Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• US judge blocks Trump's anti-DEI directives — A federal judge in Maryland, Adam Abelson, temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump from enforcing bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at federal agencies and businesses contracting with the federal government. The judge ruled that Trump's directives likely violate the First Amendment, as they aim to suppress speech supportive of DEI. The injunction prevents Trump and federal agencies from implementing these orders while a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore and three groups is pending.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Nat’l Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Ed. v. Trump (D. Md.) 1:25-cv-00333 — Judge Adam B. Abelson issued a memorandum opinion and granted the preliminary injunction in large part, enjoining implementation of the Termination Provision of Executive Order 14151 and of the Certification and Enforcement Threat Provisions of Executive Order 14173. The court stated that “Plaintiffs' irreparable harms include widespread chilling of unquestionably protected speech." The court also denied the preliminary injunction in part, allowing the Attorney General to prepare the report pursuant to Executive Order 14173 and to engage in an investigation.

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• White House issues release claiming border enforcement has reduced migrant arrivals and shelter demand — The White House published a release titled "When There Are No Illegal Immigrants, There Is No Need for Shelters" asserting that President Trump's border enforcement has reduced daily migrant encounters in the El Paso sector from 1,500 to roughly 80, and citing reports that migrant shelters across multiple states and Mexico have closed or reduced capacity due to decreased arrivals. The release attributes these changes to Trump's "unprecedented effort to secure the homeland."

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• Trump administration claims to cut government waste — The Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have claimed to be eliminating "massive waste, fraud, and abuse" within the government. However, fact-checkers have pointed out numerous errors and exaggerations in these claims, leading to skepticism about the administration's true intentions.

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• White House issues promotional fact sheet claiming executive accomplishments in first month — The White House published a fact sheet titled "America Is Back — and President Trump Is Just Getting Started" on February 20, 2025, listing claimed accomplishments across border enforcement, economic policy, energy, military matters, and domestic governance. The document asserts that President Trump has "already accomplished more than most presidents do in their entire term" after one month in office. It attributes specific policy actions including border emergency declarations, tariff implementations, military deployments, regulatory rollbacks, and personnel changes across federal agencies.
• White House issues compilation release touting departmental accomplishments after one month — The White House published a compilation release on February 21, 2025, in which it aggregated statements from eight federal departments (Homeland Security, Interior, Education, Housing and Urban Development, State, Transportation, Defense, and Health and Human Services) describing their claimed accomplishments during President Trump's first month in office. The release does not announce new policy but curates existing departmental messaging around themes including border security, energy development, education policy, military readiness, and what the administration characterizes as reversals of prior policies.

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• RFK Jr. promotes anti-vaccine message amid Texas measles outbreak — During a visit to Texas, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services, continued to promote anti-vaccine rhetoric despite a significant measles outbreak in the state. Kennedy suggested that childhood vaccines might be linked to chronic illnesses and announced plans to study the vaccination schedule. This stance contradicts established scientific consensus and raises concerns about public health, especially as vaccination rates decline and measles cases rise.

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• Connecticut woman arrested for holding stepson captive — Kimberly Sullivan, a 56-year-old woman from Waterbury, Connecticut, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and reckless endangerment. Authorities discovered her stepson, now 32, malnourished and claiming to have been held captive for 20 years. The discovery occurred during a house fire on February 17, which the stepson reportedly started in an attempt to escape. Sullivan is currently held on a $300,000 bond and denies the allegations.

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• Trump signed executive order to release MLK assassination files — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January 2025 mandating the release of thousands of classified federal documents related to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The King family expressed concerns that the release could revive efforts to discredit King, similar to past actions by the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover. The Trump administration refused the King family's request to review the files before their public release, stating the refusal was not due to animus toward the family.

