Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• DOJ Office of Legal Counsel justified lethal strikes on drug boats — CNN reported that the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel's classified memo justifying the Trump administration's lethal strikes against suspected drug trafficking boats argues that the president has the power to designate drug traffickers as enemy combatants and have them summarily killed without legal review. One former associate general counsel at the Defense Department noted that if the opinion is as broad as it seems, "it would mean the DOJ has interpreted the president to have such extraordinary powers that he alone can decide to prosecute a war far broader than what Congress authorized after the attacks on 9/11."

Supporting reports

• Stephen Miller announced alternative federal deployment options — Stephen Miller stated that the administration would abide by the court ruling insofar as it affects the covered parties, but asserted that the president has "many options" to deploy federal resources and U.S. military to Portland. This statement suggested the administration would seek alternative legal pathways to deploy military or federal forces despite the court order.
• Trump officials discussed invoking Insurrection Act — NBC News reported that Trump administration officials have engaged in increasingly serious discussions about the president invoking the Insurrection Act, though a decision to do so wasn't expected to happen imminently.
• Stephen Miller claims president has plenary authority to use military against citizens — White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller stated in a CNN interview that the president possesses "plenary authority"—complete, unchecked power—to use the military to suppress what he characterized as an "insurrection." Miller abruptly stopped speaking mid-sentence after making this claim. The statement echoes arguments that exceptions to the rule of law reveal where true power rests in a society, a concept central to Carl Schmitt's political philosophy.
• Trump declared at least eight national emergencies since January 2025 — Since taking office in January 2025, the Trump administration has declared at least eight national emergencies, which it has used to justify the invocation of emergency powers for various policy objectives.
• White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller asserted "plenary" presidential authority under Title 10 — White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed that the president's power under Title 10 to federalize National Guard troops is "plenary," or absolute. This assertion of unlimited executive authority was made in the context of the National Guard deployment to Illinois for ICE enforcement operations.
• White House officials discussed invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy military troops — White House officials, led by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, have been having increasingly serious discussions about having Trump invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military troops to suppress domestic unrest. The Insurrection Act permits the president to deploy troops to suppress insurrection, domestic violence, or unlawful combinations that obstruct the execution of federal law.
• Senate authorized executive deadly-force authority against drug cartels without congressional approval — The U.S. Senate voted 48–51 to permit the president to order deadly force against drug cartels without requiring congressional authorization. Two Republicans (Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski) opposed; one Democrat (John Fetterman) voted in favor. The article notes the authority has already been used in Caribbean boat strikes resulting in at least 21 deaths, and Congress has not been provided evidence that the targeted boats carried narcotics. The vote grants this power to all future presidents regardless of party.

Supporting reports

• Trump said he would consider invoking Insurrection Act — Trump told reporters he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy the military to US cities, saying, "If I had to enact it, I'd do it, if people were being killed and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up."
• Trump threatens Insurrection Act invocation against Portland anti-ICE protesters — Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act against anti-ICE protesters in Portland, signaling willingness to use federal military or emergency powers to suppress domestic dissent against immigration enforcement operations.
• Trump again suggested invoking Insurrection Act — Trump once again suggested he would invoke the Insurrection Act, saying, "It's been invoked before," and adding, "Chicago is a great city where there's a lot of crime, and if the governor can't do the job, we'll do the job." The last time the Insurrection Act was invoked was more than three decades ago, and it hasn't been used against a state's wishes since the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

Supporting reports

• Trump admitted shutdown aims to defund Affordable Care Act — Trump stated in a public question-and-answer that the government shutdown is designed to make the Affordable Care Act unaffordable, aligning with Project 2025 strategy. Trump previously attempted to repeal the ACA in 2017 and failed. Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany presented blank binders as his healthcare plan to 60 Minutes. The administration's strategy involves cutting funding through various mechanisms rather than direct legislative repeal, exploiting the ACA's popularity with the public.

Supporting reports

• Homeland Security Secretary vows additional troop deployment to Chicago — Kristi Noem, homeland security secretary, visited the ICE Broadview facility in suburban Chicago on Friday alongside border patrol sector chief Gregory Bovino. On Saturday afternoon, Noem posted on social media vowing to deploy additional special operations forces to Chicago, stating "I am deploying more special operations to control the scene. Reinforcements are on their way."
• Homeland Security Secretary announces expansion of ICE operations in Chicago and Portland — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the department is "doubling down" on its immigration enforcement presence by purchasing additional buildings in Chicago and Portland for ICE operations. She stated the department would "not back off" and would expand operations to "more parts of Chicago" in response to local opposition.

