Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• ICE arrested legal permanent resident without warrant or legal counsel access — In March 2025, Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and Columbia University student, was arrested by ICE and transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana without a warrant or access to legal counsel, representing a departure from previous practice. The incident is cited as part of a pattern of policy shifts under the current administration affecting federal agency operations and civil liberties.
• ICE arrests Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil in retaliation for Palestinian advocacy — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and green card holder, was arrested by ICE in March 2025. According to ACLU analysis of surveillance footage released in May, the arrest was illegal and conducted in retaliation for Khalil's advocacy for Palestinian rights. The Trump administration falsely claimed Khalil attempted to flee during the arrest. Khalil remains detained in Louisiana awaiting a judge's ruling on his case.
• Mahmoud Khalil arrested by federal immigration authorities for Palestinian activism — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and permanent resident, was arrested by federal immigration authorities in early March 2025 for his Palestinian activism. He was detained in front of his pregnant wife, Noor, a U.S. citizen. The arrest occurred amid a broader pattern of federal immigration enforcement targeting students engaged in pro-Gaza activism across multiple U.S. universities.
• Trump administration detained Mahmoud Khalil for pro-Palestinian activism without criminal charges — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and international student activist, was detained by plainclothes ICE agents in early March 2025 in the lobby of his Columbia building. The Trump administration held him for over three months at an ICE facility in Louisiana, invoking a rarely used immigration provision allowing the secretary of state to order deportation based on alleged adverse effect on U.S. foreign policy. No criminal charges were filed. The administration accused Khalil of antisemitism and pro-Hamas advocacy without providing evidence, despite Jewish students and faculty submitting court documents supporting him.
• ICE arrests legal permanent resident for pro-Palestine protest leadership — In March 2025, immigration agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident, for his leadership role in pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University. Khalil remains in detention as of the article's publication, representing targeted enforcement against an immigrant for political speech and protest activity.

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• Trump issues executive order establishing national bitcoin stockpile — On March 6, Trump issued an executive order establishing a national stockpile of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The order was issued the day before Trump's "crypto summit" and has drawn criticism from watchdogs for its economic risks and for benefiting bitcoin holders while exposing U.S. taxpayers to financial risk.
• Trump signed executive order delaying tariffs on Mexico and Canada goods under USMCA — On March 6, 2025, Trump signed an executive order delaying tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for one month until April 2. Trump stated the interim period made conditions "much more favorable for our American car manufacturers."
• Trump delays tariffs on Mexico and Canada — President Donald Trump has announced a delay in the implementation of tariffs on Mexico and Canada, specifically affecting the auto industry. This decision comes after initial plans to impose tariffs, which had caused significant concern among businesses and investors. The delay is seen as a temporary relief but adds to the uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy.
• Trump imposes tariffs on Canada and Mexico — President Donald Trump has implemented tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which are projected to negatively impact the U.S. economy. The tariffs are expected to raise costs for American manufacturers and consumers, leading to a contraction in factory activity and a decline in stock market performance. The tariffs have been criticized for increasing policy uncertainty and potentially leading to economic stagnation or recession.
• Trump signed amendment modifying tariffs on Canadian goods under drug-flow emergency authority — President Trump signed an amendment to Executive Order 14193 (issued February 1, 2025) that modified tariffs imposed on Canadian articles. The amendment exempts goods entered duty-free under NAFTA/USMCA terms from additional ad valorem duties and reduces the tariff on potash from 25 percent to 10 percent. The modifications took effect March 7, 2025. The order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act as legal authority.
• White House issued amendment to tariff order on Mexican goods, exempting automotive parts and reducing potash duty. — The White House issued a presidential action amending Executive Order 14194 (issued February 1, 2025). The amendment exempts automotive parts and components entered under NAFTA/USMCA terms from additional tariffs on Mexican goods, and reduces the tariff on potash from 25 percent to 10 percent. The modifications take effect March 7, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EST. The stated rationale is to minimize disruption to U.S. automotive production and employment.
• White House issues fact sheet on tariff adjustments for Canada and Mexico automotive trade — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing adjustments to tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, effective March 6, 2025. The document states that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on March 4 are now tiered: 25% on goods not meeting USMCA rules of origin, 10% on certain energy products and potash from Canada and Mexico outside USMCA preference, and 0% on goods qualifying for USMCA preference. The fact sheet frames the adjustments as protecting the U.S. automotive industry from supply-chain disruption while maintaining border security leverage.
• Trump signs executive order to pause tariffs — President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pause tariffs on USMCA trade from Canada and Mexico until April 2. This decision marks a temporary delay in the imposition of duties on goods from these countries, reversing a previous move to impose sweeping tariffs. The pause is intended to ease tensions and economic impacts amid recent market fluctuations. The executive order reflects Trump's shifting approach to trade policy with key North American partners.
• Trump announces tariff exemptions — President Trump announced exemptions from tariffs on car and truck parts and goods covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, following concerns about inflation and economic growth. This decision reflects the administration's response to economic pressures and market reactions.

