Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump pardoned dozens of election-denying loyalists and fake electors — Trump pardoned dozens of election-denying loyalists and fake electors involved in plans to overturn the 2020 presidential election on November 9, including lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis, ex-chief of staff Mark Meadows, and conspiracy theorist Sidney Powell. The pardons cover only federal charges and do not protect against state charges.
• Trump issues federal pardons for 77 people involved in 2020 election interference scheme — President Trump pardoned 77 people, including Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, and John Eastman, for their roles in efforts to overturn the 2020 election through fake elector schemes and legal challenges. The pardons, announced via X by pardon attorney Ed Martin on November 10, are "full, complete and unconditional" but apply only to federal charges, leaving state-level prosecutions intact. Trump's proclamation characterized the prosecutions as "a grave national injustice" and framed the pardons as part of "national reconciliation."
• Trump issued broad pardon for 2020 election-related conduct — Justice Department pardon attorney Ed Martin posted a document on social media revealing that Trump issued a sweeping pardon covering "all United States citizens for conduct relating to the advice, creation, organization, execution, submission, support, voting, activities, participation in, or advocacy for or of any slate or proposed slate of Presidential Electors" in connection with the 2020 election, as well as conduct related to efforts to expose alleged voting fraud and vulnerabilities.
• Trump pardons eight individuals involved in 2020 election overturn efforts — Trump pardoned eight people who attempted to help him overturn the 2020 election results: Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, Sidney Powell, Ken Chesebro, Christina Bobb, Kelli Ward, and Jenna Ellis. The pardons come days before a November 14 deadline for Georgia prosecutors to appoint a replacement for disqualified prosecutor Fani Willis.
• Trump grants preemptive pardons to 70+ MAGA allies including Giuliani and Meadows — Trump granted preemptive pardons to more than 70 MAGA allies, including ex-lawyer Rudy Giuliani and ex-chief of staff Mark Meadows, who worked on efforts to create fake electors to subvert Trump's 2020 election loss. The pardons were announced by pardon attorney Ed Martin via social media. None of the recipients face federal charges, though some have been charged or scrutinized by state authorities for election subversion efforts. Legal experts characterized the action as corrupt, pay-to-play, and authoritarian.
• 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.

Supporting reports

• USDA directs states to reverse SNAP benefit payments issued under court order — The US Department of Agriculture issued a Saturday memo directing states to "immediately undo" full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits distributed to approximately 42 million low-income Americans on Friday, following a Supreme Court order that temporarily paused a lower court ruling requiring full November payments during the federal government shutdown. The USDA warned states that noncompliance could result in cancellation of federal administration cost-sharing and liability for overpayments, though the scope of the directive—particularly regarding states using their own funds—remained unclear.
• USDA deputy undersecretary ordered states to reverse SNAP payments already issued — On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Patrick Penn, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sent a memo to states declaring that any full SNAP payment files sent for November 2025 were "unauthorized" and ordering states to "immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits." The memo threatened states with cancellation of federal administrative cost reimbursement and liability for any overissuances if they failed to comply.
• Trump administration directed states to undo full SNAP benefit payments — The Trump administration sent a memo to state agencies on November 8 directing them to "immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits" for November after the Supreme Court paused an order for food benefit payments to be issued one day earlier. This action sought to reverse emergency food assistance that had been authorized, affecting millions of low-income Americans relying on the program during a federal government shutdown.
• Administration refused to fund SNAP benefits to pressure Democrats on continuing resolution — The Trump administration declined to use congressionally established emergency reserve funds to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which 42 million Americans depend on for food. House Republicans passed a continuing resolution in September; Speaker Mike Johnson has blocked further House work to force the Senate to pass it. Democrats refused unless Republicans extended premium tax credits supporting the Affordable Care Act. The administration's refusal to tap SNAP reserves—a practice used by prior administrations including Trump's first term—was designed to pressure Democrats to capitulate on the healthcare issue.
• Administration Refuses to Fund SNAP Benefits — The Trump administration has refused to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting 42 million Americans, as a tactic to pressure Democrats into agreeing to a continuing resolution passed by House Republicans. The administration previously stated it would not use emergency funds to support SNAP, leading to multiple lawsuits. A federal judge ordered the administration to distribute SNAP benefits, but the administration appealed the ruling and sought a stay from the Supreme Court, which was granted by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
• USDA Memo to States on SNAP Payments — The USDA sent a memo to states instructing them to reverse any unauthorized full SNAP payments issued for November, warning of potential consequences for noncompliance. This memo followed confusion over the administration's directives regarding SNAP funding.

