Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump posted memes instructing Attorney General to arrest political opponents — Trump posted memes on social media, including one featuring comedian Chris Farley screaming into Attorney General Pam Bondi's ear captioned as an instruction to "just arrest somebody," and a bingo card with X's over the faces of individuals he wants indicted, labeled "Obama's Russia Hoax Treason Club." These posts appear designed to communicate orders to the Department of Justice to prosecute political enemies.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia despite Pentagon concerns — Trump announced the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia following multiple business deals between the Saudi global wealth fund and Trump Organization involving golf courses, hotels, resorts, and crypto ventures. The Pentagon had raised concerns that Saudi Arabia would allow China to steal the technology. The announcement came hours to months after the business deals were announced.
• Trump announced sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia over Pentagon objections — President Trump announced the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a decision made over objections from the Pentagon. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) defended the sale, stating that Trump is bringing countries into alignment with Western values and national security.
• Trump approves sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia — President Trump confirmed his intention to sell advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia at the same specification as those sold to Israel, overriding objections from Israel and concerns from U.S. intelligence agencies. The sale was announced during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's White House visit. Intelligence officials have expressed concern about Saudi Arabia's close security ties with China and the risk of technology theft.
• Trump designates Saudi Arabia as major non-NATO ally and dismisses Khashoggi murder — During Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's White House visit, President Trump announced the designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, a largely symbolic move conferring defense, trade, and security cooperation benefits. Trump dismissed the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi state operatives, claiming the crown prince "knew nothing about it" despite U.S. intelligence assessments to the contrary. Trump also announced plans to sell advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and discussed a potential Saudi-Israel normalization deal.
• Trump administration grants Saudi Arabia "major non-NATO ally" designation and advanced weapons access — On November 18, 2025, President Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House and granted Saudi Arabia the "major non-NATO ally" designation, providing access to joint Pentagon research, advanced weaponry, training, and loans. Trump agreed to sell Saudi Arabia 300 Abrams tanks and an unspecified number of F-35 fighter jets—a capability previously restricted to Israel in the Middle East. Trump also agreed to cooperate on civilian nuclear energy and provide access to advanced AI chips. The designation and weapons sales represent an unprecedented expansion of U.S.–Saudi military cooperation.

Supporting reports

• Trump approval rating falls to 41 percent amid economic discontent — Trump's job approval has fallen to 41%, with disapproval at 58%, representing career-high disapproval among men, White voters, and those without a college degree. Approval of Trump's handling of the economy hit a new low. The decline accelerated during the recent government shutdown and following the May "Liberation Day" tariff announcement. For comparison, Biden's approval was 44% with 54% disapproval at the same point in his presidency.
• Consumer sentiment falls to 2022 lows amid economic discontent — Preliminary November 2025 consumer sentiment data show sentiment falling back to the low point reached in 2022 during the post-pandemic inflation crisis. Seventy-six percent of voters view the economy negatively, up from 67% in July 2025 and 70% at the end of Biden's term. Large majorities report that costs for groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing have risen. Voters overwhelmingly blame Trump rather than Biden for current economic conditions, with even 42% of Republicans blaming Trump.
• Manufacturing employment declines following tariff implementation — U.S. manufacturing employment has contracted sharply since May 2025, with goods-producing industries shedding jobs while service sectors remain stable. Construction and transportation/warehousing employment, which had boomed in Biden's final year, have collapsed. The auto industry has swung from expansion to contraction. Manufacturing has contracted for eight consecutive months as of October 2025, with suppliers reporting longer delivery times and manufacturers citing tariffs as a major constraint on production.
• Agriculture Secretary blamed Biden for beef price increases contradicted by industry — Trump sent Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to blame former President Biden for potential spikes in beef prices. The claim was immediately contradicted by the CEO of Omaha Steaks, exposing the false attribution and undermining the credibility of the administration's economic messaging.
• Trump administration claimed economy in "Golden Age" despite weakening conditions — Trump's national economic adviser Kevin Hassett appeared on multiple networks claiming the job market is in a "quiet time" and the administration declared the economy a "Golden Age," despite data showing purchasing power down, inflation rising, and tariffs driving up costs. Trump allies on Capitol Hill claimed groceries and gas are "much lower," statements contradicted by economic reality.
• Arbor Data Science reported record grocery prices — Arbor Data Science reported that U.S. grocery prices are now at an all-time high, with the average cost of groceries for a family of four reaching a record $1,030 per month.
• White House economic advisor blamed Democrats for cost-of-living issues — White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett, when asked about when the public would feel impact from administration moves to reduce cost of living, blamed Democrats for current conditions. When confronted with false claims about Thanksgiving costs being down 25%, he deflected by blaming Biden administration policies.
• Dr. Oz declined to commit to ACA subsidy protection — Dr. Oz, when asked on CNN whether he could promise that people would be able to afford insurance after ACA subsidies expire next month, responded only that "the president is laser focused on this" without committing to protecting subsidies or ensuring affordability.
• Fox News polling shows 46 percent of Americans believe harmed by Trump economic policies — Fox News polling released on November 20, 2025, shows that 46 percent of Americans believe they have been harmed by Trump's economic policies. The network's reporting acknowledged that Americans are "hurting financially." The U.S. Labor Secretary admitted that manufacturing numbers are "not where we want them to be," contradicting Trump's campaign promises and reflecting the impact of his erratic trade wars, sudden tariff spikes, and hostility toward industries he characterizes as "woke."

