Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Starlink and Starshield services restricted in Ukraine — Ukraine's access to Starlink and Starshield satellite communication systems was abruptly restricted without warning or explanation. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated the restrictions came from the U.S. government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied U.S. involvement, claiming SpaceX was responsible, while SpaceX and the White House blamed each other. The timing coincided with Trump's pressure on Ukraine not to attack Russian refineries and preceded intensive Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian territory. Starshield's speed limitations rendered it unable to detect Russian missiles traveling above approximately 100 miles per hour.
• Elon Musk ordered Starlink slowdown during Ukrainian bombardment — The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of Starlink service during one of the worst bombardments of the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces lost control of their drones when Starlink slowed during the attack, impairing their defensive capability at a critical moment.

Supporting reports

• Judge Wilson rules California oil pipeline can continue operating under Trump's Defense Production Act order — Federal Judge Stephen Wilson ruled that the Sable offshore oil pipeline off Santa Barbara can continue operating, overriding California state opposition. The Trump administration invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) in March 2026 to order the pipeline's reopening, citing national security and energy supply needs during the Iran war. Wilson found the DPA order pre-empts conflicting state law, including California's trespass claims. The judge fined Sable $1.5 million for violating a consent decree but allowed operations to proceed under federal oversight rather than state authority.
• Federal court upholds Defense Production Act order requiring Santa Ynez Pipeline operation against California state obstruction — The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California ruled that a Defense Production Act order issued by the Secretary of Energy preempts California state law and environmental challenges to the Santa Ynez Pipeline's operation. The court rejected California's motion for a preliminary injunction, held that federal law bars state trespass claims against pipeline operations, modified an existing consent decree to place pipeline safety oversight under federal rather than state authority, and clarified that state courts cannot enforce injunctions conflicting with federal directives. The Department of Justice announced the ruling as a victory for national energy security.

Supporting reports

• Trump DOJ announces $300m "Model Cities" policing grants with ideological conditions — The Trump administration's Department of Justice announced a "Model Cities Initiative" offering up to $300 million in federal policing grants to two to four cities with populations exceeding 100,000 residents. In exchange for funding, recipient cities must comply with federal immigration enforcement, adopt conservative anti-homelessness policies, and agree to reimburse the federal government for costs of future federal law enforcement interventions or national guard deployments. The initiative cites Memphis and Washington DC as models, despite documented officer-involved deaths in Memphis. Several Democratic-led cities have declined to apply.

Supporting reports

• National Design Studio builds copy of Login.gov federal sign-in gateway — The NDS built and operates a copy of Login.gov, the federal sign-in gateway used by more than 150 million Americans to access services from Social Security to tax filing. A former Doge engineer, Greg Hogan, was reportedly put in charge of the NDS's Login.gov version. The studio's voter-registration system uses this copied Login.gov to verify visitor identities. The General Services Administration (GSA), which operates the official Login.gov, stated that all personnel supporting Login.gov must comply with GSA policies and governance processes.
• National Design Studio builds passport-application portal outside State Department — The NDS built and operates passports.gov, a federal passport-application website now run from inside the White House rather than through the State Department's existing travel.state.gov portal. The studio's version collects identity information from passport applicants, carries no privacy notice, and had developer test code left running on the live page. The State Department confirmed it is "working closely with the White House" on the initiative but deferred additional questions to the White House.
• National Design Studio operates children's investment program website outside Treasury Department oversight — The NDS operates trumpaccounts.gov, the federal website for a children's investment program created in summer 2025 tax legislation. Although the Treasury Department is the registrant of record and administers the program, the website runs through the same White House-controlled commercial account as other NDS sites. The Treasury Department did not respond to requests for comment. The site collects sensitive financial and identity information from families enrolling children in the program.

Supporting reports

• ICE refused Senator Kim access to detainees during congressional oversight visit — Senator Andy Kim visited Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, to conduct congressional oversight. ICE and GEO Group, the private prison company operating the facility under federal contract, refused to allow Kim to speak with any detainees and restricted his ability to conduct his oversight duties. Kim observed a woman in apparent distress in a fetal position and reported that facility staff refused to disclose information about her condition. The facility has only one full-time doctor for hundreds of detainees.