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• Ward Brehm files lawsuit against Doge — On March 6, 2025, Ward Brehm, president of the US African Development Foundation (USADF), filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's Doge unit, Peter Marocco, and the White House. The lawsuit accuses them of ignoring statutory requirements and attempting to dismantle the USADF using false pretenses and bullying tactics. This legal action follows an executive order by Donald Trump to close the agency, which Brehm argues is illegal without congressional approval.

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• Executive Order on Perkins Coie LLP — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14230, addressing alleged risks posed by the law firm Perkins Coie LLP. The order mandates a review of security clearances held by Perkins Coie employees, cessation of government services to the firm, and scrutiny of government contracts involving the firm. It also directs investigations into racial discrimination practices by large law firms, including Perkins Coie, and limits federal engagement with the firm to protect national security interests.
• Executive Order: Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP — President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie LLP, citing its alleged involvement in activities undermining democratic elections and engaging in racial discrimination. The order mandates a review of security clearances held by Perkins Coie employees, cessation of government services to the firm, and scrutiny of government contracts involving the firm. It also directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to review large law firms for compliance with non-discrimination laws. The order aims to align federal contracting and personnel policies with national security interests and anti-discrimination laws.
• Trump administration suspends security clearances and restricts access for Perkins Coie LLP employees — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed an executive order suspending security clearances held by Perkins Coie LLP employees pending review, halting government material and services to the firm, restricting employee access to government buildings, prohibiting federal hiring of its staff, and directing termination of all federal contracts with the firm. The fact sheet characterizes the firm's legal work as "unethical and discriminatory" and references past litigation involving the firm.
• Trump signed executive order targeting law firm Perkins Coie LLP with security clearance suspensions, contract terminations, and personnel restrictions. — President Trump signed an executive order on March 6, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Perkins Coie employees, terminate or review federal contracts with the firm, require contractors to disclose business relationships with Perkins Coie, restrict employee access to federal buildings, and limit hiring of Perkins Coie staff. The order cites the firm's 2016 work on the Steele dossier, litigation against election laws, and diversity hiring practices as justification. The Attorney General and EEOC Chair are directed to investigate large law firms for alleged racial discrimination in hiring and promotion.
• Trump suspends security clearances for law firm employees — President Trump signed an executive order suspending security clearances for employees of a law firm that previously worked for Hillary Clinton. The order also urges agency heads to terminate contracts with the firm, raising legal and ethical concerns.

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• White House issues fact sheet on memorandum directing federal agencies to enforce Rule 65(c) bond requirements in litigation against the government — The White House published a fact sheet on March 6, 2025, describing a presidential memorandum signed by President Trump directing federal agencies to enforce Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c), which requires plaintiffs seeking preliminary injunctions or temporary restraining orders against the government to post security (financial bonds) to cover potential costs or damages if the injunction is later found unjustified. The fact sheet frames this as deterring "frivolous lawsuits" and "activist judges" while protecting taxpayer funds.
• Trump signs memo on lawsuit fees — President Trump signed a memo urging agencies to enforce a rule requiring those who sue the administration to pay a fee upfront. Legal experts warn this could deter individuals and groups from filing lawsuits against the government, impacting access to justice.