Supporting reports

• Trump reversed position and called for House Republicans to vote for Epstein file release — President Trump posted on Sunday night, November 16, that he wants House Republicans to "vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide," reversing his prior opposition. By Monday afternoon, November 17, Trump stated he would sign the bill if it reached his desk. The reversal followed sustained public pressure and constituent calls to representatives.
• Trump reversed course on Epstein files, calling release a "Democrat Hoax" — On Truth Social, Trump reversed his earlier position and said House Republicans "should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide," but then characterized the effort as a "Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics" designed to deflect from Republican success. The reversal came after initially opposing the release.
• Trump reverses opposition to Epstein files release — President Trump reversed his months-long opposition to the Epstein Files Transparency Act after it became clear the bill would pass the Republican-controlled House with substantial GOP support. Trump initially dismissed the issue as a "Democrat hoax" and "cover up" narrative, but shifted to public indifference, stating "I DON'T CARE!" on social media and later telling reporters he would allow the files' release while urging the media not to focus on the scandal.
• Trump reverses position and calls for release of Epstein files — President Trump reversed his previous opposition to releasing the Epstein files on November 17, 2025, calling for their disclosure and labeling the controversy a "Democrat hoax." Trump's reversal followed failed White House efforts to persuade Republican members Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace to withdraw from a discharge petition. Trump told reporters he would sign the bill if it reached his desk, though he retains veto power.
• Trump reverses position and calls for release of Epstein files after failed pressure campaign on House Republicans — President Trump spent the previous week pressuring House Republicans, including Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace, to oppose the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. When the measure appeared likely to pass despite his efforts, Trump reversed course and publicly called for Republicans to support the release on Sunday evening via Truth Social. The reversal represents a rare instance of Trump being unable to control his MAGA base and being forced to accede to grassroots pressure rather than lead it.
• Trump reversed position on Epstein files release after House discharge petition neared completion — After initially fighting the release of FBI-collected Epstein investigation files, Trump abruptly reversed course on the evening of November 17, posting that House Republicans should vote to release the files "because we have nothing to hide." This reversal came as a discharge petition neared the threshold to force a House vote, with reports indicating as many as 100 House Republicans prepared to support release despite Trump's earlier opposition. Trump later told reporters he would sign the measure if it reached his desk.
• Trump reverses position and endorses Epstein records release bill — After five months of resisting the release of justice department files on Jeffrey Epstein, President Trump reversed course and called on Republican lawmakers to support the House bill forcing disclosure. Trump's initial opposition had prompted bipartisan pushback from Representatives Massie and Khanna. His reversal came hours before the House vote and secured the bill's passage with overwhelming bipartisan support.
• Trump Calls for Release of Epstein Files — President Donald J. Trump reversed his previous opposition and urged House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing FBI files related to Jeffrey Epstein, stating, "we have nothing to hide." This shift came after significant pressure from House Republicans and public demand for transparency regarding the files. The House is set to vote on a discharge petition that would require the Justice Department to release the files.
• Trump signed H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, into law on November 19, 2025 — President Donald J. Trump reversed his position and urged House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing FBI files related to Jeffrey Epstein, stating, “we have nothing to hide.” This shift came after significant pressure from within the party, as many House Republicans indicated they would support the release, despite Trump's previous opposition. The House is set to vote on a bill requiring the Justice Department to release these files.
• Trump signs Epstein Files Transparency Act into law — On November 19, 2025, President Trump signed H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress had passed the same day. The law required the Department of Justice to release all unclassified documents and records relating to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, flight logs, immunity deals, internal DOJ communications about charging decisions, and documentation of Epstein's detention and death within 30 days, with redactions permitted only for classified information, victim privacy, child sexual abuse material, active investigations, and properly classified national defense or foreign policy information. All other redactions required written justification in the Federal Register and to Congress.
• Trump signed Epstein files release bill into law — President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law after initially opposing its passage for months and later claiming indifference to the outcome. Trump announced the signing on social media in the evening of November 19, 2025.
• Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law. — In a rant on Truth Social, Trump announced that he signed the bill forcing the Justice Department to release the Epstein files into law. It's unclear how many of the files will be released by the DOJ, considering the legislation notes that the attorney general can withhold or redact any information that names victims or could interfere with a current federal investigation.
• Trump signs bill directing DOJ to release Epstein investigation files — President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law on November 20, 2025. The law requires the Department of Justice to release all unclassified Epstein-related records, including flight logs, witness interview transcripts, immunity deals, non-prosecution agreements, internal DOJ communications, and records related to Epstein's death in federal custody. The DOJ has 30 days from enactment (deadline December 20, 2025) to release the documents, with an exception for records tied to "ongoing investigations."
• Trump signs bill to release Epstein files — President Trump signed legislation on November 20, 2025, directing the Department of Justice to release files from the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The bill permits redaction of victims' identifying information but bars officials from withholding documents due to "embarrassment, reputational harm or political sensitivity." Trump reversed his earlier position opposing release after facing bipartisan pressure and indications the House would pass the measure. The legislation passed swiftly through both chambers after Trump signaled approval.
• Epstein Files Transparency Act Signed into Law — President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation requiring the Department of Justice to release government files related to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The bill passed the House overwhelmingly and the Senate unanimously after a discharge petition overcame Speaker Mike Johnson's initial opposition. Congressman Ro Khanna, a key Democratic sponsor, warned Trump administration officials that failure to comply with the release requirement could result in prosecution for contempt of Congress or criminal violations.
• Trump signs law mandating DOJ release of Epstein documents within 30 days — President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law, establishing a 30-day deadline for the Department of Justice to release unclassified materials related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The bill passed the House with 427 votes and the Senate by unanimous consent, marking rare bipartisan support. Trump had initially opposed the bill before reversing course amid party rebellion. Republican senators immediately warned Attorney General Pam Bondi against using exemptions to withhold or redact materials.
• Trump signals willingness to meet with NYC mayor-elect Mamdani — President Trump announced he had signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein's investigation. This decision came after the House and Senate passed the bill, despite Trump's earlier attempts to block its release. The announcement was made amidst Trump's ongoing efforts to shift focus to his administration's achievements.
• Trump posted demand for House Republicans to vote to release Epstein files — President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law, mandating the release of Department of Justice files related to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The law, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, requires the disclosure of unclassified materials in a searchable format, with exemptions for active investigations and materials depicting minors. Republican senators have warned Attorney General Pam Bondi against using these exemptions to withhold information, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
• House Republicans reversed positions on Epstein file release following Trump's post — President Trump signed legislation passed by Congress requiring the Department of Justice to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The law permits redactions only to protect victim identities but bars redactions based on embarrassment or political sensitivity. However, experts and transparency advocates warn that DOJ officials could exploit a provision allowing withholding of materials connected to ongoing law-enforcement investigations—particularly a newly announced Trump-directed investigation into Bill Clinton and other political opponents with Epstein associations—to block or delay full disclosure.
• — Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani "would like to meet with us" and that "we'll work something out." Mamdani confirmed his team had reached out to the White House to discuss federal policies affecting New York, particularly the affordability crisis. The potential meeting follows Trump's campaign attacks on Mamdani, including calling him a "communist lunatic," threatening to pull federal funding from NYC if he won, and suggesting stripping Mamdani of his citizenship. Mamdani will be sworn in as NYC's 111th mayor on January 1.
• — Trump posted on social media that House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, characterizing the matter as a "Democrat Hoax" and stating "we have nothing to hide." Trump claimed the files would deflect from Republican achievements and that Democrats would have released them before the election if they had anything. He also stated that some Republicans were being "used" and urged focus on Republican accomplishments instead.
• — Multiple House Republicans, including Rep. Troy Nehls and Republican Senate candidates Derek Dooley and Rep. Mike Collins, reversed their previous positions opposing the release of Epstein files immediately after Trump's social media post demanding the release. Nehls had days earlier called the release an "Epstein hoax" designed by Democrats to distract from Trump's administration but announced he would now vote to release the files, making unanimous release likely.