Supporting reports

• Trump demanded Republican senators eliminate the Senate filibuster to pass legislation without Democratic support — During a White House meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, President Trump reiterated his demand that Republican senators end the filibuster to enable passage of a continuing resolution without Democratic votes. Trump argued that eliminating the filibuster would allow Republicans to pass legislation guaranteeing they would "never lose the midterms and we will never lose a general election" again, attempting to address Republican concerns about future Democratic use of a simple majority.
• Trump demanded Senate abolish the filibuster — During a press conference, Trump called on the Senate to eliminate the filibuster, stating that doing so would ensure Republicans "will never lose the midterms" and "will never lose the general election." He cited voter ID requirements and elimination of mail-in voting as legislative priorities that would be enabled by filibuster abolition.

Supporting reports

• JD Vance rejected federal court authority over SNAP compliance — Vice President JD Vance stated on the record that the administration will not follow a federal judge's order to distribute SNAP benefits, calling the ruling "absurd." Vance asserted that a court cannot direct the president how to "triage the situation" and that the administration will instead act "according to what we think we have to do to comply with the law."
• Trump refused to disperse SNAP funds despite court order — Trump announced he is refusing to distribute SNAP (food assistance) benefits to 42 million Americans despite a federal court order mandating the disbursement. He justified the refusal by stating the country must "remain very liquid" due to potential "problems, catastrophes, wars." Vice President JD Vance characterized the court order as "absurd" and stated the administration would not comply with judicial direction on the matter.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration petitioned Supreme Court to block SNAP benefit distribution — The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to stay a U.S. District Court order by Judge John McConnell requiring distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by the end of the day, effectively seeking permission to halt food assistance to 42 million Americans during the government shutdown.
• Trump Administration Appeals Court Order on SNAP Benefits — The Trump administration filed an appeal against a federal court order requiring the release of emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to 42 million Americans. The administration's justification for the appeal was that it needed to "stay liquid," despite having recently approved $40 billion in aid for Argentina. This action reflects a prioritization of financial liquidity over domestic food assistance.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed pardons for 77 people involved in 2020 election subversion — On November 7, 2025, President Trump signed full pardons for 77 people connected to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, Sidney Powell, John Eastman, Kenneth Chesebro, Jenna Ellis, Jeffrey Clark, Boris Epshteyn, Christina Bobb, and fake electors from Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The pardon proclamation was announced late Sunday, November 9, at 7:54 PM via social media by Ed Martin, Trump's clemency czar, timing that coincided with Senate shutdown negotiations to minimize media coverage. The pardons are federal only and do not affect pending state prosecutions in Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Nevada.
• Trump issues proclamation granting pardons for offenses related to 2020 election activities — President Donald Trump issued Proclamation 10989 on November 7, 2025, granting full, complete, and unconditional pardons to all U.S. citizens for conduct relating to advice, creation, organization, execution, submission, support, voting, activities, participation in, or advocacy for any slate or proposed slate of Presidential electors in connection with the 2020 Presidential Election, as well as efforts to expose voting fraud and vulnerabilities in that election. The proclamation names 76 individuals by name, including Sidney Powell, Rudolph Giuliani, John Eastman, Jeffrey Clark, and Mark Meadows. The pardon does not apply to Trump himself.
• Trump administration replaces clemency documents with variable signatures after identical-signature controversy — The Justice Department replaced online pardons bearing strikingly similar copies of Trump's signature with new versions showing variable signatures after public scrutiny. Seven clemency orders issued on November 7, 2025, including pardons for Darryl Strawberry, Glen Casada, and Michael McMahon, initially displayed nearly identical signatures. DOJ blamed a "technical error" and staffing issues; White House officials insisted Trump signed each pardon by hand. Handwriting experts noted that identical signatures contradict basic forensic principles.
• Trump issues broad pardon for 2020 election-related conduct, potentially covering voter fraud cases — On November 7, 2025, President Trump issued a pardon for Rudy Giuliani and others involved in the fake elector scheme. The pardon's language is sweeping, covering "any US citizen" for conduct relating to "advice, creation, organization, execution, submission, support, voting, activities, participation in, or advocacy for or of any slate or proposed slate of presidential electors" in connection with the 2020 election. Legal experts argue the pardon's broad wording may unintentionally cover citizens who committed voter fraud in 2020, such as Matthew Alan Laiss, accused of voting in both Pennsylvania and Florida. Courts must now determine the pardon's actual scope.

