Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump falsely claimed Ashli Babbitt was "innocently standing there" — In an interview, Trump falsely claimed that Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed by law enforcement during the January 6 insurrection after attempting to climb through a broken window of the Capitol, was "innocently standing there" and "trying to sort of hold back the crowd." He added that he would "look into" the Babbitt family's wrongful death suit.

Supporting reports

• Yunseo Chung files lawsuit against Trump administration over green card revocation — Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student and green card holder from South Korea, filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump and high-ranking administration officials on March 24 challenging the revocation of her green card and the targeting of her for deportation. The lawsuit alleges that ICE used immigration enforcement as a tool to suppress her political speech and that of other students engaged in pro-Palestinian activism, in violation of her First Amendment rights and due process protections.
• Yunseo Chung filed lawsuit after immigration arrest attempt — Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student who has lived in the US since age 7, filed a lawsuit against Trump and other administration officials after immigration agents attempted to arrest and deport her for apparently participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. A federal judge later temporarily blocked the Trump administration from detaining Chung.
• State Department orders revocation of green card for Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil — Immigration officials arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and leader of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, acting on an order from the State Department to revoke his green card. Khalil remains in custody in Louisiana. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly stated the government would "kick out" green card holders who participate in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, signaling a coordinated policy to strip legal status from protesters based on their political speech.
• Trump administration initiates deportation proceedings against Columbia student protester Yunseo Chung — Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old permanent resident who participated in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, filed a lawsuit on March 24, 2025, against the Trump administration after immigration authorities began deportation efforts against her. Three days after her arrest by New York police during campus demonstrations, ICE signed an administrative arrest warrant. The lawsuit names Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other officials, alleging the government is retaliating against her for constitutionally protected protest activity and seeking to revoke her permanent resident status without justification.
• Yunseo Chung, green card holder, sues after ICE attempts arrest and revokes green card — Yunseo Chung, a green card holder who has lived in the United States since age seven and attended pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, sued the Trump administration on Monday, March 24, 2025, after immigration officials attempted to arrest her. ICE officials informed her lawyer that her green card had been revoked. The case exemplifies the administration's targeting of noncitizen students engaged in political protest and speech critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
• Federal judge blocks detention of Columbia protester facing deportation — U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald issued a temporary restraining order preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement from detaining or transferring Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old green card holder and Columbia University student, out of New York's southern district. Chung, arrested during a Gaza solidarity protest at Barnard College, sued the Trump administration alleging it is using immigration enforcement to suppress her protected speech. The judge found the government had not presented sufficient factual basis for its deportation claims against the legal permanent resident, who has lived in the U.S. since age seven.
• Federal judge halts deportation proceedings against Columbia student Yunseo Chung — Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student and green card holder, sued the Trump administration after ICE revoked her green card and sought her arrest following her attendance at a pro-Palestinian sit-in protest at Barnard College on March 9. ICE obtained a warrant citing a law against "harboring noncitizens" and accused her of posing a threat to U.S. foreign policy interests. On March 25, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order halting arrest and deportation efforts, finding no evidence she posed a danger to the community.
• Federal judge blocks ICE detention of Columbia undergraduate Yunseo Chung — A US judge in Manhattan issued an order blocking immigration officials from detaining Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University undergraduate and permanent resident (green card holder), who faced deportation threats for involvement in Gaza solidarity protests. The judicial intervention prevented the detention from proceeding.
• Federal judge blocks deportation of Tufts student detained by ICE; visa revocation challenged — Rümeysa Öztürk, a 30-year-old Fulbright scholar and doctoral student at Tufts University, was detained by masked plainclothes ICE officers on Tuesday in a Boston suburb. The Department of Homeland Security terminated her visa, alleging support for Hamas without evidence. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Denise Casper issued an order prohibiting Öztürk's removal from the United States pending further court proceedings. Her attorneys, including ACLU lawyers, argue the detention is retaliation for an opinion piece she co-authored advocating Palestinian rights and university divestment from Israel-linked companies.

Supporting reports

• Trump dismissed Atlantic report on classified messaging breach — When asked about Jeffrey Goldberg's Atlantic article detailing the classified messaging breach, President Trump stated he knew nothing about the incident and dismissed The Atlantic as "a magazine that's going out of business." Trump declined to engage substantively with the security breach allegations.
• Secretary Hegseth denied texting war plans, contradicted by Signal messages — Asked by a reporter about the Signal group chat, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said "Nobody was texting war plans." This claim was directly contradicted by the chain of messages later published by The Atlantic, which included exact timings of strikes and information about planes and drones used—information that was highly classified at the time.
• Secretary of Defense Hegseth and administration officials denied classified information was shared in Signal chat — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and President Trump made public statements asserting that no classified information was shared in the Signal group chat discussing Yemen military strikes. Hegseth told reporters "Nobody was texting war plans." Gabbard testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that "There was no classified material that was shared in that Signal group." Ratcliffe stated his communications "did not include classified information." Trump told reporters the information "wasn't classified." These statements were later contradicted when The Atlantic published screenshots of the messages showing precise attack details.
• The Atlantic published screenshots of classified Signal messages discussing Yemen military strikes — The Atlantic published screenshots of the Signal group chat messages in which senior administration officials discussed and planned military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The messages revealed that Secretary of Defense Hegseth had uploaded precise attack details including timing and targeting information before the operation commenced. The publication followed administration officials' repeated denials that classified information had been shared, and came after The Atlantic's reporters determined there was clear public interest in disclosing the information.