Supporting reports

• Washington Post reported corporate donors to Trump ballroom project received federal contracts — A watchdog report detailed that more than half of the publicly identified corporate donors to Trump's White House ballroom project received new or expanded federal contracts worth collectively over $50 billion. Fourteen of 27 known corporate donors secured additional federal business following their contributions. Lockheed Martin received approximately $43.8 billion in new contracts; Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Palantir also received increased federal contracts. Many donating companies simultaneously faced federal enforcement actions that were eased or suspended under the Trump administration.
• Fourteen Trump ballroom project donors won over $50 billion in federal contracts — According to reporting by Jonathan Edwards of the Washington Post on June 4, 2026, fourteen of the twenty-seven known donors to Trump's $400 million ballroom project have won new or expanded federal contracts totaling over $50 billion since making their donations. The pattern suggests a direct correlation between donations to the president's personal project and receipt of federal contract awards.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon loan of $620 million pushed through for Trump Jr.-linked company — ProPublica reported that a top White House aide intervened to expedite a $620 million Pentagon loan for a small North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr. A person involved in the transaction told ProPublica: "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The company's valuation jumped from approximately $200 million to billions following the White House intervention, indicating the loan was granted on terms favorable to Trump family interests rather than merit-based criteria.
• Pentagon awarded $620 million loan to Trump Jr.-linked startup via White House request — ProPublica reported that the Pentagon awarded a $620 million loan to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr., following a direct request from Peter Navarro, a White House adviser and friend of Trump Jr. The Pentagon and the company initially denied any political favoritism, with Trump Jr.'s spokesperson claiming he was not involved. However, interviews and DOD records show Navarro initiated the loan request, and Vulcan's was the only deal among dozens of Pentagon funding considerations that originated from a top presidential aide. Pentagon staff worked at an unusually rapid pace with minimal sleep to complete the loan in a matter of weeks after receiving the White House directive.
• Trump trade advisor pressures Pentagon to loan $620 million to company with Trump Jr. stake — Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro personally pressured the Pentagon to loan $620 million to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup in which Donald Trump Jr. holds a financial stake. The Pentagon invested $620 million in Vulcan, a rare-earth magnet company, and another $80 million in its partner ReElement. The Commerce Department provided $50 million in additional incentives, and the government took a $50 million stake in Vulcan. When Trump Jr.'s venture capital firm 1789 Capital invested in August 2025, Vulcan was valued at approximately $200 million; after government investments, the valuation jumped to around $2 billion.
• Pentagon Approves $620 Million Loan to Trump Jr. Company at White House Direction — ProPublica reported that a $620 million loan approved by the Pentagon to a company linked to Donald Trump Jr. was initiated by White House adviser Peter Navarro, with a Pentagon source stating, "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The loan was approved last year and represents a direct intervention by the White House in Pentagon contracting decisions.

Supporting reports

• Deputy Defense Secretary Feinberg consolidates control over Pentagon shipbuilding and acquisitions — Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, a private-equity billionaire and close ally of Defense Secretary Hegseth, is consolidating control over shipbuilding and Navy acquisitions—roles traditionally held by the Secretary of the Navy. Feinberg is simultaneously overseeing the newly created Economic Defense Unit (EDU), which directs government investment in private defense contractors and has negotiated deals for the government to take equity stakes in those businesses.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration transfers 760 acres of California public land to US Navy for militarized border defense zone — The Trump administration's Department of Interior announced the transfer of 760 acres of public land in California's San Diego and Imperial counties to the US Navy for a three-year period to establish a "National Defense Area" supporting border security operations. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the action addresses security gaps and supports the President's border and sovereignty agenda. The region, spanning from the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area to approximately one mile west of the California–Arizona border, is claimed by officials to be among the highest-traffic areas for unlawful crossings.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced government stake in Intel — Trump announced that the federal government has taken a 10% stake in Intel, which manufactures semiconductors and chips. Trump stated he intends to take similar stakes in other companies. The action represents direct government equity ownership in private corporations.
• Trump announced U.S. acquisition of 10% stake in Intel following pressure on CEO — President Trump announced on social media that the United States now owns and controls 10% of Intel. Trump had called for CEO Lip-Bu Tan's removal on August 7, met with Tan on August 11, and stated he told Tan the U.S. "should be given 10% of Intel." Tan agreed to the arrangement. Trump publicly characterized the transaction as a major corporate acquisition achieved through direct presidential intervention in private business operations.
• Trump Announces U.S. Ownership of 10% of Intel — President Donald Trump announced that the United States now owns 10% of Intel after a meeting with the company's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, on August 11, where Trump demanded the stake. This announcement marks a significant government intervention in a private company, contrasting with traditional Republican values of free markets.
• Conservative economists and commentators criticized Trump's Intel stake acquisition — Multiple conservative figures criticized Trump's acquisition of a 10% government stake in Intel as socialism and government overreach. National Review's Pradheep Shanker warned it sets a precedent Democrats will exploit; Editor Charles Cooke called it "preposterous"; Sen. Rand Paul questioned whether it constitutes socialism; talk show host Erick Erickson called it "socialism with an R"; former House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good suggested canceling Intel subsidies instead; former Trump economic advisor Stephen Moore called it "terrible"; and Fox Business host Larry Kudlow expressed discomfort with the move.
• Trump announced U.S. government acquisition of 10% stake in Intel — President Trump announced that the U.S. government now owns and controls 10% of Intel, stating he negotiated the deal with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan and that "the US paid nothing for these Shares" valued at approximately $11 billion. Trump characterized it as "a great Deal for America." The announcement followed Trump's previous threats against Intel's leadership.
• Trump administration announced government equity stake in Intel and discussed nationalizing defense contractors — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the Trump administration took an ownership stake in Intel and discussed potentially taking equity positions in major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which derives 97% of revenue from U.S. government contracts. Lutnick justified the policy as necessary for the government to benefit from taxpayer-funded research and patents. The announcement drew criticism from labor analysts and economists who noted the government received no governance rights or board seats despite taking equity.