Supporting reports

• Trump demands Senate end filibuster and restrict voting — On November 6, 2025, President Trump met with Republican senators and, rather than moving toward compromise to end the shutdown, demanded that they eliminate the filibuster and immediately pass legislation ending mail-in voting and imposing strict voter ID requirements. Trump stated that implementing these measures would ensure Democrats "most likely never obtain power because we will have passed every single thing that you can imagine."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to withhold SNAP benefits unless Democrats capitulate on government funding — On November 4, 2025, President Trump threatened on social media to withhold SNAP (food assistance) benefits to 42 million Americans unless Democrats vote to fund the government. The threat came after the Trump administration had been forced by court rulings to provide emergency funds to keep SNAP operating at 50% capacity during the shutdown. Trump's statement—"Snap benefits will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government"—weaponizes a critical anti-poverty program as leverage in the funding standoff.
• Trump announced withholding SNAP benefits to pressure Democrats on government shutdown — President Trump announced via social media that SNAP benefits for 43 million Americans would be withheld until Democrats agree to reopen the government on Republican terms. This directly contradicted a federal court order from U.S. District Judge John McConnell requiring the administration to fund SNAP using emergency reserves. The White House initially claimed full compliance but Trump's announcement made clear the administration intended to use hunger as political leverage in the shutdown dispute.
• Trump announced refusal to comply with federal court order on SNAP benefits distribution — President Trump posted on Truth Social that he would refuse to follow a federal court order requiring SNAP benefits distribution to nearly 42 million Americans, stating benefits would only be given when "Radical Left Democrats open up govt." The White House later clarified the administration was still sending partial food aid benefits despite the president's threat, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the administration was "fully complying with the court order."
• Trump defies court order on SNAP benefits — Also on Truth Social, Trump said that SNAP benefits "will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government … and not before!" despite a court order requiring the administration to issue payments.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened federal funding retaliation against New York City over mayoral election — Trump posted on social media that if New York City voters elected Democrat Zohran Mamdani as mayor, he would restrict federal funding to the city to the bare minimum required by law. The threat was made before Election Day and constituted an attempt to influence voters through coercive use of federal spending power.
• Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo and threatened to withhold federal funds from New York — President Trump posted on Truth Social endorsing Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor and threatened to withhold federal funds from New York if communist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins, stating he would contribute only "the very minimum as required" if Mamdani is elected because "as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened Senate Republicans with retaliation if they do not pass continuing resolution without Democrats — According to an Axios report, a Trump advisor stated that if Senate Republicans do not pass the continuing resolution without Democratic support by eliminating the filibuster, Trump "will make their lives a living hell," including calling them at 3 a.m., attacking them in their districts, and calling them un-American and creatures of a dying institution.

