Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump signals potential approval of Paramount's hostile bid while warning against Netflix acquisition — On Sunday, the day before Paramount's hostile takeover bid was announced, President Trump stated that Netflix's planned $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery "could be a problem" due to market concentration concerns, while emphasizing he would personally be involved in the regulatory decision. Trump also stated he had not spoken with Kushner about the competing Paramount bid. The timing and Trump's antitrust framing created conditions favorable to Paramount's counter-offer, which is backed by Kushner's firm and Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds.
• Trump stated he would be involved in DOJ's decision on Netflix-Warner Bros merger — When asked whether Netflix should be allowed to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, Trump stated "That's a question. They have a very big market share. I'll be involved in that decision." This public declaration of involvement in an antitrust matter traditionally left to the DOJ broke with precedent of presidents avoiding public statements about merger decisions. White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett later defended the statement, saying it is not rare for presidents to have opinions about "big society changing mergers."

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• Trump announces Biden's autopens invalidate all prior presidential actions — President Trump announced that because former President Joe Biden used an autopen to sign documents, "[a]ny and all Documents, Proclamations, Executive Orders, Memorandums, or Contracts," pardons, and commutations Biden signed are "invalid." Trump claimed no constitutional mechanism exists for a president to erase the actions of a predecessor by fiat. Legal experts note all modern presidents, including Trump, have used autopens, and the Constitution provides no such invalidation power.
• Trump expanded plan to terminate Biden's autopen-signed documents — On Truth Social, Trump doubled down on his plan to terminate all of Biden's executive orders signed by autopen, but expanded the list to include documents, proclamations, memorandums, and contracts. The expansion broadened the scope of retroactive invalidation of Biden administration actions.

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• Trump convenes "war cabinet" to discuss Venezuela invasion — President Trump summoned his "war cabinet" to discuss a potential military invasion of Venezuela. The discussion occurred amid Trump's declining approval ratings and lowest presidential polling numbers in American history. Polling data shows 70% of Americans oppose military action against Venezuela, and 56% believe such conflict would not reduce drug trafficking. Trump's allies have been deployed to right-wing media to promote war rhetoric, regime-change justifications, and discussions of seizing Venezuelan oil reserves for American petroleum companies.
• White House demands Nicolás Maduro leave Venezuela with threat of military action — The White House conducted a phone call with Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro demanding his immediate departure from the country to allow restoration of democratic rule. The U.S. offered safe passage to Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and his son if he resigned immediately. Maduro's representatives proposed retaining command of the armed forces while ceding political control to the opposition. The call reached an impasse as positions diverged. Washington is simultaneously preparing to launch land attacks inside Venezuela.

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• White House claimed September 2 boat strike was lawful self-defense — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the administration believes the September 2 strike on a boat off Venezuela was lawful because it "was conducted in self defense to protect Americans and vital United States interests." This justification would permit the president or those acting in his name to be judge, jury, and executioner without regard to law. Leavitt attributed the orders to Admiral Bradley rather than Defense Secretary Hegseth.
• Trump administration announced formal armed conflict determination against drug cartels — The Trump administration announced that President Donald Trump has "determined" the United States is in a formal armed conflict with drug cartels and that individuals aboard targeted boats are formally designated "combatants." This determination was made without providing the legal authority required to support such a classification. The administration announced the strikes on September 4 and informed Congress to ensure it was "fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution," but has since ignored that resolution's requirement for congressional approval for hostile actions continuing longer than 60 days, a deadline that passed in early November.
• Trump administration asserts formal armed conflict with drug cartels without legal authority — The Trump administration declared that President Trump has "determined" the U.S. is in a formal armed conflict with drug cartels and that individuals on targeted boats are formally "combatants." The administration notified Congress of strikes on September 4 under the War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional approval for hostile actions continuing longer than 60 days. That deadline passed in early November 2025, yet Trump has not sought or obtained congressional approval and has ignored the War Powers Resolution requirement. Legal experts have stated the operation lacks lawful foundation, as civilians engaged in trade—even illicit trade—are not enemy combatants under international law.

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• Trump proposed massive White House ballroom without following permitting or zoning requirements — Trump has proposed a ballroom at the White House that has grown from an initial 500-seat design to a planned structure larger than the West Wing and Executive Mansion, with capacity for a presidential inauguration crowd. Trump told contractors they do not need to follow permitting, zoning, or code requirements because the structure is on White House grounds.

