Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration halts New York City's congestion pricing scheme — The Trump administration has moved to stop New York City's congestion pricing scheme, which was introduced by the state's Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, in January. This decision was announced through a social media post by the White House, which also controversially depicted Trump as a king. The move has sparked significant backlash, with critics arguing that it undermines state authority and promotes an un-American monarchist image of the presidency.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order expanding power of Musk's Doge agency — On February 26, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order to expand the power of Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge). The order mandates a centralized system for recording and justifying federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans, with oversight by Musk's team. It excludes law enforcement, military, immigration, and national security activities. The order is part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce, with plans for significant downsizing in various agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Executive Order on Government Efficiency Initiative — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 26, 2025, to implement the "Department of Government Efficiency" Cost Efficiency Initiative. This order mandates federal agencies to establish systems for recording and justifying payments under federal contracts and grants, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. It requires agency heads to review and potentially terminate or modify existing contracts to reduce federal spending. The order also includes provisions for reviewing contracting policies and freezing credit card use, with certain exceptions for critical services. The initiative seeks to streamline government spending and improve efficiency.
• White House issued executive order directing federal agencies to implement cost-efficiency measures through centralized contract and grant justification systems, travel restrictions, and real property reviews. — The White House issued an executive order on February 26, 2025, titled "Implementing the President's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Cost Efficiency Initiative." The order directs all federal agencies (excluding law enforcement, military, immigration enforcement, and intelligence community) to establish centralized technological systems recording every contract and grant payment with written justifications; review and potentially terminate or modify existing contracts and grants within 30 days; freeze employee credit cards for 30 days except for disaster relief and critical services; restrict non-essential travel; and conduct comprehensive reviews of contracting policies and real property holdings. Agency heads must consult with DOGE Team Leads and report monthly to the DOGE Administrator.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on government contracting efficiency — The White House published a fact sheet on February 26, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump implementing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. The fact sheet states the order directs agencies to review all contracts and grants for waste, fraud, and abuse; requires government payments and travel expenses to be justified and made publicly available where possible; and instructs the General Services Administration to submit a plan for disposing of unnecessary real property. The fact sheet claims the federal government spent approximately $759 billion on contracts in fiscal year 2023 with "minimal safeguards."
• Trump signed executive order expanding Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" — On February 26, 2025, Trump signed an executive order expanding the power of Elon Musk's so-called "department of government efficiency." The order calls for a "transformation" in federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans by requiring a centralized payment system monitored by Musk's team. The order states "This order commences a transformation in Federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans to ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public."
• Executive order on government spending signed — President Trump signed an executive order that places the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in charge of reviewing all payments from the U.S. government. This order centralizes spending oversight under DOGE, which is led by Amy Gleason, and aims to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.
• — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14222, initiating the "Department of Government Efficiency" Cost Efficiency Initiative. This order mandates federal agencies to implement systems for recording and justifying payments, reviewing contracts and grants, and managing real property to enhance transparency and accountability in government spending.

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• Elon Musk uses X platform to urge impeachment of judges — Elon Musk, using his social media platform X where he has over 200 million followers, has repeatedly urged the impeachment of judges whose rulings he dislikes. On February 25, Musk stated: "The only way to restore rule of the people in America is to impeach judges." These posts target judges who have blocked or delayed Trump administration actions and Musk's "department of government efficiency" initiatives.

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• White House issued memorandum suspending security clearances for Covington & Burling LLP members and directing contract review — The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing the Attorney General and heads of executive agencies to immediately suspend active security clearances held by Peter Koski and all members, partners, and employees of Covington & Burling LLP who assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith, pending review of their roles in what the memorandum characterizes as "weaponization of the judicial process." The memorandum also directs agencies to terminate engagements with the firm to the maximum extent permitted by law and instructs the Office of Management and Budget to direct all agencies to review government contracts with the firm.
• White House issues fact sheet on suspension of security clearances for Covington & Burling LLP employees — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed a memorandum suspending security clearances for employees of Covington & Burling LLP, including Peter Koski, who assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith. The fact sheet states the administration will review and terminate federal contracts with the firm and evaluate all existing contracts to align with administration priorities. The document characterizes the firm's provision of legal services to Smith as "weaponization of government."