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• Department of Education threatens to revoke school funding for teaching about systemic racism — In February 2025, the Department of Education sent a letter threatening to halt federal funding to any school that teaches students about "systemic and structural racism." The letter argues that these lessons "teach students that certain racial groups bear unique moral burdens that others do not." The American Civil Liberties Union sued the Department, arguing that the letter violated free speech. In April, multiple federal judges froze the order.

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• JD Vance meets with AfD leader in Germany — During the Munich Security Conference, US Vice-President JD Vance met with Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany's far-right AfD party. This meeting broke a longstanding taboo in German politics known as the "firewall against the far-right," which aims to keep extremist parties out of the mainstream. The meeting signals the Trump administration's support for populist and anti-immigrant parties in Europe, aligning with their broader political strategy.
• Vice President Vance attacked Europe at Munich Security Conference — On February 14, 2025, Vice President J.D. Vance used the Munich Security Conference to deliver a blistering attack on European leaders and democratic values. Vance declined to acknowledge the threat of Russian aggression and indicated that the United States would no longer stand with Ukraine, signaling a fundamental shift in U.S. commitment to European security and alliance partnerships.
• Vice President Vance attacks European values at Munich Security Conference — At the Munich Security Conference on February 14, Vice President J.D. Vance criticized European values, claiming they undermine national strength and promote equality among diverse groups. He called for a shift in Europe’s direction and expressed support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), breaking diplomatic protocol by meeting with its leader instead of the German Chancellor. His remarks were met with condemnation from European leaders, highlighting a growing ideological divide.
• Vice President criticizes European democratic values — At the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Europe for retreating from democratic values, citing Romania's annulment of an election result, Sweden's jailing of a rightist activist, and Britain's arrest of an anti-abortion activist. He urged European governments to increase defense spending and address public concerns over immigration. Vance's remarks highlight tensions between U.S. and European perspectives on democracy and governance.

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• Judge pauses Trump’s order restricting healthcare for transgender youth — A federal judge in Baltimore, Brendan Hurson, temporarily blocked an executive order by Donald Trump that aimed to restrict gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals under 19. The order, issued on February 9, 2025, sought to revoke federal funding from hospitals and clinics providing such care. The judge's ruling grants a temporary restraining order for 14 days, halting the directive while the case proceeds. The lawsuit was filed by civil rights groups and families affected by the order, arguing it was unconstitutional and discriminatory.
• Case update — PFLAG, Inc. v. Trump (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-00337 — Judge Brendan Abell Hurson issued a two-week TRO , blocking enforcement of the Executive Order.

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• Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence — The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the U.S. director of national intelligence, with all Democrats voting against her and all Republicans, except Mitch McConnell, voting in favor. McConnell expressed concerns about Gabbard's qualifications for the significant role overseeing the intelligence community.

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• Denver public school system sues Trump administration over ICE access — The Denver public school system has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its policy that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents access to schools. The lawsuit argues that this policy forces schools to divert educational resources and has led to decreased attendance due to fear of immigration enforcement on school grounds. The lawsuit seeks to block ICE from conducting raids in schools and demands that the Department of Homeland Security publish the directive to allow better preparation by the district.

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• National Park Service erases trans references from Stonewall website — The National Park Service removed all references to transgender people from the Stonewall national monument's website. This monument commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots, where trans women of color played a significant role. The change aligns with an executive order signed by Donald Trump, which defines sex strictly as male or female. This act has been criticized for distorting historical truth and dishonoring the contributions of transgender individuals to the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