Supporting reports

• Defense Department conducts strike in Eastern Pacific killing two — On Twitter, Hegseth announced that, at Trump's direction, the department conducted another strike on a boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing two men.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to cut federal funds if Mamdani wins mayoral election — On the eve of the New York mayoral election, President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funds from the city if Zohran Mamdani, the "communist" candidate, wins. Trump stated that he would only provide the minimum required federal funding, claiming that sending money to a city led by a communist would be a waste. This statement raises concerns about the legality of using federal funding as a political tool, as Congress controls appropriations.
• Trump endorses Cuomo and threatens to withhold federal funds from NYC — On Truth Social, Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral election, saying, "Whether you personally like [him] or not, you really have no choice." He once again threatened to withhold federal funds "other than the very minimum as required" to the city if Zohran Mamdani is elected, whom he called a "Communist" multiple times.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration began planning military operations inside Mexico — NBC reported that the Trump administration has begun detailed planning for a new mission to send US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico to target drug cartels. Early-stage training for the potential mission, which would include ground operations inside Mexico, has already begun. Discussions about the scope of the mission are ongoing, and a final decision has not been made.
• Trump administration plans troop deployment to Mexico — NBC News reported that the Trump administration is planning a new mission to send US troops and intelligence officers to Mexico in an effort to target drug cartels.

Supporting reports

• Trump stated he could invoke the Insurrection Act without judicial review — During the 60 Minutes interview, Trump stated that if he needed to send the Army or Marines into cities, he would do so "in a heartbeat" using the Insurrection Act, claiming "no judge can even challenge you on that. If I wanted to I could."
• Trump claims he can invoke Insurrection Act without judicial review — During a 60 Minutes interview, Trump said he would send the Army or Marines into US cities "in a heartbeat" and claimed no judge could challenge his invocation of the Insurrection Act if he did so.

Supporting reports

• DOJ claimed War Powers Act does not apply to boat bombings — The Department of Justice informed Congress that the Trump administration does not have to comply with the War Powers Act regarding boat bombings in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific because the targeted vessels have been unable to shoot back. The DOJ argued that the operation does not rise to the level of "hostilities" covered by the 60-day limit in the 1973 War Powers Resolution. According to the New York Times, at least 65 people have been killed in 14 airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific so far. The DOJ characterized the operation as "precise strikes conducted largely by unmanned aerial vehicles launched from naval vessels in international waters at distances too far away for the crews of the targeted vessels to endanger American personnel."

Supporting reports

• Administration claims exemption from War Powers Act consultation requirement — The Trump administration is claiming it does not have to consult Congress regarding continued military strikes against Venezuela, contrary to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. The administration notified Congress on September 4, 2025, of a strike against a vessel in the Caribbean allegedly affiliated with a terrorist organization and engaged in drug trafficking. As of November 1, the 60-day deadline requiring Congressional approval approaches on Monday, but the administration has not sought approval and has been reluctant to share information about the strikes with Congress, excluding senior Senate Democrats from briefings and providing incomplete briefings to House members.
• Trump administration ignored War Powers Act deadline for Venezuela strikes — The Trump administration did not seek congressional approval by the November 4 deadline required under the 1973 War Powers Act for ongoing military strikes against Venezuela. The administration took the position that no approval was necessary because U.S. military personnel were not at risk in the strikes, which have killed 65 people so far. The administration's interpretation effectively exempts the strikes from War Powers Act requirements.

Supporting reports

• Trump refuses to meet with Democrats unless they "open up the country" — When asked upon arrival in Florida whether he would meet with Democrats despite having previously refused to do so and ordered congressional Republicans not to meet with Democrats, Trump stated: "I'm always going to meet. All they have to do is open up the country. Let them open up the country, and we'll meet. We'll meet very quickly. But they have to open up the country. It's their fault, everything is their fault."