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• Alabama court hearing on abortion support prosecutions — A federal court in Montgomery, Alabama, held a critical hearing regarding the state's ability to prosecute individuals and groups that assist women in traveling out of state for abortions. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has threatened to charge abortion rights activists with conspiracy for helping women obtain abortions outside the state. The Yellowhammer Fund and the West Alabama Women’s Center, among others, have sued Marshall over these threats. The hearing addressed requests for summary judgment from both sides, potentially allowing the case to proceed without a full trial.

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• Supreme Court rejects Trump request to freeze foreign aid — The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, rejected the Trump administration's request to continue freezing nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the liberal justices to uphold a lower court's order to unfreeze the aid, which had been approved by Congress. The decision marks a setback for the Trump administration, which had imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance. The Supreme Court instructed Judge Amir Ali to clarify the government's obligations to comply with the order.
• Supreme Court denies request to block foreign aid payment — The United States Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, denied the federal government's request to overturn an order by D.C. Circuit Judge Amir Ali. Judge Ali had temporarily paused part of President Donald Trump's executive order that sought to reevaluate and realign U.S. foreign aid. The order prevented the suspension of foreign aid funding that existed before January 20, 2025. The Supreme Court instructed Judge Ali to clarify the government's obligations to ensure compliance with the order. The federal government subsequently provided a schedule for fulfilling pre-existing funding commitments.
• Supreme Court rejects Trump administration's aid freeze — The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, rejected the Trump administration's attempt to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. This ruling represents a significant check on executive power and supports congressional authority over budgetary decisions.
• Supreme Court ruling against foreign aid freeze — The Supreme Court issued a ruling against the Trump administration's freeze on nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. This decision led to the lifting of some stop-work orders on aid projects, which had been in place since late January. The ruling indicates that the administration must comply with the court's order, at least temporarily, allowing some aid programs to resume operations. However, there remains confusion among program administrators about the criteria for future reviews of their projects.

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• White House issues fact sheet on Trump administration policy actions — The White House published a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Restoring Common Sense to Government" on March 4, 2025, cataloging policy actions taken by the Trump administration. The document claims the administration designated English as the official language, ended DEI initiatives across federal agencies, dismissed Biden-era lawsuits against police and fire departments, ordered declassification of documents related to assassinations of JFK Jr., RFK, and MLK Jr., banned COVID-19 vaccine mandates at federally funded schools, rolled back paper straw mandates, ordered an end to federal censorship, examined Second Amendment regulations, directed enforcement of the Hyde Amendment, and terminated approval for New York City's congestion pricing scheme.