Supporting reports

• Senate bill would expand ICE detention and enforcement capacity — The Senate reconciliation bill would provide ICE with $45 billion for detentions (on top of current $3.4 billion annual budget), $14.4 billion for transportation and removal (on top of current $750 million), and $8 billion for hiring through fiscal year 2029. Immigration experts warn this could make ICE the nation's largest jailer, with more detention funding than the entire federal Bureau of Prisons and more officers than the FBI.
• Senate allocates additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement — The Senate budget reconciliation bill includes an additional $45 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), significantly increasing its budget for detaining migrants. This funding is on top of the existing annual budget of $3.4 billion and includes provisions for new hires and retention.
• Budget reconciliation bill allocates $45 billion for migrant detention — The Republican budget reconciliation bill includes $45 billion for migrant detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement over five years, more than thirteen times the current annual ICE detention budget of $3.4 billion. The bill also allocates $14.4 billion for transportation and removal, compared to the current annual budget of $750 million. Trump demanded passage by July 4 partly because the Department of Homeland Security has exhausted its budget.
• Reconciliation bill allocates $172 billion for immigration enforcement crackdown — Trump's reconciliation megabill includes $172 billion to finance a massive immigration crackdown, exceeding the annual military spending of every country except China. The funding includes $45 billion for ICE immigration jails (more than 13 times the current budget), $14.4 billion for ICE enforcement and removal actions, $8 billion for hiring and retention, and $50 billion for completing the southern border wall. The funding would give ICE a larger jail budget than the Federal Bureau of Prisons and enable hiring more agents than the FBI.
• Reconciliation bill includes $158 billion in new defense spending — Trump's reconciliation megabill includes $158 billion in new defense spending, including $25 billion to initiate the "Golden Dome," a space-based missile defense system that many experts believe will be ineffective and may ultimately cost as much as $500 billion. The bill also includes $29 billion for new ships, $23 billion for munitions, and $15 billion for nuclear weapons. Most funding will be funneled to military contractors. Combined with the Trump administration's budget request, total annual U.S. military spending will exceed $1 trillion.
• Senate passes Trump immigration enforcement spending bill with $170bn for ICE — The Senate passed Trump's spending bill on Tuesday, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The measure allocates approximately $170bn for immigration and border enforcement, including $45bn for detention centers (enabling 116,000 daily detentions), $46.6bn for border wall construction, and new fees on asylum applications ($100 plus $100 annually). The bill caps immigration judges at 800 despite millions of pending cases and would enable indefinite family detention, potentially violating the Flores settlement. Critics warn the spending will supercharge mass deportations and restrict humanitarian protections.
• Congress allocates $170.7 billion for immigration and border enforcement over four years — Legislation, referred to as Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," allocates $170.7 billion to immigration and border enforcement programs over the next four years. This represents a significant increase compared to ICE's current annual budget of approximately $8 billion, substantially expanding resources for mass deportation and immigration enforcement operations.
• Trump administration signs One Big Beautiful Bill Act allocating $6bn to US-Mexico border surveillance expansion — President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) into law on July 4, 2025, providing $165bn in additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security over four years, with more than $6bn earmarked for border surveillance technology. The funding supports biometric systems ($673m), surveillance towers ($140m), social media monitoring, license plate readers, and phone hacking capabilities. Private contractors including Palantir, Anduril, the GEO Group, Core Civic, and facial recognition firms stand to profit significantly from the expansion.
• Trump administration expands ICE funding and personnel by 50% to support mass deportation campaign — President Trump's megabill, enacted July 4, 2025, allocates an additional $76.5 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement over four years and authorizes hiring 10,000 additional ICE staff—a 50% personnel increase. White House Senior Adviser Stephen Miller stated the administration aims for a minimum of 3,000 ICE arrests daily, targeting one million arrests annually. Currently, 71.1% of those in ICE detention have no criminal conviction. The expansion is intended to fulfill Trump's mass deportation campaign promise.
• One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law, funding ICE at military-scale budget levels — On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. The legislation, forced through Congress by Republicans, slashes social programs while allocating ICE funding at levels comparable to the U.S. Army budget. The act enables ICE to recruit new agents aggressively, offering $50,000 signing bonuses and student loan forgiveness, with the stated goal to "defend the homeland" and "flood the zone" with agents in sanctuary cities.

Supporting reports

• SpaceX received expanded federal contracts and access across multiple agencies — The New York Times reported that SpaceX is receiving unprecedented access and contracts across the federal government. The Defense Department is promoting SpaceX's rocketry for military cargo transport. The Commerce Department made SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet fully eligible for the $42 billion federal rural broadband program. NASA is being pressured to shift focus to Mars, allowing SpaceX to pursue federal contracts for human Mars missions. Starlink satellite dishes have been installed at the FAA and the White House. Former FCC official Blair Levin stated: "The odds of Elon getting whatever Elon wants are much higher today. He is in the White House and Mar-a-Lago."