Supporting reports

• Marjorie Taylor Greene announces resignation from Congress — Republican Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation effective January 5, 2026, citing "unfair and wrong" treatment by President Trump after he withdrew his endorsement. Greene stated she faced death threats and personal attacks following Trump's withdrawal of support. Trump responded by calling the resignation "great news for the country." The move shocked political observers and prompted speculation about Greene's future political ambitions.
• Marjorie Taylor Greene announces resignation from Congress effective January 5, 2026 — Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from the House of Representatives, effective January 5, 2026, citing souring relations with President Trump and frustration with the legislative branch being "sidelined." Greene, a former Trump ally, broke with the administration over the Epstein files release, Israel policy, healthcare subsidies, and other issues. Trump responded by calling the resignation "great news for the country." Greene's departure will further narrow House Speaker Mike Johnson's already thin majority.
• Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she will not seek reelection — On November 21, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced in a public letter that she would not run for reelection. In the letter, she attacked Trump and "Establishment Republicans," called out Trump's threats to primary her, and stated, "I refuse to be a 'battered wife' hoping it all goes away and gets better." Three days later, Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News reported that her letter "rang true to" many House Republicans, with a senior House Republican describing widespread dissatisfaction with the White House team's treatment of members and predicting more early resignations and loss of the House majority.
• Trump withdraws support for Marjorie Taylor Greene over Epstein records stance — Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Republican and supporter of former President Trump, announced her resignation from Congress effective January 5, 2026. Her decision follows a public break with Trump after she pushed for the release of the Epstein files, which Trump initially resisted. Greene cited threats from Trump and described her Republican colleagues as "terrified" to oppose him publicly. Her resignation highlights internal tensions within the Republican Party and signals a shift in her stance towards Trump.
• Trump attacked Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and withdrew endorsement — President Trump withdrew his support for Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on Friday after she criticized his handling of the Epstein records and refused to remove her name from the discharge petition forcing a House vote. Greene had publicly opposed Trump's initial resistance to releasing the files and stood with survivors demanding transparency. Trump reportedly called her a "traitor" for her stance.
• Trump withdrew endorsement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene — Trump posted angrily at Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), calling her a traitor, "wacky," and a "ranting Lunatic." He announced he was withdrawing his endorsement of her and would support another Republican to replace her in her district. This attack came after Greene and other House Republicans indicated they would vote to release the Epstein files despite Trump's initial opposition.
• Trump attacks Marjorie Taylor Greene with inflammatory rhetoric over Epstein files disagreement — Trump posted statements withdrawing his endorsement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her "wacky" and accusing her of complaining excessively. He stated he would support a primary challenger against her in Georgia and claimed she had "gone Far Left." Greene responded by stating she was receiving security warnings about threats to her safety fueled by Trump's rhetoric, drawing parallels to threats faced by Jeffrey Epstein victims. The exchange sparked internal MAGA conflict, with supporters divided over the dispute.
• Marjorie Taylor Greene announced resignation from Congress, citing Trump retaliation over Epstein files advocacy — Trump repeatedly attacked House Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene over the weekend, calling her a "traitor" and using other insults after she publicly stated that releasing the Epstein files was "the easiest thing in the world" and criticized efforts to block their release. Greene responded on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, stating that Trump's rhetoric "can radicalize people against me and put my life in danger." She subsequently reported receiving hoax pizza deliveries and a pipe bomb threat directed at her construction company.
• — On November 21, 2025, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress, effective January 5, 2026. Greene stated she faced retaliation from Trump after publicly advocating for release of the Epstein files and criticizing Trump's initial resistance. On 60 Minutes, she said standing up for trafficking victims "should not result in me being called a traitor and threatened by the President." Trump responded by calling her a traitor and "very dumb" on Truth Social and promised to back a replacement candidate.