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• White House issues promotional release claiming economic and border security achievements — The White House published a promotional release titled "Monday Morning Wins: Call It the 'Trump Effect'" claiming achievements across manufacturing, border security, and small business regulation. The release states that Honda and Clarios announced U.S. manufacturing expansions, Apple announced a $500 billion investment creating 20,000 jobs, Eli Lilly announced $27 billion in U.S. manufacturing investment, illegal border crossings fell 94% year-over-year in February, and the Treasury suspended enforcement of beneficial ownership reporting requirements for U.S. citizens.
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump foreign policy and military initiatives — The White House published a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Leading with Peace Through Strength" detailing foreign policy actions and military initiatives. The document claims Trump secured release of 11 American hostages, began Ukraine peace negotiations, conducted military strikes against ISIS operatives, imposed sanctions on Iran and the ICC, reinstated the Mexico City Policy, redesignated Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, banned UNRWA funding, ordered embassies to fly only the American flag, cracked down on pro-Hamas foreign students, and initiated missile defense development. On military matters, it states recruitment numbers are at historic highs, Lt. Gen. Dan Caine was selected as Joint Chiefs chairman, transgender military service was barred, and military academy boards were dismissed.
• White House issues release claiming government efficiency achievements — The White House published a promotional release asserting that President Trump has undertaken efforts to downsize the federal government, including establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), ordering federal workers to return to offices five days per week, imposing hiring freezes, ending the Federal Executive Institute, terminating federal media contracts, halting USAID operations, ordering the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to cease operations, and directing reviews of federal grants and foreign aid. The release claims these actions have achieved "billions of dollars in savings."
• White House announces Elissa Slotkin as Democratic responder to Trump's Joint Address to Congress — The White House issued a release announcing that Senator Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic response to President Trump's Joint Address to Congress on March 4, 2025. The release characterizes Slotkin's voting record on EV regulations and border security, stating she voted against repealing Biden's tailpipe emissions rule and against border security measures. The release cites research claiming EV mandates would cost jobs and notes that attempted border crossings in February were at historically low levels.
• White House announces First Lady's guest list for joint session address — The White House issued a release announcing that First Lady Melania Trump has invited twelve individuals and families as special guests to attend President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress. The guests include victims of crimes attributed to undocumented immigrants, a parent challenging school gender-transition policies, an athlete injured by a transgender competitor, a wrongfully imprisoned American released by Russia, and others described as affected by "the disaster wrought by the previous administration." The release frames each guest's story as illustrating Trump administration priorities.
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump administration policies affecting transgender youth and school sports — The White House published a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Protecting America's Children" on March 4, 2025, claiming the administration has taken action on multiple fronts. The document states the President made it official policy that there are only two sexes, ended what it characterizes as unfair practices in women's sports, and issued an executive order on "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation." The fact sheet cites actions by health systems and school districts, including pauses or cessations of gender-affirming medical care for minors at hospitals in Illinois, Colorado, Washington D.C., and Virginia, and claims the Department of Education launched investigations into state athletic associations. It also states the administration banned COVID-19 vaccine mandates at federally funded schools.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming Trump administration economic actions and deregulation initiatives — The White House published a fact sheet asserting that President Trump's actions are "undoing Biden's economic damage" through deregulation, energy policy, and price relief directives. The document claims Trump directed agencies to lower costs, established the National Energy Dominance Council, postponed Biden-era appliance efficiency standards, implemented a 10-to-1 deregulation ratio, and eliminated electric vehicle mandates. It attributes crude oil price declines and claims of regulatory cost savings to these actions.
• White House issues fact sheet on energy policy actions — The White House issued a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Unleashing American Energy" on March 4, 2025, summarizing energy-related executive actions. The document claims Trump declared a National Energy Emergency, established a National Energy Dominance Council, rescinded Biden-era energy regulations, terminated the "Green New Scam," withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, paused federal permitting for wind farms, reversed Alaska resource regulations, reopened 625 million acres for offshore drilling, scrapped greenhouse gas rules, and ended an LNG pause. The fact sheet characterizes these actions as unlocking energy potential and reducing costs.
• White House issues fact sheet on tariffs and manufacturing investment claims — The White House issued a fact sheet claiming President Trump has restored a 25% tariff on steel imports and elevated aluminum tariffs to 25%, and asserting that these actions have prompted major corporate investment announcements. The document states Trump has secured nearly $2 trillion in new U.S. investments, citing announcements from TSMC ($100 billion), Apple ($500 billion), a $500 billion AI infrastructure project, DAMAC Properties ($20 billion), Clarios ($6 billion), Eli Lilly ($27 billion), and Saudi Arabia ($600 billion over four years). The fact sheet attributes these announcements to Trump's tariff and trade policies.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming deregulation has saved families $2,100 each — The White House issued a fact sheet asserting that President Trump's deregulation efforts have saved Americans over $180 billion, or $2,100 per family of four, by halting proposed Biden-era regulations. The document claims the Biden Administration added $1.8 trillion in new regulatory costs over four years, with 72% attributed to EPA rules. It lists specific regulatory actions by Trump, including halting new regulations, implementing a 1-in-10-out regulatory budget, and abolishing DEI across agencies. The fact sheet details costly Biden regulations, particularly in vehicle emissions, water quality, and healthcare staffing.
• White House issues fact sheet on cabinet actions and policy announcements — The White House published a fact sheet titled "Cabinet Wins: Trump Administration Unleashing Golden Age" on March 7, 2025, cataloging cabinet department actions across energy, law enforcement, immigration, education, health, and other domains. The document lists announcements including Department of Energy LNG permit approvals, Department of Justice arrests, Department of State designations and visa restrictions, Department of Homeland Security border crossing statistics, and various regulatory and enforcement actions by other agencies. The fact sheet frames these as achievements and policy reversals from the Biden administration.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming manufacturing job gains under Trump — The White House issued a fact sheet on March 7, 2025, claiming that manufacturing employment rebounded under President Trump. The document states the country gained 10,000 manufacturing jobs in February 2025, with 8,900 new auto jobs, and cites S&P Global and ISM manufacturing surveys as evidence of sector expansion. The fact sheet attributes the rebound to Trump's trade policies and contrasts February gains against job losses reported during the final year of the Biden administration.