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• Trump installed personal lawyer as chairman of National Capital Planning Commission — Trump installed his former personal lawyer Will Scharf as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission, which is supposed to review plans for the White House ballroom project. Scharf has stated there is no need to review Trump's plans before demolition of the East Wing.

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• Trump fired entire board of Commission of Fine Arts — Trump fired the entire board of the Commission of Fine Arts, an independent federal agency established by Congress to advise the president on urban planning and historical preservation.

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• Trump announces plan to cancel most Biden executive orders based on autopen signature claims — Donald Trump declared via social media that he intends to cancel approximately 92% of Joe Biden's executive orders, claiming baselessly that Biden did not personally authorize them and that White House staff used an autopen signature machine without his approval. Trump alleged Biden was not involved in the autopen process and threatened perjury charges if Biden claimed otherwise. The announcement prompted Republican celebration, including statements from the Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project and House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, though legal experts warned such actions could set problematic precedents.
• Trump announced cancellation of executive orders signed via Autopen — Trump posted that he is "hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally." Trump claimed that if Biden says he was involved in the Autopen process, Biden will be "brought up on charges of perjury." Legal experts noted that perjury charges require false statements made under oath and that presidents now have immunity following Trump's Supreme Court appeal.
• Trump claimed authority to nullify Biden's autopen-signed executive orders — On Truth Social, Trump claimed he will nullify any executive order from the Biden administration signed with an autopen or "anything else that was not directly signed" by Biden himself, and warned that Biden "will be brought up on charges of perjury" if he claims involvement in the autopen process. Trump has admitted to using the autopen himself and lacks legal authority to nullify Biden's pardons, which included his son and Jan. 6 investigators.

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• Trump pressure campaign for mid-decade congressional redistricting — Trump initiated a White House pressure campaign to redraw congressional districts mid-decade to create Republican-friendly maps ahead of the 2026 midterms. Texas responded by drawing five additional Republican districts; California advanced a ballot measure for five Democratic districts in response. Federal courts blocked Texas's maps, and the Supreme Court will review the decision. Some Republican and Democratic state lawmakers have resisted the pressure, citing concerns about partisan gerrymandering, legal risks, and democratic norms. Trump threatened Indiana legislators with primary challenges if they did not support redistricting.
• Trump threatened Indiana state senators with primary challenges over redistricting — Trump posted on Truth Social on an unspecified date (referenced as "Tuesday" in the article) threatening Indiana state senators who did not support mid-decade redistricting. He stated he would ensure supporters won their primaries and achieve "Greatness," but warned that those who refused would face primary challenges from "MAGA Grassroots Republicans." Some Indiana legislators who opposed redistricting subsequently experienced swatting attacks.
• Trump pressured Indiana to redraw congressional map for partisan gain — Trump, with support from Indiana Governor Mike Braun, has vowed to back primary challengers against Republican state legislators blocking a redistricting plan designed to gain two GOP seats and help the party hold its House majority in the 2026 midterm elections. An unnamed Indiana legislator told The Atlantic he fears his house could be firebombed if he speaks out against the plan, illustrating the intimidation climate surrounding the redistricting effort.
• Indiana State Senator Michael Bohacek announced opposition to redistricting after Trump's ableist remarks — Indiana State Senator Michael Bohacek announced he will vote against the redistricting plan after Trump called Minnesota Governor Tim Walz a "retard" in a Thanksgiving post. Bohacek, who has advocated for people with intellectual disabilities since his daughter was born with Down Syndrome, stated that Trump's repeated use of derogatory language has consequences and will influence his vote.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon launches investigation into Senator Mark Kelly — The Pentagon launched an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) for "serious allegations of misconduct" in response to a viral video in which Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers urged military members to refuse illegal orders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the video "despicable, reckless and false." Kelly responded that intimidation would not silence him.
• FBI Counterterrorism Division opened investigation into six lawmakers — By November 25, 2025, the FBI's Counterterrorism Division notified Congress it was opening an inquiry into the six veteran lawmakers and requested interviews with all six members. The investigation was triggered by their one-minute video reminding service members of their legal obligation to refuse illegal orders—a principle codified in U.S. military law since 1950 and rooted in post-World War II Nuremberg principles. Legal experts confirmed the lawmakers were simply restating existing law and that their statement does not constitute sedition.
• Pentagon announced investigation of Senator Kelly and signaled possible recall to active duty — The Pentagon announced it is investigating Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, and signaled it could recall him to active duty for possible court-martial over his participation in the video reminding troops of their legal obligation to refuse illegal orders. The threatened recall and court-martial of a sitting U.S. senator for restating military law represents an extraordinary use of military authority against a member of Congress.
• FBI contacts House and Senate regarding Democratic lawmakers' anti-Trump military video — The FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews with several Democratic members of Congress—Reps. Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan, plus Sen. Elissa Slotkin—after they filmed a video urging military troops not to follow illegal orders. The lawmakers characterized the FBI outreach as intimidation and harassment, with Sen. Slotkin stating that the President is "weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies."
• FBI counterterrorism division investigates Democratic lawmakers — The FBI's counterterrorism division launched an investigation into six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a viral video calling on military members to refuse illegal orders. Four House members stated that the FBI contacted the House and Senate sergeant at arms to set up interviews. They accused Trump of "using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress."
• Far-right figures call for investigation and deportation of Arab-Americans — In the days following the November 18 rally, far-right figures including Tommy Robinson, Wall Street Apes, and Sidney Powell used the Dearborn incident to call on the Department of Justice to investigate and deport Arab-Americans. These calls amplified the rally's narrative of victimhood and framed an entire ethnic group as a threat requiring federal action.
• FBI contacts Capitol Police to schedule interviews with six Democratic senators — Fox News reported that the FBI contacted US Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the six Democratic senators who released the video advising military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The interviews appear to be part of the broader investigation into the lawmakers' statements.
• Pentagon launches investigation into Senator Mark Kelly for video advising troops to refuse illegal orders — The Pentagon announced an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers after they released a video advising military service members that they can refuse illegal orders and warning of "threats to our constitution" from within the administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the video "despicable, reckless, and false." Trump characterized the senators' statement as "seditious behaviour" punishable by death. The Pentagon warned it could recall Kelly to active duty for court-martial under a federal law prohibiting military retirees from interfering with military discipline.

