Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• ICE detention of Palestinian protester Leqaa Kordia for nearly a year following pro-Palestine speech — Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian from the West Bank, was arrested at a pro-Palestine protest at Columbia University in April 2024; charges were dismissed the next day. Nearly a year later, in March 2025, she was taken into ICE custody when she checked into an immigration office in New Jersey. She has been held at Prairieland detention facility in Texas since then, despite a judge twice ruling she poses no threat and may be released on bond. On February 6, 2026, she suffered a seizure while in detention and was hospitalized; she reported being shackled throughout her hospital stay and denied family contact. Multiple elected officials, including Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Nellie Cou, and Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker, have called for her release.

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• Mass revocation and restoration of international student visas — The State Department revoked the legal status of more than 1,400 international students from 200 US colleges, citing pro-Palestinian views, minor offenses (such as speeding tickets), or no stated reason. Secretary of State Marco Rubio lambasted protesters as "lunatics." The administration later reversed course and restored statuses after multiple court challenges, but revealed it had scraped names from a national crime database including arrests without charges, dropped charges, and missing persons. New guidelines were issued that appear to expand ICE's power over students' immigration status. The legal uncertainty caused some students to flee the country voluntarily.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration targets noncitizen academics for pro-Palestinian speech and activism — The Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security and directed by executive orders signed in January 2025, has arrested and deported or sought to deport noncitizen students and scholars for pro-Palestinian activism and speech. Targets include Mahmoud Khalil (Columbia University graduate) and Rümeysa Öztürk (Tufts University student). The administration relied on dossiers compiled by the rightwing Canary Mission and information from the far-right Zionist group Betar USA to identify targets. Federal judges have ordered the release of detainees, but the administration continues enforcement efforts.

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• Trump administration cancels $400 million in Columbia University funding — In March 2025, the Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University, the epicenter of pro-Palestinian campus protests in 2024. Columbia subsequently agreed to significant administrative changes demanded by the administration, including placing its Middle Eastern studies department under new supervision, banning face masks on campus, expanding police powers, and staffing up its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.
• Trump administration withholds federal funding from Columbia University over antisemitism allegations — The Trump administration pulled $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia University, alleging the institution failed to protect students from antisemitic harassment tied to pro-Palestinian campus protests. Columbia subsequently agreed to changes demanded by the administration as a condition for restoring funding. The administration has also warned at least 60 other universities of possible action and announced a review of $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard University over similar allegations.
• DOJ, HHS, ED, and GSA announce cancellation of $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University — The Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and General Services Administration announced the immediate cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the university's alleged failure to protect Jewish students from harassment and anti-Semitic conduct. The agencies stated the action was taken under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act following a March 3rd notice to the university's acting president. Columbia University holds more than $5 billion in total federal grant commitments. The announcement characterizes the cancellation as the first round of action, with additional cancellations expected.

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• Trump executive order removed historical exhibits about slavery and Native American removal from national parks — An executive order signed by Trump in March 2025 titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" has resulted in the removal of signs and exhibits related to slavery at multiple national parks. New brochures at the former home of Medgar Evers, murdered by a Ku Klux Klan member, will no longer refer to Evers' killer as "racist." Signs referring to the forced removal of Native Americans have been removed from parks. Freedom 250 is instructing partner organizations to characterize this historical erasure as "uniting Americans across the country."

