Narrow these 112 — tap a value to filter:
Trait 11
Emergency powers are normalized and permanent 18Chaos is used as a strategy to fragment focus and disable accountability 16Crony capitalism becomes indistinguishable from governance 7Executive power operates without effective oversight 6Federal power is weaponized against disfavored states or localities 3Law is a weapon of the state, not a limit on its power 3Civil service roles are politicized or privatized 1Economic data is selectively published, massaged, or ignored 1Foreign influence is welcomed if it supports regime interests 1Legislatures function as performance, not deliberation 1Policy outcomes are driven by elite lobbying and financial contributions 1
Tier 1 carried by a primary record
Corroborated 2+ independent news desks
Every result is verified and democracy-related.
Open an event to see its evidence. Attack and trait tags link to their definitions
Aug 7, 2026 US Senate passed a Russia sanctions bill granting broad tariff authority Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The Senate approved sanctions legislation that also delegates significant new tariff powers to the president, raising separation-of-powers concerns about trade authority.
Independently corroborated by6 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- US Senate passes Russia sanctions bill with tariff authority — The US Senate approved the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act by an 86-11 vote on August 7, 2026, imposing new sanctions, visa bans, and tariffs of up to 500% on Russian exports.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 81 – 2026-08-01–2026-08-07
wk81_IG_017
Aug 3, 2026 25 US states (coalition) filed lawsuit challenging new tariffs on 60 trading partners Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
States sued to block tariffs imposed without clear congressional approval, testing the limits of unilateral executive trade power over the national economy.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Coalition of 25 US states sues Trump administration over new tariffs on 60 trading partners — A coalition of 25 US states filed suit in the US Court of International Trade on Monday challenging new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% imposed on goods from 60 trading partners and the European Union.
- Complaint filed — Oregon v. Trump (U.S. Court of International Trade, Docket 1:26-cv-03467) — On August 3, 2026, 23 states and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania filed a complaint in the U.S.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 81 – 2026-08-01–2026-08-07
wk81_ES_002
Jul 30, 2026 The FCC sought comment on restricting certain foreign-made drones and components Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The proposal linked market access to national security review, showing how economic regulation can be used to reshape supply chains.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- FCC Seeks Comment on Prohibiting Importation of Certain UAS — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a notice seeking public comment on a proposal to prohibit the importation and marketing of certain foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and critical
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 80 – 2026-07-25–2026-07-31
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Jul 27, 2026 The FCC adopted new submarine cable licensing rules with security conditions and faster review paths Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The rules changed how a key regulator balances national security review with infrastructure approvals for critical communications systems.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- FCC Adopts New Rules for Submarine Cable Licensing — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted a Second Report and Order establishing a regulatory framework for licensing submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE) owners and operators.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 80 – 2026-07-25–2026-07-31
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Jul 25, 2026 President Trump imposed new tariffs on goods from dozens of countries under claimed forced-labor authority Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
The tariffs extended unilateral executive control over trade and revenue policy after prior legal setbacks, testing limits on presidential economic power.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Imposes New Tariffs Amid Legal Challenges — President Trump announced new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on goods from over 80 countries, claiming they produce goods with forced labor.
- Trump imposes new tariffs under emergency powers — President Trump announced the imposition of new tariffs on products from over 60 countries, claiming authority under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs in cases of forced labor.
- U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Economies Failing to Enforce Forced Labor Prohibitions — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum directing the U.S.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 80 – 2026-07-25–2026-07-31
wk80_PA_006
Jul 24, 2026 Two small businesses sued over new Section 301 tariffs and said the administration exceeded its authority Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The lawsuit challenged the legal basis for broad trade action and tested limits on delegated executive power.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Two small American businesses sue Trump administration over new tariffs — Two small American businesses, Burlap and Barrel and Collective Horology, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over newly announced tariffs.
- Complaint filed — Burlap and Barrel, Inc. v. Greer — On July 24, 2026, Burlap and Barrel, a New York spice importer, and Collective Horology, a California retailer of European watches, filed a putative class action complaint in the United States Court of International
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 79 – 2026-07-18–2026-07-24
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Jul 23, 2026 The Trump administration announced new tariffs on major trade partners and later imposed tariffs on 60 countries Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
Broad new tariffs expanded executive control over trade policy and risked higher costs across supply chains and households.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Administration Imposes New Tariffs Amid Rising Tensions — The Trump administration announced new tariffs on several major U.S.