Supporting reports

• Illinois Governor Pritzker reports ultimatum from Trump administration — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker posted that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called him with an ultimatum: call up state National Guard troops or the Trump administration would federalize them. Pritzker characterized the demand as "absolutely outrageous and un-American" and stated the administration planned to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard. He described the deployment as "a manufactured performance—not a serious effort to protect public safety" and asserted "For Donald Trump, this has never been about safety. This is about control."

Supporting reports

• White House authorizes deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard members — On Saturday afternoon, a White House spokesperson announced that Trump has "authorized" the deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard members. Governor Pritzker later stated he had been informed that members of the Texas National Guard would also be deployed to Illinois, further expanding federal military presence in the state without state consent.
• Trump issued presidential memorandum calling 300+ Illinois National Guard into federal service to protect federal personnel and property in Illinois — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on October 4, 2025, directing the Secretary of War to call at least 300 members of the Illinois National Guard into federal service. The memorandum states that federal facilities in Illinois, particularly those supporting ICE and Federal Protective Services, have faced "coordinated assault by violent groups" seeking to obstruct federal law enforcement and impede deportations. Trump determined that regular U.S. forces are insufficient and that the situation warrants mobilization. The National Guard personnel are authorized to perform protective activities the Secretary of War deems necessary to ensure federal law execution, with a 60-day duration or at the Secretary's discretion.
• Trump authorized deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard troops to Chicago — Trump authorized the deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard troops to Chicago. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the move unnecessary and a "manufactured performance—not a serious effort to protect public safety," signaling state-level resistance to the federal deployment order.
• Trump administration deploys 300 California National Guard troops to Portland — On Sunday, October 5, blocked from deploying Oregon National Guard troops in Portland by Judge Immergut's ruling, the Trump administration deployed 300 California National Guard troops to Portland instead. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment, characterizing it as "a breathtaking abuse of the law and power" and stating the Trump administration is "unapologetically attacking the rule of law itself and putting into action their dangerous words—ignoring court orders and treating judges, even those appointed by the President himself, as political opponents."
• Trump administration deploys national guard troops to Portland despite judicial order — The Pentagon deployed 200 national guard members from California to Oregon on Sunday, and the Trump administration announced plans to send additional troops from Texas, directly after Judge Immergut's temporary restraining order. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek reported that 101 California national guard members arrived by plane on Saturday night with no formal federal communication and unverified locations. The administration proceeded without state authorization or coordination.
• Trump administration orders Texas national guard deployment to Illinois without state authorization — The Trump administration ordered 400 members of the Texas national guard to deploy to Illinois, Oregon, and other states without communicating with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated he "fully authorized" Trump to deploy the troops. Chicago could see Texas troops deployed by Tuesday or Wednesday as the administration moves to federalize the Illinois national guard.
• Trump authorizes national guard deployment to Chicago — President Trump authorized deployment of 300 Illinois national guard troops to Chicago, citing "violent riots and lawlessness." The deployment follows a border patrol shooting of a woman on Chicago's southwest side during an operation where agents reported being rammed by vehicles. Governor JB Pritzker opposed the move, calling it unnecessary and stating the Pentagon issued an ultimatum to deploy troops or face federal deployment. The action occurs amid an intensified immigration enforcement crackdown by ICE in the city.
• Trump Authorizes Deployment of Illinois National Guard — President Trump authorized the deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard members to assist in protecting federal facilities, following a demand for the state to call up its troops. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized this action as an overreach of federal power.
• Trump administration announces deployment of California national guard to Portland — Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced that approximately 200 federalized members of the California national guard were being reassigned from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon at the direction of President Trump to support ICE and other federal personnel and protect federal property. This deployment occurred despite prior court orders and without state authorization, following Trump's September 27 announcement of plans to deploy guard troops to Portland.
• Illinois Governor Pritzker called Trump's National Guard deployment an "invasion" — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that Trump ordered 400 Texas National Guard members for deployment to Illinois and other locations without any federal officials contacting him directly to discuss or coordinate the action. Pritzker characterized the deployment as "Trump's Invasion," noting it began with federal agents and would include federalized National Guard members against the state's wishes, and called on Texas Governor Abbott to withdraw support and refuse to coordinate.
• Texas Governor Abbott authorized National Guard deployment — Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded to Illinois Governor Pritzker's criticism by stating he fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials, and argued that either other states must fully enforce protection for federal employees or allow Texas Guard to do so. Abbott asserted the superiority of Texas National Guard training and expertise.
• Trump administration federalized Texas National Guard for deployment to Portland and Chicago — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the federalization of 2,000 Texas National Guard members, with 400 being deployed to Portland, Oregon and Chicago, Illinois. This action came immediately after a federal judge blocked the federalization of the Oregon National Guard, appearing to circumvent the court order by using troops from another state. The administration characterized this as a response to unrest in those cities.
• National Guard deployment to Chicago area begins — National Guard troops from Texas began arriving at Elwood Army Reserve Center, approximately 50 miles outside Chicago, as part of a Trump administration deployment. By Wednesday, 200 Texas National Guard troops had arrived with another 300 Illinois National Guard troops preparing to deploy. The FAA issued flight restrictions over the center until December 6. Trump administration officials stated troops would protect federal immigration agents and facilities, not assume law enforcement duties, though the deployment proceeded despite objections from Illinois Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson.
• Trump administration deploys national guard troops to Chicago area for immigration enforcement — The Trump administration deployed approximately 500 national guard troops (200 from Texas, 300 from Illinois) to the Chicago area to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities and federal property. The deployment occurred without coordination with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker or Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. A federal judge held a hearing on whether to declare the deployment illegal, with state and city attorneys arguing it violates the Constitution. Trump attacked both officials on social media, saying they "should be in jail."