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• Amendment to Duties To Address the Situation at Our Southern Border — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14227, amending previous orders to address duties related to the southern border. The amendment revises duty-free treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321, ceasing availability upon notification by the Secretary of Commerce. This order aims to ensure adequate systems for processing and collecting tariff revenue on covered articles.
• Executive Order amends duties on northern border drug flow — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14226, amending duties related to the flow of illicit drugs across the northern border. The order modifies previous Executive Orders 14193 and 14197, specifically revising duty-free treatment provisions under 19 U.S.C. 1321. The amendment allows for the cessation of duty-free treatment upon notification by the Secretary of Commerce that adequate systems are in place to process and collect applicable tariff revenue.
• Trump amends duties at the southern border — On March 2, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order amending duties related to the southern border. This amendment modifies Executive Order 14194, initially issued on February 1, 2025, and further amended on February 3, 2025. The order revises section 2(g) to stipulate that duty-free de minimis treatment for certain articles will cease once the Secretary of Commerce confirms that systems are in place to process and collect applicable tariff revenue. This action aims to address the flow of goods and ensure tariff revenue collection at the southern border.
• Trump amends duties to address illicit drug flow across northern border — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 2, 2025, amending duties to address the flow of illicit drugs across the northern border of the United States. This amendment modifies a previous executive order by revising the conditions under which duty-free de minimis treatment is available for certain articles. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with notifying the President when systems are in place to process and collect applicable tariff revenue, at which point the duty-free treatment will cease for eligible articles.
• White House issued amendment to tariff executive order on southern border — The White House issued a presidential action amending Executive Order 14194 (February 1, 2025) and Executive Order 14198 (February 3, 2025), which imposed duties on imports related to the southern border situation. The amendment revises section 2(g) to condition duty-free de minimis treatment on the Secretary of Commerce certifying that adequate systems exist to process and collect tariff revenue. The order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, National Emergencies Act, and Trade Act of 1974 as authority.
• White House issued amendment to tariff order on illicit drugs from Canada — The White House issued an amendment to Executive Order 14193 (issued February 1, 2025) that imposed duties on goods crossing the northern border to address illicit drug flow. The amendment modifies section 2(h) to make duty-free de minimis treatment conditional: such treatment remains available for eligible articles until the Secretary of Commerce notifies the President that adequate systems exist to fully process and collect tariff revenue on those articles, at which point the exemption ceases.