Supporting reports

• Hegseth attacked journalist Jeffrey Goldberg — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attacked journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, calling him a "deceitful and highly discredited so-called 'journalist'" who has "made a profession of peddling hoaxes time and time again." The attack came in response to Goldberg's reporting on the classified Signal group chat.
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attacked journalist credibility in response to breach reporting — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded to questions about the Signal chat breach by attacking journalist Jeffrey Goldberg's credibility, calling him a "deceitful and highly discredited so-called journalist who's made a profession of peddling hoaxes." Hegseth denied that war plans were shared, stating "Nobody was texting war plans," despite Goldberg's documented evidence of specific operational details including attack timing, targets, weapons systems, and sequencing.
• Trump called Goldberg a "sleazebag" — Trump separately called journalist Jeffrey Goldberg a "sleazebag" and said he's "basically bad for the country." The attack continued Trump's pattern of personal attacks on journalists who report on his administration.
• Waltz called Goldberg "bottom scum of journalists" — On Fox, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz called journalist Jeffrey Goldberg the "bottom scum of journalists" and baselessly suggested he may have hacked the Signal group chat. The attack represents an attempt to discredit the journalist and distract from the classified information breach.
• Fox News removed Jennifer Griffin from air over Signal scandal reporting — Fox News did not put Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin on the air since the Signal scandal broke. Griffin, described as "one of their few honest reporters," had reported on the operational details shared by Defense Secretary Hegseth in a Signal group chat, noting that the information was far more sensitive than "war plans" and could have placed US military pilots in harm's way. Her reporting detailed that the shared information constituted classified "attack orders" or "operational plans" with timing and specific weapons systems.
• Trump claimed news outlets reporting stories that influence judges should be deemed illegal — President Trump stated that CNN and MSNBC should be investigated and deemed illegal for reporting negatively about him, claiming their coverage influences judicial opinions and changes law. Trump asserted the outlets work in coordination and that their reporting "has to be illegal" and "cannot be legal." The statement reflects rhetoric suggesting potential punishment of news organizations for critical coverage.
• Signal group chat leak: journalist Jeffrey Goldberg accidentally added to White House national security discussion — Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was accidentally added to a Signal group chat that included the U.S. defense secretary, White House national security adviser, and intelligence community heads discussing plans to strike Yemen. Goldberg reported on the leak, prompting administration officials including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to publicly attack him, calling him a "loser" and "deceitful" journalist. The incident raised questions about operational security and accountability within Trump's cabinet.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr spreads vaccine misinformation as health secretary amid measles outbreak — Robert F Kennedy Jr, appointed as US health secretary, has made public statements spreading dubious information about measles vaccines, including false claims that vaccines kill people annually and cause blindness and deafness. This occurs as a measles outbreak in west Texas has sickened 279 people and killed two Americans—the first measles deaths in nearly a decade. Vaccine experts have condemned Kennedy's statements as deeply harmful during an active public health crisis.
• Measles outbreak expands in west Texas with 279 cases and two deaths — A measles outbreak centered in Gaines County, west Texas has sickened 279 people and resulted in two deaths—the first measles fatalities in the United States in nearly a decade. The outbreak has led to severe complications including measles-induced pneumonia requiring pediatric intubation. Vaccination rates in the affected area have fallen significantly, with measles immunization rates for kindergarteners dropping from 97% in 2004 to 84% in 2023 statewide.
• RFK Jr. appoints anti-vaccine activist to lead vaccine-autism study — Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed anti-vaccine activist David Geier to lead a study examining alleged links between autism and vaccines. The alleged link has been heavily studied and thoroughly debunked. Geier lacks a medical degree and was disciplined in Maryland for practicing medicine without a license. Infectious disease journalist Helen Branswell noted that Geier has "a long track record of impropriety and incompetence," and that appointing him signals the administration seeks predetermined results rather than independent scientific inquiry.

Supporting reports

• Trump calls for impeachment of federal judge James Boasberg — Following the administration's defiance of his deportation order, Trump called for the impeachment of US District Judge James Boasberg, describing him as a "radical left lunatic." House Republicans subsequently introduced resolutions to impeach Boasberg and four other judges who have ruled against Trump. Elon Musk, Trump's top adviser, has repeatedly called for impeaching judges and is donating to Republicans in Congress who support such efforts.
• Trump calls for impeachment of federal judge over deportation ruling — President Trump publicly called for the impeachment of a top Washington DC federal judge who ruled to halt the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans. The judge's ruling blocked an administration action. Trump's call prompted Chief Justice John Roberts to issue a rare public statement opposing impeachment of judges for their rulings. The incident reflects Trump's broader campaign to delegitimize judges who rule against his executive orders.
• Trump attacked Judge Boasberg over case assignment — Trump posted a statement attacking Judge James Boasberg, Chief Judge of the D.C. District Court, for being assigned to hear a lawsuit in the Signal case. Trump claimed it was "statistically impossible" for a Republican to win before Boasberg, accused the judge of "Trump Derangement Syndrome," and called for an "immediate investigation" of what he characterized as a "rigged system."
• Trump calls for impeachment of Judge Boasberg after El Salvador deportation ruling — President Trump called for the impeachment of US District Judge James Boasberg after Boasberg's ruling blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. The ruling earned Trump a rare public rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts. Boasberg had previously been targeted by Trump and was subsequently assigned to a lawsuit alleging Trump officials violated federal record-keeping laws by using Signal group chats to discuss military action against Yemen's Houthis.