Supporting reports

• Trump expands Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency — Trump signed an 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 to be monitored by Musk's team. The order states it "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."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to abolish FEMA — Former President Trump threatened to abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), suggesting that states should handle their own disaster responses. This proposal raises concerns about the federal government's role in disaster management and support for states during emergencies.
• Trump suggests paring back FEMA — Donald Trump has suggested reducing or dismantling the federal response to major disasters, which would shift the burden of disaster aid to individual states. This proposal could significantly impact Republican-leaning states that have historically received substantial FEMA assistance. Trump criticized FEMA's effectiveness and expressed a preference for states to handle their own disaster responses, with federal support limited to financial aid. This move aligns with the Project 2025 manifesto and could have severe implications for states with limited resources to manage disasters independently.
• Trump announces intent to abolish FEMA — Former President Donald Trump announced his intention to abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during visits to disaster sites in North Carolina and California. He criticized FEMA's effectiveness and suggested that states should handle disaster relief independently. Trump proposed redirecting federal relief funds to private organizations like Samaritan’s Purse.
• Executive Order Establishes FEMA Review Council — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14180, establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council. The Council will assess FEMA's effectiveness and recommend improvements. It includes up to 20 members, co-chaired by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense. The Council will evaluate FEMA's disaster response capabilities and suggest reforms to enhance national resilience. A report is due to the President within 180 days of the Council's first meeting.
• Trump plans to establish a council of FEMA advisers — President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order to establish a council of FEMA advisers. This council is intended to examine the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address issues of corruption, incompetence, and bureaucracy. The move signals Trump's intent to potentially reshape FEMA's role in national disaster response by redirecting more disaster-management responsibilities and federal funding to state governments. This announcement was made during Trump's national disaster recovery tour, which included visits to hurricane and fire-affected areas.
• White House established Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council on January 24, 2025. The Council is tasked with assessing FEMA's effectiveness and impartiality in disaster response, amid concerns of political bias and inefficiency. Comprising up to 20 members, including the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense, the Council will provide recommendations for improvements to FEMA. The Council is expected to produce a report within 180 days of its first public meeting, which must occur within 90 days of the order.
• — The White House issued an executive order establishing a Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council composed of up to 20 members, including the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense as co-chairs, to assess FEMA's disaster response efficacy and recommend structural changes. The order directs the Council to evaluate FEMA's performance over the previous four years, compare federal responses with state and local alternatives, and submit a report within 180 days of its first public meeting, which must occur within 90 days of the order's issuance.