Supporting reports

• Stephen Miller directs deportations, detentions, and diversity program elimination while influencing cabinet secretaries — Reports surfaced that deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller was in charge of deportations, detentions, and efforts to eliminate diversity programs, while also exercising influence over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. This represents concentration of power over multiple policy domains in an unelected White House official.

Supporting reports

• HHS Office for Civil Rights threatened Harvard with debarment — The Wall Street Journal reported on September 29 that the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to the president of Harvard University, notifying the school that the Trump administration would refer it to a process called debarment, which could make Harvard ineligible for federal grants. The move appears to be retaliation for the university's diversity and inclusion policies.

Supporting reports

• Trump called for removal of New York Attorney General Letitia James on Truth Social — On Truth Social, Trump called for the removal of New York Attorney General Letitia James, whom he called "SCUM" and a "Complete and Total Disaster." He also baselessly accused James of "costing New York State Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in lost business." This follows months of pressure from Trump against James, who brought a business fraud case against him in 2023.
• Trump called for jailing of Illinois Governor and Chicago Mayor — On Truth Social, Trump called for the jailing of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, accusing them of "failing to protect" ICE officers. In response, Pritzker called Trump "unhinged," "insecure," and a "wannabe dictator," adding, "If you come for my people, you come through me. So come and get me."
• Trump calls for arrest of Chicago mayor and Illinois governor — On October 8, President Trump called for the arrest of Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, both Democrats, accusing them of failing to safeguard immigration officers. The statement escalated Trump's rhetoric regarding the National Guard deployment dispute and represented a direct attack on state and local Democratic officials who had opposed the federal military deployment to their jurisdiction.
• Trump calls for jailing Chicago mayor and Illinois governor; National Guard deploys to Chicago area — President Trump called for the imprisonment of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Truth Social, accusing them of failing to protect ICE officers. Simultaneously, National Guard troops from Texas began arriving at an army reserve center near Chicago at Trump administration order, despite objections from Illinois officials. Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking to block the deployment, with a court hearing scheduled. Mayor Johnson signed an executive order barring federal immigration agents from using city property for enforcement operations.
• Trump calls for Spanberger withdrawal on Truth Social — President Trump posted on Truth Social calling Spanberger "weak and ineffective" and echoing Republican demands that she withdraw from the Virginia gubernatorial race over her continued support for Jay Jones despite the violent texts controversy.
• Trump calls for jailing Chicago mayor and Illinois governor over National Guard deployment objections — On October 8, 2025, as hundreds of National Guard troops were poised to enter Chicago against the objections of the city's Democratic mayor and Illinois governor, President Trump called for jailing both officials despite neither having been charged with crimes. The deployment was part of Trump's militarized immigration crackdown, which the Democratic leaders had criticized.
• Trump attacks Chicago and Illinois officials, calls for their imprisonment — President Trump sent social media posts attacking Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, saying they "should be in jail" for failing to protect federal agents during immigration enforcement operations. The attacks came as the administration escalated its presence in Chicago and announced plans to purchase additional buildings for ICE operations.
• President Trump posted that Chicago Mayor and Governor Pritzker should be in jail — President Trump posted on his social media account that the Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect ICE officers and that Governor Pritzker should also be in jail. The posts appeared to be retaliation for the officials' resistance to the National Guard deployment.

Supporting reports

• Stephen Miller exerted influence over Venezuelan drug boat strikes — The Guardian reported on September 29 that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has taken a prominent role in the Trump administration's strikes against suspected Venezuelan drug boats, sometimes exerting more influence than Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio. The reporting indicates a concentration of power over military/law enforcement operations in the hands of a political operative rather than traditional national security channels.
• Stephen Miller directs strikes on Venezuelan boats, taking precedence over Secretary of State Rubio — Hugo Lowell of The Guardian reported on Monday that Stephen Miller has directed the administration's strikes on Venezuelan boats, taking precedence over Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio. This represents an unelected White House official exercising control over military and foreign policy operations that should be coordinated through the State Department and National Security Council.

