trump nominated Neil Jacobs to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Jacobs, previously cited for misconduct related to "Sharpiegate," raises concerns about the agency's leadership and integrity.

Supporting reports

• Musk's DOGE team targets NOAA for elimination — Bloomberg reports that Elon Musk's DOGE team has targeted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for possible elimination. NOAA is a critical agency providing weather forecasts and cooperating internationally on climate data. The potential elimination of NOAA raises concerns about the impact on global weather forecasting and scientific cooperation.
• Musk's DOGE team disrupts government agencies — WaPo reports that Musk's DOGE team has sought access to sensitive data and disrupted operations in at least 15 government agencies. The team has focused on gaining control of key agencies like OPM, GSA, and the Treasury Department. The lack of transparency about DOGE's personnel and actions raises concerns about government integrity and data security.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cuts medical research funding — The Trump administration announced a significant reduction in medical research funding by limiting the amount allocated for indirect costs such as buildings, equipment, and support staff to 15% of grants. This change, implemented by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will result in a $4 billion annual cut in funding for universities, hospitals, and scientific institutions. The decision has been criticized by researchers and Democrats, who warn it could severely impact lifesaving research and innovation, while supporters of government spending cuts have praised the move.
• Trump administration cuts NIH funding — The DOGE administration announced cuts to NIH funding, affecting cancer research and other scientific endeavors. The cuts have drawn criticism from lawmakers and scientists who warn of the negative impact on life-saving research and the scientific community. The reduction in funding is part of broader budget cuts under Musk's leadership.
• NIH cuts biomedical research funding — The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced cuts to financial support for biomedical research at universities and non-profit institutes. This decision could impact scientific research and innovation.
• NIH announces funding policy change — The National Institutes of Health announced a new policy that will cap indirect funding for medical research grants at 15%, down from approximately 26%. This change is expected to significantly impact research universities that rely on these funds for maintaining equipment and facilities. The policy was influenced by Project 2025, which argued for cuts to reduce federal taxpayer support for what they termed "leftist agendas." Experts warn that this could devastate research capabilities at universities across the country.