Supporting reports

• VP Vance expressed disagreement with Yemen military operation in Signal chat — Vice President JD Vance texted concerns about the planned Houthi military operation in a Signal group chat, stating "I think we are making a mistake" and noting that only 3% of U.S. trade and 40% of European trade runs through the Suez Canal, suggesting the public may not understand the necessity of the operation. Secretary Hegseth responded by defending the operation as necessary to restore freedom of navigation and reestablish deterrence, citing risks of leaks and Israeli action if delayed.
• Secretary of Defense Hegseth shared classified military operational details via unsecured Signal messaging — Jeffrey Goldberg reported in The Atlantic that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth texted him classified war plans for missile strikes against Houthis in Yemen approximately two hours before the operation commenced. Hegseth's message, sent at 11:44 a.m., included precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing. Goldberg was subsequently added to a Signal group chat called "Houthi PC small group" with 18 senior officials including VP JD Vance, NSA Mike Waltz, DNI Tulsi Gabbard, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The White House National Security Council confirmed the incident occurred but characterized it as an "inadvertent" addition to the chain.
• Trump administration discussed military strike on Houthis via unsecure Signal app — On March 24, Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic reported that senior Trump administration officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, discussed a military strike on Houthis in Yemen using an unsecure commercial Signal messaging app. Hegseth posted precise details of munitions and aircraft involved. The app was configured to auto-delete messages in violation of the Presidential Records Act. Neither President Trump nor the acting Joint Chiefs chairman was included; White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller apparently made the strike decision based on his interpretation of Trump's wishes. The White House declared the matter "closed" on March 31 without investigation or resignations.
• Atlantic editor added to White House Signal group chat discussing Yemen airstrikes — The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was added to a Signal group chat in which Trump administration officials, including Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, discussed and coordinated airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen. The breach was revealed when Goldberg published an article about it on Monday. Democratic senators interrogated intelligence officials Tulsi Gabbard and John Ratcliffe at a Senate hearing, criticizing the "sloppy, careless" handling of sensitive military operational details. The Defense Department had warned against Signal use due to Russian hacking threats.
• White House security breach: classified Yemen war plans shared via Signal with journalist — Senior Trump administration officials—including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and others—inadvertently included Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat discussing classified military plans for US strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Signal is not approved by the US government for classified communications. Goldberg discovered the breach, removed sensitive material including a CIA officer's identity, and published an account. The NSC confirmed the "inadvertent" inclusion; Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it "one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence" in recent memory.
• Atlantic editor Goldberg disputes national security adviser Waltz's explanation for Signal group chat inclusion — Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, publicly disputed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz's account of how Goldberg was added to a Trump administration Signal group chat discussing imminent U.S. military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Waltz claimed Goldberg's contact was "sucked into" his phone via another contact; Goldberg countered on NBC's Meet the Press that the explanation was implausible and that Waltz had simply mistakenly added him because his number was already in Waltz's phone. The NSC confirmed message authenticity and said it was reviewing the incident.
• Trump administration officials share sensitive military plans in leaked Signal group chat — Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary, and other Trump administration officials including Vice President JD Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussed sensitive details of a US airstrike in Yemen in a Signal group chat. Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, was mistakenly added to the chat. The Atlantic published details on 24 March, triggering controversy. A subsequent poll found 54% of registered voters and 38% of Republicans believe Hegseth should resign. Trump has declined to fire anyone involved, dismissing the incident as a "glitch."
• Jeffrey Goldberg revealed Signal group chat with classified military plans — Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, published a bombshell article revealing he had been added to a Signal group chat of senior Trump administration officials, including Cabinet members, that focused on highly-sensitive, detailed plans for military strikes in Yemen. National security adviser Mike Waltz later took "full responsibility" for the breach. The chat contained classified information about strike timings, planes, and drones.
• White House accidentally shared classified Yemen war plans via Signal group chat with journalist — Senior Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, accidentally added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal group chat containing highly sensitive military plans regarding airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen. The messages were set to auto-delete within four weeks, potentially violating the Federal Records Act. The White House confirmed the leak but characterized it as "deep and thoughtful policy coordination," while lawmakers from both parties condemned it as a catastrophic security breach and called for investigations.
• White House security breach: classified Yemen strike planning discussed in compromised Signal group chat — Senior Trump administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and others, discussed operational details of a planned military strike on Yemen in an encrypted Signal group chat. The chat was compromised when National Security Adviser Waltz invited Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to the group without authorization. Participants discussed messaging strategy, operational security concerns, and geopolitical implications. The Atlantic withheld publication of sensitive "TEAM UPDATE" material citing risk to U.S. servicemen and operations.
• White House officials' Signal chat group accidentally leaked to journalist — A journalist from The Atlantic was accidentally added to a Signal messaging group containing deliberations by 18 senior Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, regarding planning for strikes on Houthis in Yemen. The leak exposed operational security failures, classified military planning details, and internal disagreements on sensitive foreign policy matters. The incident revealed use of an unapproved commercial messaging app for highly classified discussions instead of secure government facilities.
• Secretary of Defense Hegseth and senior officials planned military strikes on Yemen via unsecure Signal messaging app — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other senior administration officials discussed and planned military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen using Signal, a commercial messaging app. National Security Advisor Waltz added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to the chat without authorization. Hegseth uploaded precise attack details before the operation, exposing timing and targeting information. The chat was set to auto-delete messages after four weeks and was conducted on personal, unsecure devices vulnerable to foreign intelligence penetration.
• Der Spiegel reports Trump officials' private data accessible online via hacked dumps and commercial providers — German magazine Der Spiegel reported that mobile phone numbers, email addresses, and passwords belonging to US national security officials—including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard—were discoverable online through commercial data-search services and hacked data dumps. The exposure followed the officials' use of Signal to discuss sensitive military plans for airstrikes on Yemen. The NSC stated that Waltz's accounts had been changed in 2019, but the report raised concerns about potential foreign espionage during the recent classified communications.
• Mike Waltz accepts responsibility for Signal group chat leak including journalist Jeffrey Goldberg — Michael Waltz, Trump's national security adviser, claimed "full responsibility" for creating a Signal group chat that inadvertently included Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg. The group, containing Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other senior officials, discussed operational details of planned airstrikes on Houthis in Yemen. Waltz said he could not explain how Goldberg's number ended up in the chat, though he suggested the journalist may have deliberately infiltrated it. The breach exposed highly sensitive national security information and drew criticism from Senate Democrats.
• White House Signal Chat Leak Reveals Security Breach — A leak from a Signal chat involving senior Trump administration officials revealed that top-secret military plans concerning US attacks on the Houthis in Yemen were inadvertently sent to a journalist. The chat also contained disparaging remarks about European allies, highlighting a lack of secure communication practices within the administration. This breach raises concerns about the handling of sensitive information and the potential impact on global stability, as it exposes the administration's reckless approach to national security matters.
• Signal chat leak reveals classified military details shared by Trump cabinet officials — A Signal group chat used by Trump administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, leaked to the Atlantic, containing operational details about US military strikes in Yemen. The messages included launch times of F-18 fighter jets, bomb-drop schedules, and Tomahawk missile timelines sent before operations occurred. Despite potential violations of classification protocols, federal record-keeping laws, and the Presidential Records Act, White House officials deny the messages were classified. A watchdog lawsuit seeks to compel preservation of the messages.
• Signal group chat leak: journalist Jeffrey Goldberg accidentally added to White House national security discussion — Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was accidentally added to a Signal group chat that included the U.S. defense secretary, White House national security adviser, and intelligence community heads discussing plans to strike Yemen. Goldberg reported on the leak, prompting administration officials including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to publicly attack him, calling him a "loser" and "deceitful" journalist. The incident raised questions about operational security and accountability within Trump's cabinet.
• The Atlantic published screenshots of classified Signal messages discussing Yemen military strikes — The Atlantic published screenshots of the Signal group chat messages in which senior administration officials discussed and planned military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The messages revealed that Secretary of Defense Hegseth had uploaded precise attack details including timing and targeting information before the operation commenced. The publication followed administration officials' repeated denials that classified information had been shared, and came after The Atlantic's reporters determined there was clear public interest in disclosing the information.
• Trump national security team discusses Yemen airstrikes on Signal messaging app with journalist present — President Trump's national security team, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, conducted planning discussions about airstrikes on Houthi forces in Yemen via the Signal messaging app. Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg was added to the group chat and witnessed the discussions in real time. Goldberg subsequently published an article about the incident and later released a transcript of the chat. The leak prompted bipartisan congressional concern about the handling of sensitive information on an unsecured platform known to be targeted by Russian hackers.