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• Kilmar Ábrego García deported in violation of 2019 immigration court order — Kilmar Ábrego García was deported to El Salvador in March in violation of a 2019 immigration court order that prevented his repatriation on grounds of possible persecution. He remained in custody in El Salvador's Cecot terrorism confinement facility for weeks while administration officials claimed inability to comply with a court order to facilitate his return. He was eventually returned to the US this month after the government secured a federal indictment accusing him of being a co-conspirator in a people-smuggling ring.
• Trump administration defies court order to return mistakenly deported Maryland resident — Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland resident with a federal deportation protection order, was arrested by immigration agents in March and deported to El Salvador without a court hearing, along with over 200 Venezuelan deportees. The Trump administration has admitted the deportation was in error but refuses to comply with court orders requiring his return. A federal appeals court on Thursday denied the administration's appeal and issued a scathing rebuke, stating the government cannot "stash away residents" in foreign prisons without due process. The White House posted mockingly on X that Ábrego García is "never coming back."
• Federal judge orders administration not to deport Kilmar Ábrego García to El Salvador — A federal judge issued an order prohibiting the deportation of Maryland resident Kilmar Ábrego García to El Salvador due to concerns for his safety. The administration subsequently ignored this judicial order and deported Ábrego García anyway, along with more than 230 other immigrants, mostly Venezuelans and nearly half with legal status in the U.S., to the CECOT terrorist prison in El Salvador in March.

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• Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify deportations based on Venezuelan gang activity — In March 2025, the Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—previously used only three times in U.S. history—to claim authority to deport citizens of nations engaged in invasion or "predatory incursion." Trump contended that Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua's activities constituted an invasion justifying mass deportations. Multiple federal judges rejected this claim, with New York federal judge Alvin Hellerstein ruling in June that refugee migration and gang infiltration do not meet the law's definition of invasion or predatory incursion.

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• Trump administration cancels $400 million in Columbia University funding — In March 2025, the Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University, the epicenter of pro-Palestinian campus protests in 2024. Columbia subsequently agreed to significant administrative changes demanded by the administration, including placing its Middle Eastern studies department under new supervision, banning face masks on campus, expanding police powers, and staffing up its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.
• Trump administration withholds federal funding from Columbia University over antisemitism allegations — The Trump administration pulled $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia University, alleging the institution failed to protect students from antisemitic harassment tied to pro-Palestinian campus protests. Columbia subsequently agreed to changes demanded by the administration as a condition for restoring funding. The administration has also warned at least 60 other universities of possible action and announced a review of $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard University over similar allegations.
• DOJ, HHS, ED, and GSA announce cancellation of $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University — The Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and General Services Administration announced the immediate cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the university's alleged failure to protect Jewish students from harassment and anti-Semitic conduct. The agencies stated the action was taken under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act following a March 3rd notice to the university's acting president. Columbia University holds more than $5 billion in total federal grant commitments. The announcement characterizes the cancellation as the first round of action, with additional cancellations expected.

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• Trump administration suspends $175 million in University of Pennsylvania funding — In March 2025, the Trump administration suspended $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania, citing the university's transgender sports policies. The action is part of a broader crackdown on universities perceived as not aligning with the administration's policy positions.

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• Trump awarded Boeing $20 billion defense contract — In March 2025, the Trump administration awarded Boeing a $20 billion contract to build the next generation of fighter jets. A criminal conviction can suspend or revoke a company's ability to receive government contracts. This award occurred while Boeing faced potential criminal prosecution for the 737 MAX crashes and while the DOJ was negotiating the non-prosecution agreement.

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• DHS dismantles independent watchdog offices, citing obstruction of immigration enforcement — The Trump administration's DHS dismantled three independent watchdog offices—the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties office (CRCL), the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), and the CIS Ombudsman office—in March 2025. The agency stated the offices "obstructed immigration enforcement" and were being closed. All 147 full-time CRCL employees and 118 OIDO staff were ousted. This action became the subject of a federal lawsuit filed in April 2025 by civil rights organizations challenging it as violating separation of powers.
• Trump administration dismantles DHS civil rights watchdog offices, reducing oversight capacity by 97% — The Trump administration gutted three independent DHS watchdog offices tasked with investigating civil rights violations, detention conditions, and deaths in custody. Court records show the civil rights office received nearly 6,000 complaints from March to December 2025 but investigated only 183 (3%), compared to a historical 20% rate. Staff at the CRCL dropped from 147 to fewer than 40; the OIDO fell from 118 to 5 people. A lawsuit by civil rights groups challenges the action as violating separation of powers and constitutional norms.
• CRCL office staffing reduction and suppression of civil rights report — The Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), which had approximately 150 employees, was reduced to only two full-time employees and around 20 outside contractors. A congressionally-mandated report documenting suspected civil rights violations by local police agencies in the 287(g) program—completed and cleared through multiple DHS components—was placed "into limbo" after Trump took office and has not been published. Former officials report the report identified jurisdictions, particularly in Florida, suspected of violating civil rights in 2023.
• Department of Homeland Security eliminates federal immigration detention oversight offices — In March 2025, the Department of Homeland Security effectively eliminated its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. These offices were responsible for investigating complaints about immigration detention facilities and reporting conditions to Congress. The elimination removes federal watchdog capacity to monitor detention conditions as ICE custody reaches record levels and is projected to become the deadliest year for people in ICE custody.