Supporting reports

• Vice President Vance claimed congressional reminders of Constitution are illegal — Vice President JD Vance stated that if the president has not issued illegal orders, then members of Congress telling the military to defy the president is by definition illegal. This statement contradicts the constitutional duty of military personnel to refuse unlawful orders and the right of Congress to remind them of that duty.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Jason Crow detailed Trump's threats to use military unlawfully — Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) appeared on CBS and detailed Trump's threats to use the military in unlawful ways, including sending troops into Chicago, into polling stations, killing terrorists' families, and shooting peaceful protesters. Crow stated that Trump cannot tolerate members of Congress reminding service members of their constitutional duty to obey the law and resorts to threats of violence and arrest.
• Pentagon announces investigation of Senator Mark Kelly for video calling troops to refuse illegal orders — The Pentagon announced an investigation into Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, after he participated in a video with other Democratic lawmakers calling on US troops to refuse unlawful orders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the video was "despicable" and that Kelly's conduct undermines military discipline. The Pentagon cited federal law allowing recall of retired service members to active duty for possible court-martial. Kelly responded that the investigation was meant to intimidate Congress and vowed not to be silenced.
• Defense Department announced investigation of Senator Kelly for alleged misconduct and threatened recall to active duty — The Defense Department posted on social media that it was investigating Senator Mark Kelly following "serious allegations of misconduct" and suggested that Kelly could be recalled to active duty "for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures." This announcement came after Kelly participated in a November 18 video with five other Democratic veterans in Congress warning military and intelligence personnel of their legal right and duty to refuse unlawful orders.
• Department of War initiated review of Senator Mark Kelly for potential court-martial — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the Department of War has initiated a review of retired Navy Captain Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for potential recall to active duty and court-martial proceedings. The review stems from a video Kelly made with five other Democratic lawmakers informing service members of their constitutional duty to refuse unlawful orders. The DOD statement cited 10 U.S.C. § 688 and 18 U.S.C. § 2387, which prohibits actions intended to interfere with military loyalty, morale, and discipline. Hegseth characterized the video as "despicable" and "seditious."
• Trump posted threats against Senator Mark Kelly — President Trump posted on social media that Senator Mark Kelly should be "arrested, hanged, and put to death" in response to Kelly's video encouraging service members to follow the Constitution and refuse unlawful orders. Kelly responded by reaffirming his oath to the Constitution and stating that Trump's threats would not intimidate him or other members of Congress from holding the administration accountable.
• Pete Hegseth orders Navy investigation into Mark Kelly's video comments — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memorandum to Navy Secretary John Phelan on Tuesday ordering an investigation into "potentially unlawful comments" made by Senator Mark Kelly and fellow Democrats in a social media video encouraging military personnel to refuse unlawful orders. The Pentagon had already announced an investigation on Monday. Hegseth requested a brief by December 10. The group faces FBI counter-terrorism inquiry and potential court-martial proceedings.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth directs Navy review of Senator Kelly — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a memo directing the Navy secretary to review Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) for "potentially unlawful conduct" related to the viral video where Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers urged military members to resist illegal orders. The memo requested the Navy review be completed and briefed to Hegseth by December 10.