Supporting reports

• America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14150, directing the Secretary of State to align the Department of State's policies and operations with an "America First" foreign policy. This directive emphasizes prioritizing American interests in foreign policy decisions. The order specifies that it should not affect existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights against the U.S. government.
• Establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14158, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency to modernize federal technology and software. The order renames the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service and creates a temporary organization to advance the President's 18-month DOGE agenda. The initiative aims to improve government-wide software, network infrastructure, and IT systems, promoting interoperability and data integrity.
• Executive Order 14154 Revokes Climate and Energy Regulations — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14154, titled "Unleashing American Energy," which revokes multiple previous executive orders related to climate and energy policies. The order aims to promote energy exploration and production on federal lands, eliminate the electric vehicle mandate, and streamline the permitting process for energy projects. It also disbands the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases and terminates the American Climate Corps.
• Executive Order Designating Cartels as Terrorist Organizations — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14157, designating certain international cartels and organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This order aims to address the national security threat posed by these entities, which are involved in violence and illegal activities across the U.S. southern border. The order mandates the Secretary of State, in consultation with other federal officials, to recommend designations under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
• Executive Order Ending DEI Programs — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14151 on January 20, 2025, directing the termination of all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The order mandates the Office of Management and Budget, along with other federal agencies, to eliminate DEI-related positions, programs, and policies within 60 days. The order aims to align federal employment practices with a policy of equal dignity and respect, excluding DEI considerations.
• Executive Order on Federal Hiring Reform — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14170 on January 20, 2025, reforming the federal hiring process to emphasize merit and efficiency. The order mandates a Federal Hiring Plan to recruit highly skilled individuals committed to American ideals, while preventing hiring based on race, sex, or religion. It aims to reduce hiring time, improve candidate communication, and integrate modern technology in recruitment. The Office of Personnel Management will establish performance metrics and consult with stakeholders to ensure reform success.
• Executive Order on Free Speech and Censorship — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14149 on January 20, 2025, aimed at restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship. The order prohibits federal entities from engaging in activities that abridge free speech and mandates an investigation into past government censorship. The Attorney General is tasked with reporting findings and recommending remedial actions. This order emphasizes the protection of constitutionally protected speech and seeks to correct past misconduct related to censorship.
• Executive Order on Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14172, directing the reinstatement of the name "Mount McKinley" and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The order mandates the Secretary of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System and work with relevant entities to implement these changes. The order aims to honor American heritage and contributions by renaming national landmarks.
• Executive Order Restores Accountability in Federal Workforce — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14171, reinstating Executive Order 13957, which creates Schedule F in the excepted service. This order aims to enhance accountability for policy-influencing positions within the federal workforce by allowing easier removal of employees for poor performance or misconduct. It revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected federal workforce rights, and mandates amendments to civil service regulations to align with the reinstated policies.
• Executive Order to Develop Alaska's Resources — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14153 on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to maximize the development of Alaska's natural resources. The order mandates rescinding restrictions on resource development, expediting permits, and prioritizing liquefied natural gas projects. It aims to enhance economic and national security by utilizing Alaska's energy, mineral, timber, and seafood resources. The order also calls for reviewing and potentially reversing previous regulations that hinder resource development in Alaska.
• Executive Order to End Federal Weaponization — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14147 on January 20, 2025, directing the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to review past federal enforcement and intelligence activities for misconduct. The order aims to address alleged weaponization of federal agencies against political opponents by the previous administration. Reports with recommendations for remedial actions are to be submitted to the President.
• President Trump rescinds multiple executive orders — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14148, revoking numerous executive orders from the previous administration. These include orders related to racial equity, COVID-19 response, climate change, and immigration policies. The revocations aim to reverse policies deemed harmful and restore what the administration describes as common sense to federal governance. The order mandates agency heads to cease implementation of the revoked orders and requires reviews of related actions for potential rescission or amendment.
• Presidential memorandum issued to resolve security clearance backlog — President issued a memorandum to address the backlog of security clearances for Executive Office of the President personnel. The White House Counsel is directed to grant interim Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearances for up to six months to affected personnel, allowing them access to necessary facilities and technology.
• Presidential memorandum mandates return to in-person work — President issued a memorandum directing heads of executive departments and agencies to end remote work arrangements and require employees to return to in-person work at their duty stations. Exemptions may be made as necessary by department and agency heads. The memorandum is to be implemented in accordance with applicable law.
• Presidential Memorandum on Accountability for Senior Executives — President issued a memorandum to enhance accountability among Career Senior Executive Service (SES) officials. The directive mandates the Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget to issue SES Performance Plans. Agency heads are instructed to reassess and realign SES members, reconstitute Executive Resources Boards, and enforce performance evaluations. The memorandum emphasizes the President's authority to remove SES officials who fail to meet performance standards or violate duties.
• Presidential memorandum on America First Trade Policy — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum establishing the America First Trade Policy. This policy directs various departments to investigate trade deficits, unfair trade practices, and currency manipulation. It also mandates reviews of trade agreements, including the USMCA, and assesses economic relations with China. The memorandum aims to enhance national security and benefit American workers and businesses by recommending tariffs and other measures.
• Presidential memorandum on emergency price relief — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum directing executive departments and agencies to deliver emergency price relief to American families. The memorandum aims to lower housing costs, reduce healthcare expenses, and eliminate climate policies that increase food and fuel costs. The Assistant to the President for Economic Policy is tasked with reporting on the implementation status within 30 days and every 30 days thereafter.