Supporting reports

• Federal employees resist Musk's demands — Following Musk's email directive, department heads at various federal agencies, including the FBI and the State Department, asserted their authority to manage their own employees and instructed them not to respond to Musk's demands. This pushback indicates a rift within the administration regarding Musk's influence.
• Federal Employees Respond to Musk's Demand — Following Musk's email demanding federal employees report their accomplishments, department heads asserted their authority to manage their own staff and advised employees not to respond to Musk's request. This response indicates a rift within the administration regarding the management of federal employees.
• Trump Urges Musk to Cut Government Spending — On February 20, 2025, Trump publicly urged Elon Musk to be "more aggressive" in cutting government spending, despite Musk's lack of formal authority. Following this, Musk sent an email to federal employees demanding they report their accomplishments from the previous week, with failure to respond treated as a resignation.

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• Trump issues executive order for DOJ review — On his first day back in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to review potential abuses of the criminal justice system over the past four years. This order led to the creation of a "weaponization working group" by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The group is tasked with examining cases that angered Trump, and its findings will be sent to Trump's deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller. The group includes officials from various DOJ offices, raising concerns about conflicts of interest due to their previous roles in related cases.

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• Trump fires Joint Chiefs chair — President Trump fired Air Force General CQ Brown Jr., the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as part of a campaign to remove military leaders who support diversity and equity initiatives. This decision follows criticism from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who questioned Brown's appointment based on his race. The firing is part of broader efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the military.
• Trump fires top military officials — President Donald Trump fired Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with the head of the Navy, the vice chief of the Air Force, and top military lawyers. This move, described as a "purge," was announced via social media and replaced Brown with retired three-star general Dan Caine. The firings are part of a broader pattern of consolidating power within the executive branch.

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• Maine Governor Mills refused Trump's transgender athlete ban at White House governors' conference — At a White House meeting of governors on February 21, President Trump announced an executive order banning transgender student athletes from playing on girls' sports teams. When Trump asked Maine Governor Janet Mills if she would comply, Mills stated she was "complying with state and federal laws." Trump responded that "We are the federal law" and threatened to withhold all federal funding if Maine did not comply. Mills replied, "See you in court."
• Trump administration opened investigations into Maine's policies following governor's defiance — Following the February 21 exchange between Trump and Governor Mills at the White House, the Trump administration opened investigations by the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture into Maine's policies. The Department of Agriculture temporarily paused funding for the University of Maine before restoring it and clearing the university system of Title IX violations.

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• Department of Justice announces removal of constitutional protections for administrative law judges — The Department of Justice, through Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle, announced on February 20, 2025, that it has determined multiple layers of removal restrictions protecting administrative law judges (ALJs) are unconstitutional. The department stated it is removing these protections to restore "constitutional accountability" and ensure Executive Branch officials answer to the President. The announcement invokes Supreme Court precedent but does not specify which case or provide legal analysis.

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• King calls for constitutional protection — During his remarks on February 20, 2025, Senator Angus King urged Congress to respond to what he described as the most serious assault on the Constitution in U.S. history. He called for immediate action to protect the constitutional structure and the rights of the American people.
• King warns against Trump's power grab — On February 20, 2025, Senator Angus King warned that Trump's attempts to alter laws by refusing to fund them, known as impoundment, are unconstitutional. He emphasized the need for Congress to uphold its responsibilities to protect the Constitution and prevent the concentration of power in the presidency.

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• White House issues promotional fact sheet claiming executive accomplishments in first month — The White House published a fact sheet titled "America Is Back — and President Trump Is Just Getting Started" on February 20, 2025, listing claimed accomplishments across border enforcement, economic policy, energy, military matters, and domestic governance. The document asserts that President Trump has "already accomplished more than most presidents do in their entire term" after one month in office. It attributes specific policy actions including border emergency declarations, tariff implementations, military deployments, regulatory rollbacks, and personnel changes across federal agencies.
• White House issues compilation release touting departmental accomplishments after one month — The White House published a compilation release on February 21, 2025, in which it aggregated statements from eight federal departments (Homeland Security, Interior, Education, Housing and Urban Development, State, Transportation, Defense, and Health and Human Services) describing their claimed accomplishments during President Trump's first month in office. The release does not announce new policy but curates existing departmental messaging around themes including border security, energy development, education policy, military readiness, and what the administration characterizes as reversals of prior policies.