• Defense Secretary threatens Senator with court martial over military dissent video — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened Senator Mark Kelly with court martial after Kelly recorded a video with five Democratic lawmakers warning military members to question unlawful orders, apparently in reference to the Caribbean boat strikes. The threat represents potential retaliation against a senator for encouraging military personnel to uphold constitutional obligations.
• Secretary of Defense Hegseth threatens court martial of Senator Mark Kelly — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth threatened to court martial Senator Mark Kelly in response to Kelly's video urging military personnel to follow the law and refuse illegal orders. Hegseth called the video "sedition" and made deranged social media posts attacking Kelly's uniform and medals, later claiming Kelly's image was reversed by his phone. Kelly responded that the threat was about intimidation and the media cycle, not law, and refused to be silenced.
• Trump threatened to court-martial Senator Mark Kelly over military discipline video — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth threatened to court-martial Senator Mark Kelly after Kelly released a video with five other Democratic lawmakers urging military members not to follow illegal orders. The video was released in response to the alleged illegal directives issued by Hegseth regarding lethal operations.

Supporting reports

• Trump accuses Democratic lawmakers of sedition on Truth Social — Trump posted on Truth Social targeting six Democratic lawmakers who published a video urging military members to refuse illegal orders. Trump accused them of sedition "AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL" and stated they "SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW." He later shared a post calling them "traitorous sons of bitches" who should be "impeached and prosecuted."
• Trump demands arrest and execution of Democratic lawmakers for sedition — On Thursday, President Trump posted on social media that the Democratic lawmakers' video constituted "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL" and demanded each lawmaker be "ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL." In a follow-up post, he stated the behavior was "punishable by DEATH." Trump continued attacking the lawmakers over the following two days. The posts represent a sitting president calling for the arrest and capital punishment of elected members of Congress for speech he perceives as threatening to his policies.
• Trump invoked stolen 2020 election claim and labeled critics "traitors" — Trump reiterated the false claim that the 2020 election was "stolen" and attacked Democratic lawmakers, veterans, and former intelligence officials who reminded U.S. troops they cannot obey unlawful orders, calling these Americans "traitors." Trump's team reposted comments suggesting George Washington would have hanged such individuals.
• Trump posted calls for execution of Democrats for treason — Trump posted on social media that Democrats who told the military to disobey his orders should be executed for sedition, calling it "a major crime" and "sedition at the highest level." He made two additional posts at midnight Saturday repeating the accusation and claiming "many great legal scholars" agreed the Democrats had committed serious crimes.
• Trump accuses Kelly and other Democrats of sedition punishable by death — President Trump posted on Truth Social that Senator Kelly and other Democrats who participated in the video had engaged in "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH" and reposted another user's message saying "HANG THEM." Kelly subsequently stated that Trump's language made him fear for his family's safety, particularly given his wife Gabrielle Giffords' prior assassination attempt in 2011.
• Trump Posts Calls for Senator Kelly's Arrest and Execution — President Trump posted on social media calling for Senator Mark Kelly's arrest, hanging, and execution in response to Kelly's participation in a video reminding servicemembers of their duty to refuse unlawful orders. The posts were part of the administration's escalating rhetoric against lawmakers who have questioned the legality of military operations, including deadly strikes on civilians in small boats near Venezuela.
• Trump calls for execution of Senator Kelly for advising troops on illegal orders — President Trump posted on social media that Senator Mark Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers "should be in jail right now" and characterized their video advising military personnel to refuse illegal orders as "seditious behaviour at the highest level, punishable by DEATH." Trump also republished a post containing the phrase "hang them." Kelly responded that Trump's threats were intended to intimidate Congress from holding the administration accountable.

