Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration negotiates oil development deal with Venezuela through Pentagon office — The Trump administration announced a deal to develop Venezuela's oil resources through the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital, partnering with Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt López. The U.S. government would back development of a significant portion of Venezuela's proven oil reserves, with Betancourt's company leading operations. Trump claimed the arrangement gives the U.S. "majority control" over a large portion of the country's reserves, though details remain unclear and expected to evolve. Production timelines extend years into the future with minimal immediate impact on global commodity prices.
• Trump announced oil deal with Venezuela granting U.S. control of 65 billion barrels of proven reserves — Trump announced an agreement with Venezuela giving the United States majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves "at no cost to the American Taxpayer." The deal involves a partnership between the U.S. government and private operator Alejandro Betancourt López, whose family controls Venezuela's second-largest private oil producer, North American Blue Energy Partners. The U.S. would control 55% of the venture's output. The administration has not disclosed the final terms, legal basis, or how proceeds will be distributed. An oil industry executive noted the deal is "built on a legal environment that does not exist," as Venezuela's constitution prohibits private ownership of oil and gas rights.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to block Gordie Howe Bridge opening pending US "compensation" — President Trump posted on his social media platform threatening to block the opening of the $4.6 billion Gordie Howe international bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, unless the United States is "fully compensated" and Canada treats the US with "Fairness and Respect." The bridge, a binational project approved during the Obama administration and endorsed by Trump in 2017, is nearing completion. Trump blamed Obama for approving it while omitting his own prior endorsement. The threat appears connected to Trump's escalating trade dispute with Canada over tariffs and a potential Canadian trade deal with China.
• Trump threatens to block Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor — Donald Trump posted on social media falsely claiming the $4.6 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge had "virtually no US content" and threatened to block its opening, claiming Canada owns both ends and that the US gets "absolutely nothing." Canadian Finance Minister Mark Carney responded by reminding Trump that Canada paid for construction, ownership is shared with Michigan, and both Canadian and US materials and workers were involved. The bridge was due to open in early 2026.
• Trump threatened to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge — Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, claiming Canada is trying to "take advantage of America" and calling for compensation. The six-lane bridge, financed by the Canadian government and publicly owned by Canada and Michigan, has cost approximately $4.7 billion and was due to open early in 2026. The threat came hours after Matthew Moroun, the billionaire owner of the only privately owned bridge in the area, met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces doubling of foreign tariffs on steel and aluminium — President Trump unexpectedly announced that he would be doubling tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium imports to 50%. This announcement comes amid ongoing trade negotiations with the UK, which had recently secured a deal to reduce tariffs on UK steel and aluminium to zero. The impact of this new tariff increase on the recently negotiated trade agreement remains unclear.
• Trump announces doubling of steel tariffs — President Donald Trump announced that he will double the tariff on steel imports from 25% to 50%, a move that could significantly impact trade and economic relations with other countries.
• Trump Announces 50% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports — President Donald Trump announced that he will double the tariff on steel imports from 25% to 50%, continuing his administration's aggressive trade policy.
• Trump announces increase in steel tariffs — On May 30, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced a significant increase in tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, raising them to 50%. This announcement was made during a rally in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, where Trump also celebrated a deal with Japan-based Nippon Steel to invest in US Steel. The tariffs are set to take effect on June 4, 2025. The move is framed as a measure to protect the U.S. steel industry and workers, though it raises questions about its impact on existing trade agreements and the nature of the Nippon Steel investment.
• Trump Signs Order Raising Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum — Trump announced plans to increase tariffs on steel imports by 25-50%, surprising US businesses that rely on imported steel.
• — President Trump signed an executive order today that raises tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%, effective tomorrow. This move is expected to impact a wide range of consumer products, as these metals are commonly used in packaging. The increased tariffs could lead to higher prices for items such as cars, washing machines, and various grocery products, including canned goods. The decision is part of Trump's broader trade policy, which has been criticized for potentially increasing costs for American consumers.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Tariffs Issued by President Trump — On April 29, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to address the cumulative effect of overlapping tariffs on certain imported articles. The order aims to prevent multiple tariffs from stacking on the same article, which could result in excessive duty rates. It outlines specific procedures for determining which tariffs apply when an article is subject to multiple tariff actions. The order applies to tariffs imposed through various proclamations and executive orders, including those related to automobiles, aluminum, and steel imports. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with other officials, is tasked with implementing the order by updating guidance and enforcement mechanisms.
• Trump Reverses Course on Auto Tariffs — On April 29, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order modifying his previous plan on auto tariffs. The order reduced some duties on foreign cars and parts, providing a reprieve to the industry. US automakers were allowed to apply for tariff relief on imported parts, although this relief will be phased out over two years.