Supporting reports

• Polymarket map tracking Ukraine war was falsely manipulated to show Russian advance before market resolution, triggering 33,000% payouts — In November 2025, a live map tracking the Russia-Ukraine war used by Polymarket was falsely manipulated to show a Russian advance shortly before a market bet on the conflict resolved. Users had placed bets on whether Russia would capture the city of Myrnohrad by various dates, generating over $1 million in trading volume. On November 15, the map was edited to show Russian troops had taken control of an intersection in Myrnohrad. After the market resolved, the Russian advance was removed from the map. The unauthorized edit triggered payouts as high as 33,000% for those who bet Russia would gain control by November 15. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which provided the map, condemned the unauthorized edit and stated it "strenuously objects" to use of its maps for prediction market betting.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces intention to sue BBC for $1–5 billion despite receiving apology — Donald Trump stated on Air Force One that he will sue the BBC for between $1 billion and $5 billion, despite the corporation issuing an apology on Thursday for a misleading edit of his January 6 speech in a Panorama documentary. The edit removed context, making it appear Trump called for violence when the full quote was separated by over 50 minutes. The BBC rejected Trump's initial demand for compensation but apologized and agreed not to rebroadcast the episode. Trump said the lawsuit would proceed "probably sometime next week."

Supporting reports

• ADL Announces Initiative to Monitor Mamdani Administration for Antisemitic Bias — The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced an initiative to monitor the incoming administration of Zohran Mamdani, New York City's mayor-elect, for antisemitic bias. This initiative includes a "dedicated New York City citywide antisemitism tipline" and a public-facing "Mamdani Monitor" to track the administration's policies and appointments. The ADL's director, Jonathan Greenblatt, cited Mamdani's past associations and statements as reasons for the initiative. The move has been criticized by the Nexus Project and other Jewish organizations as divisive and counterproductive, potentially deepening rifts within the Jewish community and playing into far-right agendas.

Supporting reports

• British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi released from ICE detention — British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi returned to the UK on November 13 after being released from ICE detention. Hamdi was detained by ICE at an airport two weeks ago. Zeteo reported that Hamdi's legal team said the legal documents in the case only alleged that he overstayed his visa, which was revoked by the Trump administration, and did not include any other criminal conduct or security concerns.
• Detention of UK Commentator Sami Hamdi by US Immigration Authorities — Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at San Francisco International Airport while on a speaking tour in the US. His detention followed the release of a video by a pro-Israel group, which purportedly showed him praising the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Hamdi was accused of overstaying his visa, which was canceled without his knowledge. He agreed to leave the US voluntarily, with the right to apply for a new visa. The US Department of Homeland Security labeled him a "terrorist sympathizer," though no formal charges were made.