Supporting reports

• Federal government issued list of banned words for government websites and school curricula — The federal government issued a list of over 200 words designated to be limited, avoided, or removed from government websites and school curricula. The banned words include "racism," "women," "BIPOC," "Black," and others. The directive represents systematic censorship of language related to diversity, equity, and civil rights from public institutions.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked media outlets on Truth Social — On Truth Social, Trump attacked '60 Minutes' for a segment on Biden supporter George Clooney, baselessly claiming the show "fraudulently inserted fake answers" into its 2024 election interview with Kamala Harris. He also attacked the New York Times, calling chief White House correspondent Peter Baker "Liddle" and a "really bad writer," and insulted journalists Susan Glasser and Maggie Haberman with derogatory nicknames.
• Trump called for defunding NPR and PBS — Trump told reporters he would "love" to cut taxpayer funding to NPR and PBS, calling them "very biased." He reiterated those calls later on Truth Social, urging Congress to defund the networks, baselessly calling them a "giant scam" and "arms of the radical left Democrat Party."

Supporting reports

• Elon Musk posted that his trans daughter "was killed by the woke mind virus" — Elon Musk posted on X: "My son, Xavier, died. He was killed by the woke mind virus. Now, the woke mind virus will die." The post referred to his transgender daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson, misgendering her and blaming her gender identity on "woke mind virus" rather than acknowledging her as a person. The post generated significant backlash, with one response going viral with over 8 million views and 124,000 likes.