• Presidential Memorandum on Federal Civic Architecture — President issued a memorandum directing the General Services Administration (GSA) to propose recommendations for ensuring federal buildings reflect civic identity and classical architectural heritage. The GSA must consult with relevant officials and submit recommendations within 60 days. The memorandum emphasizes community input and potential revisions to architectural guidelines.
• Presidential Memorandum on Hiring Freeze — President issued a memorandum ordering a freeze on hiring Federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective January 20, 2025. The freeze excludes military personnel and positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety. The Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with other agencies, is tasked with developing a plan to reduce the workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition within 90 days. The memorandum remains in effect for the IRS until further notice.
• Presidential memorandum to redirect water in California — The President issued a memorandum directing the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to restart efforts to redirect water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Southern California. This action aims to address water shortages exacerbated by recent wildfires. The memorandum requires a progress report within 90 days on the implementation of these policies.
• Presidential Proclamation on Flag Display for Inauguration Day — President issued a proclamation mandating that the U.S. flag be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day at all federal buildings, military posts, and U.S. facilities worldwide. This order applies to all future Inauguration Days, honoring the significance of the event. The flag will return to half-staff after Inauguration Day in memory of former President Carter, as previously directed.
• Regulatory Freeze Pending Review — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum ordering a regulatory freeze pending review. This directive requires all executive departments and agencies to halt proposing or issuing new rules until reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed by the President. The memorandum also mandates the withdrawal of rules sent to the Office of the Federal Register but not yet published, and considers postponing the effective date of published rules for 60 days for further review. The Office of Management and Budget Director is tasked with overseeing the implementation of this memorandum.
• Trump rescinds 78 Biden-era orders — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order rescinding 78 orders and actions from the Biden administration. This sweeping action was part of Trump's first day in office, aimed at reversing policies related to the cost of living, censorship, and what he described as the "weaponisation of the government against the adversaries of the previous administration." The rescission of these orders marks a significant shift in policy direction.
• Trump signed 92 executive orders in 2025 — In the first 100 days of his presidency in 2025, Donald Trump signed 92 executive orders, marking the highest number of executive orders signed by a president in this timeframe for decades. These orders covered a wide range of policy areas, including civil service, immigration, education, health, taxes, tariffs, aid, and foreign policy. The rapid pace and breadth of these orders indicate a significant shift in U.S. policy under Trump's administration.
• Trump signs executive orders — On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed several executive orders during a public event, including one that withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. These orders were characterized as retaliatory actions against perceived wrongs and were met with approval from his supporters.
• America First Policy Directive To The Secretary Of State — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "America First Policy Directive To The Secretary Of State." This directive mandates the Secretary of State to align the Department of State's policies, programs, personnel, and operations with an "America First" foreign policy. The order emphasizes prioritizing American interests in foreign policy decisions. It is one of 26 executive orders issued by Trump on his first day in office during his second term.
• Executive Order Reforming Federal Hiring Process — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and software, aiming to enhance governmental efficiency and productivity. The order reorganizes the United States Digital Service into the United States DOGE Service, which will operate within the Executive Office of the President. It mandates the creation of DOGE Teams in each federal agency to implement the DOGE agenda, focusing on software modernization and data interoperability. The initiative includes a temporary organization to advance the agenda, set to terminate on July 4, 2026.
• Executive Order: Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at reforming the federal hiring process to emphasize merit and efficiency. The order mandates the development of a Federal Hiring Plan within 120 days, focusing on recruiting highly skilled individuals committed to American ideals and the Constitution. It prohibits hiring based on race, sex, or religion and seeks to reduce the time-to-hire to under 80 days. The plan also includes modernizing recruitment technology and improving communication with candidates.
• Trump designates cartels as terrorist organizations — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness." This order directs the reinstatement of the name "Mount McKinley" for North America's highest peak, reversing a 2015 decision by the Obama administration. It also mandates the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The order requires the Secretary of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System and work with relevant entities to implement these changes. The order aims to honor American historical figures and promote national heritage.
• Trump ends federal DEI programs — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order designating certain international cartels and other organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This order aims to address the national security threat posed by these groups, which are involved in activities such as drug trafficking and violence across the U.S. southern border. The order mandates the Secretary of State, in consultation with other federal officials, to recommend designations under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The order also declares a national emergency to address these threats.
• Trump issues executive order on federal workforce accountability — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, to terminate all federal programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The order directs the Office of Management and Budget, the Attorney General, and the Office of Personnel Management to coordinate the cessation of DEI programs across federal agencies. It mandates the termination of DEI offices, positions, and related initiatives, and requires agencies to report on DEI-related expenditures and positions. The order aims to eliminate what it describes as discriminatory practices and restore a focus on merit-based employment.
• Trump issues executive order on gender ideology — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce." This order reinstates and amends Executive Order 13957, originally issued in 2020, which created Schedule F in the excepted service. The order aims to enhance accountability among federal employees in policy-influencing positions by reinstating the prior administration's policy with modifications. It also revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected the federal workforce, and mandates changes to civil service regulations to align with the new order.
• Trump issues executive order to end federal censorship — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government." The order mandates federal agencies to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, and to enforce sex-based rights and protections accordingly. It directs agencies to revise policies, documents, and communications to reflect this definition and prohibits the use of federal funds to promote gender ideology. The order also rescinds previous executive orders related to gender identity and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• Trump issues executive order to end federal government weaponization — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship." The order aims to secure the right of Americans to engage in constitutionally protected speech without government interference. It prohibits federal departments and agencies from using resources to abridge free speech and mandates an investigation into past government actions that may have suppressed speech. The Attorney General is tasked with reporting findings and recommending remedial actions.