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• Trump plans to disband USPS governing board — Reports indicate that Trump is planning to disband the governing board of the United States Postal Service (USPS) by executive order, aiming to place the USPS under the control of his Commerce Secretary. This move has sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing it undermines the USPS's independence and legality as established by Congress.

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• Trump issues executive order to end birthright citizenship — On his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order seeking to overturn birthright citizenship by reinterpreting the 14th Amendment. The order declares that children born in the US to parents who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents, or who have only temporary legal status, are not automatically US citizens. The order applies to births after February 19, 2025. The Migration Policy Institute estimated approximately 255,000 children annually would be affected, potentially adding 2.7 million unauthorized immigrants by 2045.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order to end birthright citizenship — On his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order seeking to overturn birthright citizenship by reinterpreting the 14th Amendment. The order declares that children born in the US to parents who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents, or who have only temporary legal status, are not automatically US citizens. The order applies to births after February 19, 2025. The Migration Policy Institute estimated approximately 255,000 children annually would be affected, potentially adding 2.7 million unauthorized immigrants by 2045.
• Appeals court denies Trump's plea to reinstate birthright citizenship ban — A federal appeals court in San Francisco denied the Trump administration's request to reinstate a ban on birthright citizenship. This decision leaves in place an injunction issued by a federal court in Washington state. The case, brought by Democratic attorneys general from Arizona, Oregon, and Illinois, challenges an executive order signed by Trump on his first day in office, which aimed to end birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens or non-legal permanent residents. The appeals court's decision sets up a potential battle at the US Supreme Court.
• US court denies reinstatement of birthright citizenship ban — A US appeals court denied the Justice Department's emergency application to reinstate a ban on birthright citizenship. The ban, initially ordered by Donald Trump, was blocked by a court, and the appeals court ruled that the DOJ did not demonstrate an emergency need to overturn the decision. This ruling maintains the status quo regarding birthright citizenship in the US.

