Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Speaker Mike Johnson continued false claims about January 6 FBI agents — After FBI Director Kash Patel clarified that FBI agents were sent into the January 6 crowd after the riot was declared to assist with crowd control, not before or during to incite violence, Speaker Mike Johnson went on CNN and continued to repeat the false claim that "there were 274 FBI agents in the crowd," perpetuating the debunked conspiracy theory.

Supporting reports

• Trump ordered declassification of Amelia Earhart records — President Trump ordered his administration to declassify and release all government records related to Amelia Earhart, the early American aviator who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean on July 2, 1937. The order came hours after House Democrats released Epstein documents mentioning Trump's connections to the convicted sex offender.

Supporting reports

• Mass shooting at Mormon church in Michigan — A gunman rammed his truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, and opened fire on worshippers, killing at least four people and shooting at least ten others with an assault rifle. The shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford, an Iraq war veteran, was killed by police. The FBI described the incident as an "act of targeted violence." Sanford had previously worn a camouflage Trump 2020 campaign shirt reading "Make Liberals Cry Again" and displayed a Trump-Pence sign at his home.
• Mormon church shooting in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan — Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, opened fire at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan on Sunday morning, killing at least four worshippers and wounding eight others. He rammed a pickup truck through the church entrance, fired a rifle at congregants, and set the building ablaze before being shot dead by police approximately eight minutes after the attack began at 10:25 a.m. Google Maps images and property records show Sanford had a Trump sign outside his home; Facebook photos show him wearing a "Re-elect Trump 2020" shirt. Investigations into motive are ongoing; the FBI has characterized it as "an act of targeted violence."

Supporting reports

• Harvard dean paid to discredit Tylenol safety research — The New York Times reported that Dr. Andrea Baccarelli, the Harvard dean who consulted with top Trump health officials about unproven risks related to Tylenol use during pregnancy, was paid at least $150,000 to be an expert witness for plaintiffs in lawsuits against the drug maker. The judge who dismissed the lawsuits agreed with defendants' lawyers that Baccarelli "cherry-picked and misrepresented study results" in his testimony, making him an "unreliable" witness.

Supporting reports

• House Democrats released third batch of Epstein documents mentioning Trump — Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee released documents from the criminal investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, including phone logs, flight manifests, and schedules. The documents show that billionaire Peter Thiel and Trump ally Steve Bannon had scheduled meetings with Epstein, and that Elon Musk had a pending trip to Epstein's private island. Republicans had been slow-walking the release since the documents mention President Trump, who was a close friend of Epstein during the years of his sex trafficking.