• Trump Issues Executive Order to Unleash Alaska's Resource Potential — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, aimed at ending the perceived weaponization of the federal government by the previous administration. The order directs the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to review the activities of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies over the past four years. They are tasked with identifying instances of misconduct and recommending remedial actions. The order emphasizes accountability for actions that allegedly targeted political opponents and were inconsistent with constitutional and legal standards.
• Trump Issues Executive Order to Unleash American Energy — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, aimed at maximizing the development of Alaska's natural resources. The order directs federal agencies to rescind or amend regulations that hinder resource development in Alaska, particularly on federal and state lands. It emphasizes the importance of developing Alaska's liquified natural gas (LNG) potential and includes specific actions for the Department of the Interior and other agencies to facilitate resource extraction and infrastructure development. The order seeks to reverse restrictions from the previous administration and enhance national economic and energy security.
• Trump issues executive order to withdraw from Paris Agreement — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Unleashing American Energy." The order aims to promote energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters, establish the U.S. as a leading producer of non-fuel minerals, and eliminate regulatory barriers to consumer choice in vehicles and appliances. It revokes several previous executive orders related to climate change and environmental regulations, and mandates a review of agency actions that may burden domestic energy development. The order also calls for expedited permitting processes and prioritizes national security in energy policy.
• Trump rescinds multiple executive orders from previous administration — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements," directing the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The order mandates the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to submit formal notification of withdrawal and cease any financial commitments related to the agreement. The order emphasizes prioritizing American economic interests in international environmental agreements and revokes the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan.
• Trump Withdraws U.S. from World Health Organization — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions," which revoked several executive orders from the previous administration. These included orders related to racial equity, COVID-19 response, climate change, and gender identity discrimination, among others. The order aims to reverse policies deemed by Trump as inflationary, illegal, and radical, and to restore what he describes as common sense to the federal government. The order mandates agency heads to cease implementation of the revoked orders and requires reviews of related actions for further rescission or amendment.
• President Trump signed executive order reinstating Schedule F civil service exemption with amendments — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The order revokes a previous retraction of the withdrawal notice and halts U.S. funding and personnel support to the WHO. It also mandates the Secretary of State to inform the United Nations and WHO leadership of the withdrawal. The order cites the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial contributions as reasons for the withdrawal.
• Signed Executive Order 14154 revoking climate and environmental protections and redirecting energy policy toward fossil fuel development — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, reinstating and amending Executive Order 13957 (Schedule F), which creates a new "Schedule Policy/Career" category in the excepted service for federal employees in policy-influencing positions. The order removes civil service protections and adverse action procedures for these employees, allowing their dismissal without the procedural safeguards that apply to competitive service employees. The order revokes Executive Order 14003 and directs the Office of Personnel Management to rescind regulations protecting civil service merit principles.
• Trump signed executive order rescinding 78 prior executive orders and memoranda from the Biden administration — The White House signed Executive Order 14154 on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to review and suspend regulations that burden fossil fuel development, revoke 12 prior executive orders on climate and environmental protection, terminate the American Climate Corps, pause disbursement of Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds, expedite permitting for energy projects, disband the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases, and eliminate the "social cost of carbon" from regulatory decisions. The order directs agencies to eliminate EV subsidies and mandates, streamline NEPA review, and prioritize mineral extraction on federal lands.
• White House issued executive order directing review of federal law enforcement and intelligence activities over prior four years — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, rescinding 78 executive orders and presidential memoranda issued between January 20, 2021, and January 14, 2025. The order states the prior administration "embedded deeply unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices" including DEI initiatives, border policies, and climate regulations. The order directs agency heads to end DEI implementation and instructs the Directors of the Domestic Policy Council and National Economic Council to review remaining actions and recommend additional rescissions within 45 days. The National Security Advisor is directed to review all National Security Memoranda from the prior administration and recommend rescissions within 45 days.
• White House issued executive order redefining sex and gender in federal policy and rescinding prior LGBTQ+ protections — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government" on January 20, 2025. The order directs the Attorney General to review enforcement activities across federal departments and agencies over the preceding four years and identify instances of alleged misconduct, and directs the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a parallel review of Intelligence Community activities. Both officials are instructed to submit reports with recommendations for remedial actions. The order asserts the prior administration engaged in "weaponization" of law enforcement and intelligence against political opponents.
• White House issued executive order reforming federal hiring process — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing federal policy that recognizes only two sexes (male and female) as immutable biological categories and directs all federal agencies to enforce this definition across law, policy, and identification documents. The order directs the Attorney General to reinterpret the Supreme Court's Bostock decision, rescind prior guidance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, remove gender-identity-affirming materials from federal programs, prohibit federal funding for gender-affirming care in prisons, and enforce sex-based distinctions in detention facilities and shelters. It explicitly rescinds five prior executive orders and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• White House issued memorandum freezing federal civilian hiring — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the development of a Federal Hiring Plan within 120 days. The order states that current federal hiring practices are "broken, insular, and outdated" and claims they improperly prioritize factors such as "equity" and "gender identity." The order directs the plan to prioritize recruitment based on commitment to constitutional values and efficiency, prevent hiring based on race, sex, or religion, implement technical assessments, reduce time-to-hire to under 80 days, and improve candidate communication. It also requires specific agency plans for Senior Executive Service positions in named Cabinet agencies and other entities.
• White House issued presidential memorandum directing emergency price relief measures — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, imposing a freeze on hiring of federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective immediately. The freeze prohibits filling vacant positions as of noon on January 20, 2025, and creating new positions, with exceptions for military personnel, immigration enforcement, national security, public safety roles, and Social Security, Medicare, and Veterans benefits. The Director of OMB, in consultation with OPM and the USDS, must submit a workforce reduction plan within 90 days; upon issuance, the freeze expires government-wide except for the IRS, where it remains until the Treasury Secretary determines lifting it serves the national interest.
