Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Federal judge issues temporary injunction against Trump memo — A federal judge issued a temporary injunction against the Trump administration's memo to freeze federal financial assistance, preventing the memo from taking effect as scheduled. The injunction was granted following a lawsuit filed by a group of non-profits challenging the legality of the memo. The legal dispute may escalate to the Supreme Court. The injunction temporarily halts the freeze, which could have impacted billions of dollars in federal spending, including programs like the National School Lunch Program and Meals on Wheels.
• Court issues injunction against Trump Administration — U.S. District Court Judge Jack McConnell issued an injunction against the Trump Administration, preventing it from impounding federal funds intended for states. The court found that the Executive's pause in disbursement of federal funding would cause irreparable harm to states' ability to provide vital services. The injunction ensures that federal financial assistance to states remains uninterrupted.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Deregulation Issued — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14192 on January 31, 2025, mandating that for each new federal regulation, at least ten existing regulations must be repealed. This order aims to reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic growth by ensuring that the total incremental cost of new regulations is less than zero. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with overseeing the implementation and providing guidance to federal agencies.
• Trump issues executive order on deregulation — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" on January 31, 2025. The order mandates that for every new regulation proposed, at least ten existing regulations must be identified for elimination. This initiative aims to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and individuals, promoting economic growth and national security. The order also sets a regulatory cap for fiscal year 2025, requiring that the total incremental cost of new regulations be significantly less than zero. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these directives.
• White House issued executive order establishing 10-for-1 regulatory offset requirement — The White House published an executive order titled "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" directing federal agencies to identify and eliminate at least 10 existing regulations for each new regulation proposed or finalized. For fiscal year 2025, the order requires that the total incremental cost of all new regulations be "significantly less than zero." The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is charged with implementation, guidance, and enforcement. The order revokes OMB Circular A-4 (2023) and reinstates the 2003 version, and reinstates a 2018 Treasury-OMB memorandum on tax regulation review.
• White House issues fact sheet on 10-to-1 deregulation executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on January 31, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to repeal at least 10 existing regulations for each new regulation issued. The order directs the Office of Management and Budget to standardize measurement of regulatory costs and requires that for fiscal year 2025, the total incremental cost of all new regulations be significantly less than zero. The fact sheet claims the Biden Administration imposed $1.7 trillion in regulatory costs and asserts that Trump's first term achieved a 5.5-to-1 repeal ratio.

Supporting reports

• Presidential memorandum limits lame-duck CBAs — President issued a memorandum limiting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) made in the 30 days before a new administration. These CBAs, which attempt to bind the new President to previous policies, are deemed inconsistent with democratic governance. The memorandum directs agency heads to disapprove such agreements unless they cover law enforcement officers. The memorandum was signed on January 31, 2025, and published in the Federal Register.
• White House issued memorandum restricting lame-duck collective bargaining agreements — The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing executive departments and agencies to prohibit collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) executed in the 30 days prior to a change in presidential administrations. The memorandum states that such agreements "purport to bind a new President to his predecessor's policies" and directs agency heads to disapprove any CBA that creates new contractual obligations, makes substantive changes to existing agreements, or extends their duration. The order cites the Department of Education's January 17, 2025 CBA regarding remote work as an example of agreements the administration views as constraining.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders creation of sovereign wealth fund — Trump ordered the US Treasury and Commerce Department to create a sovereign wealth fund. Such a fund, which requires congressional approval, would act as an investment fund for the country, operating outside the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department. Trump offered few details about the fund, including where the cash would come from. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters the government would "stand this thing up within the next 12 months." Trump stated "We have tremendous potential. I think in a short period of time, we'd have one of the biggest funds." Trump also said the fund could be used to facilitate the purchase of TikTok.
• Trump creates strategic bitcoin reserve — Trump signed an executive order to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve. The reserve "will be capitalized with bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings," according to Trump's crypto czar David Sacks. Creating the reserve was one of several crypto-related promises Trump made during the 2024 election campaign.