Supporting reports

• Congressional vote on releasing Epstein files — Donald Trump is facing a potential congressional vote on releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a failed attempt to persuade two female members of Congress, Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace, to withdraw their support for a discharge petition. The petition, which has gained enough signatures to force a vote, could lead to the release of emails suggesting Trump's prior knowledge of Epstein's activities. The vote, if passed, would still require Senate approval and could be vetoed by Trump, but it poses a political risk by potentially alienating his base.
• House Speaker Johnson announces floor vote on Epstein files disclosure bill — House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday that he would bring a bill compelling the release of government files related to Jeffrey Epstein to a full House floor vote the following week. The announcement came hours after Democrat Adelita Grijalva was sworn in as Arizona's representative, becoming the 218th signature on a discharge petition that automatically triggers the vote. Johnson, who opposes the bill, scheduled the vote earlier than required under discharge petition rules. Republicans anticipate significant cross-party support for passage.
• House Republicans attempted to pass Epstein Files bill by unanimous consent to avoid recorded votes — Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Tim Burchett sought unanimous consent to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act without a roll call vote, allowing Republicans to avoid being recorded voting yes or no while Trump threatened them. Democrats objected, and the Republican chair ruled the request out of order. The discharge petition had reached 218 signatures, forcing a floor vote next week. Rep. Jim McGovern revealed the procedure would have given the speaker authority to postpone or never send the bill to the Senate, and would have shielded Republicans from any up-or-down vote.
• Speaker Johnson announced plan to repeal DOJ surveillance provision — Speaker Mike Johnson announced that he will bring a bill to the floor next week to repeal the provision allowing senators to sue DOJ for surveillance. Johnson stated he will personally lobby Senate Republicans to take up the bill once it passes the House and will urge senators to back it. However, the bulletin notes the bill will likely die in the Senate.
• Speaker Johnson refused to commit to floor vote on ACA subsidies — Speaker Mike Johnson was asked whether he would bring a bill to extend ACA subsidies to the floor of the House if it passes the Senate. Johnson refused to guarantee a vote, stating that Republicans would demand reforms before anything like that was possible and that the process would need to go through normal channels. The bulletin notes that the author predicted a 0% chance of the bill reaching the House floor.
• Speaker Mike Johnson announced floor vote on Epstein files for next week — Speaker Mike Johnson told CNN that the House will hold a full floor vote on the Epstein files discharge petition when Congress returns the following week. Johnson had previously stated the petition was "reckless" and "moot," but announced the vote after the petition was signed.

Supporting reports

• White House social media account posted images of Trump and Melania to counter Epstein narrative — Between November 13 and November 16, the White House social media account posted a series of images portraying Trump and First Lady Melania Trump as a happily married couple. On November 13, it posted an image of them listening to the Marine Band with the caption "The best president." On November 14, it posted an image of them embracing with the caption "I can't help falling in love with you." On November 16, it posted a picture of them holding hands with the caption "America's power couple." These posts appeared timed to counter negative coverage related to the Epstein files release debate.

Supporting reports

• Andrew Cuomo campaign posts unlabeled AI-generated deepfake videos in NYC mayoral race — Andrew Cuomo's campaign posted AI-generated deepfake videos attacking opponent Zohran Mamdani during the 2025 New York City mayoral election. One video, later deleted, depicted racist and Islamophobic content showing a fictionalized Mamdani eating rice with his fingers, a Black man shoplifting, and another Black man appearing to endorse sex trafficking. The campaign claimed the ad was sent out by accident. New York state law requires AI-generated campaign ads to be labeled; this ad was not. The incident exemplifies emerging use of generative AI in electoral campaigns.

Supporting reports

• Donald Trump shares AI-generated video during No Kings protests — During the No Kings protests in October, Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting him flying a fighter jet and dropping brown fluid on Americans. This represents one of multiple AI video posts by Trump, exemplifying the normalization of synthetic media in political communication by high-profile figures.

Supporting reports

• White House officials suggested inability to release October jobs and inflation data — White House officials stated they would be unable to release October's jobs report and inflation numbers, blaming Democrats for the situation. The officials simultaneously claimed that prices are "beginning to drop," citing DoorDash, a delivery platform, as their source for this assertion.
• Trump’s Economic Advisor Admits Data Reliability Issues — Trump’s top economic advisor publicly stated that the administration may never produce reliable inflation or employment data again due to the hollowing out of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This admission highlights the administration's failure to conduct critical surveys and suggests an attempt to fabricate economic data.