Supporting reports

• SSA commissioner threatens agency shutdown — Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Leland Dudek threatened to shut down the agency in response to a restraining order issued by Judge Hollander. Dudek claimed that the order could apply to all SSA employees and expressed concerns about the implications for the agency's operations and the distribution of benefits to millions of Americans.
• Leland Dudek revealed he secretly cooperated with DOGE to undermine SSA leadership — Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Leland Dudek, a mid-level staffer who won his position by secretly cooperating with DOGE's demands, publicly confessed on LinkedIn to his role in circumventing agency leadership. He wrote: "I confess. I bullied agency executives, shared executive contact information, and circumvented the chain of command to connect DOGE with the people who get stuff done." Dudek had worked to undermine SSA's former head, Michelle King, who had stood in the way of DOGE's access to sensitive records.
• Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander reprimanded Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek for misrepresenting court orders — Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander reprimanded Social Security Administration Commissioner Lee Dudek for making false statements in media interviews about her court order denying DOGE employees access to Social Security data. Dudek falsely claimed the order applied to "almost all SSA employees" when it expressly applied only to SSA employees working on the DOGE agenda. Judge Hollander stated Dudek's claims were "inaccurate" and "patently incorrect" and noted she may have been misled by government counsel. Dudek subsequently issued a statement admitting his media claims were wrong but blamed the judge for being unclear.