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• Trump makes independent regulators answerable to White House — Trump signed an executive order making independent regulatory agencies – such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – accountable to the White House. Agencies will have to report new policy priorities to the executive branch for approval, which will also have a say over their budgets. The White House states the order ensures "all federal agencies are accountable to the American people, as required by the constitution." Critics argue the move clashes with mainstream interpretations of the Constitution.

Supporting reports

• Senate Democrats boycott vote on Vought's nomination — Senate Democrats boycotted a vote to advance Russell Vought's nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget, citing his unfitness for office. Despite their absence, Republican members of the Senate budget committee proceeded with the vote, resulting in an 11-0 decision to move Vought's confirmation to the full Senate. Democrats criticized Vought's role in a recent federal grant funding freeze, which was ordered and then rescinded within days, potentially affecting programs like Head Start and Meals on Wheels.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs order dismantling Department of Education — Trump signed an order that would begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education. The order attempts to circumvent the need to obtain congressional approval to formally close a federal department. Trump stated "My administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department. We're going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It's doing us no good."

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 administration's grant and loan freeze blocked by judge — On January 27, 2025, a judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to freeze all federal grants and loans. This move was part of the administration's efforts to cut government spending. The freeze would have affected various federal programs and services, but the judicial intervention has temporarily halted its implementation. The administration's actions have been criticized for potentially causing disruptions in services that rely on federal funding.
• Federal judge issues emergency stay on Trump's order — A federal judge issued an emergency stay on President Trump's order to freeze federal grants, loans, and payments. This stay is intended to preserve the status quo while various lawsuits challenging the legality of the order are heard. The decision temporarily halts the implementation of Trump's directive, which had caused significant disruption and concern across multiple sectors.
• Federal judge blocks Trump’s halt of federal grants and loans — A federal judge, Loren AliKhan, issued an administrative stay temporarily blocking the Trump administration's freeze on federal grants and loans. This decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by non-profits and small businesses, arguing that the freeze would have devastating impacts on various sectors, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. The stay pauses the administration's action until Monday, preventing immediate disruption to programs relied upon by millions of Americans.
• Court temporarily blocks Trump's funding freeze — A federal judge, Loren AliKhan, has temporarily blocked a directive from President Donald Trump that aimed to pause federal financial assistance, including loans and grants. The directive, issued by Trump's acting head of the Office of Management and Budget, Matthew Vaeth, was intended to halt activities related to federal financial assistance as part of an ideological review. The court order prevents the directive from being implemented until at least February 3, following arguments from advocacy groups that the freeze would harm programs in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Supporting reports