Supporting reports

• Judge allows Trump administration to continue mass firings of federal workers — A federal judge, Christopher Cooper, ruled that the Trump administration can continue its mass firings of federal employees, rejecting a bid by labor unions to halt the downsizing. The unions had sought to block the administration from firing hundreds of thousands of federal workers and granting buyouts to those who quit voluntarily. The judge stated that the court likely lacks jurisdiction over the claims, suggesting the unions file complaints with the Federal Labor Relations Authority instead. This ruling is temporary while litigation continues.
• Judge rules Trump administration can continue mass firings — A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration can proceed with mass firings of federal employees, rejecting a bid by labor unions to halt the downsizing of the federal workforce. The decision affects approximately 2.3 million federal workers, with the IRS beginning layoffs of around 7,000 employees. The ruling allows the administration to continue its efforts to reduce the size of the federal government, despite opposition from labor unions representing affected workers.
• Trump administration conducts mass firings of federal workers — The Trump administration has initiated mass firings of federal workers, citing "poor performance" as the reason. However, many of the terminated employees, including those with positive performance reviews, claim the firings are unjustified. The administration's actions have led to legal challenges, with a federal judge ruling against a restraining order to halt the firings. The firings have affected thousands of probationary employees and have raised concerns about potential legal and financial repercussions for the government.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Deregulatory Initiative — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14219, directing federal agencies to review and potentially rescind regulations deemed unconstitutional or overly burdensome. The order aims to reduce federal overreach and restore constitutional separation of powers by prioritizing the deconstruction of the administrative state. Agencies must identify regulations that exceed statutory authority or impose significant costs without public benefits, and report findings to the Office of Management and Budget within 60 days.
• Executive Order to Reduce Federal Bureaucracy — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 19, 2025, aimed at reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy. The order targets non-statutory components of several governmental entities, including the Presidio Trust and the United States Institute of Peace, for elimination. It mandates these entities to minimize their statutory functions and personnel to the extent required by law. The order also calls for the termination of specific Federal Advisory Committees and revokes a 1961 Presidential Memorandum related to government coordination. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with rejecting inconsistent funding requests.
• Trump issues executive order on deregulation — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Deregulatory Initiative" on February 19, 2025. The order directs agency heads to review and potentially rescind regulations deemed unconstitutional or not in the national interest. It emphasizes reducing federal overreach and restoring constitutional separation of powers. Agencies are instructed to prioritize reviewing significant regulatory actions and to de-prioritize enforcement of regulations that exceed statutory authority. The order aims to streamline government operations and reduce regulatory burdens on private enterprises.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on regulatory review and DOGE implementation — The White House published a fact sheet on February 19, 2025, promoting an executive order signed the same day. The order directs agency heads, in coordination with DOGE team leads and OMB, to review regulations for consistency with law and Trump Administration policy, prioritize rules imposing heavy costs for rescission or modification, and use enforcement discretion to de-prioritize actions stretching statutory authority. The fact sheet claims the Biden Administration imposed $1.7 trillion in regulatory costs and characterizes the order as reversing "regulatory overreach and abusive enforcement."
• White House signed executive order directing agencies to review and rescind regulations deemed unconstitutional or contrary to administration policy — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Regulatory Initiative" on February 19, 2025. The order directs all federal agencies to review regulations within 60 days and identify those deemed unconstitutional, based on unlawful delegations of power, inconsistent with statutory authority, or imposing costs exceeding public benefits. Agencies must de-prioritize enforcement of regulations the administration deems unlawful and terminate enforcement proceedings deemed non-compliant with law or administration policy. The order establishes a process coordinated through "DOGE Team Leads" and the Office of Management and Budget to rescind or modify identified regulations.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order to Reduce Federal Bureaucracy — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14217 to reduce the federal bureaucracy by eliminating non-statutory components of certain governmental entities and terminating specific Federal Advisory Committees. The order aims to minimize government waste and promote efficiency. Affected entities include the Presidio Trust, Inter-American Foundation, and others. The order also revokes previous executive orders and mandates reports on compliance within 14 days.
• Trump issues executive order to end taxpayer subsidization of open borders — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 19, 2025, aimed at ending taxpayer subsidization of open borders. The order directs federal agencies to identify and align federally funded programs to prevent illegal aliens from obtaining taxpayer-funded benefits, consistent with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. It mandates enhanced eligibility verification systems and requires agencies to refer improper receipt of benefits to the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security for action.
• White House issued fact sheet on federal bureaucracy reduction executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on February 19, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs elimination or reduction of unnecessary federal entities and advisory committees. The fact sheet states the order requires submission of a list of additional entities for termination within 30 days, claims the Department of Government Efficiency has identified billions in waste, and references prior actions including elimination of the Federal Executive Institute and a temporary pause on foreign aid.
• White House signed executive order directing elimination of four federal entities and termination of federal advisory committees — The White House issued an executive order on February 19, 2025, directing the elimination of non-statutory components of the Presidio Trust, Inter-American Foundation, United States African Development Foundation, and United States Institute of Peace, and requiring reduction of statutory functions to minimum levels required by law. The order also directs termination of five federal advisory committees and revocation of the Presidential Management Fellows Program. Agency heads must submit compliance reports within 14 days and identify additional entities for termination within 30 days.