Supporting reports

• DOJ declines to release Epstein investigative files despite Trump campaign promise — The Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, backtracked on campaign promises to release Epstein investigative files. In July 2025, the DOJ stated there was no Epstein client list and would not release additional documents. FBI Director Kash Patel testified before Congress that the FBI was "releasing as much as legally allowed" and claimed there was no credible evidence Epstein trafficked victims to other men, contradicting victim statements and FBI reports identifying at least 20 other men to whom survivors were allegedly trafficked.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 on domestic terrorism — President Trump signed National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), directing law enforcement and regulatory agencies to investigate and disrupt networks, entities, and organizations allegedly responsible for encouraging acts of political violence. The memo directs the IRS commissioner to ensure no tax-exempt groups finance political violence or domestic terrorism, and instructs the IRS chief to refer organizations and their employees to the Department of Justice for investigation and possible prosecution. Legal experts and free speech organizations warn the order conflates protected speech with political violence and could be weaponized against left-leaning nonprofits.
• Trump issues presidential memorandum targeting "domestic terrorism" with focus on left-wing groups — On Thursday, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum aimed at investigating and dismantling what he characterized as a radical left-wing "terror network." The memo directs the FBI's joint terrorism taskforces, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Treasury to pursue an "all-of-government effort" against left-wing political violence and antifa. Trump suggested billionaires George Soros and Reid Hoffman could be targets. Critics, including the ACLU, argue the memo uses the label of "domestic terrorism" to target non-profits, activists, and protected political speech, with potential for broad crackdown on political opponents.
• Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum ordering prosecution of protest as federal crime — Three days after the antifa designation, Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7), titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence," which established a National Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate Americans engaged in protest and ordered the attorney general to prosecute protest as a federal crime to the maximum extent permissible by law.
• Trump signs memorandum targeting activists and nonprofits as "terror network" — President Trump signed a memorandum titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence" that targets activists and nonprofits as part of what he called a "terror network" allegedly fueling violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The memo alleges that "common threads" include anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, anti-Christianity, support for overthrowing the government, and extremism on migration, race, and gender. It grants law enforcement wide latitude to investigate, prosecute, and disrupt entities and individuals engaged in behavior the administration opposes, as well as nonprofit organizations that fund them. The memo also orders law enforcement to interrogate people regarding entities organizing actions and their financial sponsorship prior to adjudication or plea agreement.
• White House issues fact sheet on National Security Presidential Memorandum establishing domestic terrorism strategy — The White House issued a fact sheet on September 25, 2025, describing a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) signed by President Trump that directs federal agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle organized political violence and domestic terrorism. The memorandum instructs the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force to coordinate investigations; directs the Attorney General to prosecute federal crimes related to organized political violence and recommend groups for designation as "domestic terrorist organizations"; instructs Treasury to identify and disrupt funding networks; and designates domestic terrorism a "National Priority Area." The fact sheet cites recent incidents including the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk and attacks on ICE officers.
• Presidential Memorandum directs federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute domestic terrorism and organized political violence through coordinated task forces, financial tracking, and organizational designation authority. — National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, signed September 25, 2025, directs the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Homeland Security and the Attorney General to establish a comprehensive federal strategy countering domestic terrorism and organized political violence. The memorandum instructs the National Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate individuals and organizations engaged in political violence, radicalization, doxing, and intimidation campaigns; directs the Treasury Department to identify and disrupt financial networks funding such activity; authorizes the Attorney General to designate groups meeting the statutory definition of "domestic terrorism" as domestic terrorist organizations; and mandates law enforcement agencies to interrogate suspects regarding organizational structures and funding sources. The memorandum identifies "anti-fascist" movements as a primary focus and cites recent assassinations, ICE facility attacks, and riots as justification for the expanded investigative authority.
• White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum directing domestic terrorism investigations and prosecutions — The White House issued NSPM-7 on September 25, 2025, directing the National Joint Terrorism Task Force, Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, and Department of Homeland Security to investigate, prosecute, and disrupt entities and individuals engaged in political violence and intimidation. The memorandum directs law enforcement to investigate funding sources, organizational structures, and participants in acts characterized as domestic terrorism, with particular focus on what the document describes as "anti-fascist" movements. It instructs the Attorney General to prosecute federal crimes related to these investigations to the maximum extent permissible by law and authorizes the Treasury to deploy investigative tools to trace funding streams.
• Trump signed memorandum designating antifa as domestic terrorist organization — President Trump signed a separate presidential memorandum claiming to designate antifa, described as a leaderless and decentralized anti-fascist movement, as a "domestic terrorist organization." Legal experts warned that through this memo and the concurrent nonprofit-targeting memo, Trump is less concerned with curbing political violence and more concerned with stamping out an idea and creating a tool to use against any form of left-wing protest activity.
• Trump signed presidential memorandum targeting left-wing nonprofit organizations — President Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the federal government to investigate and target liberal nonprofit organizations that fund the political left, specifically naming Democratic megadonors George Soros and Reid Hoffman. The memo ordered the Department of Justice and Department of Treasury to use anti-terrorism financial tools against unspecified organizations and directed the IRS commissioner to ensure that no tax-exempt entities finance political violence or domestic terrorism. Legal experts observed that the memo largely targets actions protected by the First Amendment by conflating speech and violence, and violates federal guidelines prohibiting law enforcement from investigating Americans based solely on First Amendment-protected activity.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces planned executive order to dismantle "domestic terrorism networks" in response to ICE facility shooting — Following the Dallas ICE facility shooting, President Trump posted on social media characterizing the incident as an attack by "Radical Left Terrorists" and blamed "radical left Democrats" for anti-ICE rhetoric. Trump announced he would sign an executive order "this week to dismantle these Domestic Terrorism Networks," referencing ANTIFA, which he stated had already been declared a terrorist organization. Law enforcement officials stated there was no indication the shooter had any connection to any organizations, including antifa.
• ICE facility shooting in Dallas; political responses diverge on cause and victims — A shooting at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas killed one detainee and wounded two others. The shooter died by self-inflicted gunshot. The DHS confirmed detainees were the victims. Trump, Vance, Noem, and Abbott blamed the "radical left" and anti-ICE rhetoric for the attack, while Democrats focused on the victims being detainees, called for gun control, and accused Republicans of politicizing the incident for partisan gain. The FBI recovered shell casings with "anti-ICE messaging" but said the investigation was ongoing and the motive had not been confirmed.
• Shooting at Dallas ICE facility kills one detainee, injures two others; shooter dies by self-inflicted gunshot — A suspect opened fire at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas on the morning of September 24, killing one detainee and injuring two others who were in critical condition. The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Shell casings recovered at the scene bore anti-ICE messaging. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence. No law enforcement officers were injured.
• Shooting at ICE detention facility in Dallas; suspect killed one detainee and wounded two others — On September 24, 2025, a 29-year-old suspect, Joshua Jahn, opened fire from a rooftop at an ICE detention facility in Dallas, Texas, killing one ICE detainee inside a transportation van and critically wounding two others. Authorities found detailed planning notes at his residence expressing anti-ICE sentiment and intent to maximize lethality against ICE personnel. The suspect used ICE tracking apps to monitor federal agents and legally obtained his firearm in August. He died by suicide at the scene. The FBI characterized the attack as involving "high degree of planning."
• Shooting death of detainee at ICE facility in Dallas; widow speaks out — Miguel García-Hernández, 31, an undocumented immigrant detained by ICE in Dallas on 24 September 2025, was shot and killed when a gunman opened fire outside the ICE field office where he was awaiting intake in a government van. He died on 29 September from his gunshot wounds. His widow, Stephany Gauffeny, reported he was restrained to a hospital bed with handcuffs on his feet as he lay dying. She attributes the shooting to rising political violence and anti-immigration rhetoric under the Trump administration. García-Hernández had been seeking legal status through a Biden-era family reunification program that was blocked by a federal judge.
• Shooting at Dallas ICE facility kills one detainee, wounds two others — A gunman fired at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas on September 24, killing one detainee and critically wounding two others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Law enforcement recovered shell casings with "anti-ICE messaging" near the shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn. No federal agents were injured. The incident occurred at a facility used for short-term processing of people in custody along Interstate 35 East.
• ICE reports 700% increase in assaults from "activists masquerading as immigrant advocates" — ICE officials claim a 700% increase in assaults from what they characterize as "activists masquerading as immigrant advocates," citing incidents including vehicle ramming (July 2), armed attack on Prairieland detention center (July 4), and shooting at CBP facility in McAllen (July). The FBI offered a $25,000 reward for Benjamin Hanil Song, a former marine reservist, in connection with the Alvarado attack. However, counter-narratives document ICE and CBP agents engaging in rough and sometimes violent tactics against detainees and protesters, including masked agents smashing car windows and detaining US citizens based on appearance.
• Shooting at ICE detention facility in Dallas; detainee killed, two wounded, shooter deceased — An unidentified shooter fired on an ICE detention center near Dallas Love Field airport from a nearby roof on Wednesday, killing one detainee and wounding two others before taking his own life. An "anti-ICE" message was found on a bullet at the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel and Trump administration officials quickly attributed the attack to "radical left terrorists," while the incident occurred amid a documented spike in violence targeting immigration enforcement facilities and reported aggressive ICE tactics against detainees and protesters.
• Trump and NRCC attribute ICE shooting to "radical left terrorists" and Democratic rhetoric — Following the Dallas ICE facility shooting, President Trump and the National Republican Congressional Committee issued statements attributing the attack to "radical left terrorists" and blaming Democratic rhetoric for demonizing ICE agents. NRCC spokesperson Mike Marinella claimed "radical Democrats" have been escalating rhetoric against law enforcement, drawing a parallel to recent violence against rightwing figures despite senior Democrats condemning political violence generally.

