Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Pentagon contract with Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt for oil stake — The Pentagon agreed to a contract with controversial Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt earlier in September that could enable the U.S. government to take a 35% stake in his oil business in Venezuela. Members of Congress from both parties are pushing to see the contract. Rep. Joaquin Castro said there was an "unprecedented lack of accountability" about the administration's dealings with Venezuela.

Supporting reports

• FDA announces temporary guidance for compounding starter parenteral nutrition products for neonates — The Food and Drug Administration published guidance establishing temporary enforcement policies for compounding certain starter parenteral nutrition drug products for neonates. The guidance applies to both pharmacy compounders under Section 503A and outsourcing facilities under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. FDA implemented the guidance immediately without prior public comment to ensure continued patient access to essential neonatal nutrition products following the expected market exit of a predominant supplier. The guidance remains subject to subsequent public comment.
• FDA determines regulatory review period for ANDEMBRY patent term extension — The Food and Drug Administration determined the regulatory review period for ANDEMBRY (garadacimab-gxii), a human biological product for hereditary angioedema prophylaxis, as 2,528 days (1,916 testing phase, 612 approval phase). The determination, made pursuant to patent term restoration law, establishes the maximum potential patent extension length. The testing phase began July 14, 2018; the complete application was submitted October 13, 2023; approval occurred June 16, 2025. Interested parties may petition FDA by March 8, 2027, to challenge the dates or contest due diligence.
• FDA determines regulatory review period for ANKTIVA patent extension — The Food and Drug Administration has determined that the regulatory review period for ANKTIVA (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln), a human biological product approved for treating BCG-unresponsive nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, is 3,922 days (3,222 testing phase, 700 approval phase). The determination spans from July 26, 2013 (investigational exemption effective date) through April 22, 2024 (approval date). This establishes the maximum potential patent extension length; the applicant seeks between 795 and 1,827 days of actual extension across five patents. Comments on date accuracy are due by November 9, 2026; petitions regarding applicant diligence are due by March 8, 2027.
• FDA determines regulatory review period for ANZUPGO patent extension at 3,532 days — The Food and Drug Administration determined the regulatory review period for ANZUPGO (delgocitinib), a topical treatment for chronic hand eczema, to be 3,532 days (3,167 testing phase, 365 approval phase), spanning from November 20, 2015 (investigational exemption effective date) through July 23, 2025 (NDA approval). The determination establishes the maximum potential patent extension length; the applicant seeks 1,827 days of actual extension. Comments on date accuracy are due by November 9, 2026; petitions regarding due diligence may be filed by March 8, 2027.
• GSA submits Accessibility Conformance Report Repository information collection to OMB for review — The General Services Administration's Office of Governmentwide Policy submitted a new information collection requirement to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval regarding a centralized Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) Repository. The repository will allow federal agencies and the public to access vendor-submitted accessibility reports for information and communication technology products, supporting Section 508 compliance and federal procurement decisions. A 60-day public comment period closed with eight comments received; GSA responded to concerns about administrative burden, public access, sustainability, and standardization.
• EPA submits non-substantive changes to three information collection requests for grant performance reporting to OMB for review — The Environmental Protection Agency published a notice soliciting public comment on proposed non-substantive revisions to three information collection requests (ICRs) governing performance reporting by EPA grant recipients. The changes align ICR forms with Executive Orders issued by the current Administration regarding naming conventions, merit-based opportunity, and state/local preparedness. The ICRs cover General Performance Reporting for Assistance Programs (ICR 2802.01), Promoting Readiness and Enhancing Proficiency to Advance Reporting and Data (ICR 2804.01), and the National Estuary Program (ICR 1500.11). EPA stated the changes are non-substantive and impose no additional burden on respondents. A 30-day public comment period ends October 9, 2026.
• FDA announces Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meeting on 2027 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine strain selection — The Food and Drug Administration published notice of a public advisory committee meeting scheduled for October 1, 2026, to discuss and recommend influenza virus vaccine strains for the 2027 Southern Hemisphere influenza season. The meeting will be held online via teleconference. FDA established a public docket (FDA-2026-N-10232) accepting comments through September 29, 2026. Background materials will be posted two business days before the meeting. Interested persons may submit written comments or request time for oral presentations by September 22, 2026.
• FDA Proposes Reinstatement of Information Collection for Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products — The Food and Drug Administration published a notice soliciting public comment on the proposed reinstatement of an existing information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection supports regulatory requirements governing human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps) regulated solely under section 361 of the Public Health Service Act. The notice invites comments on necessity, burden accuracy, quality enhancement, and burden minimization. The comment period closes November 9, 2026.
• FDA solicits public comment on proposed information collection for Pregnancy Exposure Registry Enrollment Project survey — The Food and Drug Administration announced a proposed collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act, seeking public comment on a voluntary survey of healthcare providers regarding barriers to patient enrollment in pregnancy exposure registries. The FDA will survey approximately 400 healthcare providers (obstetrician/gynecologists, family medicine physicians, nurse-midwives, physician assistants, specialists, and pharmacists) via internet-administered questionnaire to understand their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived obstacles to recruiting pregnant patients into drug safety registries. Results will inform regulatory guidance on registry protocol design and pregnancy labeling. The comment period closes November 9, 2026.
• EPA solicits public comment on renewal information collection for PBT chemical regulations under TSCA Section 6(h) — The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed renewal of an Information Collection Request (ICR No. 2599.04, OMB Control No. 2070-0213) governing reporting and compliance activities for five persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals: decabromodiphenyl ether, phenol isopropylated phosphate, 2,4,6-tris(tert-butyl)phenol, pentachlorothiophenol, and hexachlorobutadiene. The renewal consolidates this ICR with a separate 2024 final-rule ICR, increasing total estimated annual burden to 42,309 hours across approximately 26,829 respondents. Public comment period closes November 9, 2026.