- New Trump Tariffs Hit 60 Countries — Former President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent on 60 countries, citing forced labor concerns.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 79 – 2026-07-18–2026-07-24
wk79_ES_023
Jul 20, 2026 The U.S. Trade Representative imposed a 25 percent tariff on Brazilian goods after a Section 301 investigation Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The action expanded unilateral trade penalties and showed executive use of tariffs to pressure foreign policy and market behavior.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Brazilian Goods Following Section 301 Investigation — The United States, under the direction of the Executive Office of the President, has imposed a 25% tariff on all Brazilian goods, with certain exemptions, following a Section 301 investigation.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 79 – 2026-07-18–2026-07-24
wk79_ES_005
Jul 19, 2026 The Trump administration imposed an additional 50 percent tariff on many Canadian products Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
New tariffs used executive trade power in ways likely to raise prices, strain an allied relationship, and shift economic burdens onto consumers and firms.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Administration Imposes Tariffs on Canadian Products — The Trump Administration announced the imposition of an additional 50% tariff on all Canadian products.
- Imposition of Additional Duties on Canadian Products — President Donald J.
- Trump imposes 50% tariff on Canadian goods — The White House announced that President Donald Trump will impose a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods, citing Canada's alleged discrimination against American cars, alcohol, and dairy products.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 79 – 2026-07-18–2026-07-24
wk79_ES_004
Jul 14, 2026 The Trump administration and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation announced a Hormuz cargo-fee plan and tanker-loss insurance Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The measures used state economic power to manage war-related trade disruption, with major effects on shipping risk and energy prices.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump administration announces blockade and cargo fee plan — The Trump administration announced a plan to reinstate a U.S.
- U.S. offers insurance for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz — The U.S.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 78 – 2026-07-11–2026-07-17
wk78_ES_012
Jul 13, 2026 President Trump announced and then quickly reversed a cargo-fee plan for the Strait of Hormuz Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
The abrupt announcement and reversal showed volatile executive decision-making on war-adjacent trade powers with major diplomatic and economic stakes.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Declares US Control Over Strait of Hormuz — Former President Donald Trump announced that the United States will take control of the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% cargo fee on vessels passing through.
- Trump Walks Back Strait of Hormuz Toll Plan — Former President Donald Trump retracted his announcement to impose a 20% toll on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump Reverses Strait of Hormuz Fee — President Donald Trump reversed his decision to impose a 20% "reimbursement fee" on the Strait of Hormuz less than a day after announcing it.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 78 – 2026-07-11–2026-07-17
wk78_PA_005
Jul 8, 2026 The FCC finalized the effective date of new submarine cable landing license rules Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The rules tightened oversight of critical communications infrastructure with national security and market consequences.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- FCC Finalizes Submarine Cable Landing License Rules — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the effective date of new rules for submarine cable landing licenses, aimed at addressing national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy risks.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 77 – 2026-07-04–2026-07-10
wk77_ES_024
Jun 21, 2026 The U.S. Treasury Department issued a 60-day sanctions waiver allowing Iranian oil transactions and dollar access. Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The waiver shifted sanctions policy, altered global oil market rules, and used executive economic power to reshape trade and finance.
Independently corroborated by6 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- U.S. Treasury's Sanctions Waiver Allows Iran Access to USD — As part of the sanctions waiver, Iran is allowed to conduct oil transactions in U.S.
- U.S. Treasury Waives Iran Oil Sanctions — The U.S.