Supporting reports

• Became Law: Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 — Congress enacted Public Law 119-37, a continuing appropriations measure funding agriculture, legislative branch operations, military construction, and veterans affairs through an extension period. The bill allocates resources across multiple federal agencies and departments, maintaining government operations and veteran services during the fiscal transition.
• House begins voting on bill to end 50+ day government shutdown — The U.S. House of Representatives began voting on legislation to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which had lasted over 50 days after Speaker Mike Johnson ordered a recess to pressure Senate Democrats. The Senate-brokered compromise, supported by all Republicans except Rand Paul and eight moderate Democrats, would fund the government through January without extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. House Democrats vowed to oppose the measure, calling it a betrayal of healthcare subsidies, while Republican leaders expressed confidence it would pass despite their narrow majority.
• House passed continuing resolution ending 54-day government shutdown — On November 12, the House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through January 30, 2026, ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history at 43 days. The vote was 222–209, with all but two Republicans voting in favor and all but six Democrats voting against it. The measure restores funding, reverses layoffs of federal employees made during the shutdown, guarantees workers' back pay, and appropriates funds for SNAP benefits through September 2026. Democrats opposed the measure because it did not extend premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance, which expire in January and will cause millions of Americans to lose coverage or face skyrocketing premiums.
• Trump signs spending package ending government shutdown — President Donald Trump signed into law a congressionally approved spending package, officially ending a 43-day federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. The shutdown had significant impacts on government operations and public services. The resolution of the shutdown marks a return to normal government functioning, although it comes amid other political challenges for Trump, including the potential congressional vote on the Epstein files.
• Trump signs bill ending 42-day federal government shutdown — After 42 days, the longest US government shutdown in history ended when the House passed a compromise funding bill 222–209 on November 12, and President Trump signed it on November 13. The bill, negotiated by Republicans and moderate Democrats, funds government operations through January but excludes extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits that Democrats had demanded. The shutdown had caused furloughs of 700,000 federal workers, halted food assistance payments, and triggered flight cancellations due to unpaid air traffic controllers.
• House Democrats Release Epstein Emails — The House of Representatives resumed business after a 54-day hiatus, during which House Democrats released three emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate that reference Donald Trump. The emails suggest potential leverage Epstein had over Trump regarding his relationships with underage girls. Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the release as a publicity stunt, while the House swore in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, who signed a discharge petition to require the Department of Justice to release Epstein-related files. The House also passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through January 30, 2026.
• House Passes Continuing Resolution Ending Government Shutdown — The House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through January 30, 2026, ending a 43-day government shutdown. The vote was 222–209, with most Republicans in favor and most Democrats opposed due to the lack of extension for healthcare premium tax credits. The resolution also overturned layoffs of federal employees and guaranteed their pay, while appropriating funds for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through September 2026.
• Government shutdown lasting 43 days ended November 12, 2025 — A 43-day government shutdown, the longest in American history, ended on November 12, 2025, after acute disruptions to federal services and severe strain on federal workers and travelers.
• Agriculture Department said states will receive SNAP funds within 24 hours — A spokesperson for the Agriculture Department said on November 12 in a statement to Politico that most states will receive federal funds to distribute full SNAP benefit payments "within 24 hours" after Trump signed the funding package to reopen the government.
• Trump signed legislation to reopen federal government — Trump signed legislation on November 12 to reopen the federal government after the House passed the funding package earlier in the evening, marking an end to the longest government shutdown in US history.

Supporting reports

• Democrats release emails suggesting Trump knew about Epstein's criminal conduct — On November 12, 2025, Democratic lawmakers released three email exchanges from Jeffrey Epstein's correspondence that suggest President Trump had knowledge of Epstein's sex-trafficking crimes. In a 2011 email to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein wrote that Trump "spent hours" at his house with one of his victims and had "never once been mentioned" in connection with his crimes. A separate 2019 email to journalist Michael Wolff states Epstein knew Trump was aware of "the girls" because Trump had asked Maxwell to stop. A third email from 2015 discusses using Trump's denials as "political currency."
• House Oversight Democrats released Epstein estate emails showing Trump connection to trafficking victims — On November 12, 2025, House Oversight Committee Democrats released 23,000 documents subpoenaed from the Epstein Estate, including emails in which Epstein references Trump as "the dog that hasn't barked" and notes a trafficking victim "spent hours at my house with him." Additional emails from 2015 show Epstein and author Michael Wolff strategizing how to use knowledge of Trump's relationship with trafficking victims as leverage to create political "debt" if Trump won the presidency. The emails are now part of the congressional record.
• House Oversight Committee releases 20,000+ Epstein documents from estate — The House Oversight Committee released more than 20,000 documents obtained from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, including an email in which Epstein alleged that Trump "knew about the girls." The release reignited scrutiny of Trump's past ties to Epstein and intensified calls for full disclosure of justice department and FBI records. The White House subsequently accused Democrats of selectively leaking the materials to smear the president.
• House Committee on Oversight released additional 20,000 pages of Epstein estate documents — After Democrats released three emails from the Epstein estate, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released an additional 20,000 pages of documents from the same cache. The documents included emails in which Epstein offered tips on stories about Trump and young women to a New York Times financial reporter, offered photographs of "donald and girls in bikinis," and referenced Trump's payment of hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. No story based on this information appeared in the New York Times before or after the 2016 presidential election.
• House Democrats released Epstein estate emails implicating Trump in knowledge of sexual misconduct — On November 12, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released three emails from the Epstein estate cache. The emails included correspondence in which Epstein referenced Trump as "the dog that hasn't barked" in his criminal investigation, stated Trump "knew about the girls," and discussed leverage Epstein held over Trump regarding his presence at Epstein's properties. The release followed the end of a 54-day government shutdown and preceded the swearing-in of Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, whose vote would complete a discharge petition to force a House vote on releasing FBI files related to the Epstein investigation.
• House Oversight Committee releases Epstein emails contradicting Trump's denials of knowledge — On November 12, 2025, the House Oversight Committee released emails obtained from Jeffrey Epstein's estate that directly contradict President Trump's repeated public denials of knowledge about Epstein's crimes. A January 31, 2019 email shows Epstein telling journalist Michael Wolff that Trump "of course… knew about the girls." An April 2011 email to Ghislaine Maxwell states Trump had spent "hours at my house" with victim Virginia Giuffre, implying Trump's knowledge of Epstein's criminal activity. The White House disputed the release, claiming Democrats created a "fake narrative" through selective redaction.
• Democrats released Epstein emails suggesting Trump knew about abuse — Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released emails on November 12 written by Jeffrey Epstein that suggested he believed Trump may have known about his abuse. Among the emails was one where Epstein noted that Trump had "spent hours at my house" with one of his victims, and in a 2011 email to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein wrote, "I want you to realize that that dog that hasn't barked is Trump."
• Democrats release emails from Epstein files — Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released a series of emails from the Epstein files, which suggest that Donald Trump may have been aware of Epstein's underage sex-trafficking activities. This release has intensified the political pressure on Trump, as it coincides with efforts to force a congressional vote on the full release of the files. The emails have fueled speculation and controversy, potentially affecting Trump's support among his political base.
• Public disclosure of 20,000+ pages of Jeffrey Epstein case files — More than 20,000 pages of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were publicly released. Democratic House oversight committee members released three emails suggesting Donald Trump may have known more about Epstein's crimes than publicly acknowledged. Republican representatives subsequently released a larger cache of files. The disclosure reignited scrutiny of Epstein's relationships with powerful figures and raised questions about Trump's knowledge of Epstein's conduct toward victims.
• House Democrats release Epstein documents showing Trump's involvement in schemes — The House Oversight Committee, controlled by Democrats, released documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate containing emails and communications that detail Trump's connections to Epstein and his activities. The documents include Epstein's own characterizations of Trump's business practices, references to Trump's visits to Epstein properties, and Epstein's communications with Russian officials about Trump. The release occurred after Republicans had long demanded the files be made public, expecting them to implicate Democratic figures instead.
• House Oversight released Epstein emails showing Trump's name in network — House Oversight released Epstein's emails as part of the congressional record, including April 2011 correspondence to Ghislaine Maxwell referencing Trump's visits and December 2015 emails strategizing how to leverage Trump's presence to create political "debt." The release occurred as part of transparency efforts following the discharge petition. The emails document Epstein's own characterization of Trump's involvement in his network.
• House Oversight Committee released Epstein estate documents showing elite connections — The House Oversight Committee released documents from the Epstein estate on November 12 showing a chummy friendship between Epstein and political, academic, and economic leaders who sought to retain access to his money, information, and connections even after he pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution.
• House Oversight Committee releases Epstein estate documents showing elite connections — The House Oversight Committee released documents from the Epstein estate on November 12 showing a chummy friendship between Epstein and political, academic, and economic leaders who sought to retain access to Epstein's money, information, and connections even after he pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution. The documents revealed connections between Epstein and prominent figures including Steve Bannon.
• Newly released Epstein documents reveal texting contact with House member during 2019 Cohen hearing — Newly released documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show the convicted sex offender was texting with a member of Congress during a February 2019 House oversight hearing featuring Michael Cohen's testimony against Donald Trump. Analysis by the Washington Post suggests the lawmaker was Stacey Plaskett, US Virgin Islands' Democratic delegate. Message timestamps and hearing video indicate Epstein may have influenced Plaskett's questioning of Cohen, including prompting her to ask about Trump executive assistant Rhona Graff. The documents were provided to Congress this week.