• EPA solicits public comment on renewal of information collection request for TSCA user fees — The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed renewal of an existing Information Collection Request (ICR No. 2569.07, OMB Control No. 2070-0208) governing user fees for administering the Toxic Substances Control Act. The ICR addresses fee collection from manufacturers and importers of chemical substances under TSCA sections 4, 5, and 6. The renewal reflects a decrease of 269 hours in estimated respondent burden compared to the prior approval. EPA solicits public comment through November 9, 2026, before submitting the final ICR to OMB for review and approval.
• FCC Invites Public Comment on Information Collection for Cable Service Rate Certification Petitions — The Federal Communications Commission published a notice requesting public comments on an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection concerns 47 CFR 76.916, which governs petitions filed by franchising authorities seeking recertification to regulate basic cable service rates after prior certification denial or revocation. The FCC estimates 2 respondents submitting 3 responses annually, with 10 hours per response and 30 total annual burden hours. Comments are due by November 9, 2026.
• FCC Requests Public Comments on Information Collection for Universal Service Auction Eligibility and Bidding Communications — The Federal Communications Commission issued a notice requesting public comments on an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection (OMB Control Number 3060-1166) pertains to FCC rules sections 1.21001 and 1.21002, which govern eligibility determinations and prohibited communications during competitive bidding for Universal Service Fund support. The FCC seeks feedback on necessity, burden estimates, and ways to minimize compliance costs for respondents, particularly small businesses. Comments are due by November 9, 2026.
• FCC requests public comments on information collection requirements for satellite and earth station licensing — The Federal Communications Commission issued a notice requesting public comments on revised information collection requirements under OMB Control No. 3060-0678, governing licensing and spectrum usage by commercial earth stations and space stations under Part 25 of FCC rules. The revision reflects two recent FCC orders: a Second Report and Order (FCC 25-48, August 8, 2025) streamlining satellite and earth station application processing, and a Report and Order (FCC 26-26, May 1, 2026) modernizing spectrum-sharing criteria for satellite broadband. The collection affects approximately 4,171 respondents with an estimated annual burden of 37,129 hours and annual cost of $7,159,040. Comments are due by November 9, 2026.
• FDA announces priority review voucher fee rate for fiscal year 2027 — The Food and Drug Administration published a notice establishing the fiscal year 2027 fee rate for using priority review vouchers at $1,798,596. This fee applies to applications for tropical disease, rare pediatric disease, or material threat medical countermeasure products submitted with a priority review voucher, in addition to standard Prescription Drug User Fee Act fees. The rate is effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and was calculated based on the difference between average costs of priority and standard drug application reviews in fiscal year 2025, adjusted for cost increases.
• GSA releases FY 2027 CONUS per diem reimbursement rates for federal employee travel — The General Services Administration published Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin FTR 27-01, establishing maximum per diem reimbursement rates for federal employees traveling within the Continental United States during fiscal year 2027. The standard lodging rate increases by $3 to $113 per night, following a rate freeze in FY 2026. Meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) reimbursement rates remain at $68–$92, with the standard M&IE rate at $68. The rates apply to travel performed October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Agencies may request GSA review of rates for specific locations if insufficient to meet necessary expenses.
• EPA solicits public comment on NASA's emergency exemption application for ortho-phthalaldehyde use on International Space Station — The Environmental Protection Agency announced receipt of a specific exemption request from NASA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) section 18 to use ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) as a biocide in the International Space Station's internal active thermal control system coolant. OPA, an unregistered pesticide, would control aerobic and microaerophilic bacteria in the aqueous coolant at concentrations up to 350 mg/liter. NASA asserts OPA is the most effective biocide meeting safety and material-compatibility criteria, with no adequate alternative long-term solution available. The EPA is soliciting 15 days of public comment before deciding whether to grant the exemption, which NASA expects to continue through 2030.
• EPA solicits public comment on renewal of information collection for soil and non-soil fumigant risk mitigation measures — The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed renewal of an existing Information Collection Request (ICR No. 2451.04, OMB Control No. 2070-0197) governing fumigant risk mitigation activities. The ICR documents paperwork requirements for fumigant users, registrants, and states implementing risk mitigation measures under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The renewal reflects an increase of 333,720 burden hours and adds Ethylene Oxide-using facilities to the scope. Public comment period closes November 10, 2026.
• FDA finalizes removal of PABA and trolamine salicylate from OTC sunscreen monograph — The Food and Drug Administration issued final administrative order OTC000008-1, removing aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate as permitted active ingredients in over-the-counter sunscreen drug products under OTC Monograph M020. FDA determined these ingredients are not generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) because available safety data shows risks outweigh benefits. The final order was announced on the FDA website and published in the Federal Register on September 11, 2026, following a proposed order issued in September 2021 with an extended comment period.
• FDA solicits public comment on medical device tracking information collection requirements — The Food and Drug Administration published a notice requesting public comment on the proposed extension of an existing information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection pertains to tracking requirements for class II and III medical devices that meet specified criteria—including those likely to cause serious adverse health consequences, implanted devices, or life-sustaining devices used outside facilities. The comment period closes November 10, 2026. FDA estimates 22,000 potential respondents and a total annual burden of approximately 663,000 hours across reporting, recordkeeping, and third-party disclosure activities.
• GSA rescinds and removes FMR Bulletin B-51 on executive agency property reporting — The General Services Administration rescinded and removed Federal Management Regulation (FMR) Bulletin B-51, which required annual executive agency reports on exchange/sale and personal property furnished to non-federal recipients. GSA cited the bulletin as outdated; the reporting requirement was eliminated by FMR Case 2025-05, which aligned FMR with the administration's deregulatory priorities following Executive Order 14192 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, January 31, 2025). The action became effective immediately on September 11, 2026.
• GSA submits OMB review request for annual SAM.gov certification of higher education compliance with Executive Order 14400 on college sports — The General Services Administration submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a request to approve a new information collection requiring registered higher education institutions with $20 million or more in intercollegiate athletics revenue to certify annually their compliance with Executive Order 14400 (Urgent National Action to Save College Sports) via the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). The collection affects approximately 11,720 respondents with an estimated annual burden of 14,620 responses and 181,584.50 hours. A 30-day public comment period closes October 13, 2026.

