Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump claims Ukraine war promise was made "figuratively" and "in jest" — Trump was pressed by TIME on his campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. Trump responded that he made the statement "figuratively" and "as an exaggeration, because to make a point," and claimed it was said "in jest." The bulletin notes that Trump made this promise repeatedly in campaign statements without joking tone and has now contradicted his earlier assurances to voters.

Supporting reports

• Trump called Harvard "Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution" — On Truth Social, Trump baselessly called Harvard University an "Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution" and a "Liberal mess" with students "that want to rip our Country apart." The attack was part of the administration's broader pressure campaign against the university.

Supporting reports

• Trump claimed China meetings occurred without specifics — When a reporter told Trump that China was saying trade talks are not happening, Trump responded "They had a meeting this morning. We've been meeting with China. I think you have your reporting wrong." When asked who "they" refers to, Trump said "It doesn't matter who 'they' is." Trump provided no specific details about the meetings, participants, or substance.
• China denied active trade negotiations with U.S. — China's Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong and Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun both denied that trade negotiations with the United States are occurring, contradicting Trump's claim that officials in his administration were actively negotiating a new trade deal with China. He Yadong stated claims about progress are "groundless" and called for the U.S. to cancel unilateral tariff measures. Guo Jiakun reiterated China's position: "If we fight, we will fight to the end; if we talk, the door is wide open."
• Trump administration announces South Korea trade deal; economists note existing agreement — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump announced that their first trade deal will be with South Korea. Economist Justin Wolfers explained on CBS that the U.S. already has a free trade agreement with South Korea that has been in place for nearly 20 years, with almost all trade already tariff-free. Wolfers characterized the announcement as a public relations effort to paper over problems created by the Trump administration's tariff policies.
• Trump claims 200 trade deals made; contradicts Navarro's 90-in-90 pledge — Trump claimed in a TIME interview that he has made 200 trade deals, contradicting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Peter Navarro's public pledge 14 days prior to complete 90 trade deals in 90 days. When asked why he has not announced these deals, Trump stated he would do so "over the next 3-4 weeks." Analysts noted this timeline is longer than his typical "2 weeks" promise, suggesting the deals may not materialize.
• Trump claims Xi Jinping called to negotiate trade deal; China denies — In a TIME interview, Trump claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping has called him multiple times to negotiate a trade deal. When pressed for specifics, Trump provided vague responses. China's government denied that any such calls occurred. As Trump boarded Air Force One for Rome, he reiterated the claim but refused to provide details, stating only that he would announce deals "over the next 3-4 weeks."
• Trump asserts tariff negotiations with China; China denies — On Friday, Donald Trump claimed in an interview that tariff negotiations were underway with China, repeating the assertion en route to Rome for Pope Francis's funeral. China's foreign ministry immediately denied the claim, stating the US "should stop creating confusion." The following day, China's foreign minister Wang Yi criticized countries engaging in "bullying pressure and coercive transactions" and trade wars, without directly naming the US but in clear reference to Trump's tariff actions.
• Trump claimed ongoing China trade negotiations while China denied any talks — President Trump stated on Tuesday that he was negotiating with China and that the 145% tariff rates he had imposed would soon come down "substantially," and on Wednesday said "everything's active" in negotiations. However, China's foreign ministry spokesperson stated that "China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal," and China's commerce spokesperson said any claims about progress were "groundless" and had "no factual basis." When asked about China's denial, Trump claimed "they had a meeting this morning" but refused to identify who "they" were.
• Trump misrepresents trade negotiations with China — President Trump claimed that negotiations with China regarding tariffs were ongoing, despite a spokesperson from China's foreign ministry stating that no consultations were taking place. This misrepresentation reflects Trump's ongoing struggle to manage international trade relations effectively.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr. proposes autism study using private medical records and health registry — Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced plans for a large-scale autism study drawing on private medical records from federal and commercial databases, plus a new health registry to track autistic Americans. Simultaneously, a leaked HHS draft proposes cuts to disability services, education, and research. Kennedy has also claimed autism "destroys" families and does not contribute to society—claims contradicted by research showing genetics underlie 95% of autism cases and that diagnostic increases reflect improved awareness, not an "epidemic."
• Musk accessed and collected government data on U.S. individuals — Elon Musk, overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, has been scooping up data from various government agencies about individuals in the U.S. This data collection represents a "treasure trove" that could be used for shaping society, garnering government contracts, raising money through sale, or blackmailing individuals. The collection occurred following Tesla's earnings plunge of 71% in the first quarter.
• NIH collecting Americans' private medical records without explicit consent for autism study — Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Jay Bhattacharya announced that the NIH is collecting Americans' private medical records from federal and commercial databases, including from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Service, pharmacy medication records, and smartwatch/fitness tracker data, to support Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s pledge to identify autism causes by September. The NIH is also in talks with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to access additional databases.
• NIH collects private medical records for autism study — The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced it is collecting private medical records from various sources, including federal and commercial databases, to study the causes of autism. This initiative has raised concerns about privacy and the handling of sensitive health information.