• Stephen Miller directs FBI agent purge targeting Trump investigators — According to a new book by journalists Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis, Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, orchestrated the removal of FBI agents who had investigated Donald Trump. Miller pressured Emil Bove, acting deputy attorney general, to obtain lists of agents involved in the January 6 and classified documents investigations, with the explicit goal of firing them to satisfy Trump's desire for revenge. FBI Acting Director Brian Driscoll resisted providing names, citing the bureau's protection of agent anonymity and internal misconduct procedures. On January 31, Bove demanded termination of seven senior leaders and a list of all agents involved in the January 6 investigation by February 4. Multiple executive assistant directors departed, and Driscoll ultimately provided employee ID numbers instead of names.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration halts federal grants and loans — On January 27, the Trump administration ordered a pause on all federal government grants and loans, requiring that they ban diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This directive affects a wide range of federal programs and funding.
• Trump freezes federal grants, loans, and payments — President Trump ordered an immediate freeze on federal grants, loans, and payments to millions of Americans, citing a need to review their appropriateness and potential ties to DEI initiatives. This action, which affects funds previously allocated by Congress, has been criticized as illegal under the 1974 Impound Control Act. The freeze has caused widespread confusion and concern, with reports of Medicaid portals being down nationwide and various federal programs in disarray.
• Trump administration freezes federal funding for DEI and environmental programs — The Trump administration announced a freeze on federal grants targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and environmental initiatives, described as "illegal DEI programs" and "green new scam" initiatives. This funding pause, set to activate on the evening of January 28, 2025, could impact trillions of dollars in grants and loans, affecting programs such as school meals for low-income students and wildfire preparedness. The Office of Management and Budget has requested details from federal agencies about over 2,600 programs that could be affected.
• White House rescinds spending freeze on federal loans and grants — The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded a policy that temporarily paused federal loans and grants, reversing a decision made earlier in the week. This policy had initially halted funding for various programs, including Medicaid. The rescission followed a federal judge's restraining order against the funding freeze, which was issued due to conflicting messages from the White House. Despite the rescission, the White House press secretary stated that the executive orders on federal funding remain in effect.
• Trump administration memo orders freeze on federal financial assistance — The Trump administration issued a memo directing federal agencies to freeze the disbursement of all federal financial assistance, effective January 30, 2025. The memo, authored by acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth, requires agencies to submit detailed information about their financial assistance programs by February 10, 2025. The freeze will remain until the Office of Management and Budget reviews and approves each program. The memo excludes direct assistance to individuals, such as Social Security and Medicare. The stated purpose is to prevent federal resources from advancing certain policies deemed wasteful by the administration.
• Trump administration rescinds federal funding freeze memo — The Trump administration rescinded a memo that froze federal funding after it caused widespread chaos and legal challenges. The initial freeze had paused federal grants and loans, affecting public programs and government spending.
• Case update — National Council of Nonprofits v. Office of Management and Budget (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00239 — The Government submitted a Notice that the OMB had rescinded the challenged memo. On the same day, the White House Press Secretary stated , “This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
• Case update — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — The Government submitted a notice that the OMB had rescinded the challenged memo. On the same day, the White House Press Secretary stated , “This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
• Trump administration sued over funding freeze — The Trump administration faced a lawsuit from multiple states over a funding freeze memo. Despite rescinding the memo, the administration argued in court for the lawsuit's dismissal. However, a judge ordered the release of funds, citing conflicting statements from the administration's press secretary, which suggested the freeze was still in effect.
• Reports of Medicaid portal outages following funding freeze — Following the Trump administration's memo to freeze federal financial assistance, reports emerged of Medicaid portal outages across all 50 states. Senator Ron Wyden confirmed the outages, describing them as a "blatant attempt to rip away health insurance from millions of Americans." The White House attributed the outages to technical issues, but the Medicaid website cited delays due to executive orders on grant payments. Medicaid provides health insurance to nearly a fifth of all Americans.
• Trump administration freezes federal funding — The Trump administration announced a freeze on all federal funding and grants, claiming it would ensure the removal of "Marxist" diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This decision affects various programs, including Meals on Wheels and Medicaid, which are essential for many Americans. The Office of Management and Budget later issued a memo to rescind the freeze, but the press secretary contradicted this, indicating the cuts were still in effect. The situation has led to significant public outcry and legal scrutiny.
• Trump issues executive order freezing government grants — Former President Trump issued an executive order freezing government grants, which was described as illegal and a direct assault on congressional authority. The order was rescinded after two days due to public outrage and pressure from lawmakers. The freeze caused significant disruption and uncertainty for millions of Americans dependent on government benefits and payments. The swift public and political response highlighted the power of civic engagement in countering executive overreach.
• Trump’s administration freezes federal grants — The Office of Management and Budget under Trump sent out a memo freezing all federal grants and loans without prior approval from the White House, leading to concerns about a constitutional crisis.
• Court issues injunction against Trump Administration — U.S. District Court Judge Jack McConnell issued an injunction against the Trump Administration, preventing it from impounding federal funds intended for states. The court found that the Executive's pause in disbursement of federal funding would cause irreparable harm to states' ability to provide vital services. The injunction ensures that federal financial assistance to states remains uninterrupted.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — Judge McConnell issued a temporary restraining order against the OMB policy to allow the states to file their motion for a preliminary injunction. Judge McConnell's order notes that the case is not moot because “the alleged rescission of the OMB Directive was in name only and may have been issued simply to defeat the jurisdiction of the courts.” The judge also wrote, "the States are likely to succeed on the merits of some, if not all, their claims."