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• Federal judges propose transferring US Marshals Service from DOJ to judicial control — Federal judges discussed a proposal to move armed security personnel (US Marshals Service) away from Department of Justice control under Attorney General Pam Bondi and place them under the direct control of Chief Justice John Roberts. The proposal emerged at a March 2025 judicial conference meeting of approximately 50 federal judges amid concerns that the Trump administration might weaponize the Marshals Service by withdrawing protection from judges who rule against the president. Judge John Coughenour endorsed the transfer as necessary given recent threats and intimidation targeting judges.

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• Articles of impeachment filed against Judge Englemayer — Rep. Eli Crane filed articles of impeachment against Judge Paul Englemayer, the first judge to rule against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This action is part of a broader effort to challenge judicial rulings unfavorable to the Trump administration's policies, raising concerns about judicial independence.

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• Elon Musk calls for impeachment of judges — Elon Musk urged Republicans in Congress to impeach federal judges who rule against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This call for impeachment is part of a broader strategy to influence judicial decisions and reflects tensions between the judiciary and executive policies under the Trump administration.
• Elon Musk and House Republicans Allegedly Intimidating Judges — A report has emerged alleging that Elon Musk and certain House Republicans are involved in efforts to intimidate judges. The details of these actions, including the methods of intimidation and the specific judges targeted, have not been fully disclosed. This development is part of a broader concern about the influence of powerful individuals and political figures on the judiciary, which could have significant implications for the independence of the courts and the rule of law.

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• Trump fires Rebecca Slaughter from Federal Trade Commission — In March 2025, President Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, the last remaining Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission, claiming her continued service was "inconsistent with [the] Administration's priorities." Although Trump had initially appointed Slaughter, he asserted the right to remove her under Article II of the Constitution, despite Congress having structured the FTC position to shield it from presidential politics. This action became the predicate for the Slaughter v. Trump case, which the Supreme Court decided in Trump's favor on June 29, 2026.
• Trump fired FTC member Rebecca Slaughter citing inconsistency with administration priorities — In March 2025, Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, the last remaining Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission, claiming her continued service was "inconsistent with [the] Administration's priorities." Although Trump himself had initially appointed Slaughter, he asserted the right to remove her under Article II of the Constitution despite Congress establishing the FTC position to be shielded from presidential politics. Since 1935, the Supreme Court has held that presidents may fire independent agency members only for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office." Trump's action invokes the "unitary executive" theory to expand presidential removal power over independent agencies.