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• Congress blindsided by Trump's Ukraine peace plan — Congressional representatives were not informed in advance of the 28-point Ukraine peace plan that Trump is pressuring Zelensky to sign. The proposal was leaked to media rather than shared with Congress, leaving lawmakers unaware of a major foreign policy initiative affecting NATO, European security, and U.S. strategic interests.

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• Trump demanded Ukraine accept peace plan by November 27 or lose US aid — Trump issued an ultimatum requiring Ukraine to accept the 28-point peace plan by Thursday, November 27, or face loss of US military and financial aid. The plan demands Ukraine surrender territory, reduce armed forces by more than half, and constitutionally abandon NATO membership. Trump later posted criticism of Ukraine's leadership for lack of gratitude and attacked Europe for buying Russian oil.
• Trump demanded Ukraine sign Russia peace plan by Thanksgiving — President Trump stated he expected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to sign onto the 28-point peace plan by Thanksgiving (November 27, 2025), a deadline of four days. This demand came despite internal U.S. government confusion over the plan's authorship and the absence of full interagency coordination or congressional consultation.
• Trump administration working on plan to force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia — Axios reported that the Trump administration is working on a new plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The plan would force Ukraine to cede parts of its territory to Russia, which it doesn't currently control, and also require Ukraine to limit its military far below its current levels. One US official said that Ukraine would likely lose the territory if the war continues, and "therefore it is in Ukraine's interest to reach a deal now."

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• Trump proclamation exempts coke oven facilities from EPA emissions standards for two years — President Trump issued Proclamation 10993 on November 21, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources subject to the EPA's July 2024 Coke Oven Rule from compliance with specified emissions-control requirements for a period of two years beyond the rule's original compliance deadlines. The proclamation invokes section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act and asserts that the required emissions-control technologies do not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption serves national security interests tied to domestic coke and steel production capacity.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting coke oven facilities from EPA emissions standards for 2 years — President Trump issued a proclamation on November 21, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources (coke oven facilities) from compliance with the EPA's July 2024 Coke Oven Rule for a period of 2 years beyond the rule's original compliance deadlines. The proclamation states the exemption applies because the required emissions-control technology does not exist in commercially viable form and asserts the exemption serves national security interests tied to steel and defense production.
• White House issues fact sheet on EPA regulatory relief for coke production facilities — The White House issued a fact sheet on November 21, 2025, describing a proclamation signed by President Trump granting two years of regulatory relief from Biden-era EPA emissions standards for coke oven facilities. The fact sheet states the relief allows facilities to comply with pre-Biden EPA standards instead, claims the Biden rule imposed "unattainable compliance requirements," and asserts the exemption protects steel production capacity and national security. The document frames the action as balancing environmental protection with economic and industrial strength.

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• Trump administration pressures Ukraine to accept 28-point peace plan before Thanksgiving — President Trump is pressuring Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to sign a 28-point "peace" plan by November 27. The plan, reportedly leaked by Kirill Dmitriev (a Putin ally) and negotiated by Dmitriev and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff without Ukrainian or European representatives, cedes Crimea and most of four eastern Ukrainian oblasts to Russia, limits Ukraine's military, grants full amnesty for Russian war crimes, requires Ukraine to amend its constitution to reject NATO membership, and proposes lifting sanctions and readmitting Russia to the G7. The plan also suggests U.S. separation from NATO and positions the U.S. and Russia to profit from European-funded reconstruction of Russian-controlled territory.
• Trump set Thursday deadline for Ukraine peace agreement — Trump announced a deadline of the following Thursday for Ukraine to agree to a peace plan. The deadline was set amid reports that the U.S. is preparing to pressure Ukraine to accept unfavorable terms, and Zelensky warned the Ukrainian people that Ukraine faces a choice between loss of dignity or loss of a key partner.
• Trump's 28-point Ukraine peace plan contained Russian-language syntax — The Guardian reported that sections of Trump's 28-point Ukraine peace plan contained syntax and phrasing commonly used in Russian, including passive constructions and vocabulary that are more natural in Russian than English. The White House acknowledged that Vladimir Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Trump's special representative Steve Witkoff jointly wrote the proposal during a meeting in Miami.
• Trump rejected Maduro's conditions for leaving Venezuela — Reuters reported that during a November 21 phone call, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro told Trump he was willing to leave the country on conditions including full legal amnesty for himself and family members, removal of sanctions for over 100 Venezuelan officials, and Vice President Delcy Rodriguez leading an interim government. Trump rejected most of Maduro's requests and told him he had a week to leave Venezuela. The deadline expired on November 28.