Supporting reports

• Trump DOJ fires prosecutors involved in investigations against him — The Department of Justice, under Acting Attorney General McHenry, terminated several career prosecutors who were involved in investigations of former President Trump. This action is framed as part of an effort to end the "weaponization of government" and aligns with Trump's agenda. The firings raise concerns about the independence of the DOJ and its role in upholding the rule of law.
• Trump administration fires DOJ lawyers in criminal cases — The Trump administration fired more than a dozen DOJ lawyers involved in two criminal cases against the president. This action raises concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and potential interference in legal proceedings.
• Trump justice department fires officials linked to Jack Smith — On January 27, 2025, Acting Attorney General James McHenry fired over a dozen federal prosecutors who had worked on criminal cases against Donald Trump. These prosecutors were part of Special Counsel Jack Smith's team, which had charged Trump in two cases related to mishandling classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. The firings were justified by McHenry as necessary because the prosecutors could not be trusted to implement the president's agenda. This move is part of broader personnel changes within the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
• Trump fires federal prosecutors involved in his prosecutions — On January 27, Trump’s acting attorney general fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors who were involved in the criminal prosecutions against Trump. The official stated that the acting attorney general “does not trust these officials to assist in faithfully implementing the President’s agenda.”
• White House directed firing of special counsel prosecutors — The Justice Department, following instructions from the White House, fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors involved in criminal prosecutions against Donald Trump. The firings were directed by the acting Attorney General, James McHenry, and were linked to a memo from the White House personnel office. This action has raised concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and its potential use as an extension of the White House. The prosecutors were dismissed due to their roles in prosecuting Trump, which was seen as incompatible with the president's agenda.

Supporting reports

• Florida Legislature rejects Desantis's migrant deportation plan — The Florida House and Senate rejected Governor Ron Desantis's request for a special session to enact migrant deportation policies. Instead, they appointed Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to oversee state deportation efforts in coordination with the Trump Administration. This decision sidelines Desantis and aligns with Trump's immigration strategy, reflecting internal Republican dynamics and potential impacts on Desantis's political ambitions.
• Florida legislature passes Trump Act — The Florida legislature passed the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (Trump) Act, which includes provisions to eliminate in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. The act, modified with White House assistance, is part of a broader immigration agenda. Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the act as insufficiently stringent compared to his proposals and has promised to veto it. The passage of the act reflects ongoing legislative efforts to reshape immigration policy in Florida.
• Florida House Speaker ends special legislative session — Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez abruptly ended a special legislative session on immigration that Governor Ron DeSantis had summoned. The session was intended to address immigration measures, including the controversial Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (Trump) Act. Perez's action came amid tensions between DeSantis and Republican lawmakers over immigration policies, including the proposed removal of in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. The session's abrupt end highlights the ongoing power struggle within Florida's Republican Party.

Supporting reports

• Kristi Noem confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security — Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, was confirmed by the US Senate as the Secretary of Homeland Security. The confirmation vote was 59-34, with support from seven Democrats. Noem will oversee agencies such as US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Her confirmation aligns with President Trump's plans to enforce stricter immigration policies. Noem has pledged to execute the president's orders and has previously supported sending national guard troops to the border.
• Noem confirmed by Senate as DHS Secretary — On January 25, 2025, the Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary by a vote of 59–34, with some bipartisan support. She was sworn in the same day and resigned as South Dakota governor to assume the position. Within days, she joined federal immigration enforcement operations, including raids targeting undocumented immigrants in New York.
• Kristi Noem confirmed as DHS Secretary — Kristi Noem was confirmed as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Her confirmation was supported by seven Democratic senators, despite concerns about her stance on immigration and other security issues. Noem's appointment is part of Trump's broader strategy to reshape the federal government with loyalists.
• Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as defense secretary — The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking a 50–50 tie. Hegseth's lack of relevant experience and past controversies raised concerns, but Republican senators ultimately supported his nomination. This marks a significant shift in the qualifications expected for such a critical position.