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Timber Production Expansion — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14225 to expand American timber production. The order directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue guidance and legislative proposals to increase timber production, streamline permitting, and reduce regulatory burdens. The order aims to enhance domestic timber supply, reduce reliance on imports, and improve forest management practices.
• Trump issues executive order to expand American timber production — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 1, 2025, directing the expansion of American timber production. The order mandates the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue new guidance to increase timber production and improve forest management. It aims to reduce reliance on foreign timber, create jobs, and enhance economic security. The order includes directives for streamlined permitting processes and potential legislative proposals to support these goals.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on timber production expansion — The White House published a fact sheet on March 1, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to increase domestic timber production and streamline federal forest management policies. The order directs agencies to issue new guidance facilitating timber production, reduce approval timelines under the Endangered Species Act, and boost timber sales from public lands. The fact sheet claims the measure will reduce wildfire risks, lower construction costs, decrease reliance on imported timber, and support 750,000 jobs in the wood industry.
• White House signed executive order directing accelerated timber production on federal lands — President Trump signed an executive order on March 1, 2025, directing the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to issue guidance within 30 days to expand timber production on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The order mandates streamlined permitting, expedited Endangered Species Act consultations, categorical exclusions for timber thinning and salvage, and a four-year timber sales target. The order states these measures are necessary to reduce reliance on foreign timber, create jobs, reduce wildfire risk, and lower construction costs.
• Trump orders expansion of logging in US forests — Donald Trump issued an executive order to expand logging across 280 million acres of national forests and public lands, bypassing protections under the Endangered Species Act. The order directs the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to increase timber production, citing national and economic security. The move has been criticized for potentially increasing wildfire risks and threatening endangered species. Environmental groups warn that this could lead to habitat destruction and pollution of water supplies.
• Trump ordered expansion of tree-cutting on public lands — On March 3, 2025, Trump ordered an expansion of tree-cutting across 280 million acres (113 million hectares) of national forests and other public lands. The order calls for reversing "heavy-handed federal policies" and increasing "domestic timber production to protect our national and economic security." The order evades rules to protect endangered species and raises the prospect of chainsaws razing some of the most ecologically important trees in the US.

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• GSA announces closure of 18F office — Thomas Shedd, head of the General Services Administration's Technology Transformation Services, announced via email that the 18F office, responsible for the IRS Direct File program, will be closed. This decision aligns with an executive order from Donald Trump's administration, empowering a taskforce led by Elon Musk to reduce federal workforce. The closure will result in the termination of 18F employees, though the future of its programs remains uncertain. The 18F office has been instrumental in updating technology across government agencies since 2014.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order directing Smithsonian to remove "improper, divisive, or anti-American" content — Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 directing the Smithsonian Institution to remove content deemed "improper, divisive, or anti-American," with particular emphasis on the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The order represented direct executive intervention into curatorial decisions at a major federal cultural institution, asserting political control over historical narrative and institutional autonomy.

Supporting reports

• SEC halts prosecution of Justin Sun — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) halted its prosecution of Justin Sun, a Chinese cryptocurrency entrepreneur charged with securities fraud, following his financial contributions to Trump, raising concerns about political influence on regulatory actions.
• SEC halts fraud prosecution of Chinese national — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has halted its fraud prosecution against Chinese crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun. Sun, who was charged in March 2023 with marketing unregistered securities and manipulating the crypto market, had recently invested $75 million in World Liberty Financial (WLF), a venture backed by Donald Trump. This investment resulted in a significant financial benefit for Trump. The SEC and Sun filed a joint request for a 60-day stay to explore a potential resolution, which was granted by a federal judge. This development raises questions about the SEC's enforcement actions and potential settlements.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration removes online student debt repayment form — The Trump administration has quietly removed the online application form for several student debt repayment plans from the US Department of Education's website. This action affects income-driven repayment plans and loan consolidation applications, leaving millions of borrowers unable to access these options. The removal follows a federal appeals court decision that paused Joe Biden's Save program, which aimed to forgive debts after a decade of payments. The decision has caused confusion and concern among borrowers and loan forgiveness activists.