Supporting reports

• Energy Department slashes climate funding and freezes construction projects during shutdown — The U.S. Energy Department is cutting nearly $8 billion in climate-related funding for projects across 16 states and freezing $18 billion allocated for two New York City construction projects. Trump stated he would meet with Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget, to determine which agencies aligned with his political priorities should face cuts, describing the shutdown as an "unprecedented opportunity" to eliminate what he called "Democrat Agencies."
• OMB Director Vought impounded $8 billion in climate funding targeting Democratic states — Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, announced on October 2 that he was canceling $8 billion in congressionally approved funding for programs he claimed "fuel the Left's climate agenda." The targeted states were California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington—all states with Democratic senators. Vought stated the impoundments were illegal and used them selectively against Democratic-led states during the government shutdown.
• OMB Director Vought vowed to cut $26 billion from New York City projects — Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought vowed to cut $26 billion from projects in New York City that Congress had previously approved. Legal experts note that such impoundments lack lawful basis, as a government shutdown does not grant the OMB director additional authority to unilaterally rescind congressionally appropriated funds. Vought also vowed to slash the federal government broadly without legal justification.
• Vought announced $18 billion hold on New York City infrastructure projects — Russell Vought announced on October 2 that approximately $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects had been placed on hold. He stated the action was to ensure funding was not flowing based on "unconstitutional DEI principles" and specifically cited the Hudson River Tunnel Project (Gateway) and the Second Avenue Subway project. The announcement came during the government shutdown and targeted infrastructure in a state with Democratic senators.
• Maine Family Planning announces primary care closure due to Medicaid defunding — Maine Family Planning announced on October 2, 2025, that it will cease offering primary care at its clinics by October 31, 2025, due to loss of Medicaid reimbursements under Trump's tax and spending bill. The organization will continue offering STI screenings and contraception to all patients regardless of insurance status "for as long as we are able." Approximately 70% of Maine Family Planning patients receive all healthcare from the organization, making the closure a significant access loss.
• White House pauses infrastructure and clean energy funding to Democratic states — OMB Director Russ Vought announced on social media that approximately $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects have been placed on hold to prevent funding flowing to "unconstitutional DEI principles." Vought also announced cancellation of nearly $8 billion in clean energy funding, characterizing it as fueling "the Left's climate agenda." The actions target Democratic-leaning states during the government shutdown impasse.
• Energy Department terminated 321 awards for 223 projects — Hours after Russ Vought pledged to revoke climate-related funding, the Energy Department announced it had terminated 321 awards for more than 223 projects, claiming the investments did not "advance the nation's energy needs" and were not "economically viable." The agency provided scant details about the cuts.
• Vought announced cancellation of $8 billion in climate funding — OMB Director Russ Vought posted that nearly $8 billion in "Green New Scam" funding was being cancelled to halt the "Left's climate agenda." He listed projects in 16 states, all of which are blue states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
• Vought announced freeze on $18 billion in NYC infrastructure projects — OMB Director Russ Vought announced that roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects, specifically the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway, had been put on hold. Vought claimed the freeze was to ensure funding was not flowing based on "unconstitutional DEI principles."
• Russ Vought froze federal infrastructure funding in blue states — Russ Vought, acting in his federal role, placed a hold on $2.1 billion in Chicago infrastructure projects, specifically the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Project, citing concerns about race-based contracting. The action represents a continuation of Vought's pattern of freezing federal funding on infrastructure projects in Democratic-led states.
• Trump administration freezes $2.1bn in Chicago transit funding, citing diversity concerns — OMB Director Russ Vought announced a freeze of $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago infrastructure projects, including Red Line extensions and modernizations of the city's mass transit system. Vought justified the hold as ensuring "funding is not flowing via race-based contracting," citing a new Transportation Department rule effective Wednesday. The move targets a Democratic-led city during a federal government shutdown and follows a similar $18 billion freeze on New York transit projects announced the previous day.
• Trump administration withholds $2.1 billion in Chicago transit funding citing race-based contracting concerns — Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced that $2.1 billion in federal funding for two transit infrastructure projects in Chicago had been placed on hold, citing concerns about "race-based contracting." The action occurred during the ongoing federal shutdown and was characterized as part of the Trump administration's strategy to retaliate against Democratic-led areas by canceling federal dollars for projects in those jurisdictions.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration declared formal armed conflict with drug cartels — The Trump administration informed congressional committees that the president has declared the U.S. is in a formal "armed conflict" with drug cartels labeled as terrorist organizations. Under this declaration, individuals suspected of smuggling drugs for cartels are classified as "unlawful combatants." The administration cited this justification retroactively for strikes on three boats in the Caribbean in September that killed 17 people. Legal experts, including retired Army JAG lawyer Geoffrey S. Corn, characterized the declaration as an "abuse" that "shreds" established law of war principles, noting that drug trafficking does not constitute armed conflict under international law.