Supporting reports

• Speaker Johnson dismissed Epstein document release as "publicity stunt" — After House Democrats released the Epstein emails, Speaker Mike Johnson characterized the release as "[a]nother publicity stunt by the Democrats" and claimed the Democrats were "trying to mislead people." Committee chair James Comer (R-KY) issued a statement accusing Democrats of "cherry-picking documents and politicizing information."

Supporting reports

• Trump characterized Epstein documents as a "hoax" and called for Republican focus on shutdown recovery — On November 12, President Trump posted on social media characterizing the released Epstein documents as an attempt by Democrats to bring up the "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax" to deflect from Democratic failures on the shutdown. He urged "any Republicans involved" to focus "only on opening up our Country, and fixing the massive damage caused by the Democrats." The statement came hours after the release of emails in which Epstein discussed Trump's knowledge of sexual misconduct and leverage over Trump.
• Trump claimed Epstein emails are a "hoax" and Democratic deflection — On Truth Social on November 12, Trump claimed Democratic lawmakers are just rehashing the Epstein "hoax" to "deflect on how badly they've done on the [government] Shutdown," and added, "Only a very bad, or stupid, Republican would fall into that trap."

Supporting reports

• White House press secretary said Epstein emails prove Trump did nothing wrong — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on November 12 that the newly released Epstein emails "prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong."

Supporting reports

• CDC suspends "wild to mild" flu vaccination campaign following Trump administration transition — The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention halted its "wild to mild" flu vaccination awareness campaign shortly after Trump took office, amid the second-deadliest pediatric flu season on record (280 child deaths in 2024-25). The campaign, which had been "very, very well received" and focused on how vaccines prevent severe illness and death, is not planned to resume. Staff are reportedly prohibited from discussing the campaign despite its effectiveness. Pediatricians and medical organizations are stepping into the communications void to promote vaccination.