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• Establishment of the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14212, establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission. The commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases in the U.S., with a focus on childhood health issues. The commission will study contributing factors, advise on policy, and recommend strategies to combat these health challenges.
• President Trump signed executive order establishing Make America Healthy Again Commission — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission on February 13, 2025. The commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases and mental health disorders in the United States. It will focus on reversing these trends by promoting transparency in health research, improving food quality, and expanding treatment options. The commission will also provide recommendations to the President on strategies to combat childhood chronic diseases.
• White House established Make America Healthy Again Commission by executive order — President Trump signed an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Commission is tasked with investigating root causes of America's health crisis, with initial focus on childhood chronic diseases. It will produce a 100-day assessment on childhood chronic disease and a 180-day strategy to improve children's health, operating under four policy directives: transparency in federally funded health research, prioritizing gold-standard research on disease causation, working with farmers on food safety and affordability, and expanding treatment options and health coverage flexibility.
• — The White House issued an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to address what the order characterizes as a childhood chronic disease crisis in the United States. The order directs the Commission to study contributing causes—including diet, medical treatments, environmental factors, and corporate influence—and to submit an assessment within 100 days and a strategy within 180 days. The Commission comprises 14 federal officials across health, agriculture, education, and other departments.

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• Musk's agency site adds data from rightwing thinktank — Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) website added data from the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), a rightwing thinktank known for opposing climate-focused policies. The CEI's "unconstitutionality index" was included on the website's regulations page. CEI has a history of lobbying against climate treaties and regulations, and has ties to the Koch brothers' network. The addition of CEI data to the Doge website raises concerns about the influence of controversial thinktanks on government transparency and policy.

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• Trump and Putin agree to negotiate Ukraine ceasefire — Former President Donald Trump announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to begin negotiations to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump stated that Ukraine might have to cede territory and that NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely. The Kremlin confirmed the call and mutual invitations for the leaders to visit each other's countries. The negotiations aim to achieve a long-term settlement through peaceful means, though concerns have been raised about the implications for Ukraine's territorial integrity and European security.
• Trump called Putin and parroted invasion justifications — On February 12, 2025, one day after Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff returned from Moscow, President Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin for nearly an hour and a half. Trump described the call as "highly productive" and emerged from it parroting Putin's justifications for invading Ukraine, signaling alignment with Russian narratives about the war.

Supporting reports

• Trump called Putin and parroted invasion justifications — On February 12, 2025, one day after Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff returned from Moscow, President Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin for nearly an hour and a half. Trump described the call as "highly productive" and emerged from it parroting Putin's justifications for invading Ukraine, signaling alignment with Russian narratives about the war.

Supporting reports

• Judge blocks Trump from cutting NIH research funding — A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked the Trump administration's attempt to impose a 15% cap on indirect costs for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. This decision came after 22 states and major universities sued, arguing that the proposed cuts would significantly harm medical research funding. The administration's proposal aimed to reduce overhead costs, which are essential for maintaining research facilities and equipment. The court's intervention prevents the immediate implementation of these cuts, which were criticized for potentially undermining critical disease prevention research.

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• Steve Bannon pleads guilty to fraud charge — Steve Bannon, a conservative strategist and ally of Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to a fraud charge related to the "We Build the Wall" fundraising effort. The scheme involved soliciting donations to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, but prosecutors alleged that Bannon used the funds for personal enrichment. As part of a plea agreement, Bannon will avoid jail time and received a three-year conditional discharge. The case was prosecuted by the Manhattan district attorney's office after Bannon was pardoned for federal charges by Trump in 2021.

Supporting reports

• Associated Press barred from Oval Office — The Associated Press (AP) was barred from attending an Oval Office event where President Donald Trump signed an executive order. The exclusion was reportedly a punitive measure against AP for not adhering to Trump's executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. AP maintained its style guide, referring to the Gulf by its historical name. The White House Correspondents’ Association condemned the action as a violation of press freedom, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism.
• White House bars AP reporters from press events — The White House barred two Associated Press (AP) reporters from attending press events after the AP refused to use the term "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico." This decision followed a complaint over AP's editorial choices. The AP's executive editor, Julie Pace, criticized the move as a violation of free speech and the First Amendment, arguing it was intended to punish the AP for its editorial stance. The White House press secretary stated that access to the Oval Office is a privilege and defended the decision.
• Establishment of the National Energy Dominance Council — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the National Energy Dominance Council within the Executive Office of the President. The Council, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior, aims to advise the President on strategies to enhance U.S. energy production and achieve energy dominance. It will focus on improving energy permitting processes, increasing production, and reducing regulatory barriers. The Council will also coordinate with federal agencies and private sector partners to implement a National Energy Dominance Strategy, aiming to boost economic growth and national security through energy initiatives.
• White House bans AP journalists from Oval Office — The White House has announced an indefinite ban on Associated Press (AP) journalists from accessing the Oval Office and Air Force One. This decision is part of an ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and the AP over the naming of the Gulf of Mexico, which the administration has renamed the Gulf of America. The White House accuses the AP of misinformation for not adopting the new name. Despite the ban, AP journalists retain their credentials for the White House complex. The AP and other media outlets have criticized the move as a violation of press freedoms.