Supporting reports

• Trump created DOGE by executive order — Trump signed an executive order creating the Department of Government Efficiency and appointed Elon Musk to head it, as stated by Trump on February 19: "I signed an order creating [DOGE] and put a man named Elon Musk in charge." The White House has attempted to maintain that Musk was only an advisor despite this explicit statement of his official appointment.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order to End Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14218, directing federal agencies to prevent taxpayer-funded benefits from being accessed by illegal aliens. The order mandates agencies to identify and align programs with federal law, enhance eligibility verification systems, and refer improper benefit use to the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security. The order aims to uphold the rule of law and protect taxpayer resources.
• Trump issues executive order to end taxpayer subsidization of open borders — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 19, 2025, aimed at ending taxpayer subsidization of open borders. The order directs federal agencies to identify and align federally funded programs to prevent illegal aliens from obtaining taxpayer-funded benefits, consistent with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. It mandates enhanced eligibility verification systems and requires agencies to refer improper receipt of benefits to the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security for action.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on federal benefits eligibility for immigrants — The White House published a fact sheet on February 19, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing federal departments and agencies to identify federally funded programs providing financial benefits to undocumented immigrants and take corrective action. The order states it will prevent federal funds to states and localities from supporting sanctuary policies, mandate eligibility verification improvements, and ensure benefits prioritize American citizens. The fact sheet cites cost estimates from various sources claiming undocumented immigrants cost taxpayers billions annually.
• White House signed executive order directing agencies to prevent federal benefits from reaching undocumented immigrants — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders" on February 19, 2025. The order directs all executive departments and agencies to identify federally funded programs that permit undocumented immigrants to obtain cash or non-cash benefits, and to take actions to align such programs with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. It requires agencies to enhance eligibility verification systems and ensure federal payments to states do not facilitate or promote undocumented immigration or "sanctuary" policies. The order mandates the Office of Management and Budget and the DOGE Service to identify additional federal funding sources for undocumented immigrants within 30 days and recommend further agency actions.
• Trump signed executive order ending federal benefits for undocumented immigrants — On February 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending federal benefits for people in the country illegally. The order stated it would eliminate "all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens" but did not specify which benefits would be targeted. The action is part of broader immigration efforts to fulfill Trump's promise to remove millions of people from the country.

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• Executive Order on Agency Accountability — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14215, mandating increased presidential supervision over independent regulatory agencies. The order requires these agencies to submit significant regulatory actions for review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) and establishes performance standards for agency heads. It aims to enhance accountability and ensure alignment with presidential policies.
• Trump issues executive order to ensure accountability for all agencies — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 18, 2025, to enhance accountability across federal agencies, including independent regulatory agencies. The order modifies Executive Order 12866, requiring these agencies to submit proposed rules to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for significance determination. This move aims to increase presidential oversight and ensure that all executive actions align with the President's policies and priorities. The order excludes the Federal Reserve's monetary policy activities but includes its regulatory functions over financial institutions.
• White House issued executive order subordinating independent regulatory agencies to presidential control — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies" directing all executive departments and agencies, including independent regulatory agencies, to submit proposed and final significant regulatory actions to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for presidential review before publication. The order establishes performance standards for independent agency heads, grants OMB authority to adjust agency apportionments to advance presidential priorities, requires independent agencies to establish White House Liaison positions, and declares that presidential and Attorney General interpretations of law are controlling on all executive branch employees.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order subordinating independent agencies to presidential control — The White House published a fact sheet on February 18, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order asserts that all executive power vests in the President under Article II, requiring all federal agencies—including those statutorily designated as independent (FTC, FCC, SEC)—to submit draft regulations for White House review, consult on priorities, and accept White House-set performance standards. The fact sheet states the order exempts only the Federal Reserve's monetary policy functions and directs OMB to adjust agency apportionments. It claims the President and Attorney General will interpret law for the executive branch, displacing separate agency interpretations.
• Trump signs executive order on regulatory agencies — President Trump signed an executive order granting the White House and the attorney general direct authority over independent regulatory agencies. The order allows the president to provide authoritative interpretations of law for the executive branch, centralizing power and potentially undermining agency independence.
• Trump signed executive order making independent regulators accountable to White House — On February 19, 2025, Trump signed an executive order making independent regulatory agencies—including the SEC and FTC—accountable to the White House. Agencies must report new policy priorities to the executive branch for approval, which also gains control over their budgets. The White House claimed the order ensures agencies are "accountable to the American people, as required by the constitution," though experts say it clashes with mainstream constitutional interpretation.
• Trump signs order making independent regulators answerable to White House — Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring independent regulatory agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to report their policy priorities to the White House for approval. This order also gives the executive branch a say over their budgets. The move is seen as an attempt to centralize power within the presidency and is expected to face legal challenges. The order exempts the Federal Reserve's authority over monetary policy but applies to other major agencies, including those regulating Wall Street and telecommunications.
• Trump expands independent regulators’ power — Donald Trump signed an executive order extending his power over independent regulatory agencies, making them accountable to the White House. This move has been criticized by some experts as conflicting with mainstream interpretations of the constitution, potentially undermining the independence of these agencies established by Congress.