Supporting reports

• Trump acknowledged arch was for himself — In October 2025, when officials first acknowledged to reporters that Trump was planning to build an arch, a reporter asked Trump about a model of an arch on the desk in the Oval Office. Trump responded "It's an Arc. Take a look." When asked who the arch was for, Trump pointed at himself and said "Me."

Supporting reports

• Trump administration demolishes White House East Wing without prior oversight review, then submits ballroom renderings to NCPC — In October 2025, the Trump administration abruptly began demolishing the White House East Wing to clear space for a $400 million ballroom before submitting construction plans to oversight bodies. White House officials claimed demolition did not require commission approval. In December, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a federal lawsuit challenging the demolition as a violation of law. On 11 February 2026, renderings were submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission ahead of a 5 March hearing. The renderings were briefly posted then removed from the NCPC website without explanation.
• Trump bulldozed White House East Wing without required reviews or approvals — In October 2025, President Trump bulldozed the East Wing of the White House without securing any of the legally required reviews, environmental studies, public input, or congressional approval. The White House subsequently issued a press release dismissing public concerns as manufactured outrage by "unhinged leftists and their Fake News allies."
• Trump fired Commission of Fine Arts members and replaced with loyalists — In October 2025, Trump dismissed all six members of the independent U.S. Commission of Fine Arts responsible for reviewing the ballroom plan and replaced them with handpicked designees who unanimously approved the project in February 2026. This action removed independent oversight of the White House renovation and substituted it with loyalist approval.

Supporting reports

• Trump blamed Democrats for shutdown and threatened irreversible cuts — Speaking to reporters on September 30, Trump blamed Democratic lawmakers for the impending government shutdown, but added that his administration "can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them, and irreversible by them. Like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like." The statement indicates an intent to use the shutdown as an opportunity to make permanent cuts to programs favored by Democrats.
• Trump threatens mass federal worker layoffs during shutdown — President Trump stated that if the government shuts down, the administration will conduct mass layoffs of federal workers, adding that "they're going to be Democrats." The threat was made during negotiations over a funding bill and reflects potential use of shutdown conditions to purge federal employees on partisan grounds.
• Trump told reporters administration will use shutdown to cut healthcare and benefits — On Tuesday, after addressing military leaders, Trump told White House reporters that the administration intends to use the government shutdown to cut programs the American people support, including healthcare access and benefits. Trump stated the administration can use the shutdown to make "irreversible" cuts to programs Democrats favor and to "cut large numbers of people out" of benefits. He cited OMB Director Russell Vought's ability to "trim the budget to a level that you couldn't do any other way" and acknowledged the administration is using the shutdown as an opportunity to implement cuts that would otherwise face opposition.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to withhold federal funds from NYC over mayoral candidate — On September 29, Trump posted on Truth Social that he would withhold federal funds from New York City if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor, writing, "He won't be getting any of it, so what's the point of voting for him?" The threat represents an attempt to use federal funding as leverage to influence a local election.

Supporting reports

• Trump issued executive order granting Qatar NATO-level security guarantee — On September 29, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order describing Qatar as "a steadfast ally" and declaring it "the policy of the United States to guarantee the security and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar against external attack." The order states that the U.S. will regard any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security. This expansive security guarantee was previously extended only to NATO members. The shift in policy followed Qatar's May 2025 gift of a luxury 747 jet to the U.S. government and a $1.5 billion investment in Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners in 2024.
• Trump signed executive order protecting Qatar — Trump signed an executive order on September 29 vowing to protect Qatar, weeks after Israel's attack on the country targeting Hamas leaders, which he reportedly received prior notice about. The order states that the US "shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty or critical infrastructure of the state of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States."
• Trump issues executive order guaranteeing U.S. security commitment to Qatar — President Trump signed Executive Order 14353 on September 29, 2025, establishing a formal U.S. security guarantee to the State of Qatar. The order declares that any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure will be regarded as a threat to U.S. peace and security, and commits the United States to take diplomatic, economic, and military measures if necessary to defend Qatar and restore stability. The Secretary of War, State, and Director of National Intelligence are directed to maintain joint contingency planning with Qatar.
• Trump signed executive order granting Qatar NATO-like security guarantees — On September 29, President Trump signed an executive order granting Qatar security guarantees comparable to those provided by NATO. The order stated that the United States would regard any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security, and committed the United States to take "all lawful and appropriate measures—including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military—to defend the interests of the United States and of the State of Qatar." The order was published as a new document on October 2. The agreement appeared to follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House and likely reflected Qatar's demand for guarantees following Israel's recent strike on Doha.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14353 guaranteeing security of Qatar against external attack — President Trump signed Executive Order 14353 on September 29, 2025, establishing a formal U.S. security guarantee for Qatar. The order states the U.S. shall regard any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security, and commits the U.S. to take diplomatic, economic, and military measures if necessary to defend Qatar. The order directs the Secretary of War to maintain joint contingency planning with Qatar and the Secretary of State to reaffirm the assurance to Qatar and coordinate with allies.