Supporting reports

• Secretary Rubio withdrew from scheduled Ukraine peace negotiations in London — Secretary of State Marco Rubio pulled out of scheduled peace talks in London regarding Ukraine. Following his withdrawal, the U.S. recharacterized its previously presented peace proposal as a "final offer" and stated it would "walk away" from negotiations if Ukraine did not accept the terms.
• Trump posted on social media pressuring Zelensky to accept the U.S. peace plan and echoing Putin's blame of Ukraine — Trump posted on his social media platform criticizing Ukrainian President Zelensky's refusal to recognize Russian occupation of Crimea as "inflammatory" and pressuring Zelensky to accept the U.S. peace plan. Trump also echoed Putin's 2024 statement blaming Ukraine for the war because it would not agree to Putin's terms. Trump added a statement that "I have nothing to do with Russia."
• Trump accused Zelensky of prolonging Ukraine war — On Truth Social, Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of prolonging Russia's war in Ukraine by making "inflammatory statements" and refusing to recognize Russia's occupation of Crimea, saying Zelensky has "no cards to play" and "nothing to boast about." The statement pressured Ukraine to accept territorial losses.
• European Leaders Reject U.S. Peace Plan Terms — European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, publicly rejected the terms of the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, emphasizing the need to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity and European aspirations. This response indicates a significant divide between U.S. and European approaches to the conflict.
• Trump posted criticism of Russian strikes on Kyiv after berating Zelensky over rejected peace deal — President Trump posted on social media criticizing Russian military strikes on Kyiv that killed at least eight people and wounded over 70, occurring hours after Trump had berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for rejecting a peace deal heavily favoring Russia. Trump stated he was "not happy" with the strikes and called them "not necessary, and very bad timing," while urging completion of a peace deal and noting that 5,000 soldiers per week were dying.
• U.S. Officials Present Peace Plan to Ukraine and Europe — Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian and European officials in Paris to present a U.S. peace plan regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The plan, described as a "final offer," includes recognizing Russian territorial claims in Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, lifting sanctions on Russia, and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO. Talks were scheduled to continue in London, but Rubio withdrew from those discussions, indicating a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Russia.
• Trump criticizes Ukraine's rejection of peace deal amid Russian attacks — President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky for rejecting a peace deal favoring Russia, coinciding with a significant Russian assault on Kyiv that resulted in at least eight deaths and over 70 injuries. Trump called for a resolution to the conflict, stating that the ongoing violence was unnecessary and poorly timed. His comments reflect a shift in his approach to foreign policy amidst escalating tensions in the region.

Supporting reports

• White House celebrates Earth Day with statement on environmental stewardship and resource extraction — On Earth Day 2025, the White House under President Donald J. Trump issued a statement claiming "we finally have a president who follows science," emphasizing policies rooted in American stewardship of natural resources and explicitly rejecting the "Green New Scam." The statement highlighted the administration's commitment to "opening more federal lands and waters for oil, gas, and critical mineral extraction" as a core environmental policy.
• White House issues Earth Day release claiming Trump administration follows science on environment — The White House published a promotional release on Earth Day asserting that the Trump administration's environmental policies are "rooted in reality" and "rooted in the belief that Americans are the best stewards of our vast natural resources." The release claims the administration is promoting energy innovation including carbon capture, nuclear energy, and geothermal power; championing forest management and logging expansion; ending paper straw mandates; cutting emissions regulations for coal plants; opening federal lands for oil, gas, and mineral extraction; and pausing wind projects to protect wildlife. The release characterizes prior climate policies as "virtue signaling" and a "Green New Scam."

Supporting reports

• Stephen Miller mischaracterizes Supreme Court decision to press — During or after the April 14 meeting with Bukele, deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller mischaracterized the Supreme Court's 9–0 decision, falsely claiming it had ruled unanimously in favor of the administration—the exact opposite of the actual ruling.

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• Trump attacked Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell on Truth Social — On Truth Social, Trump continued his attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, calling him a "major loser" and urging him to lower interest rates. Trump also baselessly claimed that Powell lowered interest rates in the leadup to the 2024 election to help Kamala Harris win, attacking the independence of the Federal Reserve.