Supporting reports

• Judge issues restraining order against DOGE — U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander issued a temporary restraining order against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), prohibiting the Social Security Administration from sharing personally identifiable information with DOGE. The judge criticized DOGE for lacking justification for its access to SSA records, highlighting concerns about privacy and government overreach.
• DOGE conducted unauthorized searches of Social Security data after court restraining order — According to the Department of Justice court filing, DOGE team members conducted searches of personally identifiable information on March 24, 2025, even after the Social Security Administration believed it had revoked all such access in compliance with a federal court's temporary restraining order issued March 20, 2025. The final search occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m., with full access terminated by noon that day. DOGE members had also been granted access to systems beyond what the agency previously reported to the court, including employee records and personnel access information.
• Federal judge blocked DOGE access to federal agency data — A federal judge temporarily blocked Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the private data of individuals at several federal agencies. The block prevents DOGE from obtaining sensitive personal information held by the government.
• DOGE staffer signed agreement to share Social Security data with election denial group — In March 2025, a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer embedded at the Social Security Administration signed a "Voter Data Agreement" with a political advocacy group seeking to overturn election results in certain states. According to a court filing by government lawyers, the DOGE employee sent the executed agreement on March 24, 2025. Emails suggest DOGE team members could have been asked to assist the group by accessing SSA data to match voter rolls. The SSA referred the involved employees to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel for possible Hatch Act violations.
• Federal judge blocks DOGE access to federal employee personal databases — On February 3, Popular Information reported that DOGE staff at the Office of Personnel Management received unprecedented access to databases containing sensitive personal information for millions of federal employees. A week later, a coalition of labor unions representing federal workers sued OPM citing Popular Information's report seven times. On March 24, a federal judge issued an injunction blocking DOGE's access to the databases.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive orders targeting Perkins Coie and Covington and Burling law firms — Trump issued executive orders targeting the law firms Perkins Coie and Covington and Burling, similar in structure to the Paul Weiss order. Perkins Coie was targeted over its ties to a lawyer who worked with Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign; Covington and Burling was targeted for representing former special counsel Jack Smith in litigation against the administration.
• Trump issues executive orders penalizing law firms Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie — President Trump issued executive orders targeting three major law firms—Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison—barring them from federal buildings, restricting agency interaction, and revoking security clearances from some lawyers. The orders were widely characterized as punitive retaliation against firms whose clients included former special counsel Jack Smith and Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. District Judge Beryl Howell blocked enforcement against Perkins Coie on 12 March, citing First Amendment violations. Paul Weiss reversed the order on 19 March after agreeing to $40 million in pro bono services.
• Trump warned law firms to "behave themselves" — After the settlement with Paul Weiss, Trump warned that "law firms have to behave themselves." The warning signals that the administration will use executive power to target firms that do not comply with its preferences.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14246 suspending security clearances of Jenner & Block employees, restricting federal contracts, and limiting government access to the law firm. — President Trump issued Executive Order 14246 on March 25, 2025, targeting Jenner & Block LLP. The order directs the Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence to suspend active security clearances held by firm employees pending review. It requires federal agencies to cease provision of government goods, property, and services to the firm. Agencies must review all contracts with Jenner & Block, terminate contracts where the firm provides services, require contractors to disclose business relationships with the firm, and restrict official access and engagement between federal employees and firm staff, including attorney Andrew Weissmann.
• Trump signs executive orders targeting law firms challenging his administration — President Trump signed multiple executive orders targeting major law firms (Jenner & Block, Covington and Burling, Perkins Coie, Paul Weiss) that have represented his political opponents or employed prosecutors involved in investigations into Trump. The orders threaten to revoke security clearances, deny access to government buildings, and require government clients to disclose representation by these firms. Trump also directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate lawyers blocking administration priorities. Paul Weiss capitulated and accepted Trump's demands; Perkins Coie obtained a temporary restraining order blocking its order.
• Trump issued executive order targeting law firm Jenner & Block, suspending security clearances and restricting federal contracts. — President Trump issued an executive order on March 25, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Jenner & Block LLP employees, cease provision of government goods and services to the firm, and review all federal contracts involving the firm for termination. The order alleges the firm engaged in "partisan lawfare," pro bono work undermining administration priorities, and employment discrimination. It specifically names attorney Andrew Weissmann and restricts federal employee engagement with firm staff.
• White House signed executive order targeting law firm Jenner & Block, directing suspension of security clearances and termination of federal contracts. — The White House issued an executive order on March 25, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Jenner & Block LLP employees, cease provision of government services and facilities to the firm, terminate federal contracts with the firm, and restrict official access and hiring of its employees. The order characterizes the firm as engaging in "partisan lawfare," pro bono activities deemed harmful to U.S. interests, and alleged racial discrimination. The order specifically names attorney Andrew Weissmann and directs agencies to submit compliance assessments within 30 days.
• Trump signed order targeting law firm with Mueller connection — Trump signed another executive order targeting a law firm that once employed Andrew Weissman, the former deputy to Robert Mueller, who investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election. The order suspends security clearances of the firm's employees, terminates government contracts, and orders a review of the firm's compliance with civil rights laws against racial bias.
• Trump administration stripped security clearances from law firms and barred attorneys from federal buildings — The Trump administration issued executive orders stripping security clearances from Perkins Coie and Paul, Weiss law firms and barring their attorneys from entering federal buildings, including courthouses. The chair of Paul, Weiss stated the move "could easily have destroyed our firm." The orders targeted firms representing Trump's opponents in litigation.
• Trump signed executive order encouraging disciplinary action against attorneys filing litigation against the administration — President Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to refer attorneys for disciplinary action if they file "frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious litigation" against the administration. Critics argue the order will have a chilling effect on litigation challenging government actions, and law firms have begun refusing to represent Trump's opponents out of fear of retaliation.
• Trump issues Executive Order 14250 suspending security clearances and restricting federal contracts with WilmerHale law firm — President Trump signed Executive Order 14250 directing the suspension of security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending national-interest review, cessation of federal goods and services to the firm, termination of government contracts with WilmerHale, restrictions on federal building access for firm employees, and guidance against hiring WilmerHale staff. The order cites the firm's pro bono work, representation of immigration and voting-rights cases, and employment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller as grounds for the action.
• Trump issued executive order targeting WilmerHale law firm with security clearance suspensions and federal contracting restrictions. — President Trump issued an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by WilmerHale employees, cease provision of government goods and services to the firm, require federal contractors to disclose business relationships with WilmerHale, review and terminate relevant contracts, restrict WilmerHale employee access to federal buildings, and limit hiring of WilmerHale staff. The order cites the firm's pro bono work, representation of immigration and election-related cases, and employment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller as grounds for the action.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14250 targeting WilmerHale law firm with security clearance suspensions, contract terminations, and personnel restrictions. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14250 on March 27, 2025, directing the suspension of security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending review, cessation of government provision of materials and services to the firm, termination of federal contracts with WilmerHale, restrictions on federal employee access to WilmerHale staff, and limitations on hiring WilmerHale employees into government. The order characterizes the firm's pro bono work and representation of clients as threats to national security and American interests, and specifically names former Special Counsel Robert Mueller and colleagues as examples of "weaponization of government."
• Trump signed executive order suspending security clearances for WilmerHale employees and terminating federal contracts with the firm — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, suspending security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending review, halting federal material and services to the firm, restricting employee access to government buildings, terminating WilmerHale contracts, and barring federal agencies from hiring the firm's employees without authorization. The fact sheet characterizes WilmerHale as engaging in partisan activities, racial discrimination, and obstruction of immigration enforcement.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14253 directing removal of exhibits and narratives from federal museums and historical sites deemed ideologically divisive, with authority delegated to the Vice President over the Smithsonian Institution. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14253 on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove exhibits, programs, and historical narratives from museums and monuments that the order characterizes as "divisive" or promoting "ideology" rather than "objective facts." The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution, directing the Vice President to work through his role on the Smithsonian Board of Regents to remove what the order calls "improper ideology." It instructs the Secretary of the Interior to audit and reinstate pre-2020 monuments and ensure all federal historical sites focus on "greatness" and "achievements" rather than narratives the order deems disparaging. Future appropriations are to be conditioned on prohibiting exhibits that "divide Americans based on race" or are "inconsistent with Federal law and policy."
• Trump issues executive order directing federal agencies to remove "ideological" content from Smithsonian Institution and federal historical sites — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing the Vice President, OMB Director, and Secretary of the Interior to remove what the order characterizes as "divisive, race-centered ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution, Independence National Historical Park, and other federal historical sites. The order mandates restoration of pre-2020 monuments and memorials, prohibits future federal funding for exhibits deemed to "degrade shared American values" or "divide Americans based on race," and requires the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to exclude recognition of transgender athletes. The order frames this as restoring "truth" and "sanity" to American history.
• Trump administration issues executive orders targeting law firms; two firms sue to block — The Trump administration issued executive orders halting business with five law firms (Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, Paul Weiss, Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie) and revoking security clearances of their attorneys, citing retaliation for the firms' representation of political opponents or employment of Trump critics. On Friday, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale filed federal lawsuits in Washington DC seeking to block the orders as unconstitutional. Perkins Coie had already successfully convinced a judge to block its order. Paul Weiss and Skadden reached settlements with the administration to avoid or withdraw orders.

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• ICE arrests Mahmoud Khalil, Syrian-born Palestinian graduate student with green card — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian former graduate student at Columbia University who holds a green card, on March 20, 2025. Khalil had been vocal in support of Palestinians and participated in campus protests. The government is attempting to deport him under the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the Secretary of State to order removal of individuals whose presence is deemed to have "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences." The arrest prompted legal challenges and became a focal point for concerns about targeting of pro-Palestinian speech on campuses.
• Trump administration arrests Mahmoud Khalil under obscure provision — Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and leader of pro-Palestinian protests, was arrested by the Trump administration under a provision allowing deportation of foreign nationals deemed to have adverse foreign policy consequences. This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on university protests and is seen as a move to suppress dissent and control campus activism.