Supporting reports

• Secretary of Defense issues memorandum federalizing 200 Oregon National Guard members for 60-day deployment to Portland — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a memorandum on September 28 stating that 200 members of Oregon's National Guard would be "called into Federal service effective immediately for a period of 60 days." The memorandum followed Trump's demand for military deployment to Portland, which he claimed was necessary to protect federal property and suppress lawlessness. Oregon's governor Tina Kotek stated she had been notified that the president had seized control of the state's reservists, invoking authority to suppress "rebellion" or lawlessness. City and state officials filed suit shortly thereafter to block the deployment.
• Hegseth called 200 Oregon National Guard members into federal service — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called 200 members of the Oregon National Guard into federal service for 60 days. This action followed Trump's repeated threats to deploy federal troops to Portland to address what he characterized as "domestic terrorism" and civil unrest. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek had explicitly told Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem that federal troops were unnecessary and that the state could manage its own public safety.
• Hegseth federalizes 200 Oregon National Guard personnel — On September 29, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth federalized 200 National Guard personnel from Oregon under the stated purpose of protecting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal government personnel performing federal functions. The action followed Trump's directive and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's public disagreement with Trump's characterization of Portland's security situation.

Supporting reports

• Trump posts directive to deploy troops to Portland — On September 27, Trump's social media account posted a directive to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, to protect ICE facilities from what Trump characterized as attacks by "Antifa" and "domestic terrorists." Trump authorized "Full Force, if necessary." The post was based on Trump's assertion that Portland was a "war ravaged" city plagued by "anarchists" and "crazy people," claims contradicted by local officials and reporting.
• Trump directed troop deployment to Portland, Oregon — On September 27, Trump announced via Truth Social that he directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, which he baselessly called "War ravaged" and "under siege" by antifa. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson responded that "the number of necessary troops is zero, in Portland and any other American city." The deployment was presented without evidence of the claimed crisis.
• Trump directed military deployment to Portland with authorization for full force — President Trump posted that he was directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide troops to protect the ICE facility in Portland and "any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists," and authorized "Full Force, if necessary." The order came after Trump claimed the facility was under siege, but Senator Ron Wyden posted a video showing the ICE facility with no people present.
• Trump announced deployment of federal troops to Portland — Trump announced on Truth Social that he is directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy federal troops to Portland, Oregon at the request of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to protect against what he characterized as attacks by "Antifa" and "domestic terrorists." Trump authorized "full force, if necessary." Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson both rejected the deployment, stating there is no insurrection or threat to national security warranting military presence in the city.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced farmer bailout funded by tariff revenue without congressional authorization — Trump stated he would use tariff revenue to bail out farmers harmed by his trade war with China, claiming "we're gonna take some of that tariff money that we've made, we're gonna give it to our farmers." Legal analysts noted tariff revenue belongs to the U.S. Treasury and requires congressional appropriation. Trump previously enacted farm bailouts in his first term using similar mechanisms. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed discussions of a farmer aid package across the White House and government.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues Executive Order 14352 determining TikTok divestiture plan qualifies under foreign adversary law, suspends enforcement for 120 days — President Trump signed Executive Order 14352 on September 25, 2025, determining that a proposed divestiture framework for TikTok constitutes a "qualified divestiture" under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The order directs the Attorney General to suspend enforcement of the Act for 120 days and prohibits penalties for any entity's noncompliance during that period or retroactively to the Act's January 19, 2025 effective date. The framework establishes a U.S.-based joint venture majority-owned by American investors, with ByteDance retaining less than 20 percent ownership, subject to data-protection safeguards and algorithm monitoring by U.S. security partners.
• Trump issues executive order determining TikTok divestiture as "qualified" under foreign adversary law, halting enforcement for 120 days — President Trump issued Executive Order 14351 on September 25, 2025, determining that a proposed joint-venture divestiture of TikTok's U.S. operations constitutes a "qualified divestiture" under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The order directs the Attorney General to suspend enforcement of the Act for 120 days and prohibits DOJ from imposing penalties for any noncompliance during that period or retroactively. The new joint venture would be majority-owned by U.S. investors with ByteDance holding less than 20 percent, and would include safeguards on data storage, algorithm control, and monitoring by U.S. security partners.
• President Trump signed Executive Order 14352 establishing a qualified divestiture framework for TikTok operations in the United States. — The White House published Executive Order 14352 on September 25, 2025, directing the Attorney General to suspend enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act for 120 days to permit completion of a proposed divestiture. The order determines that a framework agreement under which a U.S.-based joint venture (less than 20 percent foreign-owned) would operate TikTok, Lemon8, and CapCut constitutes a "qualified divestiture" under the Act. The order directs DOJ to issue guidance and letters stating no violations occurred and no liability attaches to conduct during the 120-day period or any prior period since the Act's effective date. It also amends the 2020 Divestment Order to condition relief on a CFIUS agreement with investor parties.