Supporting reports

• Trump dismissed Hegseth Signal reports as "fake news" — Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed reports about Hegseth's Signal group chat as "fake news" from "disgruntled employees." The dismissal contradicted reporting from major news outlets and attempted to discredit legitimate journalism about potential security breaches.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Marjorie Greene posts about Pope's death as divine judgment — Representative Marjorie Greene (R-GA) posted on social media that major shifts in global leadership represented evil being defeated by the hand of God, in reference to Pope Francis's death occurring one day after his meeting with Vice President JD Vance.
• Right-wing figures promote conspiracy theories about Pope's death — Following Pope Francis's death one day after meeting with Vice President JD Vance, conspiracy theories circulated among right-wing figures about whether Vance was responsible. Right-wing talk show host Ann Coulter posted "Good work, JD." Representative Marjorie Greene posted that major shifts in global leadership represented evil being defeated by God's hand. These statements reflect MAGA's historical opposition to Pope Francis's positions on immigration and church reforms.

Supporting reports

• Pete Hegseth shared classified Yemen strike details in private Signal chat with family and associates — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent detailed information about planned military strikes on Yemen to a private Signal group chat he created, which included his wife Jennifer, his brother Phil, and approximately a dozen other personal associates and advisers. The chat contained operational details including F/A-18 flight schedules for strikes on Houthi targets. This represents a second unauthorized disclosure channel, separate from a previously reported Signal group created by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Sources confirmed Hegseth used a personal phone rather than a government device to access the chat.
• Hegseth's second Signal chat with sensitive military details revealed — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth created a private Signal group chat including his wife, brother, and about a dozen personal associates, in which he shared details of a U.S. attack on Yemeni Houthi rebels, including F/A-18 flight schedules. The New York Times reported the existence of this second chat on April 21, 2025. The revelation prompted calls for Hegseth's resignation from Democratic senators and criticism from former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot, who described the Pentagon as experiencing a "full-blown meltdown" under Hegseth's leadership.
• SecDef Hegseth created Signal chat discussing sensitive DOD operations — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth created a private Signal chat group called "Team Huddle" with 13 people, including his brother and personal attorney, to discuss sensitive Department of Defense operations including bombing targets in Yemen. The New York Times reported the group's existence and composition. This follows an earlier Signal chat scandal involving his wife.
• Don Jr. declares John Ullyot exiled from MAGA movement — Donald Trump Jr. responded to John Ullyot's editorial criticizing Pentagon dysfunction by declaring Ullyot a traitor and officially exiling him from the MAGA movement. Trump Jr. stated that Ullyot has worked for years to subvert his father's agenda and that this behavior ends today.
• Hegseth's former spokesman publishes editorial on Pentagon dysfunction — John Ullyot, Hegseth's former spokesman, published an editorial in Politico describing the Department of Defense as in "total chaos" under Hegseth's leadership. Ullyot detailed mass firings, leaks of sensitive operational plans, and the departure of Hegseth's two closest advisers of over a decade. Ullyot stated the dysfunction is a major distraction for the president and predicted more significant stories would emerge.
• White House begins search for new Secretary of Defense — According to a U.S. official not authorized to speak publicly, the White House has begun the process of looking for a new Secretary of Defense. NPR reported this development, though the White House social media account subsequently denied the report as fake news.
• White House Press Secretary defends Hegseth — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement asserting that President Trump stands strongly behind Pete Hegseth and that he is doing a phenomenal job leading the Pentagon. She characterized the criticism as coming from a Pentagon working against the secretary and against the administration's reform agenda.
• Hegseth defends Signal chat use, blames ousted Pentagon officials for leaks — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended his use of encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive military operations, including details about strikes against Houthis in Yemen. In a Fox News interview, Hegseth blamed fired Pentagon officials for orchestrating leaks and claimed the shared information was unclassified. The controversy follows reporting that Hegseth shared operational details—launch times, bomb drop timings, missile launches—with 13 people including his wife, brother, and personal lawyer, some lacking security clearance. An internal Pentagon investigation is underway.
• Pete Hegseth disclosed sensitive military intelligence in unsecured Signal group chats — Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth repeatedly shared highly sensitive military intelligence, including information on active strikes in Yemen and troop movements, through unsecured Signal group chats with his wife, brother, Trump administration officials, and a journalist. National security experts and former Biden administration officials expressed grave concerns that these disclosures have endangered Pentagon secrets, weakened U.S. defense posture, and made Hegseth and his circle prime espionage targets for foreign adversaries including Russia and China.
• Concerns over Pete Hegseth's unsecured communications — Reports have emerged that Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of Defense, has been disclosing sensitive military intelligence in unsecured Signal group chats, raising fears that this behavior has compromised US defense secrets and made him a target for foreign espionage. Experts warn that such leaks could endanger military operations and expose the US to significant risks, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions with adversaries like Russia and China. Hegseth's actions have led to concerns about the integrity of US intelligence-sharing and the safety of personnel involved in military operations.
• Pete Hegseth used unsecured internet connection for Signal — The Associated Press reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had an internet connection installed in his Pentagon office that bypassed the Pentagon's security protocols to use the Signal messaging app on a personal computer. The connection, known as a "dirty" internet line, connects directly to the public internet without the security filters and protocols maintained on Pentagon secured connections. The Washington Post reported Hegseth used this workaround to continue using Signal in secure areas where personal cell phones were not permitted.
• Pete Hegseth ordered Pentagon makeup studio renovation — CBS reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered modifications to a room next to the Pentagon press briefing room to retrofit it as a makeup studio for TV appearance preparation. The project cost several thousand dollars at a time when the administration is seeking cost-cutting measures. The original renovation plan was estimated at over $40,000 but was scaled back. A DOD spokesperson stated that changes to the Pentagon Briefing Room routinely happen during administrative transitions.
• Pete Hegseth's chief of staff Joe Kasper departed DOD — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's controversial chief of staff Joe Kasper left the Department of Defense today, according to Politico. Kasper is the fifth top DOD official to leave the agency in the past week and was a central figure in a power struggle that cost three top aides their jobs. On Tuesday, Hegseth had stated Kasper was "staying with us" in a "slightly different role."
• Pete Hegseth set up unsecured internet line in Pentagon office to bypass security protocols and use Signal — Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary, had an unsecured commercial internet connection installed in his Pentagon office to circumvent government security filters and use the Signal messaging app on a personal computer. The "dirty line" allowed him to bypass both SiprNet (classified) and NiprNet (unclassified) Pentagon networks. Multiple personal computers were present at his desk, creating vulnerability to hacking and surveillance. The Pentagon's chief spokesperson denied Hegseth used Signal on government computers, contradicting reporting that he directed Signal installation on a desktop in his office.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth directed installation of Signal on unsecured Pentagon computer — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed staffers to install the Signal messaging application on his desktop computer in a secure area where personal cell phones are not permitted. The computer was connected to the internet via an unsecured commercial line, making it highly susceptible to hacking and creating a significant security vulnerability for classified communications.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth posted classified information in unsecure Signal chat — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted information he had just received from Army General Michael Erik Kurilla, who leads U.S. Central Command, in an unsecure second Signal chat containing his wife, brother, and personal friends. The information was posted from Hegseth's personal phone, violating security protocols for classified material.
• Hegseth's management of the Pentagon criticized for lack of expertise — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced scrutiny for his management style, relying on a small circle of advisors without significant experience in defense matters. His approach has led to internal conflicts within the Pentagon, including a breach of security protocols by using unsecured communication methods for sensitive information.
• Hegseth's unsecure communications raise security concerns — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was reported to have shared sensitive information from Army General Michael Erik Kurilla in an unsecure Signal chat with personal contacts. Additionally, he directed staff to install Signal on a desktop computer connected to an unsecured internet line, raising significant security concerns regarding the handling of classified information.
• Pentagon lacks confirmed NSA and Cyber Command director after Hegseth firings — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fired General Hauck and his deputy without stated reason, leaving the position of National Security Advisor and Cyber Command director vacant with no confirmed replacement or nominee. The position oversees the crown jewel of U.S. intelligence and signals intelligence (SIGINT). This vacancy occurs during sensitive negotiations with Russia and China, creating a gap in senior intelligence leadership.