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• Trump administration cancels $400m in federal contracts to Columbia University — The Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal contracts and grants to Columbia University. This action is part of a pressure campaign demanding the university to discipline students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, reform admissions policies, and place an area studies department under external control. The administration's demands are seen as a test case for academic freedom, with Columbia reportedly considering compliance to avoid further financial losses.

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• Trump denies Pentagon briefing on China war plans — Following reports of Elon Musk's scheduled Pentagon briefing, Trump and others issued denials, claiming the meeting was not about "top secret China war plans" but rather about innovation and production efficiencies. The denials came after public backlash and concerns about Musk's ties to China. The incident underscores the tension between transparency and national security.

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• Trump admits Musk's conflict of interest — President Donald Trump admitted that plans for a potential war with China should not be shared with Elon Musk due to his business interests in China. This acknowledgment highlights concerns about Musk's conflicts of interest as a senior adviser to the US president. Trump stated that Musk visited the Pentagon to discuss reducing costs through the "department of government efficiency" but denied that Musk would be briefed on military plans involving China. The admission marks a rare acknowledgment of the potential conflicts Musk faces balancing his corporate and government roles.
• Musk calls for prosecution of Pentagon leakers — Elon Musk expressed anger over leaks regarding his Pentagon briefing, calling for the prosecution of those responsible. He labeled the New York Times' reporting as propaganda and demanded accountability for the leaks. This reaction highlights tensions between private individuals and government transparency, as well as the potential chilling effect on whistleblowers.
• Trump denies Pentagon briefing on China war plans — Following reports of Elon Musk's scheduled Pentagon briefing, Trump and others issued denials, claiming the meeting was not about "top secret China war plans" but rather about innovation and production efficiencies. The denials came after public backlash and concerns about Musk's ties to China. The incident underscores the tension between transparency and national security.
• Elon Musk scheduled for Pentagon briefing — Elon Musk was reportedly scheduled to receive a briefing at the Pentagon about potential military plans involving China. Concerns were raised due to Musk's business ties with China. The Pentagon and White House initially refused to comment, but after the story broke, denials were issued, and the meeting's nature was downplayed. The situation raises questions about national security and the influence of private individuals on military matters.

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• French scientist denied entry to US — The French government said a scientist had been denied entry to the US and was sent back to France after immigration officers found text messages critical of the Trump administration on his phone.
• French scientist denied entry to the US — A French scientist was denied entry to the United States after US immigration officers searched his phone and found messages in which he had expressed criticism of the Trump administration. This incident highlights ongoing issues at the US border where individuals are being scrutinized for their personal communications and political views, raising concerns about freedom of expression and privacy rights.

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• Judge bars Trump administration from deporting Indian academic — A US district judge, Patricia Giles, issued an order preventing the Trump administration from deporting Badar Khan Suri, an Indian academic at Georgetown University. The Department of Homeland Security had accused Suri of having ties to Hamas and spreading propaganda, but the judge's order halts his deportation until further court decisions. Suri was detained by federal agents and held in a Louisiana staging center. His legal team argues that his detention is based on his political views, which they claim is unconstitutional.
• Federal judge blocked deportation of Georgetown researcher — A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from deporting Suri "unless and until the court issues a contrary order," protecting the Georgetown researcher from removal while his case proceeds.

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• North Dakota jury rules against Greenpeace — A North Dakota jury ruled that Greenpeace must pay over $660 million to Energy Transfer for defamation and other claims related to the Dakota Access pipeline protests. This decision is seen as a significant setback for environmental activism, potentially encouraging other energy companies to pursue legal action against protesters. The ruling has sparked concern among environmental and civil rights groups about its chilling effect on free speech and protest activities. Greenpeace plans to appeal the decision to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

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• Justice Department removes ADA guidelines — The Department of Justice has removed 11 guidelines for US businesses regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These guidelines included information on Covid-19, masking, and accessibility. The removal was justified by a press release stating the guidelines were "unnecessary and outdated." The action follows a January executive order by Donald Trump, which criticized government regulation for contributing to inflation. The DOJ plans to promote tax incentives to help businesses with accessibility improvements.
• Justice Department withdraws 11 pieces of ADA compliance guidance in response to cost-of-living memorandum — The Department of Justice announced the withdrawal of 11 pieces of guidance related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, including COVID-19-era guidance on service animals, mask exemptions, visitor access to hospitals, and accessibility standards for retail and lodging. The department characterized the withdrawal as streamlining compliance resources and reducing business costs. The Civil Rights Division stated the action aims to eliminate "unnecessary review" while highlighting available tax incentives for disability-related access improvements.

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• Trump attacked Fox reporter Jacqui Heinrich — On Truth Social, Trump attacked Fox reporter Jacqui Heinrich, who spoke out against the administration's move to choose which reporters are allowed in the White House press pool, saying she was "absolutely terrible" and that "she should be working for CNN, not FOX."