• White House issued fact sheet on Trump executive order regarding TikTok divestiture framework — The White House published a fact sheet on September 25, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that the administration characterizes as "saving TikTok" while addressing national security concerns. The order determines that a proposed divestiture framework—under which TikTok's U.S. operations would be controlled by a new joint-venture company majority-owned by U.S. investors, with ByteDance holding less than 20% and Oracle serving as security provider—constitutes a "qualified divestiture" under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The order directs the Attorney General to delay enforcement of the Act for 120 days to allow the divestiture to proceed. The fact sheet claims the arrangement will generate $178 billion in economic activity over four years.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 on domestic terrorism — President Trump signed National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), directing law enforcement and regulatory agencies to investigate and disrupt networks, entities, and organizations allegedly responsible for encouraging acts of political violence. The memo directs the IRS commissioner to ensure no tax-exempt groups finance political violence or domestic terrorism, and instructs the IRS chief to refer organizations and their employees to the Department of Justice for investigation and possible prosecution. Legal experts and free speech organizations warn the order conflates protected speech with political violence and could be weaponized against left-leaning nonprofits.
• Trump issues presidential memorandum targeting "domestic terrorism" with focus on left-wing groups — On Thursday, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum aimed at investigating and dismantling what he characterized as a radical left-wing "terror network." The memo directs the FBI's joint terrorism taskforces, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Treasury to pursue an "all-of-government effort" against left-wing political violence and antifa. Trump suggested billionaires George Soros and Reid Hoffman could be targets. Critics, including the ACLU, argue the memo uses the label of "domestic terrorism" to target non-profits, activists, and protected political speech, with potential for broad crackdown on political opponents.
• Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum ordering prosecution of protest as federal crime — Three days after the antifa designation, Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7), titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence," which established a National Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate Americans engaged in protest and ordered the attorney general to prosecute protest as a federal crime to the maximum extent permissible by law.
• Trump signs memorandum targeting activists and nonprofits as "terror network" — President Trump signed a memorandum titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence" that targets activists and nonprofits as part of what he called a "terror network" allegedly fueling violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The memo alleges that "common threads" include anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, anti-Christianity, support for overthrowing the government, and extremism on migration, race, and gender. It grants law enforcement wide latitude to investigate, prosecute, and disrupt entities and individuals engaged in behavior the administration opposes, as well as nonprofit organizations that fund them. The memo also orders law enforcement to interrogate people regarding entities organizing actions and their financial sponsorship prior to adjudication or plea agreement.
• White House issues fact sheet on National Security Presidential Memorandum establishing domestic terrorism strategy — The White House issued a fact sheet on September 25, 2025, describing a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) signed by President Trump that directs federal agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle organized political violence and domestic terrorism. The memorandum instructs the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force to coordinate investigations; directs the Attorney General to prosecute federal crimes related to organized political violence and recommend groups for designation as "domestic terrorist organizations"; instructs Treasury to identify and disrupt funding networks; and designates domestic terrorism a "National Priority Area." The fact sheet cites recent incidents including the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk and attacks on ICE officers.
• Presidential Memorandum directs federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute domestic terrorism and organized political violence through coordinated task forces, financial tracking, and organizational designation authority. — National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, signed September 25, 2025, directs the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Homeland Security and the Attorney General to establish a comprehensive federal strategy countering domestic terrorism and organized political violence. The memorandum instructs the National Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate individuals and organizations engaged in political violence, radicalization, doxing, and intimidation campaigns; directs the Treasury Department to identify and disrupt financial networks funding such activity; authorizes the Attorney General to designate groups meeting the statutory definition of "domestic terrorism" as domestic terrorist organizations; and mandates law enforcement agencies to interrogate suspects regarding organizational structures and funding sources. The memorandum identifies "anti-fascist" movements as a primary focus and cites recent assassinations, ICE facility attacks, and riots as justification for the expanded investigative authority.
• White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum directing domestic terrorism investigations and prosecutions — The White House issued NSPM-7 on September 25, 2025, directing the National Joint Terrorism Task Force, Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, and Department of Homeland Security to investigate, prosecute, and disrupt entities and individuals engaged in political violence and intimidation. The memorandum directs law enforcement to investigate funding sources, organizational structures, and participants in acts characterized as domestic terrorism, with particular focus on what the document describes as "anti-fascist" movements. It instructs the Attorney General to prosecute federal crimes related to these investigations to the maximum extent permissible by law and authorizes the Treasury to deploy investigative tools to trace funding streams.
• Trump signed memorandum designating antifa as domestic terrorist organization — President Trump signed a separate presidential memorandum claiming to designate antifa, described as a leaderless and decentralized anti-fascist movement, as a "domestic terrorist organization." Legal experts warned that through this memo and the concurrent nonprofit-targeting memo, Trump is less concerned with curbing political violence and more concerned with stamping out an idea and creating a tool to use against any form of left-wing protest activity.
• Trump signed presidential memorandum targeting left-wing nonprofit organizations — President Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the federal government to investigate and target liberal nonprofit organizations that fund the political left, specifically naming Democratic megadonors George Soros and Reid Hoffman. The memo ordered the Department of Justice and Department of Treasury to use anti-terrorism financial tools against unspecified organizations and directed the IRS commissioner to ensure that no tax-exempt entities finance political violence or domestic terrorism. Legal experts observed that the memo largely targets actions protected by the First Amendment by conflating speech and violence, and violates federal guidelines prohibiting law enforcement from investigating Americans based solely on First Amendment-protected activity.