Supporting reports

• Trump alleges "triple sabotage" at UN over escalator, teleprompter, and audio issues — President Trump claimed on social media that three technical mishaps at the UN General Assembly on September 24 constituted deliberate sabotage: an escalator that stopped mid-ride carrying him and First Lady Melania Trump, a malfunctioning teleprompter during his address, and audio problems preventing the First Lady from hearing his speech. The UN investigated and concluded a US delegation videographer inadvertently triggered the escalator's safety mechanism. Trump rejected this explanation and demanded an investigation, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggesting intentional sabotage and promising accountability.
• White House press secretary suggested UN sabotaged president's equipment — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Channel that a malfunctioning escalator and teleprompter at the UN appeared to be sabotage and that she would ensure accountability. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) called for defunding the UN for "orchestrating escalator and teleprompter malfunctions." A UN official later told the Associated Press that someone from the president's party had inadvertently triggered the escalator stop mechanism and that the White House was operating the teleprompter.
• Trump demands investigation into UN "sabotage" — On Truth Social, Trump demanded an investigation into what he described as "sabotage" at the UN surrounding the escalator and teleprompter, calling them "sinister events!" and said "the people that did it should be arrested!" The AP's UN correspondent, Farnoush Amiri, tweeted earlier that a UN official said "someone from the president's party who ran ahead of him inadvertently triggered the stop mechanism on the escalator." Additionally, the official said the White House was operating the teleprompter for Trump.
• Trump posted conspiracy theory about UN escalator sabotage — Trump posted on Truth Social that an escalator malfunction at the United Nations was "absolutely sabotage" and that "the people that did it should be arrested," claiming he and Melania nearly fell down the stairs. Fox host Maria Bartiromo amplified the claim, and Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) suggested the incident was "intentional." Conservative figures including Laura Loomer characterized the escalator stopping as a "pre-planned attack" and "attempted assassination."
• Trump Demands Investigation into UN Technical Mishaps — Former President Donald Trump has called for an investigation into what he describes as "triple sabotage" during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump reported that an escalator stopped abruptly, his teleprompter malfunctioned, and there were audio issues during his speech. The UN has suggested that the escalator incident was caused by a US delegation staffer inadvertently triggering a safety function. Trump, however, believes these incidents were part of a deliberate attempt to undermine him and has demanded accountability.

Supporting reports

• Oklahoma superintendent Ryan Walters resigns to lead conservative education non-profit — Ryan Walters, superintendent of Oklahoma public schools since 2022, announced his resignation on Fox News to become leader of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a conservative education non-profit. Walters had pursued a Christian nationalist agenda in Oklahoma schools, including placing Trump-endorsed Bibles in classrooms, requiring teaching of 2020 election conspiracy theories, and attempting to inject Christian viewpoints into public education while opposing teachers unions. He stated his intention to expand this fight nationally.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth orders approximately 800 top military generals and admirals to Quantico for unusual meeting — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered approximately 800 of the military's top generals and admirals, along with their senior enlisted advisors, to gather at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia the following week. The demand is highly unusual; no official explanation was provided for the meeting. Military experts noted the cost in flights and accommodations would be millions of dollars and the lost focus would affect military readiness, while the sudden global recall signals potential instability to adversaries and allies. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance downplayed the meeting when questioned by reporters.
• Trump threatened political violence in response to ICE facility shooting — During remarks, Trump stated: "Bad things happen when they play these games. I'll give you a little clue, the right is a lot tougher than the left. And they better not get them energized because it won't be good for the left," in reference to a shooting at an ICE facility in Texas. House Homeland Security Democrats responded that Trump was "openly threatening political violence."
• Defense Secretary Hegseth affirmed Medal of Honor awards to soldiers involved in 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that twenty men awarded the Medal of Honor for their participation in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre would retain their medals, reversing the review initiated by his predecessor General Lloyd Austin. Austin had ordered the review to ensure awardees were not recognized for conduct inconsistent with the nation's highest military honor. Hegseth called the soldiers "brave soldiers" and stated they deserved the medals, effectively closing the review process.
• Secretary of Defense Hegseth announces decision to allow Wounded Knee soldiers to retain their medals — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released a video announcing that soldiers who fought at the Battle of Wounded Knee will be permitted to keep their medals, declaring the decision final and their place in history settled. The Atlantic's James Surowiecki noted that the U.S. awarded 20 Medals of Honor to cavalrymen who killed hundreds of Lakota people, mostly women and children, at Wounded Knee—twice as many as the 10 awarded to troops who fought at Normandy on D-Day.
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth summons hundreds of senior military officers to Washington for speech on military standards — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered hundreds of generals and admirals stationed worldwide to travel to Washington on short notice to hear him deliver a speech on military standards and "warrior ethos." A source described the gathering as an "eyeball-to-eyeball" conversation where Hegseth wanted to see the generals in person. The Washington Post reported the unusual summons of senior military leadership.