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• Trump accused six veteran lawmakers of sedition and called for their execution over military law video — On November 20, 2025, two days after six Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds (Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin; Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, Chris Deluzio, Jason Crow, and Maggie Goodlander) posted a one-minute video instructing troops that they can and must refuse illegal orders, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social calling them "traitors" and accusing them of "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" The video restated existing military law under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Manual for Courts-Martial, which require service members to refuse patently illegal orders. Trump's accusation triggered federal investigations.
• Trump threatens execution of Democratic lawmakers in social media posts — On the morning of November 20, 2025, President Trump posted a series of messages on social media labeling Democratic senators and representatives "traitors" and accusing them of "seditious behavior punishable by death." He reposted extremist messages urging that lawmakers be hanged, including one stating "George Washington would hang them." Trump demanded the lawmakers "should be arrested and put on trial" and warned "We won't have a country anymore" unless they are punished. The threats were directed at lawmakers who had released a video reminding U.S. service members of their obligation to refuse unlawful orders.
• Trump called for arrest and execution of Democratic lawmakers who released military oath video — On November 20, President Trump posted multiple messages on social media calling for the arrest and execution of six Democratic lawmakers—Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, and Representatives Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow—who had released a video on November 19 reminding military and intelligence officers of their duty to refuse illegal orders. Trump labeled their speech "seditious behavior" and "treason," reposting calls for them to be "frog marched" from their homes and "hanged." By noon, the White House issued a statement clarifying that Trump does not want to execute members of Congress.
• Trump called for execution by hanging of Democratic lawmakers — Trump posted on Truth Social calling for the execution by hanging of two Democratic senators (Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin) and four representatives (Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, Jason Crow) after they released a video reminding military and intelligence personnel of their constitutional oath and legal right to refuse unlawful orders. Trump labeled their statements "seditious behavior" punishable by death and reposted a cultist's message saying "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!!"
• Trump posts Truth Social messages accusing Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior punishable by death — On Thursday morning, President Trump posted multiple messages on Truth Social accusing six Democratic lawmakers (Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly; Representatives Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow) of "seditious behavior" after they released a video telling active military personnel they can and must refuse illegal orders. Trump wrote "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH" and called for their arrest and trial. Democratic leaders condemned the posts as death threats and calls for political violence; the White House later clarified Trump does not want to execute them but was responding to what it characterized as encouragement of military insubordination.
• Trump threatened serious legal consequences for Democratic lawmakers over military video — Trump stated on Fox News that Democratic lawmakers who produced a video reminding troops they do not have to follow unlawful orders were "in serious trouble" and suggested that historically such conduct was "punishable by death" for seditious behavior. Trump indicated that Deputy Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and military courts were investigating the matter. Trump did not explicitly threaten execution but repeatedly invoked historical capital punishment for sedition.