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• Attorney General Bondi releases first phase of declassified Epstein files — Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in conjunction with the FBI, declassified and publicly released approximately 200 pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls. The release includes evidence lists, flight logs, contact books, and masseuse lists. Bondi stated the files shed light on Epstein's network and provide accountability. The Attorney General has requested the FBI deliver thousands of additional pages of previously undisclosed documents by February 28 and tasked FBI Director Kash Patel with investigating why the initial request was not fully complied with.
• Pam Bondi demands full Epstein files from FBI — Attorney General Pam Bondi has demanded the FBI provide the complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a release of partial documents. Bondi's request highlights ongoing scrutiny and demands for transparency regarding Epstein's connections and activities.
• House Judiciary Committee posts misleading link — The House Judiciary Committee's social media account posted a misleading link purporting to provide access to the Epstein files, which instead directed users to a music video. The incident raises concerns about transparency and the use of official channels for misinformation.
• Attorney General Bondi accused FBI of withholding Epstein investigation files — On February 27, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi released a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel accusing the FBI of "inappropriately withholding thousands of pages of files" related to the Epstein investigation from the DOJ. She demanded the FBI turn over the material by 8 a.m. the following day. This accusation was made after Bondi had stated on Fox News that Trump had directed her to review Epstein's client list for potential release, setting public expectations for disclosure that would later not be met.
• Trump administration delays release of Epstein files after initially promising disclosure to QAnon-aligned influencers — In February 2025, the Trump White House invited 15 right-wing influencers, including QAnon promoters, to meet with Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Vice President JD Vance. They were given binders labeled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1," signaling more releases would follow. Bondi stated on Fox News that Trump had directed her to review Epstein's client list for release. However, months passed without further disclosure. On July 6, the DOJ released an unsigned memo contradicting Bondi's claims, stating there was no "incriminating client list" and no evidence of blackmail. The delay sparked backlash from Trump's MAGA base, including QAnon adherents who believed Trump was covering up evidence.

Supporting reports

• House Judiciary Committee posts misleading link — The House Judiciary Committee's social media account posted a misleading link purporting to provide access to the Epstein files, which instead directed users to a music video. The incident raises concerns about transparency and the use of official channels for misinformation.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration targets NOAA with budget cuts — The Trump administration has initiated significant budget cuts and a political crackdown on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a leading US climate research agency. The administration plans to reduce NOAA's budget by roughly a third, affecting staffing and halting projects focused on inclusion and equity. Representatives from the "department of government efficiency" have demanded access to NOAA's IT systems and editorial control over intranet sites. These actions are part of a broader effort to align NOAA's operations with Trump's executive orders, potentially dismantling the agency's climate research capabilities.
• Trump administration fires hundreds at NOAA — The Trump administration has terminated hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a key climate research agency within the Department of Commerce. The firings, which occurred on a Thursday afternoon, primarily affected probationary employees, including those hired through Schedule A, which supports diverse candidates such as veterans and people with disabilities. This move has sparked criticism from various quarters, including lawmakers and scientific experts, who argue that the cuts will harm NOAA's ability to provide critical weather forecasts and climate data, ultimately affecting public safety and national security.
• NOAA announces cuts to workforce — The Trump administration has fired hundreds of workers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a key climate research agency within the Department of Commerce. The firings specifically targeted probationary employees, affecting roughly 10% of the agency's workforce. This move has sparked criticism from Democratic lawmakers who warn that the cuts could jeopardize national security and public safety by leaving NOAA understaffed and unable to perform its critical functions effectively.
• — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced cuts of 800 workers, with potential further cuts bringing the total to 1,000, impacting its ability to monitor climate change and provide essential weather reports.

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• White House issues release attacking Michael Moore and defending deportations of immigrants with criminal records — The White House published a release titled "Illegal Immigrant Killers, Rapists Aren't Scholars — They're Criminals" on February 26, 2025. The release attacks filmmaker Michael Moore for suggesting that deporting undocumented immigrants might result in loss of potential scientific talent. It lists 13 named cases of immigrants charged or convicted of serious crimes (sexual offenses, assault, gang activity, terrorism suspicion, drug trafficking) and includes a statement from Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai defending "mass deporting illegal migrant rapists, murderers, and other criminals."