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• Executive Order Designating English as Official Language — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14224, designating English as the official language of the United States. This order revokes Executive Order 13166, which improved access to services for persons with limited English proficiency. The order aims to promote unity and streamline government operations by establishing a single official language, while allowing agencies to continue providing services in other languages as necessary.
• Trump designates English as the official U.S. language — President Donald Trump issued an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. This order revokes Executive Order 13166, which aimed to improve access to services for persons with limited English proficiency. The new order emphasizes the importance of a unified national language for societal cohesion and civic engagement. It directs federal agencies to recognize English as the official language but does not mandate changes to services provided in other languages. The Attorney General is tasked with updating guidance consistent with this order.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order designating English as official language — The White House published a fact sheet on March 1, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump designating English as the official language of the United States. The order states it rescinds a Clinton-era mandate requiring federal agencies and funding recipients to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. The fact sheet claims the order allows agencies flexibility to continue offering services in other languages while encouraging immigrants to adopt English, and asserts the designation promotes national unity and government efficiency.
• White House signed executive order designating English as the official language of the United States — The White House signed an executive order on March 1, 2025, designating English as the official language of the United States. The order revokes Executive Order 13166 (2000), which required federal agencies to provide services and documents in languages other than English for persons with limited English proficiency. The order states that agency heads retain discretion over service provision and are not required to cease multilingual document production, but directs the Attorney General to rescind policy guidance issued under the prior order and provide updated guidance consistent with applicable law.
• Trump designates English as the official language — President Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. This order rescinds a Clinton-era mandate requiring government agencies and federally funded organizations to provide language assistance to non-English speakers, potentially affecting access to services for non-English speaking communities.

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• Columbia University capitulates to Trump administration demands and accepts conditions for restoration of $400 million in federal funding — Columbia University agreed to a series of demands from the Trump administration in March as a precondition for the restoration of $400 million in federal funding. The article does not specify the exact demands, but contextualizes Columbia's capitulation as part of a broader pattern of universities caving to executive pressure, contrasting it with Harvard's refusal.

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• Trump administration cancels $577 million in international labor rights programs — Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced in March the cancellation of approximately $577 million in grants for international labor programs administered by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) at the Department of Labor. The cuts eliminated programs addressing child labor, forced labor, worker rights in supply chains, and enforcement of trade agreements. Labor groups, including the Solidarity Center, Global March Against Child Labour, and the American Institutes for Research, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the termination as unauthorized and arguing Congress had authorized the programs.

Supporting reports

• Trump fires FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter — President Trump moved to fire Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic FTC commissioner, before her term was set to expire in 2029. The firing was made without cause, citing only policy differences. Slaughter was one of two Democratic commissioners Trump sought to remove from the consumer protection and antitrust agency. The move drew criticism from Democratic senators and antimonopoly groups who viewed it as an attempt to eliminate internal opposition to corporate interests within the agency.
• Trump fires Rebecca Slaughter from Federal Trade Commission — In March 2025, President Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, the last remaining Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission, claiming her continued service was "inconsistent with [the] Administration's priorities." Although Trump had initially appointed Slaughter, he asserted the right to remove her under Article II of the Constitution, despite Congress having structured the FTC position to shield it from presidential politics. This action became the predicate for the Slaughter v. Trump case, which the Supreme Court decided in Trump's favor on June 29, 2026.
• Trump administration fires Rebecca Slaughter from FTC; she files lawsuit challenging termination — In March 2025, President Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic FTC commissioner appointed in 2018, via email. Slaughter and fellow Democratic commissioner Alvaro Bedoya (also fired) filed a lawsuit challenging their terminations days later. In July 2025, a federal judge reinstated Slaughter, but the Trump administration appealed. In September 2025, the Supreme Court allowed Trump to remove Slaughter while the case proceeded, signaling the Court's intent to overturn Humphrey's Executor.
• Trump fired FTC member Rebecca Slaughter citing inconsistency with administration priorities — In March 2025, Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, the last remaining Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission, claiming her continued service was "inconsistent with [the] Administration's priorities." Although Trump himself had initially appointed Slaughter, he asserted the right to remove her under Article II of the Constitution despite Congress establishing the FTC position to be shielded from presidential politics. Since 1935, the Supreme Court has held that presidents may fire independent agency members only for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office." Trump's action invokes the "unitary executive" theory to expand presidential removal power over independent agencies.

Supporting reports

• Trump issued executive order suspending Jenner & Block security clearances — In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Addressing Risks from Jenner & Block" that suspended security clearances for lawyers at the firm and restricted their access to government buildings, officials, and federal contracting work. Trump accused the firm of engaging in activities that "undermine justice and the interests of the United States" and specifically criticized it for employing Andrew Weissmann, who had worked on the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 campaign.