Supporting reports

• Trump EPA proposes rule to exempt datacenters from public air pollution disclosure — The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new rule that would eliminate the Clean Air Act requirement for datacenters to publicly disclose air pollution emissions. The rule would make disclosure voluntary at state and local officials' discretion rather than mandatory. Datacenters are significant sources of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals. Environmental advocates warn the change will reduce public oversight, prevent communities from knowing what pollutants they will breathe, and weaken enforcement of federal pollution limits linked to asthma, heart disease, and cancer.
• EPA approves two toxic datacenter chemicals despite acknowledged health risks — The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency approved two photoacid generator compounds for import and immediate use in U.S. datacenters, despite acknowledging in consent orders that the chemicals may present "unreasonable risk" to workers and the public and could cause sudden death, cancer, neurological damage, and reproductive harm. The EPA admitted insufficient data to quantify acute toxicity and lethality risks but approved the chemicals anyway with minimal restrictions, prompting a lawsuit by Earthjustice arguing the approval violates the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Supporting reports

• Treasury and FinCEN eliminated beneficial ownership reporting requirement — The Treasury Department and FinCEN announced a final rule permanently eliminating the requirement for U.S. companies and individuals to report beneficial ownership information. FinCEN also announced it will delete all beneficial ownership information already collected. The beneficial ownership reporting requirement, enacted in 2020, was designed to prevent drug traffickers, Russian and Chinese kleptocrats, and international criminals from hiding money in anonymous shell companies. Former Congressman Tom Malinowski stated the move is likely illegal, as the administration is making its own rules to circumvent a law passed by Congress.
• Treasury Department repeals beneficial ownership reporting requirement — The Treasury Department officially repealed the requirement for U.S. companies and individuals to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), implemented under the Biden administration pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act passed by Congress in 2020. The repeal also exempts Americans who obtained FinCEN IDs from updating or correcting information and eliminates the requirement for foreign companies to report Americans who helped them register to do business in the U.S. The original law was authored by then-Senator Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State, who had called it "the most significant anti-corruption and money laundering law in decades."

Supporting reports

• Freedom 250 sponsors failed to disclose donations to state fair — Sponsors of Freedom 250's Great American State Fair failed to properly disclose their donations, according to a NOTUS analysis of federal lobbyist contribution reports. Major corporations including Lockheed Martin, ExxonMobil, and UnitedHealth Group did not make required disclosures. The violations could breach federal lobbying law.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon internal estimate places Iran War cost at approximately $100 billion — NBC News reported on July 14 that internal Pentagon estimates place the cost of the Iran War at approximately $100 billion, substantially higher than the $37.5 billion figure Defense Secretary Hegseth cited to Congress. The discrepancy between official congressional testimony and internal Pentagon estimates raises questions about the accuracy of information provided to lawmakers overseeing military operations and expenditures.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration requests $88 billion in supplemental funding for Iran War — On June 24, 2026, the Trump administration formally requested $88 billion in supplemental funding from Congress, with $72 billion specifically allocated for the Iran War. This request, signed by Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, contradicts earlier lower cost estimates provided by administration officials. The request highlights the significant financial burden of the conflict, which has been understated in previous testimonies and reports. The administration's request underscores the ongoing financial commitment to the war effort despite public and congressional scrutiny.
• US spends over $103 billion on Iran War in 120 days — The United States has spent more than $103 billion on the Iran War from February 28 to June 27, 2026, according to a detailed cost assessment. This figure includes direct war costs such as operations, personnel, and matériel, and surpasses the military budgets of most countries. The report highlights the discrepancy between official cost estimates and the actual financial outlay, as well as the lack of a plan to offset these expenses through increased taxes or spending cuts. The ongoing financial commitment raises concerns about fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Supporting reports

• Trump took out $50 million loan with undisclosed terms and purpose — Financial filings revealed Trump took out a loan for more than $50 million in the past year. However, the filings do not disclose why he needed the money, how he used it, what assets he used as collateral, the exact amount borrowed, or when repayment is due. The lack of transparency regarding a major presidential loan raises questions about potential conflicts of interest or undisclosed financial obligations.