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• President Trump reposted calls for arrest, execution, and sedition charges against Democratic lawmakers — President Trump reposted social media comments calling for the arrest and execution of the six Democratic veterans in Congress who released the November 18 video. The reposted comments included calls to "throw out of their offices," "frog march out of their homes at 3:00 AM with FOX News cameras filming," and "charged with sedition," as well as posts stating "Insurrection. TREASON!" and "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!!" Trump's reposting amplified these calls for violence and criminal prosecution against sitting members of Congress.
• White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller accused Democratic lawmakers of calling for insurrection — White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller posted on social media that "Democrat lawmakers are now openly calling for insurrection" in response to the November 18 video released by six Democratic veterans in Congress reminding military and intelligence personnel of their legal duty to refuse unlawful orders. The post mischaracterized the lawmakers' reiteration of existing law as a call for insurrection.
• White House deputy chief of staff accused Democratic lawmakers of calling for insurrection — Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, posted on social media that "Democrat lawmakers are now openly calling for insurrection" in response to the military oath video released by the six Democratic lawmakers on November 19.
• White House press secretary claimed Democratic lawmakers encouraged military defiance — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to defuse the crisis of Trump's calls for executing members of Congress by claiming the Democratic lawmakers were encouraging violence. Leavitt stated that the lawmakers were "literally saying to 1.3 million active duty service members to defy the chain of command, not to follow lawful orders." When a reporter corrected her that the lawmakers had said "illegal orders," Leavitt claimed the president has not given illegal orders and that every order from the commander-in-chief through the chain of command is lawful.

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• Trump announced sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia despite Pentagon concerns — Trump announced the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia following multiple business deals between the Saudi global wealth fund and Trump Organization involving golf courses, hotels, resorts, and crypto ventures. The Pentagon had raised concerns that Saudi Arabia would allow China to steal the technology. The announcement came hours to months after the business deals were announced.
• Trump announced sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia over Pentagon objections — President Trump announced the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a decision made over objections from the Pentagon. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) defended the sale, stating that Trump is bringing countries into alignment with Western values and national security.
• Trump approves sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia — President Trump confirmed his intention to sell advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia at the same specification as those sold to Israel, overriding objections from Israel and concerns from U.S. intelligence agencies. The sale was announced during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's White House visit. Intelligence officials have expressed concern about Saudi Arabia's close security ties with China and the risk of technology theft.
• Trump designates Saudi Arabia as major non-NATO ally and dismisses Khashoggi murder — During Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's White House visit, President Trump announced the designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, a largely symbolic move conferring defense, trade, and security cooperation benefits. Trump dismissed the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi state operatives, claiming the crown prince "knew nothing about it" despite U.S. intelligence assessments to the contrary. Trump also announced plans to sell advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and discussed a potential Saudi-Israel normalization deal.
• Trump administration grants Saudi Arabia "major non-NATO ally" designation and advanced weapons access — On November 18, 2025, President Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House and granted Saudi Arabia the "major non-NATO ally" designation, providing access to joint Pentagon research, advanced weaponry, training, and loans. Trump agreed to sell Saudi Arabia 300 Abrams tanks and an unspecified number of F-35 fighter jets—a capability previously restricted to Israel in the Middle East. Trump also agreed to cooperate on civilian nuclear energy and provide access to advanced AI chips. The designation and weapons sales represent an unprecedented expansion of U.S.–Saudi military cooperation.

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• Trump posted criticism of Indiana Republicans opposing redistricting and called for primary challenges — On Sunday, November 16, Trump posted angrily about Indiana Republicans' refusal to advance his redistricting agenda, calling opponents "RINOs" (Republicans in name only) and accusing them of "depriving Republicans of a Majority in the House." He blamed Governor Mike Braun for insufficient effort and called for primary challenges against any Republican voting against the redistricting plan. He singled out two senators by implication, demanding they "DO THEIR JOB, AND DO IT NOW!" or face removal from office.
• Trump attacked Indiana Republican state senators over redistricting — Trump posted criticism of Indiana State Senate Republicans, specifically naming Senators Rod Bray and Greg Goode, for not supporting redistricting that could gain Republicans additional congressional seats. He called them "weak Republicans" and "politically correct," suggested Governor Mike Braun was not working hard enough on the issue, and called for primary challenges against those who vote against the redistricting effort.
• Trump threatened to endorse against Indiana lawmakers refusing to gerrymander congressional districts — Trump threatened to "strongly endorse against" Indiana state lawmakers who refuse to gerrymander congressional districts to his liking. He declared that Republicans must maintain the majority "at all costs," signaling willingness to use political pressure and electoral threats to force manipulation of electoral maps.