Supporting reports

• Trump attempted to pressure Republican signatories to withdraw from Epstein discharge petition — In the hours before Grijalva's swearing-in on November 12, President Trump attempted to persuade Republican representatives who had signed the discharge petition to remove their signatures. Trump focused on Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO). He attempted to reach Mace by phone and invited Boebert to a meeting in the White House Situation Room, which is equipped to prevent recording. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel attended the meeting with Boebert. Trump's efforts failed; the discharge petition proceeded to ripening.
• Trump contacts Republican members to block DOJ Epstein files release — In the hours before Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva was sworn in on November 12, 2025—providing the final signature for a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing Department of Justice Epstein files—President Trump made direct contact with Republican members to persuade them to withdraw support. Trump called Congresswoman Lauren Boebert early Tuesday morning and summoned her to the White House on Wednesday for a meeting in the Situation Room with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel. Trump also attempted to contact Congresswoman Nancy Mace. A vote on the DOJ files is expected in early December.
• Trump pressures congressional Republicans to block Epstein files discharge petition — President Trump attempted to persuade Republican representatives Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace to withdraw their signatures from a discharge petition that would force a House vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump invited Boebert to the White House and had Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel attempt persuasion, followed by "vague threats." Mace received an unsuccessful phone call and responded with a letter citing her personal history of sexual abuse. Both representatives refused to withdraw, and the petition achieved the necessary 218 votes this week, setting up a potential House vote that could expose Trump to political damage.
• White House pressured representatives to withdraw from Epstein petition — The White House conducted a sustained pressure campaign against Representatives Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace to persuade them to remove their names from the discharge petition to release Epstein files. The campaign included phone calls from Trump to Mace, vague threats to Boebert about the risks of crossing Trump in her district, and inquiries about what it would take to change their positions. Both representatives refused to withdraw.

Supporting reports

• Judge Sara Ellis reprimands Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino for throwing gas canister at protesters — U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis reprimanded Gregory Bovino, the Trump-appointed Border Patrol chief leading Chicago's ICE crackdown, for lying about an incident in which he was caught on video throwing a gas canister at protesters without warning. The reprimand followed Bovino's false statements regarding the incident, establishing a pattern of dishonesty by the official overseeing Operation Midway Blitz enforcement.

Supporting reports

• Trump disputed voter concerns about rising prices in Fox News interview — On Monday, November 11, Fox News personality Laura Ingraham pressed Trump on issues that have cost him support, including rising prices. Despite consumers expressing concern over rising prices, Trump insisted prices are "way down." When Ingraham asked if he was saying voters were misperceiving their own experience, Trump defended himself by claiming MAGA was his idea and that he knows what MAGA wants better than anyone else.
• Trump dismissed voter economic anxiety as "fake polls" and "con job" — In an interview with Fox host Laura Ingraham, Trump denied that voters are expressing anxiety about the economy, claiming polls showing economic concern are "fake" and a "con job," and asserted that "costs are way down" despite widespread reporting of inflation and cost-of-living increases.
• Trump dismisses economic struggles as a "con job" — Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about economic struggles faced by Americans, labeling them as a "con job" perpetuated by the media. This statement reflects a disconnect from the realities many families are experiencing.

Supporting reports

• Trump claimed government lacks funds to refund tariff revenue if Supreme Court rules against tariff authority — Trump stated in public remarks that the federal government cannot afford to repay tariff revenue collected if the Supreme Court rules against his tariff authority, claiming repayment would exceed $3 trillion and constitute a "National Security Event." Trump also accused justices opposed to his position of "giving low Numbers" to make the case appear easy to resolve. The administration lost twice in lower courts on the tariff issue and made no fiscal preparations for a potential loss.
• Trump claimed tariff ruling would cost $2–3 trillion and constitute national security catastrophe — President Trump stated on Monday that if the Supreme Court ruled his tariffs unconstitutional, the U.S. would owe "in excess of $2 Trillion Dollars," later increasing the figure to $3 trillion, and characterized this as a "National Security catastrophe." He blamed "Anarchists and Thugs" for challenging his tariffs. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated the actual figure at approximately $195 billion. The Supreme Court had heard arguments on tariff constitutionality on November 5.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to sue BBC for $1 billion over Jan. 6 documentary — Trump threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion on November 10, claiming in a letter from his lawyers that their documentary included "malicious, disparaging" edits to his January 6 speech at the Ellipse. The letter demanded an apology, full retraction of the documentary, and compensation for alleged harm.
• Trump threatens $1bn lawsuit against BBC over edited January 6 speech — Donald Trump's legal team sent a letter to the BBC threatening a $1 billion defamation lawsuit in Florida state court unless the corporation provides a "full and fair retraction" of a Panorama documentary that edited his January 6, 2021 Capitol speech. The BBC has acknowledged the edit was misleading. Trump claims reputational and financial harm. Legal experts note Trump has a history of unsuccessful libel suits and that the $1bn figure lacks substantive basis; the BBC has not yet committed to settlement.
• Trump threatens $1 billion lawsuit against BBC over Panorama January 6 editing — Donald Trump's legal team sent a cease-and-desist letter to the BBC threatening a $1 billion defamation lawsuit over a Panorama documentary episode that aired in October 2024, alleging the network defamatorily edited Trump's January 6 speech to suggest he encouraged Capitol violence. The letter cites "election interference" and claims the editing caused Trump "overwhelming financial and reputational harm." BBC director general Tim Davie and chief executive of BBC News Deborah Turness have already resigned over the controversy. The BBC stated it will review the correspondence and respond in due course.