Supporting reports

• National Design Studio installs undisclosed visitor-tracking software on federal websites — The National Design Studio (NDS), a White House office led by Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and staffed by Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) veterans, rebuilt sensitive federal websites for passport applications, voter registration, prescription-drug pricing, and children's savings accounts. The NDS installed commercial visitor-tracking software (PostHog) configured to evade privacy tools on four public federal websites without publishing required privacy impact assessments or system-of-records notices mandated by the Privacy Act of 1974 and E-Government Act of 2002. The NDS removed the tracking software after Guardian inquiry on 4 June; White House responded 17 June claiming compliance with legal requirements.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon requested $80 billion supplemental funding for Iran War costs — Pentagon Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg called Congressional appropriators requesting approximately $80 billion in supplemental funds to cover Iran War costs. Pentagon officials including Secretary Hegseth and the Pentagon Comptroller had previously testified that the war cost $29 billion, which most believed was a vast underestimate given the stockpiles of SM3, Patriot, THAAD, and Tomahawk missiles used. The President planned to meet with defense contractors Wednesday to urge faster production of depleted missile stockpiles, but contractors indicated they cannot proceed without Congressional appropriations and signed contracts.
• Journalist documented total Iran War costs at $109 billion in less than four months — Journalist Paul Farhi reported that the Iran War has cost at least $109 billion so far, not including tens of billions in indirect costs such as higher gas, fertilizer, and commodities prices and stock-market losses. The war has also resulted in 13 American lives lost and countless Iranian casualties in less than four months.
• White House requests $87.6bn supplemental funding including $67.1bn for Iran war costs — The Trump administration submitted a supplemental funding request to Congress on Wednesday requesting $87.6bn, with $67.1bn designated for Iran war expenses including $21bn for munitions and defense industrial base. The request also includes $1.4bn for Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and $11.1bn for farmers affected by tariff-related economic shocks. Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray, have signaled opposition to funding the unpopular conflict, which Trump initiated in February without prior Congressional authorization.
• Trump submitted $67.1 billion supplemental budget request for Iran War costs — Trump submitted a supplemental budget request of $67.1 billion to cover costs of the Iran War, in addition to a $1.5 trillion military budget request. This request was submitted while the nation carries a $39 trillion national debt.

Supporting reports

• White House East Wing renovation costs balloon to $600 million with taxpayer funding — The Washington Post obtained internal contractor documents showing Trump's White House East Wing renovation, including a new ballroom, underground bunker, and security facilities, has grown from the $200 million Trump promised to an estimated $600 million. More than half is expected to come from taxpayers through the Secret Service, White House Military Office, and Executive Residence. Tens of millions in taxpayer funds were approved before Trump stated in March that "We have no taxpayer putting up 10 cents." The White House responded that Trump and donors are paying for the ballroom itself, ignoring other project costs.
• Trump administration approved tens of millions in taxpayer funds for White House ballroom addition — The Washington Post reported that while Trump assured the public that private donors would pay for a White House ballroom addition, the White House had already approved tens of millions of taxpayer dollars for the contractor building the addition. Internal cost estimates were significantly higher than administration officials had acknowledged in public comments or court filings. Project summaries showed the work was projected to rely heavily on taxpayer dollars from the moment it was announced.