Supporting reports

• Speaker Johnson delays swearing in of elected representative Adelita Grijalva to obstruct discharge petition on Epstein files — House Speaker Mike Johnson has not sworn in Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election to represent Arizona on September 23, 2025, with 69% of the vote. As of November 5, the 43-day delay is unprecedented; analysis of 59 prior House special elections since 2015 shows an average swearing-in time of 11 days, and the previous record delay was 35 days. Johnson has offered contradictory explanations (citing precedent, scheduling, and ceremonial reasons), but evidence shows he held pro forma sessions to swear in Republican special election winners within 24 hours. Grijalva campaigned on pledging to sign a discharge petition forcing a House vote to release the Epstein files. On October 21, Grijalva and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued the House, alleging Johnson is delaying her swearing-in to prevent her from signing the discharge petition and/or to strengthen his negotiating position on budget matters.
• Adelita Grijalva wins Arizona House special election, becomes first Latina from state in Congress — Adelita Grijalva, daughter of late congressman Raúl Grijalva, won a special election on September 24, 2025, to fill Arizona's 7th congressional district seat left vacant by her father's death in March 2025. She defeated Republican challenger Daniel Butierez in the heavily Democratic district covering southern Arizona and borderland areas. Her victory narrows Republicans' House majority, which had passed Trump's legislative agenda by a single vote. Grijalva, 54, is a longtime local official with 20 years on the Tucson school board and four years as a Pima County supervisor.
• House Republicans and White House allies worked to prevent vote on Epstein files release — Top congressional Republicans and White House allies worked behind the scenes to prevent a floor vote to release the government's Jeffrey Epstein case files. Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna declared they had 218 votes to compel a vote when Congress returns, with Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva's signature completing the petition. GOP lawmakers who signed the petition were privately pressured to withdraw their names. Massie stated: "The House leaders and some of the powers that be in DC are in full panic mode right now."
• Arizona Democratic Representative Elected — On September 25, 2025, Democratic representative Adelita Grijalva was elected in Arizona, providing the final signature on a discharge petition to demand a floor vote in the House to release all government files related to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This election is significant as it reflects a shift in the political landscape and could impact future legislative actions regarding transparency and accountability.

Supporting reports

• CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale documented Trump's false claim about $17 trillion investment figure. — CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale reported that Trump claimed he has secured $17 trillion in investment in the U.S., but his own White House press secretary said it was about $9 trillion in investment just the previous day. Dale noted he did not know where the additional $8 trillion in a day came from. He also noted that even the $9 trillion figure is "highly dubious," counting vague commitments from various countries rather than actual spending.
• CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale documented Trump's false claims about China's wind power usage. — CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale reported that Trump claimed China builds a lot of wind turbines and manufactures them for others but refuses to use wind power itself and barely uses it. In fact, China is the world leader in the use of wind power and is building additional wind power far faster than the U.S. is building wind power domestically. Dale characterized this as "a reversal of reality."
• CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale documented Trump's false claims about Congo-Rwanda conflict. — CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale reported that Trump claimed the conflict involving the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Rwanda had been resolved, but CNN had good reporting from just a day prior showing that hostilities had continued. Dale documented this as one of many false claims in Trump's UN speech.
• CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale documented Trump's false claims about U.S. electricity prices. — CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale reported that Trump claimed European electricity bills are high (true) but that U.S. electricity bills are coming way down (false). In reality, U.S. electricity bills are increasing sharply, up 6.2% in August compared to a year prior.
• CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale documented Trump's false claims about U.S. grocery prices and inflation. — CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale reported that Trump claimed grocery prices are down during his presidency, but they are actually up with the pace of increases accelerating as tariffs take effect. Dale also noted Trump claimed inflation has been defeated, but inflation is accelerating at 2.9%, up from 2.7% the previous month.
• Trump delivered speech to UN General Assembly containing multiple false claims about wars, economic data, and renewable energy. — Trump addressed the UN General Assembly, making numerous factually incorrect statements including claims that he ended a war between Serbia and Kosovo that never existed, that grocery prices are down (they are up), that inflation has been defeated (it is accelerating at 2.9%), that European electricity bills are high while US bills are coming down (US bills are up 6.2%), and that China barely uses wind power (China is the world leader in wind power usage). He also claimed to have secured $17 trillion in investment, contradicting his own press secretary's claim of $9 trillion made the previous day. The speech was widely criticized by international observers and fact-checkers.