Supporting reports

• War Powers Resolution 60-day deadline for boat strikes passed without congressional approval — The Trump administration informed Congress of the boat strikes on September 4 to ensure Congress was "fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution." However, the administration has since ignored the War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional approval for hostile actions to continue longer than 60 days. The 60-day deadline passed in early November 2025 without congressional approval for the continuation of strikes.
• Trump notifies Congress of military strike — On September 4, 2025, President Trump notified Congress of a military strike against a vessel in the Caribbean, claiming it was linked to a terrorist organization and involved in drug trafficking. This notification was part of his obligation under the War Powers Resolution, which requires the president to inform Congress of military actions.

Supporting reports

• Trump pressures Republicans to eliminate filibuster — On Truth Social, Trump pressured Republican lawmakers to eliminate the filibuster to end the federal government shutdown, telling them not to be "WEAK AND STUPID" and claiming the move is about "the survival of our Country!"

Supporting reports

• Federal judges ruled administration's SNAP funding refusal likely illegal — Two federal judges found that the Trump administration's refusal to use Congressional reserves to fund SNAP benefits in an emergency was likely illegal. One judge ordered the government to use the reserved funds. Despite the court order, the administration did not immediately comply. Trump posted on social media claiming government lawyers believe the administration lacks legal authority to pay SNAP and instructed lawyers to ask the court for clarification, while blaming Democrats for the shutdown and directing SNAP recipients to contact Senate Democrats.

Supporting reports

• Trump directs Defense Department to prepare for military action in Nigeria — On Truth Social, Trump directed the Defense Department to "prepare for possible action" in Nigeria to "completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists" allegedly killing Christians, an accusation Nigeria denies. He also threatened to cut off all aid and assistance to Nigeria. The directive came less than an hour after Trump watched a Fox segment about Christian targeting by Islamic groups in the country.
• Trump threatened military invasion of Nigeria — Trump posted on Truth Social that if the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the United States will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and "may very well go into that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing,' to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists." Trump stated he is "hereby instructing our Dept of War to prepare for possible action" and warned that if the U.S. attacks, "it will be fast, vicious, and sweet." Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded with an X post stating that "The Dept of War is preparing for action" and that either the Nigerian government will protect Christians or "we will kill the Islamic Terrorists."

Supporting reports

• Defense Department conducts strike in Caribbean killing three — On Twitter, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that, at Trump's direction, the Defense Department carried out a strike on a boat in the Caribbean, killing three people.

Supporting reports

• Trump calls on Republicans to abolish Senate filibuster rule — Donald Trump posted on Truth Social calling on Republicans to invoke the "nuclear option" and eliminate the Senate filibuster rule to end the ongoing federal government shutdown and break the standoff with Democrats. The filibuster currently requires 60 votes to advance most legislation; eliminating it would require only a simple 51-vote majority. While some Senate Republicans expressed openness, others including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator John Curtis reaffirmed opposition to the change.
• Trump called for abolition of the Senate filibuster — Trump posted in all capital letters calling for the Senate to invoke the "nuclear option" and eliminate the legislative filibuster, citing Democratic opposition as justification. The post stated: "BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THE DEMOCRATS HAVE GONE STONE COLD 'CRAZY,' THE CHOICE IS CLEAR — INITIATE THE 'NUCLEAR OPTION,' GET RID OF THE FILIBUSTER AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announced plans to attack Venezuelan military installations — The Trump administration made the decision to attack military installations inside Venezuela, with strikes potentially coming at any moment. The decision follows maritime operations that have killed 61 suspected traffickers and represents a shift from sea-based to land-based operations as the administration seeks to expand its military footprint in the region.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon ordered National Guard to establish "quick reaction" forces in every state and territory by January. — The Pentagon issued orders to the National Guard to create specialized "quick reaction" forces in every state and territory by January, trained and equipped to respond to riots and civil unrest within the United States. Trump had directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in August to establish these units. Memos were sent to state Guard organizations.