Supporting reports

• U.S. grants Iran immediate oil sanctions relief under MOU — The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. will allow Iran to immediately begin selling oil and fuel upon signing the MOU this week, providing Tehran with immediate financial incentive and economic windfall. Sanctions waivers on oil sales take effect immediately upon signing and cover banking, transportation, and insurance services. Iran receives upfront sanctions relief with additional relief tied to future performance.
• US to Lift Sanctions on Iran — As part of the draft deal framework, the United States will reportedly lift all sanctions on Iran. These sanctions had been in place since 2012 and had severely impacted Iran's economy. The lifting of sanctions is expected to allow Iran to sell oil freely and significantly boost its economic prospects. This development marks a major policy reversal and a concession by the US in the face of military and economic pressures.
• Iran to Charge Fees on Strait of Hormuz Transit — Iran will reportedly start charging fees on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. This move is part of the concessions made by the US in the draft deal framework. Charging tolls on international shipping is a significant economic gain for Iran and represents a shift in control over a vital maritime route.
• US and Allies to Pay Iran Reconstruction Fund — The United States and/or its Middle Eastern allies will reportedly pay Iran a $300 billion reconstruction fund as part of the draft deal framework. This payment, equivalent to one year of Iran's GDP, would effectively serve as war reparations. The fund is intended to aid Iran's recovery and economic growth following the conflict.
• US-Iran Draft Deal Framework Revealed — A draft deal framework between the US and Iran has been revealed, indicating that Iran agrees not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons, and both nations agree to halt hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon. Iran will guarantee free and safe commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. This framework suggests significant concessions by the US, as it effectively marks a retreat from the conflict initiated by the Trump administration. The deal is seen as a capitulation, with Iran emerging in a stronger position both economically and militarily.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon estimated Iran war cost at $25–50 billion — The White House is expected to request a supplemental spending package to cover the cost of the war with Iran. A Pentagon official stated at congressional hearings that the war's cost was approximately $25 billion, but U.S. officials familiar with internal assessments suggested the actual price tag could be closer to $50 billion.
• Pentagon comptroller testified that Iran war costs have reached $29 billion — Pentagon comptroller Jay Hurst testified before the Senate that the cost of the war in Iran has reached $29 billion, citing updated repair and replacement of equipment costs and general operational costs to keep personnel in theater. This testimony was part of a broader hearing on a request for a massive increase in the military budget to $1.5 trillion.
• Pete Hegseth testifies on Iran military operation costs before House Appropriations Committee — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testified before the House Appropriations Committee regarding costs of the U.S. military operation in Iran. The stated cost increased from $25 billion to $29 billion within ten minutes during testimony, raising questions about accuracy and transparency of budget figures.
• Pentagon uses outdated munitions costs in war accounting, understating replacement expenses — The Pentagon's accounting system registers the cost of expended munitions based on their original unit cost rather than the cost of their more expensive replacements. For example, SM-2 interceptors fired in the Iran War are recorded at their 2010 unit cost of $1.2 million, though they will be replaced by SM-6 interceptors budgeted at $6.3 million in 2027. This accounting method means firing 50 SM-2s is recorded as $60 million in Pentagon ledgers but costs U.S. taxpayers $315 million in actual replacement costs. Munitions spending accounts for $24 billion of the Pentagon's $29 billion estimate, making this accounting flaw material to the overall cost calculation.
• Pentagon cost estimate excludes documented military damage from Iran airstrikes — Acting Undersecretary Jules Hurst acknowledged under questioning that the Pentagon's $29 billion Iran War cost estimate excluded damage to U.S. military sites caused by Iranian airstrikes. According to the Washington Post, Iranian strikes have damaged or destroyed at least 228 structures or pieces of equipment at U.S. military sites across the Middle East. Independent analysis estimates the cost of damaged or destroyed military assets at $11.9 billion. Hurst stated the Pentagon had "a lot of unknowns" regarding future military posture and base reconstruction costs.
• Pentagon official uncertain whether arms transfers to Israel included in war cost estimate — Acting Undersecretary Jules Hurst testified that he would need to "double check" whether arms transfers to other countries were included in the Pentagon's $29 billion Iran War cost estimate. According to independent analysis, arms transfers to Israel—which is waging the war in concert with the U.S.—cost approximately $2.9 billion in the first 60 days of the conflict. The uncertainty about what is and is not included in the official estimate further undermines its credibility and completeness.
• Pentagon officials testify to Congress with undocumented $29 billion Iran War cost estimate — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Acting Undersecretary Jules Hurst testified before House and Senate committees on the cost of the Iran War, presenting a $29 billion estimate without documentation, methodology, or explanation. The estimate excluded damage to U.S. military bases (at least $11.9 billion according to independent analysis) and potentially excluded arms transfers to Israel. Independent analysts estimate the actual cost at $50–72 billion for the first 60 days. Hurst declined to commit to providing formal accounting to Congress, stating he would share information "when it's relevant and required."
• Pentagon comptroller reports Iran War cost at $29 billion; Popular Information estimates $72 billion — Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst told legislators that the Iran War has cost an estimated $29 billion so far. However, other estimates, including one by Popular Information, have found the actual cost to be significantly higher—approximately $72 billion in the first 60 days alone. Despite the discrepancy, many major media outlets repeated the Pentagon's $29 billion estimate without scrutiny, amplifying what may be a substantially understated figure.

Supporting reports

• Treasury quietly extends Russian oil license — Treasury Secretary Bessent stated two days prior that the U.S. would not renew sanctions waivers on Russian or Iranian oil. Two days later, Treasury quietly extended a license allowing Russian oil transactions for another month via a late Friday night press release, with no announcement, press conference, or explanation.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent reversed decision on Russian oil sanctions waivers — On April 15, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the U.S. would not renew sanctions waivers permitting the sale of Russian oil. On April 18, the administration reversed that decision, renewing the waiver allowing countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products through May 16. The sale of oil provides financial support for Russia's war against Ukraine.
• U.S. Extends Waiver for Russian Oil Purchases — The U.S. administration renewed the waiver that allows countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products, which had been set to expire. This decision comes despite previous statements indicating that the U.S. would not renew such waivers, providing a financial lifeline for Russia amid its ongoing war against Ukraine.