Supporting reports

• White House press secretary suggests UN sabotage — On Fox, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said without evidence that the teleprompter and escalator issues at the UN could have been sabotage, and warned that if the administration finds UN staffers were responsible, she will personally see that there is "accountability" for their actions.
• White House Press Secretary Comments on Trump's Speech — Following President Trump's speech at the UN, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that technical issues with the teleprompter and escalator were acts of sabotage. She indicated that there would be accountability for these incidents, while Senator Mike Lee called for defunding the UN in response to the alleged malfunctions.

Supporting reports

• Sinclair Broadcast Group forced Jimmy Kimmel off air and produced propaganda special on Charlie Kirk — Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns dozens of ABC affiliates, pressured ABC to suspend production of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after Kimmel criticized the exploitation of Charlie Kirk's assassination. Sinclair then produced a "special report" that depicted Kirk as a prophetic religious figure while omitting his documented far-right views, including opposition to the Civil Rights Act, support for public executions, and antisemitic statements blaming "Jewish donors" for national problems. The special was initially scheduled to air during Kimmel's timeslot but was pulled minutes before broadcast and published only on YouTube.
• Sinclair special omitted Charlie Kirk's extremist statements and depicted him as prophetic religious figure — Sinclair's National News Desk produced a memorial special that systematically omitted Kirk's documented extremist positions—including calling the Civil Rights Act a "huge mistake," supporting public executions, and blaming "Jewish donors" for national problems—while depicting him primarily as a prophetic religious figure and comparing him to Reverend Billy Graham. The program framed Kirk's death as having "fueled a revival of faith across America" and included interviews suggesting his legacy would inspire a new generation of Christian activism.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announces acetaminophen restrictions for pregnant women based on unproven autism claims — On Monday, President Trump announced that pregnant women should dramatically limit acetaminophen (Tylenol) use, claiming it raises autism risk. The claim lacks scientific support; medical experts confirm no causal link between acetaminophen and autism has been established. The announcement reflects a broader Trump administration campaign to restrict pregnant women's access to proven medical interventions, including COVID vaccines and antidepressants, in favor of "natural" pregnancy—a policy that contradicts medical consensus and risks maternal and fetal health.
• Trump spews anti-vaccine rhetoric and dangerous medical advice — Trump held a press conference where he promoted anti-vaccine rhetoric, repeated debunked claims about vaccines causing autism, and urged pregnant people not to take Tylenol or give it to infants. Tylenol is often recommended for pregnant people with fevers, which if untreated can cause miscarriages and premature births. Trump also suggested changes to the childhood vaccine schedule "based on what I feel," including separating the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and delaying the Hepatitis B vaccine until age 12, despite the fact that mothers with Hepatitis B can transmit it to children at birth. NYU bioethicist Art Caplan called the press conference "the saddest display of a lack of evidence, rumors, recycling old myths, lousy advice, outright lies, and dangerous advice."
• Trump announced FDA warning linking acetaminophen to autism risk in pregnancy — President Trump announced on September 22, 2025, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will notify doctors that pregnant women taking acetaminophen face a "very increased risk of autism" in their babies. Trump promoted this claim without new evidence, echoing opinions of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about vaccine dangers. The announcement contradicts decades of medical evidence showing acetaminophen is safe during pregnancy when used as directed and that vaccines have no established link to autism.
• Trump and RFK Jr held press conference promoting anti-vaccine and anti-medication theories — Trump and RFK Jr conducted a press conference on autism where Trump made numerous claims linking vaccines and medications like Tylenol to autism, citing anecdotal examples such as the Amish and Cuba. Trump stated he believes vaccines should be administered separately, contain no mercury or aluminum, and that Tylenol should be avoided. RFK Jr referenced suppressed research on vaccine-autism links. The statements contradicted established scientific consensus on vaccine safety and autism etiology.
• Trump issued blanket warning against Tylenol use without offering alternatives. — During the press conference, Trump issued a blanket statement discouraging Tylenol use. Dr. Vin Gupta criticized this as irresponsible, noting that Tylenol is safe according to best-quality research and that Trump offered no alternative pain management options, telling people to "grit their teeth through it." Gupta emphasized that untreated fever and untreated pain in pregnancy are dangerous.
• Trump made false claim about autism rates in Cuba during press conference with RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz. — During a press conference with RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz, Trump claimed that there was "virtually no autism" in Cuba because they cannot afford Tylenol. The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network refuted this claim, stating that Cuba's autism rate in 2023 was 83.3 per 10,000 children, nearly identical to the U.S. rate of 80.9 per 10,000.
• White House issued fact sheet on acetaminophen and autism — The White House published a fact sheet claiming evidence suggests acetaminophen use during pregnancy may be associated with autism and ADHD in children. The document cites large-scale cohort studies (Nurses' Health Study II, Boston Birth Cohort) and statements from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Mount Sinai researchers. It references a 2021 international consensus statement recommending pregnant women minimize acetaminophen exposure. The administration states it is issuing "new health guidance" and approving a new autism treatment.
• Trump makes unsubstantiated claims linking paracetamol to autism in pregnant women — Donald Trump stated that pregnant women should limit use of paracetamol (Tylenol), claiming a link to autism in infants. The claim has been repeatedly disproven by scientific evidence. Former President Barack Obama criticized the statement as "violence against the truth" during a public interview in London, arguing it undermines public health and could harm pregnant women by deterring them from necessary pain relief. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting also criticized the comments and encouraged women to disregard them.