• White House issued presidential memorandum imposing regulatory freeze pending review — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive departments and agencies to deliver emergency price relief and increase worker prosperity. The memorandum attributes inflation to Biden-era policies, regulatory burden, and energy restrictions. It orders agencies to lower housing costs, reduce healthcare administrative expenses, eliminate appliance requirements, create employment, and eliminate climate policies affecting food and fuel costs. The Assistant to the President for Economic Policy is directed to report on implementation every 30 days.
• White House issues America First Policy Directive to Secretary of State — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive departments and agencies to halt the proposal or issuance of any rule until reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed after noon that day. The order requires withdrawal of rules sent to the Federal Register but not yet published, and directs agencies to postpone for 60 days the effective date of published rules or rules not yet in effect, pending review of factual, legal, and policy questions. The OMB Director may exempt rules addressing emergencies or statutory/judicial deadlines.
• White House issues executive order renaming Mount McKinley and Gulf of Mexico — The White House issued a presidential directive on January 20, 2025, instructing the Secretary of State to align the Department of State's policies, programs, personnel, and operations with an "America First foreign policy" that prioritizes American interests. The order directs the Secretary to issue guidance "as soon as practicable" to implement this reorientation. The directive contains standard boilerplate provisions preserving existing agency authority and requiring consistency with applicable law.
• White House issues memorandum directing GSA to recommend federal architecture policy — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the restoration of the name "Mount McKinley" to North America's highest peak (renamed Denali in 2015) and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The order directs the Secretary of the Interior to update federal geographic naming systems within 30 days and instructs agency heads to review and potentially replace appointees to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to align with the stated policy of honoring "visionary and patriotic Americans."
• White House issues memorandum requiring federal employees to return to full-time in-person work — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing the Administrator of the General Services Administration to submit recommendations within 60 days on advancing a policy that federal public buildings should be "visually identifiable as civic buildings" and respect "regional, traditional, and classical architectural heritage." The memorandum requires the GSA to consider revisions to the Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture and procedures for community input. It also mandates that the GSA notify the White House at least 30 days before approving any new federal building design that diverges from this policy.
• White House issues presidential memorandum withdrawing all Outer Continental Shelf areas from offshore wind leasing and imposing moratorium on federal wind permitting — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive branch department and agency heads to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their duty stations on a full-time basis. The memorandum permits department and agency heads to make exemptions they deem necessary and states it shall be implemented consistent with applicable law.
• White House signed executive order directing reversal of Alaska resource development restrictions and expedited permitting for energy and mineral projects — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing the withdrawal of all areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from offshore wind energy leasing, effective January 21, 2025, pending revocation. The memorandum also imposes a temporary cessation of new or renewed federal approvals, permits, leases, and loans for onshore and offshore wind projects pending a comprehensive review. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to place a moratorium on activities under the Lava Ridge Wind Project Record of Decision and to assess environmental and cost impacts of defunct windmills.
• White House signed executive order establishing Department of Government Efficiency — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to rescind, revoke, or amend regulations and policies restricting resource development in Alaska implemented between January 2021 and January 2025. The order mandates expedited permitting for energy, mineral, timber, and seafood development on federal and state lands; prioritizes liquefied natural gas infrastructure; withdraws protections in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; places temporary moratoriums on recent environmental reviews; and directs the Secretary of the Interior to reinstate prior oil and gas leasing decisions and rescind conservation rules in the National Petroleum Reserve and national forests.
• White House signed executive order on free speech and federal censorship — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and software. The order renames the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service, establishes a USDS Administrator reporting to the White House Chief of Staff, and creates a temporary organization set to terminate July 4, 2026. Each federal agency must establish DOGE Teams of at least four employees within 30 days. The order directs USDS to conduct a Software Modernization Initiative and grants USDS full access to unclassified agency records and IT systems.
• White House signed executive order terminating federal DEI programs and positions — President Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship" on January 20, 2025. The order asserts that the previous administration censored Americans' speech by pressuring social media companies to moderate or deplatform content, and directs all federal departments and agencies to cease any conduct that would "unconstitutionally abridge" free speech. It instructs the Attorney General to investigate federal censorship activities over the prior four years and submit recommendations for remedial action.
• — President Trump signed an executive order directing the termination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and related programs across the federal government. The order instructs the Office of Management and Budget, Attorney General, and Office of Personnel Management to coordinate the elimination of DEI offices, positions, equity action plans, and related mandates within 60 days. Agencies must report on existing DEI expenditures and assess operational impacts. The order states that federal employment practices shall reward "individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work" and shall not consider DEI factors.

Supporting reports

• White House signed executive order establishing Department of Government Efficiency — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and software. The order renames the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service, establishes a USDS Administrator reporting to the White House Chief of Staff, and creates a temporary organization set to terminate July 4, 2026. Each federal agency must establish DOGE Teams of at least four employees within 30 days. The order directs USDS to conduct a Software Modernization Initiative and grants USDS full access to unclassified agency records and IT systems.
• Lawsuit filed against Trump's 'Doge' program — A lawsuit was filed against the 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) program, initiated by Donald Trump and led by Elon Musk, shortly after Trump's swearing-in. The lawsuit, filed by the public interest law firm National Security Counselors, claims that Doge violates federal transparency rules. It argues that Doge should be considered a federal advisory committee, which requires balanced representation, record-keeping, and public access to meetings. The program, which aims to cut government programs and jobs, has reportedly hired staff working from Musk's SpaceX offices.
• Elon Musk given office in West Wing — Elon Musk has reportedly secured an office in the West Wing of the White House, following negotiations with Donald Trump. This development suggests a close relationship between Musk and the Trump administration, raising questions about the influence of private sector leaders on government policy and operations.