Supporting reports

• Trump's Truth Social post about Iran negotiations preceded unusual market activity and volume spikes. — At approximately 6:50 AM ET, before Trump's 7:05 AM Truth Social post claiming productive Iran negotiations, S&P 500 futures and West Texas Intermediate oil futures recorded sharp, isolated volume spikes during thin premarket trading. Trump's announcement at 7:05 AM triggered an immediate 2.5% surge in S&P 500 futures and a nearly 6% drop in oil futures. Within 56 minutes, the market swung $3 trillion in total market capitalization as Iran denied the claims. CNBC reported the unusual volume activity preceded the announcement.
• Evidence emerged of potential market manipulation tied to Trump's Iran announcements — Reporters including Yun Li at CNBC documented that approximately fifteen minutes before Trump's announcement of "triumphal progress" in Iran negotiations, there was a sudden and sharp jump in S&P 500 futures and oil futures. Economist Paul Krugman noted that someone with insider knowledge could have profited substantially by selling crude oil futures at high prices (Brent crude over $112 on the weekend) and buying them back immediately after Trump's announcement but before Iran's denial, realizing large profits.
• Economist alleges insider trading on false Iran war announcement — Economist Paul Krugman reported that trading volume in S&P 500 and oil futures spiked approximately 15 minutes before Trump announced false U.S.-Iran war negotiations, with oil futures alone worth roughly $580 million. Krugman characterized the pattern as potential "insider trading" and "treason," suggesting that confidential national security information was exploited for private financial gain. The Financial Times estimated the scale of the trades; Krugman called for investigation into the identities of traders and whether they had direct access to classified information or paid intermediaries for tips.
• Suspicious trading in S&P 500 and oil futures preceded Iran announcement — Trading in S&P 500 and oil futures occurred approximately fifteen minutes before Trump announced his team had been negotiating with Iran, despite the announcement later being revealed as false. The timing raised public accusations of insider trading on national security information, potentially endangering Americans by compromising classified information.
• Trader profited nearly $1 million from prescient Polymarket bets on US-Israeli military actions — A trader made nearly $1 million since 2024 from dozens of well-timed Polymarket bets predicting US and Israeli military actions against Iran, winning 93% of their 5-figure wagers on unannounced military operations. The trader placed prescient bets hours before Israeli strikes in October 2024, US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, and the joint US-Israeli surprise strikes on February 28, 2026.

Supporting reports

• ProPublica report detailed $220 million DHS ad contract to cronies — A November 2025 ProPublica report by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski documented that the Department of Homeland Security awarded a $220 million contract for a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign to cronies. The contract circumvented transparency laws by being awarded to a small company that then subcontracted the work to associates of Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski. Trump allegedly commented on the arrangement: "Corey made out on that one."

Supporting reports

• DHS/ICE announces $38.3bn warehouse-to-detention-center conversion plan across 24 facilities — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed plans to acquire and retrofit 24 warehouses nationwide into immigration detention centers with capacity for tens of thousands of detainees. The plan includes 16 regional processing centers (1,000–1,500 capacity each) and 8 large-scale facilities (7,000–10,000 capacity) designated as "primary locations" for deportations. DHS estimates $158m to retrofit a Merrimack, New Hampshire facility and $146m to operate it over three years. The broader $38.3bn effort is intended to support mass deportations and is funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
• ICE expands facilities across United States — ICE has quietly and aggressively expanded across the United States in recent months, buying or leasing new facilities in nearly every state, many outside the country's largest cities but concentrated in Texas. DHS asked the General Services Administration to ignore competitive bidding rules and hide lease listings citing "national security concerns."
• ICE plans $38.3 billion detention center expansion — ICE officials are planning to spend $38.3 billion to buy warehouses across the country. ICE will retrofit sixteen of them to become processing centers that can hold 1,000 to 1,500 detainees at a time before funneling them into eight megacenters that can hold up to 10,000 detainees each.

Supporting reports

• DHS purchases three major detention facilities for $194.4 million — The Department of Homeland Security has secured at least three facilities for the detention warehouse system. DHS paid $87.4 million for one facility outside Philadelphia, $37 million for another outside San Antonio (a warehouse of nearly 640,000 square feet), and $70 million for a building the size of seven football fields in Surprise, Arizona, outside Phoenix. The total expenditure for these three facilities is $194.4 million.
• ICE purchased multiple warehouses nationwide to convert into large-scale detention camps with minimal oversight — Immigration and Customs Enforcement has spent over half a billion dollars purchasing warehouses across the country to convert into detention camps. The planned facilities would hold between 8,500 and 10,000 people each in buildings not originally designed for human habitation, making them larger than Rikers Island, the physically largest jail in the United States. ICE has purchased at least six warehouses at costs of $70–$110 million each, with billions more required for retrofitting and staffing. Recent purchases include warehouses in multiple states. Immigration attorney Aaron Reichlin-Melnick noted these mega-camps would operate with little to no real oversight.
• DHS and ICE acquire multiple large warehouse properties across six states for immigration detention expansion — The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have purchased or are planning to acquire approximately 23 warehouse-style properties nationwide, with confirmed acquisitions documented in Arizona (418,000 sq ft, $70M), Pennsylvania (520,000 sq ft, $87.4M), Texas (640,000 sq ft, $66.1M), Maryland (825,000+ sq ft, $102.4M), Texas near El Paso (over $122M), and Georgia. Additional proposals include a Mississippi facility designed to hold 8,500+ beds and a Texas site in Hutchins. The acquisitions bypass traditional approval processes by utilizing already-zoned industrial properties, enabling rapid expansion of detention and processing capacity.
• DHS and ICE Acquire Large Warehouses for Detention Expansion — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been acquiring large industrial warehouse properties across multiple states to expand immigration detention and processing capacity. Confirmed purchases include a 418,000-square-foot warehouse in Surprise, Arizona, a 520,000-square-foot facility in Upper Bern Township, Pennsylvania, a 640,000-square-foot site in San Antonio, Texas, an 825,000-square-foot warehouse in Washington County, Maryland, and a property in Socorro, Texas. These acquisitions are part of a broader strategy involving approximately 23 warehouse-style properties nationwide, as reported by the Washington Post.
• Oklahoma City warehouse owner terminates DHS detention facility negotiations following public opposition — A warehouse owner in Oklahoma City ended negotiations with the Department of Homeland Security for use as an ICE detention facility after public opposition and community scrutiny. The outcome demonstrates that local engagement and documentation can alter federal acquisition outcomes.
• DHS purchased six warehouse properties for detention infrastructure — Public records confirm that the Department of Homeland Security has purchased at least six massive warehouse properties across multiple states totaling hundreds of millions of dollars: Arizona (418,000 sq ft, $70M), Pennsylvania (520,000 sq ft, $87.4M), Texas (640,000 sq ft, $66.1M), Maryland (825,000+ sq ft, $102.4M), another Texas site ($122M+), and Georgia. Internal DHS planning documents describe a strategy involving approximately 23 warehouse-style properties nationwide. These industrial structures near highways, freight corridors, and airports are selected for logistical efficiency and rapid conversion into processing centers capable of handling large numbers of individuals simultaneously.