Supporting reports

• Disney resumes Jimmy Kimmel Live production; Sinclair and Nexstar continue pre-emption — Disney announced it would resume production of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" beginning Tuesday, less than a week after suspending the program. However, TV station owners Sinclair and Nexstar announced they would continue to pre-empt the program on their affiliate stations. Nexstar is currently seeking to buy Tegna, another local TV operator, in a deal that would require the Trump FCC to change rules limiting the percentage of households a single company's stations can reach.
• Trump threatens ABC over Jimmy Kimmel — Ahead of the return of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Trump falsely called Kimmel "yet another arm" of the Democratic National Committee, which he baselessly claims "would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution." He threatened to "test ABC out on this," noting that while the network settled for $16 million with him in his last lawsuit, "this one sounds even more lucrative."
• ABC affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair refuse to broadcast Kimmel's show; FCC chair encouraged action — After ABC resumed Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show following a suspension related to comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination, 66 ABC affiliates owned by Nexstar and Sinclair declined to air the program. Nexstar cited commitment to "respectful, constructive dialogue"; Sinclair said discussions with ABC were ongoing but previously demanded Kimmel apologize and donate to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr had publicly encouraged affiliate owners to "take action" against Kimmel and "pre-empt" programming counter to local community values.
• FCC Chairman Carr encourages broadcast affiliates to suppress Kimmel programming — FCC Chairman Brendan Carr publicly encouraged affiliate owners to "take action" against Jimmy Kimmel and "pre-empt" programming that runs counter to the values of "their local communities." This statement preceded Nexstar and Sinclair's decisions to withhold Kimmel's show from their 66 combined affiliates. The timing and language suggest regulatory pressure on private broadcasters to suppress content based on political speech.
• Sinclair and Nexstar media companies decline to air Jimmy Kimmel on ABC affiliates — Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Company have refused to air Jimmy Kimmel content on their affiliated ABC stations. The decision represents a media censorship action affecting broadcast distribution. Advocates are calling local stations to demand compliance with First Amendment principles and free speech standards. The underlying cause relates to Kimmel's on-air commentary, which triggered the networks' editorial decision to withhold programming.
• Sinclair and Nexstar Media Companies Refuse to Air Kimmel — Sinclair and Nexstar media companies have decided not to air Jimmy Kimmel's show on their ABC affiliates. This decision has sparked calls for advocacy to demand that local stations respect the First Amendment and support free speech. The refusal to air the show is seen as part of a broader issue concerning media control and censorship, prompting public action to address these concerns.

Supporting reports

• Department of Agriculture ended annual household food security report — The U.S. Department of Agriculture ended its annual report on household food security, which has been conducted since the 1990s to help state and local officials distribute food assistance. The 2024 report found 18 million U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2023. The USDA characterized the reports as "redundant, costly, politicized and extraneous studies" that "do nothing more than fearmonger."

Supporting reports

• Executive order designating Antifa as domestic terrorist organization — The President issued an executive order on September 22, 2025, designating Antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The order characterizes Antifa as a militarist, anarchist enterprise engaged in coordinated violence, armed standoffs with law enforcement, organized riots, and suppression of political speech. It directs all executive departments and agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations conducted by Antifa or persons acting on its behalf, including prosecutorial actions against those funding such operations.
• Trump signs executive order designating antifa as domestic terrorist organization — President Trump signed an executive order on September 22, 2025, designating antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The order characterizes antifa as a "militarist, anarchist enterprise" calling for overthrow of the U.S. government. Trump announced the move via Truth Social the previous week, citing the killing of far-right commentator Charlie Kirk on September 10 as justification, though no evidence links Kirk's suspected assassin to antifa. Legal experts note no statutory framework exists for domestic terrorist designations due to First Amendment concerns, and antifa operates as a decentralized ideology rather than a formal organization.
• Trump designated "antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization via executive order — Trump issued an executive order designating "antifa"—short for "antifascists"—as a "MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION," characterizing protesters standing against administration policies as attempting to "overthrow the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of law." The order claimed they coordinate to riot, assault law enforcement, and dox political figures and activists.
• Trump signed executive order designating Antifa as terrorist organization — On September 22, President Trump signed an executive order designating "Antifa" as "a major terrorist organization." Three days later he called demonstrators in Portland "professional agitators and anarchists." The order came amid ongoing protests at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland.
• Trump issues executive order designating Antifa as domestic terrorist organization — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on September 22, 2025, formally designating Antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The order characterizes Antifa as a "militarist, anarchist enterprise" that uses violence and terrorism to obstruct federal law enforcement and suppress political activity. It directs all relevant executive departments and agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations conducted by Antifa or persons acting on its behalf, including prosecutorial action against those funding such operations.
• White House issues executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization — President Trump signed an executive order on September 22, 2025, designating Antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The order characterizes Antifa as a "militarist, anarchist enterprise" that uses violence and terrorism to obstruct federal law enforcement and suppress political activity. It directs all executive departments and agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations conducted by Antifa or persons acting on its behalf, including prosecutorial actions against those who fund such operations.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order designating Antifa as domestic terrorist organization — The White House published a fact sheet on September 22, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The order directs federal agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle operations and funding sources associated with Antifa. The fact sheet characterizes Antifa as a "militarist, anarchist enterprise" engaged in political violence, armed standoffs, riots, and assaults on law enforcement, and claims a 1000% increase in assaults on ICE officers.
• Trump signs executive order designating "antifa" as domestic terrorist organization — Trump signed an executive order designating "antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization, despite "antifa" being a decentralized anti-fascist movement without formal organization, leadership, or membership. The order is legally problematic because the government cannot legally designate domestic groups as terrorist organizations. The order is broadly written, targeting those involved in "armed standoffs with law enforcement, organized riots, violent assaults on ICE and other law enforcement officers, and routine doxing of and other threats against political figures and activists." As written, the order could criminalize anyone protesting or filming ICE officers as a domestic terrorist.
• White House issues release framing Antifa designation as domestic terrorist organization — The White House issued a promotional release on September 22, 2025, asserting that President Trump "designated Antifa — a network of Radical Left terrorists" as a domestic terrorist organization. The release catalogs alleged violent incidents attributed to Antifa and left-wing actors spanning 2017–2025, including attacks on ICE facilities, bombings, riots, and assassinations. The document frames these acts as evidence of an "epidemic of Radical Left violence" and positions the designation as a response to domestic terrorism. No separate executive order or formal instrument text is attached to this release.