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• DHS announced Operation Charlotte's Web citing unexecuted immigration detainers — The Department of Homeland Security announced Saturday that it was launching "Operation Charlotte's Web" because local law enforcement refused to detain people for immigration violations without judicial warrants. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated the operation targeted "violent criminal illegal aliens" and claimed nearly 1,400 immigration detainers across North Carolina had not been honored, asserting this put the public at risk.
• New Orleans identified as next target for federal immigration enforcement — According to the article, New Orleans has been identified as the next city targeted for federal immigration enforcement operations following Charlotte. The article lists New Orleans as "next on the list" for Border Patrol operations.

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• Trump signed pardons for 77 election subversion conspirators — Trump signed pardons for 77 individuals involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, Sidney Powell, and fake electors who had already pleaded guilty. The pardons were signed Friday and announced Sunday night during government shutdown media coverage. The timing and announcement strategy obscured the action from public attention during competing news cycles.
• Trump withdrew endorsement from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene over Epstein file support — President Trump withdrew his endorsement from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on Friday, November 14, citing her support for releasing the Epstein investigation files. Greene stated the withdrawal was directly tied to her position on the transparency measure, representing a use of presidential political power to punish a member of Congress for supporting government disclosure.
• Trump withdrew endorsement of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene — President Trump announced he was "withdrawing my support and Endorsement of 'Congresswoman' Marjorie Taylor Greene" and attacked Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), calling him a "LOSER," in response to their votes in favor of releasing the Epstein files compiled by the FBI. Greene responded that Trump was "coming after me hard to make an example to scare all the other Republicans before next weeks vote to release the Epstein files," stating she would not "worship or serve Donald Trump."

Supporting reports

• Trump attempted to pressure Republican signatories to withdraw from Epstein discharge petition — In the hours before Grijalva's swearing-in on November 12, President Trump attempted to persuade Republican representatives who had signed the discharge petition to remove their signatures. Trump focused on Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO). He attempted to reach Mace by phone and invited Boebert to a meeting in the White House Situation Room, which is equipped to prevent recording. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel attended the meeting with Boebert. Trump's efforts failed; the discharge petition proceeded to ripening.
• Trump contacts Republican members to block DOJ Epstein files release — In the hours before Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva was sworn in on November 12, 2025—providing the final signature for a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing Department of Justice Epstein files—President Trump made direct contact with Republican members to persuade them to withdraw support. Trump called Congresswoman Lauren Boebert early Tuesday morning and summoned her to the White House on Wednesday for a meeting in the Situation Room with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel. Trump also attempted to contact Congresswoman Nancy Mace. A vote on the DOJ files is expected in early December.
• Trump pressures congressional Republicans to block Epstein files discharge petition — President Trump attempted to persuade Republican representatives Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace to withdraw their signatures from a discharge petition that would force a House vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump invited Boebert to the White House and had Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel attempt persuasion, followed by "vague threats." Mace received an unsuccessful phone call and responded with a letter citing her personal history of sexual abuse. Both representatives refused to withdraw, and the petition achieved the necessary 218 votes this week, setting up a potential House vote that could expose Trump to political damage.
• White House pressured representatives to withdraw from Epstein petition — The White House conducted a sustained pressure campaign against Representatives Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace to persuade them to remove their names from the discharge petition to release Epstein files. The campaign included phone calls from Trump to Mace, vague threats to Boebert about the risks of crossing Trump in her district, and inquiries about what it would take to change their positions. Both representatives refused to withdraw.

Supporting reports

• Trump claimed government lacks funds to refund tariff revenue if Supreme Court rules against tariff authority — Trump stated in public remarks that the federal government cannot afford to repay tariff revenue collected if the Supreme Court rules against his tariff authority, claiming repayment would exceed $3 trillion and constitute a "National Security Event." Trump also accused justices opposed to his position of "giving low Numbers" to make the case appear easy to resolve. The administration lost twice in lower courts on the tariff issue and made no fiscal preparations for a potential loss.
• Trump claimed tariff ruling would cost $2–3 trillion and constitute national security catastrophe — President Trump stated on Monday that if the Supreme Court ruled his tariffs unconstitutional, the U.S. would owe "in excess of $2 Trillion Dollars," later increasing the figure to $3 trillion, and characterized this as a "National Security catastrophe." He blamed "Anarchists and Thugs" for challenging his tariffs. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated the actual figure at approximately $195 billion. The Supreme Court had heard arguments on tariff constitutionality on November 5.