Supporting reports

• Paramount launched hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery — Paramount launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share in an all-cash offer directly to shareholders. The move followed Paramount's loss to Netflix in a competitive bidding process for Warner Bros. Discovery. Trump had previously stated there "could be a problem" with the Netflix deal.
• Kushner and Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds finance hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery — Jared Kushner's investment firm Affinity Partners, along with sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, are providing $24 billion in equity financing to back Paramount's $77.9 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. The bid was announced Monday to counter Netflix's accepted $72 billion acquisition offer. Paramount's SEC filing discloses that foreign governments are supplying the majority of equity capital while claiming to forgo governance rights to avoid Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review. Kushner simultaneously serves as an advisor to President Trump on foreign policy while collecting tens of millions in annual fees from the same Middle Eastern governments.
• Paramount claims foreign investment in WBD acquisition falls outside CFIUS jurisdiction — In its SEC filing for the hostile takeover bid, Paramount asserts that the $24 billion in equity financing from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Affinity Partners (Kushner's firm) is structured to fall outside the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States by having the foreign entities forgo governance rights and board representation. The article notes that this claim is legally questionable, as CFIUS retains authority to investigate foreign ownership arrangements regardless of nominal governance restrictions, and that the structure tacitly acknowledges Kushner is using Affinity Partners as a vehicle for foreign influence.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration halts publication of federal economic indicators — The Trump administration has stopped publishing key federal economic indicators, forcing reliance on private data sources for labor market information. This action obscures official transparency on economic conditions at a time when private data shows 71,000 job cuts in November alone and cumulative 2025 layoffs reaching 1.17 million—the highest since 2008 and early COVID crisis months. The withholding of federal data prevents independent verification and public accountability for economic performance.

Supporting reports

• Steve Witkoff maintains financial partnership with Ukraine-sanctioned billionaire while serving as Trump's Ukraine peace negotiator — Steve Witkoff, appointed by Trump as special envoy for peace missions to negotiate between Russia and Ukraine, has retained an active financial partnership with billionaire Len Blavatnik, who has been sanctioned by Ukraine. Witkoff and Blavatnik co-develop One High Line, a luxury residential project in New York City valued at $50 million or more. The partnership creates a potential conflict of interest given Witkoff's role as mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Witkoff's divestiture from real estate company incomplete despite disclosure claims — Witkoff's federal disclosure form states he "sold an interest in his eponymous real estate management company for $120 million" as part of divestiture planning. However, he continues to own a portion of the Witkoff Group valued at more than $50 million. The form does not disclose the buyer of the sold stake, which could be a family member such as his son Alex Witkoff, who currently runs the company. This arrangement may not adequately address conflict-of-interest concerns.
• Witkoff's federal ethics disclosure form remains unsigned despite 60-day deadline — Witkoff signed his federal disclosure form (Form 278e) on August 13, 2025, but the version posted to the White House website remains unsigned by a federal ethics official. Senators Chris Murphy and Elizabeth Warren noted on November 17 that no agency ethics official signed the form despite the 60-day deadline passing in October 2025. The Senators stated the form "appears to have inaccurate or incomplete information," raising concerns about compliance with conflict-of-interest provisions.
• Witkoff negotiated peace plan with head of Russian sovereign wealth fund despite U.S. sanctions — Witkoff negotiated the Ukraine peace plan not with a Russian foreign affairs official but with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund (RDIF). Dmitriev was sanctioned by the United States in 2022 and banned from the country. Despite the sanctions, Witkoff requested Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent allow Dmitriev to travel to Washington in April 2025; Bessent approved the request. Witkoff and Dmitriev have since met multiple times in person and by phone, including in Miami last month to finalize the Trump plan.
• Kushner accepted billions in foreign government investments while conducting U.S. foreign policy — Since 2021, Kushner has raised at least $4.8 billion for his private equity firm Affinity Partners, with nearly 99% from foreign sources. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund invested $2 billion and pays Kushner $25 million annually (1.25% of the investment). Qatar and the UAE also pay annual fees up to 2%. As of September 2024, Affinity Partners had collected $157 million in fees, primarily from Middle Eastern governments. Kushner continues collecting these payments while serving in a top foreign policy role, creating a direct conflict between his fiduciary duty to foreign governments and his role negotiating with Russia on Ukraine.
• Saudi Crown Prince overruled investment committee to fund Kushner's firm — The Public Investment Fund's investment committee recommended rejecting Kushner's Affinity Partners proposal, citing "the inexperience of the Affinity Fund management" and "excessive" fees. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who heads PIF's Board of Directors and with whom Kushner had developed a close relationship, overruled the committee's recommendation and approved the $2 billion investment. This non-standard approval process for a fledgling private equity firm suggests the investment was motivated by political rather than financial considerations.
• Saudi-backed peace plan included provision benefiting Saudi agricultural interests in Ukraine — The 28-point peace plan drafted with Kushner's assistance includes a provision requiring Russia not to prevent Ukraine from using the Dnieper River for commercial activities and to permit free transport of grain across the Black Sea. This provision directly fulfills a key Saudi policy objective: the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (a Public Investment Fund subsidiary) owns a major stake in MHP, one of Ukraine's largest agricultural conglomerates, and the Continental Farmers Group, which cultivates nearly 480,000 acres in Western Ukraine, is owned by PIF. When parties met in Saudi Arabia in March 2025, Black Sea shipping security was a central negotiating topic.