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• Nancy Mace filed resolution to censure Ilhan Omar — Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) filed a resolution to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and remove the lawmaker from the two committees she sits on, falsely claiming that Omar "smeared Charlie Kirk and implied he was to blame for his own murder" during a Zeteo town hall. Omar responded that the resolution "does not contain a single quote from me because she couldn't find any."
• Nancy Mace said Omar should be stripped of citizenship — Rep. Nancy Mace said on Twitter that Rep. Ilhan Omar should also be stripped of her US citizenship, escalating her attacks on the Minnesota Democrat beyond the censure resolution.

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• Prosecutor Halligan obtains grand jury indictment of James Comey — Days after her appointment, prosecutor Lindsay Halligan obtained a grand jury indictment against former FBI Director James Comey for obstruction of justice and making false statements to Congress. Comey pleaded not guilty, with his lawyers arguing that the charges constitute vindictive prosecution by the president.
• DOJ announced indictment of former FBI Director James Comey on obstruction and false-statement charges — The Department of Justice announced that a federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of obstructing a congressional investigation into disclosure of sensitive information (18 USC 1505) and making a false statement (18 USC 1001). The indictment alleges Comey falsely stated he did not authorize an FBI employee to be an anonymous source. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel issued statements characterizing the indictment as reflecting DOJ's commitment to accountability and the FBI's effort to restore public trust.
• U.S. Attorney Halligan secured indictment against former FBI Director James Comey — Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-installed temporary U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia with minimal prosecutorial experience, secured an indictment against former FBI Director James Comey on charges of making false statements to a Senate committee in September 2020 and obstructing a congressional investigation. The indictment came over the objections of career prosecutors in the district and was presented by Halligan alone before a grand jury—a highly unusual procedure for such a high-profile, politically charged case. Comey is scheduled for arraignment on October 9, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia.
• Federal grand jury indicts James Comey on false statement and obstruction charges — A federal grand jury in the eastern district of Virginia indicted former FBI director James Comey on September 25, 2025, on charges of making a false statement and obstructing a congressional investigation. The indictment relates to Comey's September 2020 testimony to Congress regarding whether he authorized FBI personnel to be anonymous sources in news stories. The indictment was presented by Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience who replaced a career prosecutor fired after refusing to bring charges against New York attorney general Letitia James.
• Indictment of James Comey on charges of lying to Congress — Former FBI director James Comey was indicted Thursday in the Eastern District of Virginia on one count of making a false statement to Congress and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding, related to testimony given five years prior during a hearing on the FBI's Russia investigation. The indictment followed the forced removal of US Attorney Erik Siebert, who reportedly found no grounds to indict Comey, and his replacement with Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan with limited prosecutorial experience. Democrats and legal experts characterized the action as weaponization of the justice system for political retribution.
• James Comey indicted on false statements and obstruction charges — Former FBI director James Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, on Thursday on two felony counts: making false statements to Congress and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. The charges relate to Comey's September 2020 testimony about the Russia investigation, specifically allegations that he falsely claimed he had never authorized FBI leaks to the media. The indictment followed Trump's directive to Attorney General Pam Bondi to "move now" against Comey and came after Trump fired the previous federal prosecutor who had declined to bring charges due to insufficient evidence.
• DOJ expected to indict James Comey before statute of limitations expires — Three sources told MSNBC that Lindsey Halligan is expected to attempt to get a grand jury to indict former FBI Director James Comey before the five-year statute of limitations on lying to Congress expires in six days. Bloomberg reported the Department of Justice is also pushing forward with the case against New York Attorney General Letitia James.
• Federal grand jury indicts former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress and obstructing investigation — A federal grand jury indicted former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress and obstructing an investigation. The indictment came days after Trump demanded that the Department of Justice prosecute those he perceives as enemies, and after Trump replaced acting U.S. attorney Erik Siebert—who had concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge Comey—with White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan. Sources indicated Halligan was expected to pursue the indictment before the five-year statute of limitations expired.
• Indictment of James Comey allegedly based on false evidence presented to grand jury — Ken Dilanian reported that the indictment of James Comey appears to attribute words to Comey that he never uttered. Comey testified to Senator Ted Cruz that he stood by his 2017 testimony but did not state in a 2020 hearing that he had not "authorized someone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports." Legal analysts including Andrew McCarthy stated the indictment appears premised on a false claim that Andrew McCabe said Comey authorized him to leak to the Wall Street Journal, which McCabe never said.
• DOJ indicts former FBI director James Comey on false statement charges — The Justice Department indicted former FBI director James Comey in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on two counts of making false statements to Congress in September 2020. Prosecutors alleged Comey misled lawmakers by claiming he had never authorized anyone at the FBI to leak to reporters, when he had in fact authorized Columbia law professor Dan Richman to leak information about an investigation into Hillary Clinton. The case was considered weak by prosecutors and observers; the grand jury barely met the threshold to approve charges, with only 14 of 23 jurors voting for the false statement count.
• Trump-ordered indictment of former FBI Director James Comey filed by newly appointed US Attorney — Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on two felony counts by a grand jury presented by newly appointed US Attorney Lindsey Halligan. Trump posted on Truth Social celebrating the indictment, calling Comey "one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to." Multiple legal analysts, including Fox contributors Andrew McCarthy and Kim Strassel, expressed skepticism that the charges would survive judicial scrutiny, with McCarthy stating he did not believe the case would reach trial. Ken Dilanian reported DOJ sources characterizing the indictment as "among the worst abuses in DOJ history."