- Trump waives sanctions on Iranian oil — The Trump administration waived sanctions on Iranian oil as part of the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran, which is expected to increase the value of Iranian oil exports.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 75 – 2026-06-20–2026-06-26
wk75_ES_001
May 1, 2026 President Trump announced new 25 percent tariffs on European vehicles Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The tariffs used executive trade authority to reshape prices and international economic relations, with likely downstream effects on consumers and allies.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Announces New Tariffs on European Vehicles — Former President Trump has announced new 25% tariffs on European cars and trucks.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 67 – 2026-04-25–2026-05-01
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May 1, 2026 Governor Gavin Newsom blamed Trump's Iran policy for rising gas prices Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
The statement framed executive foreign-policy choices as directly imposing domestic economic costs, sharpening public accountability for presidential war decisions.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- California Governor Criticizes Trump Over Gas Prices — California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized former President Donald Trump, attributing the rise in gas prices to Trump's policies regarding the US war with Iran.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 67 – 2026-04-25–2026-05-01
wk67_PA_012
Apr 30, 2026 President Trump removed tariffs on Scottish whiskey Corroborated Economic Structure
The tariff change used executive trade power to alter market conditions and diplomatic economic relations without new legislation.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump removes tariffs on Scottish whiskey — Former President Trump announced the removal of tariffs and restrictions on whiskey, facilitating trade between Scotland and Kentucky.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 67 – 2026-04-25–2026-05-01
wk67_ES_032
Apr 16, 2026 The FCC sought comment on a drone dominance initiative Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The initiative aimed to steer federal regulation toward rapid growth in a strategic industry, linking economic policy to national power.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- FCC Seeks Comments on Drone Dominance Initiative — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a notice seeking public comments on measures to enhance American drone dominance.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 65 – 2026-04-11–2026-04-17
wk65_ES_024
Apr 10, 2026 The FCC adopted a rule requiring disclosure of foreign adversary control in communications licenses Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The rule increased transparency around ownership of communications infrastructure and linked market participation to security review.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- FCC Adopts Rule on Foreign Adversary Control in Communications — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted a rule requiring holders of certain communications licenses to disclose foreign adversary control.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 64 – 2026-04-04–2026-04-10
wk64_ES_036
Apr 6, 2026 The FCC sought comment on prohibiting importation and marketing of certain covered communications equipment Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The proposal linked communications regulation to national-security risk and could reshape supply chains in a key infrastructure sector.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- FCC Seeks Comment on Prohibiting Importation of Certain Communications Equipment — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a notice seeking public comment on a proposal to prohibit the importation and marketing of certain communications equipment added to the Covered List in 2024 or
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 64 – 2026-04-04–2026-04-10
wk64_ES_008
Mar 28, 2026 Border businesses along the U.S.-Canada line suffered losses as Trump's tariffs drove a Canadian boycott Corroborated Economic Structure
The tariff fallout showed how executive trade policy can damage local economies and cross-border civic ties without legislative mediation.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump tariffs lead to Canadian boycott affecting US border businesses — Shops and restaurants once bustling with tourists now struggle for survival as Canadians think twice about crossing the border
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 63 – 2026-03-28–2026-04-03
wk63_ES_001
Mar 25, 2026 Iran used control of the Strait of Hormuz to disrupt energy flows and impose tolls Corroborated Economic Structure
The disruption showed how control of a chokepoint can reshape global prices, trade, and domestic service costs.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Iran Controls Strait of Hormuz — Iran is leveraging its control over the Strait of Hormuz by implementing a toll system, impacting global energy markets.
- Fuel Shortages and Economic Measures in Asia — In response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent energy shortages, several Asian countries have implemented emergency measures.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 62 – 2026-03-21–2026-03-27
wk62_ES_018
Mar 14, 2026 The Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments for a limited period Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The waiver altered sanctions policy to ease price pressure, showing how executive economic choices can reshape accountability in global markets.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments — The Trump administration lifted sanctions on shipments of Russian oil until April 11, allowing it to be sold globally.
- US Treasury's Response to Russian Oil Sanctions — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver for Russian oil already in transit, despite ongoing sanctions.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 61 – 2026-03-14–2026-03-20
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Mar 9, 2026 The Supreme Court invalidated Trump's tariffs Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The ruling reaffirmed that major trade taxes require lawful authority and showed the judiciary checking executive overreach.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Supreme Court Invalidates Trump’s Tariffs — The US Supreme Court has invalidated tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, potentially allowing for up to $175 billion in refunds to businesses that paid these import taxes.
- Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs — The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the majority of tariffs imposed by former President Trump were unconstitutional, as they exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 60 – 2026-03-07–2026-03-13
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Feb 28, 2026 The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted Middle Eastern air travel and regional commerce Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The conflict disrupted transport and trade flows, showing how executive military decisions can quickly impose broad economic costs beyond the battlefield.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- U.S. Strikes Disrupt Middle Eastern Air Travel — The U.S.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 59 – 2026-02-28–2026-03-06
wk59_ES_001
Feb 28, 2026 The Supreme Court and lower trade courts ruled Trump's earlier tariffs unlawful and ordered refunds while later suspending immediate compliance Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The rulings showed courts checking executive trade power while also managing the pace and scope of compliance with those limits.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Supreme Court Rules Trump Tariffs Illegal — On February 20, 2026, the U.S.
- Judge Orders Refunds for Unlawful Tariffs — Judge Eaton of the Court of International Trade ordered the U.S.
- US Trade Court Orders Refunds for Tariffs — A US trade court judge has ordered the federal government, specifically US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to begin repaying potentially billions of dollars in refunds for tariffs paid by importers.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 59 – 2026-02-28–2026-03-06
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