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• Educator coalition sues to block Trump anti-diversity orders — The American Federation of Teachers, AFT-Maryland, and the American Sociological Association have filed a lawsuit in federal court in Maryland against the US Department of Education. The lawsuit seeks to block the enforcement of new civil rights guidelines imposed by the Trump administration, which target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The guidelines are based on a US Supreme Court decision but are claimed to extend beyond its scope, potentially affecting educational content related to historical events and race-conscious policies.
• Teachers' unions sue Department of Education — Teachers' unions and other groups filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education for threatening to cut federal funds to schools that consider race in hiring and other policies. This legal action addresses concerns about educational equity and funding.

Supporting reports

• Republican budget blueprint passes House — The House of Representatives narrowly passed a Republican budget blueprint with a 217-215 vote, advancing Donald Trump's tax-cut and immigration agenda. The plan includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and increased spending on defense and border security, offset by $2 trillion in spending reductions over the next decade. Democrats criticized the proposal for potentially slashing Medicaid by an estimated $800 billion, affecting millions of Americans. The budget's passage marks a significant victory for House Speaker Mike Johnson, despite opposition from some Republicans and unanimous Democratic dissent.
• House passed budget resolution — On February 25, 2025, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution by a narrow vote of 217 to 215, which included $4.5 trillion in tax cuts primarily for the wealthy and corporations, alongside significant increases in military and border security spending. The resolution also proposed raising the debt ceiling by $4 trillion. This vote underscores the deep divisions within the Republican party and the implications for social safety net programs.
• House passes budget plan cutting Medicaid funding — The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed a budget plan proposed by Trump, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in spending cuts. The plan, which narrowly passed with 217 votes to 215, includes $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, sparking opposition from Democrats and some Republicans concerned about the impact on healthcare funding.
• House passes budget resolution — On February 25, 2025, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution by a vote of 217 to 215, which included $4.5 trillion in tax cuts primarily for the wealthy and corporations, alongside significant increases in military and border security spending. The resolution also proposed $2 trillion in spending cuts, including cuts to Medicare and SNAP. Only one Republican, Thomas Massie, joined Democrats in opposing the resolution.
• House passes budget resolution enabling Medicaid cuts — The House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget resolution that paves the way for significant cuts to Medicaid funding. This resolution is part of a broader fiscal strategy to renew expiring tax cuts for the wealthy, amounting to $4.5 trillion, while adding $19 trillion to the deficit. The resolution's passage marks a critical step in the legislative process, with potential widespread impacts on healthcare access for low-income individuals.

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• White House to control press pool access — The White House announced it will decide which news organizations and reporters are allowed into the presidential press pool covering Donald Trump. This decision follows a temporary court ruling allowing the administration to bar the Associated Press (AP) from the Oval Office and Air Force One. The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) traditionally coordinates press access, but the administration claims it will now include new voices. The AP's access was revoked after it refused to comply with Trump's demand to rename the Gulf of Mexico, leading to accusations of violating First Amendment rights.
• White House takes control of press pool access — The Trump administration announced it will take control of the White House press pool, removing the White House Correspondents’ Association's (WHCA) role in deciding which journalists have access to the president. This decision was announced by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who framed it as democratizing access. The move has been criticized by media members, including a Fox News correspondent, as an attack on press independence. The administration has already barred the Associated Press from official events and removed Reuters from its traditional spot in the press pool.
• Trump administration to control press pool access — The White House announced it will control which reporters are allowed into the presidential press pool to cover Trump, taking over a role traditionally managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association. This decision follows a temporary ruling allowing the administration to bar the Associated Press over a naming dispute.
• — The Trump administration announced it would break precedent by choosing which media outlets are allowed to participate in the presidential press pool, a decision traditionally made by the White House Correspondents' Association. This move could limit press freedom and access to information.

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• Musk's Doge deletes savings claims from website — Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) removed five major savings claims from its "wall of receipts" after they were debunked. The deletions, which included erroneous savings figures for agencies like ICE and USAid, were made without explanation. The New York Times reported these changes, highlighting discrepancies such as a misreported $8 billion saving for ICE, which should have been $8 million. The initiative, part of Musk's cost-cutting drive, has faced criticism for errors and lack of transparency.