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• FCC chair pressures ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel over Kirk comments — Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr pressured ABC to suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over comments Kimmel made about Charlie Kirk's killing. The action drew criticism from some Republicans concerned about government interference in free speech and media editorial decisions. Democratic senators, including Chuck Schumer, called the pressure "government censorship" and demanded Carr's resignation, accusing him of "corrupt abuse of power" and threatening congressional subpoena power.
• FCC Chairman Carr threatened retaliation against ABC over Jimmy Kimmel — Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to retaliate against ABC for its handling of comedian Jimmy Kimmel's employment. The threat was characterized as an attempt to pressure the network regarding speech the administration disfavored. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) publicly criticized Carr's threat as "unbelievably dangerous," comparing it to extortion and warning that government should not decide which speech to permit or threaten broadcasters with removal from the air.
• FCC chair threatened ABC over Jimmy Kimmel comments — FCC Chair Brendan Carr warned ABC that the agency may take regulatory action against the broadcaster, including "the possibility of fines or license revocation," over comments Jimmy Kimmel made on his late-night show about Trump and the response to Charlie Kirk's death. The threat came after Kimmel's monologue criticized the politicization of Kirk's assassination.
• FCC threatens to revoke ABC broadcast licenses over Kimmel's criticism — FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke the broadcast licenses of ABC stations after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel criticized the Trump administration's response to Charlie Kirk's death. In response to the regulatory threat, ABC indefinitely pulled Kimmel's show off the air. The action represents regulatory retaliation against media criticism of the administration.
• FCC chair Brendan Carr threatened ABC broadcast license revocation — Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr threatened that ABC must suspend comedian Jimmy Kimmel's show or lose its broadcast license. The threat was made in response to Kimmel's on-air comments about MAGA Republicans' search for someone to blame. Carr later denied involvement in the suspension after public backlash.

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• Pentagon imposed new restrictions on journalists covering DOD — The Pentagon released new restrictions requiring journalists covering the Department of Defense to sign a pledge not to gather or report on information not authorized for release, even if unclassified. Journalists who violate the rules risk losing press credentials. Additionally, 90 credentialed Pentagon reporters were restricted from several floors of the building unless accompanied by a government escort, severely limiting their movement and access previously available under prior administrations.
• Pentagon memo demands journalists pledge not to gather unauthorized information; Trump downplays restrictions — The U.S. Department of War (formerly Pentagon), under Secretary Pete Hegseth, issued a memo requiring journalists to pledge not to gather any information—including unclassified documents—without prior authorization for public release, or face revocation of press passes. The memo follows May restrictions limiting reporter movement within the building. When asked about the directive, President Trump said he did not think the Pentagon should decide what reporters can report on, stating "Nothing stops reporters." Press advocates condemned the policy as a prior restraint on publication.

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• Karen Attiah fired from Washington Post over social media posts — The Washington Post fired columnist Karen Attiah, allegedly over social media posts "about white men in response to the killing of Charlie Kirk." The Post's termination letter called her actions "unacceptable" and "gross misconduct," accusing her of "potentially endanger[ing] the physical safety" of colleagues. Attiah stated the posts were about "speaking out against political violence, racial double standards, and America's apathy toward guns." The Post Guild called her firing "unjust."
• Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah files grievance over termination — Karen Attiah, a Washington Post columnist who was fired last week over social media posts in the wake of the killing of Charlie Kirk, filed a grievance arguing her posts were within the company's labor agreement and social media policy. Attiah also sent a letter to the Post's head of human resources in an effort to recover damages from her termination.

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• Vice President Vance made baseless claims about left-wing violence — Guest-hosting Charlie Kirk's podcast from the White House, Vice President JD Vance baselessly claimed that "people on the left are much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence." He also falsely said that "it is a statistical fact that most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the far-left" — a claim that Zeteo later debunked with actual statistics from experts, the Department of Justice, and Trump's own appointees.

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• DOJ removed study on white supremacist violence from website — The Justice Department removed a study conducted by the National Institute of Justice from the DOJ website following Charlie Kirk's killing, which found that white supremacist and far-right violence "continues to outpace all other types of terrorism and domestic violent extremism" in the US.