Supporting reports

• Jared Kushner, a private citizen, sat in on critical U.S.-Ukraine negotiations — During a critical meeting between Ukrainian officials and U.S. representatives, Jared Kushner, a private citizen with significant foreign financial entanglements, was present in the room. The text describes his presence as "inappropriate" and "alarming," noting that Ukrainians appeared to be facing individuals pushing a Russian surrender plan with Kushner seated beside them as if he were still a government official.
• Kushner conducted high-level Ukraine peace negotiations with Putin without formal government appointment — Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, traveled to Moscow on December 2, 2025, and participated in direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. Kushner was accompanied only by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and an interpreter. According to Popular Information's analysis, Kushner's participation in these negotiations—and similar involvement in Gaza negotiations—likely violates federal law by functioning as an undesignated Special Government Employee without formal appointment, thereby circumventing conflict-of-interest statutes and emoluments restrictions.
• Kushner broke public pledge to avoid foreign policy role in second Trump administration — In a February 2024 interview with Axios, Kushner pledged he would not resume a foreign policy or advisory role in a second Trump administration, stating his commitment was to his private equity firm and investors. When pressed about whether his billions in foreign government investments would make foreign policy work "very difficult," Kushner replied: "I'm an investor now. I served in government, and I think my track record is pretty impeccable. Now I'm a private investor." Despite this explicit public commitment, Kushner has since conducted high-level foreign policy negotiations with Russia and participated in Gaza negotiations on behalf of the Trump administration.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Steve Witkoff is in Moscow attempting to negotiate with Putin. — During the Cabinet meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated "Even as we sit here right now, Steve Witkoff is in Moscow trying to save lives. The war never would've happened if you had been president." This revealed that a White House official was conducting diplomatic negotiations in Moscow while the Secretary of State remained in Washington attending the Cabinet meeting.
• Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner photographed in Moscow — Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (the latter not a government official) were photographed walking the streets of Moscow while a cabinet meeting was occurring in Washington. The timing coincided with Vladimir Putin issuing a statement blaming Europe for hindering Trump's foreign policy and stating Russia is ready for war.

Supporting reports

• Trump's presidential library foundation raised $50 million with undisclosed spending — The New York Times reported that Trump's presidential library foundation is set to raise about $50 million this year, far outpacing his predecessors, with most of the funds coming from donations pledged by media companies as part of settlements with the president. But in a regulatory filing, the foundation offered no details about its biggest expense of the year—a $6.2 million budget item that makes up roughly 90% of its spending, describing it only as "other."

Supporting reports

• EPA proposes rollback of PFAS reporting requirements for manufacturers — The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule on November 10, 2025, weakening mandatory reporting requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals" linked to cancer and immune damage. New exemptions allow companies to cease reporting if PFAS comprise less than 0.1% of a product, are byproducts, are in imported goods, or are used for research and development. The change eliminates comprehensive tracking that enabled communities to trace contamination in water supplies. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin characterized the action as "reducing regulatory burdens."

Supporting reports

• USDA removes contingency funding plan from website and denies legal authority to use emergency reserves for SNAP — The USDA removed its late-September contingency funding plan from its website while simultaneously issuing a memo claiming emergency reserve funds are "not legally available" to cover SNAP benefits during the shutdown. The removed plan had previously stated Congress's "evident" intent was for SNAP operations to continue during closures and identified "multi-year contingency funds" available for that purpose. The agency's current position contradicts its own earlier legal analysis and denies access to approximately $6 billion in reserves despite having authority to use them.
• USDA removes guidance authorizing contingency funds for SNAP benefits — The USDA issued guidance on September 30, 2025, explicitly stating that multi-year contingency funds could be used to fund SNAP participant benefits during a lapse in appropriations. The guidance cited Congressional intent and the plain language of appropriations bills (2024 and 2025) reserving funds "to carry out program operations." The Trump administration has since removed this guidance from the USDA website, now asserting that the $6 billion contingency reserve "are not legally available to cover regular benefits" and can only be used for disaster response. The removal occurred after the administration determined that withholding funds was "politically advantageous."