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• Trump defies court order to restore funding — President Donald Trump defied a court order that mandated the restoration of funding to federal bodies such as the National Institutes of Health. This defiance is part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration's aggressive actions to seize or dismantle federal institutions and budgets. Critics have labeled this defiance as contributing to a constitutional crisis, as it challenges the judiciary's role in checking executive power.

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• ICE detention and release of Rodney Taylor, double amputee with prior conviction — Rodney Taylor, a 47-year-old Liberian-born green-card applicant and double amputee, was detained by ICE on February 15, 2025, after agents dragged him from his car in front of his children. He was held at Georgia's Stewart Detention Center for over 14 months due to a burglary conviction from his teenage years that Georgia pardoned in 2010. Despite a habeas corpus petition, multiple protests, letters from state officials, and a March 4 Capitol Hill hearing by Representative Lucy McBath citing dangerous detention conditions, ICE maintained his detention until his release on May 1, 2026. His health deteriorated significantly during detention, including development of bone spurs.

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• Trump administration defies federal court orders — The Trump administration has been defying federal court orders that were issued to pause its executive actions, including orders to limit birthright citizenship and freeze federal funding. Despite nearly 50 legal challenges filed in the past three weeks, the administration continues to ignore rulings that have put a hold on some of Trump's executive orders. This defiance has prompted warnings of a potential constitutional crisis, as the administration's actions are seen as a power grab that undermines the rule of law.
• USAID employees turned away despite court order — USAID employees were denied entry to their Washington headquarters, even after a judge temporarily blocked a Trump administration order placing them on paid leave. This defiance of a court order highlights ongoing conflicts between the administration and the judiciary.
• Trump defies court order to restore funding — President Donald Trump defied a court order that mandated the restoration of funding to federal bodies such as the National Institutes of Health. This defiance is part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration's aggressive actions to seize or dismantle federal institutions and budgets. Critics have labeled this defiance as contributing to a constitutional crisis, as it challenges the judiciary's role in checking executive power.

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• Case update — Dellinger v. Bessent (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00385 — The D.C. Circuit rejected Defendant's appeal in a 2-1 opinion.
• DC Court of Appeals rejects Trump case — The DC Court of Appeals rejected former President Trump's request to hear a case involving a lower court's temporary injunction preventing him from firing Hampton Dellinger, who monitors compliance with workplace protections for federal employees. The decision upholds the lower court's injunction.
• Trump administration files supreme court appeal over watchdog firing — The Government petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court asking the Justices to freeze and vacate the district court order that had temporarily reinstated Dellinger.
• — The Trump administration has filed an appeal with the US Supreme Court to approve the firing of Hampton Dellinger, the head of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent federal agency. This appeal challenges a federal judge's decision to reinstate Dellinger pending a court hearing. The administration argues that the judge's order is an impermissible check on presidential power. The case is a significant test of executive authority over independent agencies and could impact numerous lawsuits against the administration.
• — The Supreme Court rejected (7-2) the Government's petition on the ground that a TRO was not properly subject to appeal at this stage.

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• Democrats consider shutdown to counter Trump — Democrats in Congress are contemplating using a potential government shutdown as leverage against President Trump's agenda. With a funding bill needed by March 14 to prevent a shutdown, Democrats are divided on whether to endure a shutdown to oppose Trump's policies. Republicans, who control both chambers, need Democratic support to pass the bill due to the Senate filibuster and a narrow House majority. The situation is complicated by Trump's efforts to overhaul the federal government, including potential mass firings and agency closures.