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• Trump shares AI-generated video on Truth Social — President Trump shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social depicting a fictional "Trump Gaza" resort. The video included a golden statue of Trump and other controversial imagery, raising concerns about the use of AI for political propaganda.
• Trump posts music video promoting Gaza redevelopment plan — On February 26, 2025, President Trump posted a music video on social media platforms promoting his plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza of Palestinians and redevelop the area into a luxury resort. The video, featuring AI-generated imagery, was shared with millions of followers and depicts a transformation of Gaza into a luxury destination. Trump's plan involves removing Palestinians and redeveloping the area, with support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The video is part of Trump's broader strategy to promote this controversial redevelopment plan.

Supporting reports

• Judge blocks Musk agency access to personal data — U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman issued a temporary restraining order preventing Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) from accessing sensitive personal information of millions of Americans. The ruling stops the Department of Education and the Office of Personnel Management from sharing federal employees' and student borrowers' data with Doge, citing potential violations of federal privacy laws. This decision follows a lawsuit by federal employee unions, student loan recipients, and veterans, and represents a significant judicial check on Doge's activities since its establishment by a January executive order.
• Federal court issues injunction against DOGE — On February 24, 2025, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), preventing it from disclosing personally identifiable information of federal employees to the DOGE team. This decision followed a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions, which cited a report by Popular Information and Musk Watch. The court found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in their claim that OPM's actions violated the Privacy Act. The TRO is set to expire on March 10, 2025, pending further court determination.
• Judge blocks data sharing with Musk's department — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Department of Education and Office of Personnel Management from sharing sensitive data with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. This decision addresses concerns about data privacy and security.
• Federal judge blocks Doge from accessing personal data — A federal judge temporarily blocked Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) from accessing sensitive personal information of millions of Americans. This decision challenges the Trump administration's efforts to downsize the federal government by limiting Doge's access to data maintained by the US education department and the US office of personnel management.

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• Federal court issues injunction against DOGE — On February 24, 2025, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), preventing it from disclosing personally identifiable information of federal employees to the DOGE team. This decision followed a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions, which cited a report by Popular Information and Musk Watch. The court found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in their claim that OPM's actions violated the Privacy Act. The TRO is set to expire on March 10, 2025, pending further court determination.

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• White House issues fact sheet citing poll data on public support for Trump administration policies — The White House published a fact sheet on February 24, 2025, presenting results from a Harvard CAPS-Harris poll. The document claims majority or plurality support for various Trump administration actions, including deportation of criminal immigrants (81%), government fraud reduction (76%), border closure (76%), exclusion of transgender athletes from women's sports (69%), and gender binary declaration (68%). The fact sheet also reports approval of Trump's job performance and economic optimism among respondents.

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• Threat received at hotel hosting conference — On February 23, 2025, a hotel hosting the anti-Trump Principles First conference was evacuated after a threat was received claiming to have rigged bombs at the hotel and targeting specific attendees, including Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone. The threat was linked to a person identifying as "MAGA."
• Bomb threat disrupts Principles First Summit — A bomb threat was sent to the Principles First Summit in Washington DC, allegedly from an account claiming to be Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys. The threat led to the evacuation of the conference venue. The email, titled "explosive surprises," claimed that pipe bombs were deployed against political enemies. Enrique Tarrio denied involvement and threatened legal action against the organizers for accusing him. The conference resumed after a security sweep by police and security officials.

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• Trump Posts Controversial Video on Social Media — The White House posted a video on social media depicting migrants in shackles, accompanied by the caption “ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight.” This controversial video has been criticized for trivializing the suffering of migrants and using their pain for entertainment purposes, reflecting a disturbing shift in the portrayal of immigration issues.

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• Trump falsely claims election fraud at CPAC — At the Conservative Political Action Conference, President Donald Trump falsely claimed that he received "much more" than 77 million votes in the 2024 presidential election and accused Democrats of cheating. This statement perpetuates misinformation about the integrity of the electoral process and undermines public trust in democratic institutions.