Supporting reports

• Guardian opinion essay comparing Timothy McVeigh's 1995 Oklahoma City bombing ideology to contemporary Trump-era far-right politics — Andrew Gumbel's essay draws parallels between Timothy McVeigh's 1995 truck-bomb attack on the Alfred P. Murrah federal building (which killed 168 people, including 19 children) and present-day far-right ideology now mainstream in Trump's administration. The piece argues that McVeigh's grievances—distrust of federal government, "Deep State" conspiracy theories, America First nationalism, and anti-immigration sentiment—have moved from fringe to center stage. Gumbel notes that former President Clinton observed McVeigh's rhetoric "literally sound[s] like the mainstream today. Like he won!" The essay contextualizes McVeigh's radicalization through 1990s militia culture, botched federal raids at Ruby Ridge and Waco, and The Turner Diaries, while warning that far-right groups now operate with perceived impunity under Trump.

Supporting reports

• White House edits New York Times headline and posts false claims about Abrego Garcia — After Senator Chris Van Hollen visited Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador on April 18, the White House posted on social media an image of a New York Times headline edited with red pen to falsely label Abrego Garcia as an "MS-13 ILLEGAL ALIEN" and claimed he would never return to the United States. The White House also posted a digitally altered image of a hand with fabricated "MS-13" tattoos superimposed on the knuckles, falsely attributing it to Abrego Garcia and claiming courts had found him to be an MS-13 member—claims contradicted by court records and expert analysis.
• White House tweeted doctored photo of migrant with altered gang tattoo — The White House tweeted a picture of Trump holding a doctored photo of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia's hand, which was digitally altered to add 'MS-13' on his knuckles. The image was fabricated to falsely associate the migrant with gang membership, representing a deliberate use of misinformation by the administration to inflame public sentiment against immigrants.