Supporting reports

• OMB directs agencies to plan mass firings during shutdown — The Office of Management and Budget sent a memo to federal agencies directing them to draft plans for mass firings of employees who work on programs that aren't legally required to continue if a government shutdown occurs next week. Typically, federal employees are furloughed during a government shutdown and return once funding is restored by Congress.
• White House directs agencies to prepare mass firings in event of government shutdown — The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo directing federal agencies to prepare large-scale reductions in force (firings) if the government shuts down over a spending dispute, a departure from past shutdowns when workers were furloughed and rehired. The memo targets programs whose funding would lapse and are "not consistent with the president's priorities." Democrats accused Trump of intimidation; OMB head Russ Vought defended the move as necessary preparation. The shutdown threat centers on disagreement over Affordable Care Act subsidies.
• OMB Director Vought threatens mass federal employee firings if Democrats reject Republican continuing resolution — Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought leaked a memo to Capitol Hill media outlets stating that if Democrats refuse to pass the Republicans' continuing resolution to fund the government, the administration will attempt to fire large numbers of federal employees rather than furlough them. House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer both rejected the threat, with Schumer noting that similar firings earlier in the year had been overturned in court or resulted in rehiring.
• Trump Administration Threatens Mass Firings — On September 25, 2025, Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought threatened that if Democrats do not pass the Republicans’ continuing resolution to fund the government, the administration would attempt to fire large numbers of federal employees instead of furloughing them. This threat raises concerns about the administration's approach to governance and the potential impact on federal workforce stability.

Supporting reports

• Trump cancels meetings with Democratic leaders on government shutdown — On Truth Social, Trump announced that he would cancel meetings with Democratic congressional leaders meant to prevent a government shutdown on September 30, saying Democrats "hold American Citizens hostage" instead of legislating, despite Republicans holding power in all three branches of government.
• Trump canceled meeting with Democratic leaders on government funding — President Trump canceled a scheduled Thursday meeting with Democratic congressional leaders to discuss keeping the government open. He posted on social media that Democrats' demands were "unserious and ridiculous" and claimed they wanted over $1 trillion in new spending for healthcare for undocumented immigrants. He also attacked Democrats on immigration and transgender athletes, invoking his 2024 election victory. Politico reported Trump canceled at the urging of House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who feared the meeting would erode Republican leverage in funding negotiations.
• Democrats criticize Trump for avoiding negotiations — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized Trump for avoiding negotiations with Democrats over government funding, stating that Trump and Congressional Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the White House but prefer to shut down the government rather than negotiate.
• Trump cancels meeting with Democratic leaders on government funding — President Trump canceled a planned meeting with Democratic leaders to discuss government funding, citing "unserious and ridiculous demands" from Democrats. This decision was reportedly influenced by Republican leaders who feared that engaging with Democrats would weaken their negotiating position. The government funding deadline is approaching, and Congress has not yet passed necessary appropriations bills.