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• Trump orders dismantling of US Department of Education — On Thursday, Donald Trump ordered the dismantling of the US Department of Education, raising concerns about the management of student debt. The department will see a 50% staff reduction but will continue to handle student loans and Pell Grants. This move has sparked uncertainty among borrowers and criticism from education advocates who fear it will lead to mismanagement and reduced access to education funding. The administration claims critical functions will remain, but doubts persist about the department's capacity to manage its responsibilities effectively.
• Trump signs executive order to dismantle US Department of Education — On Thursday, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the US education secretary, Linda McMahon, to begin dismantling the Department of Education. This move is seen as an attempt to bypass the need for congressional approval to formally close a federal department. The order instructs McMahon to take necessary steps to shut down key functionalities of the department, although major programs like Title I and the federal student loan program are not immediately affected. The action has been criticized by Democrats as unconstitutional and harmful to low-income families relying on federal education funding.
• Trump signed executive order to dismantle Department of Education — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, a move that would require congressional approval to be legally enacted. The order proposes significant cuts to educational funding, including the elimination of programs for students with disabilities and those who speak English as a second language. The order also targets Pell Grants and federal financial aid for low-income students. The action has been criticized as illegal by various officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who announced plans to challenge the order in court.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14242 directing closure of the Department of Education and return of education authority to states and local communities. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14242 on March 20, 2025, ordering the Secretary of Education to take all necessary steps to close the Department of Education and return education authority to states and local communities. The order directs the Secretary to ensure effective delivery of services during transition and mandates that any federal education funding recipients terminate programs labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or promoting "gender ideology." The order frames federal education control as failed policy and proposes returning functions to states.
• Trump signs executive order to dismantle Department of Education — On March 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education. Trump stated "My administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department. We're going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It's doing us no good." The order appears to attempt circumventing the need for congressional approval to formally close a federal department.
• Trump issues executive order to close Department of Education — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education. This move aims to bypass the need for congressional approval to formally close the department. Trump justified the decision by citing the department's increased budget without corresponding improvements in national test scores. The executive order has been met with criticism from Democrats, who argue it could jeopardize federal funding for low-income families and negatively impact public education.
• President Trump signed executive order directing closure of Department of Education — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the closure of the Department of Education and the return of educational authority to states and local communities. The order mandates the Secretary of Education to facilitate this transition while ensuring the continued delivery of educational services. The order criticizes federal control over education and aims to empower parents, states, and communities to improve educational outcomes. It also emphasizes compliance with federal law and administration policy, particularly regarding programs labeled as "diversity, equity, and inclusion."
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on education authority devolution — President Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to begin the process of permanently closing the Department of Education and returning education authority to the states. The order states the department has spent over $3 trillion "with virtually nothing to show for it." The White House release compiled statements of support from governors, senators, representatives, state education officials, and advocacy organizations, all framing the action as returning control to states and parents.
• White House signed Executive Order 14242 directing closure of the Department of Education and return of authority to states and communities. — The White House published a fact sheet on March 20, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs the Secretary of Education to facilitate closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to states. The fact sheet states the order also directs that programs receiving remaining Department of Education funds will not advance DEI or gender ideology. The document asserts federal education spending has failed to improve student achievement and cites declining standardized test scores.
• Trump signed executive order dismantling Department of Education — The White House issued Executive Order 14242 on March 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to take steps to close the Department of Education and return education authority to states and local communities. The order states that federal education spending has failed to improve outcomes, citing low reading and math proficiency rates. It directs the Secretary to ensure federal funds comply with Administration policy, including termination of programs labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or promoting "gender ideology." The order does not establish a timeline or mechanism for closure.
• White House issued release on education policy framing — Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, a congressionally-created department, eliminating the federal agency responsible for education policy and student aid.
• — The White House published a release titled "On Education, President Trump Knows We Can Do Better" asserting that the Department of Education has spent $3 trillion since 1979 with no measurable improvement in student achievement. The release cites declining math and reading scores, flat standardized test performance, and U.S. ranking 28th among OECD countries in math. It states the Trump Administration's plan will return education to individual states to expand educational freedom and reduce federal regulation and paperwork.
• — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the US Department of Education. This move has been met with significant opposition from teachers' unions and Democratic politicians, who argue that the department plays a crucial role in upholding civil rights protections and providing federal funds to schools. The American Federation of Teachers has indicated plans to challenge the order in court. The order cannot fully eliminate the department, as it was created by Congress and requires congressional action to be dissolved.

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• ICE detention of Georgetown scholar Dr. Badar Khan Suri on visa revocation and social media posts — Immigration authorities detained Dr. Badar Khan Suri, a senior postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University's Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, on March 17, 2025. Officials revoked his J-1 visa, citing alleged family connections to Hamas advisers and his social media posts supporting Palestine. He is held at an immigration prison in Alvarado, Texas, with a hearing scheduled for May 6. Georgetown officials stated they received no explanation for the detention. Over 370 alumni and 65 current students signed a letter opposing the detention as a violation of academic freedom and due process.
• Immigration agents detained Georgetown researcher — Masked immigration agents detained Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University postdoctoral researcher, saying his student visa was revoked. DHS accused Suri, who has not been charged with a crime, of "spreading Hamas propaganda" and having "close connections to a known or suspected terrorist."

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• White House removes advisory on gun violence as a public health issue — The Trump administration has removed an advisory by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy that defined gun violence as a public health issue from the US Department of Health and Human Services’ website. This action was taken to comply with an executive order by Donald Trump aimed at protecting Second Amendment rights. The advisory, which included data on the effects of gun violence, is no longer accessible, replaced by a "page not found" message. This removal is part of a broader pattern of deleting health information from federal websites.