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• State Department orders cancellation of media subscriptions — The U.S. State Department has issued a directive to its global outposts to cancel all "non-mission critical" media subscriptions. This directive, reportedly issued on February 11, 2025, aims to cut costs by stopping work orders on contracts for publications, periodicals, and newspapers that are not academic or professional journals. The move affects hundreds of U.S. diplomatic offices worldwide and has raised concerns among staff about the potential impact on their ability to assess threats and arrange diplomatic activities safely.

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• Congressman Begich promotes false claims about Social Security — On February 11, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) suggested that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had uncovered illegal activity in the federal government. On February 20, he promoted Elon Musk's false claim that millions of people over 100 years old were receiving Social Security benefits. This claim has been debunked, as Social Security suspends benefits for anyone aged 115 or older. Begich has not corrected or removed his claim, despite its inaccuracy.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order pausing FCPA enforcement — President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to pause enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prohibits American companies from bribing foreign officials to obtain or retain business. This move could undermine efforts to prevent public corruption and maintain the rule of law in international business practices.
• Executive Order Pauses FCPA Enforcement — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14209, pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days to review guidelines and policies. The order aims to enhance American economic competitiveness and national security by reducing barriers to commerce abroad. The Attorney General is tasked with reviewing and potentially revising FCPA enforcement actions and guidelines during this period.
• Trump halts enforcement of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to halt prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which bans bribery of foreign officials. The order requires the Attorney General to pause these prosecutions until new enforcement guidance is issued, aimed at promoting American competitiveness. This move has been criticized by anti-corruption groups, who argue it undermines the US's leadership in fighting global corruption. The FCPA has been instrumental in significant corporate cases, including actions against Goldman Sachs.
• Trump Pauses FCPA Enforcement — President Donald Trump issued an executive order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days. The order directs the Attorney General to cease new FCPA investigations and review existing ones, with the possibility of extending the review period for another 180 days. The order aims to enhance American economic competitiveness and national security by reducing perceived overreach in FCPA enforcement, which Trump argues impedes U.S. foreign policy objectives.
• White House issued executive order pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement — The White House issued an executive order on February 10, 2025, directing the Attorney General to cease initiating new FCPA investigations and enforcement actions for 180 days while reviewing enforcement guidelines. The order states that FCPA enforcement "harms the interests of the United States" and "impedes" foreign policy objectives. The Attorney General is instructed to review existing investigations and issue revised guidelines prioritizing "American economic competitiveness" and "Presidential foreign policy prerogatives." The order characterizes current FCPA enforcement as "overexpansive" and claims it wastes prosecutorial resources.
• White House issues fact sheet on FCPA enforcement pause — The White House issued a fact sheet on February 10, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order directing the Attorney General to pause Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement actions and issue revised enforcement guidance. The fact sheet states that past and existing FCPA actions will be reviewed, and future investigations and enforcement must be approved by the Attorney General. The document frames the pause as necessary to restore American competitiveness and national security.
• Trump signs executive order pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — President Trump signed an executive order pausing the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits bribery of foreign officials. This suspension could lead to increased corruption in international business dealings.
• Trump signed executive order pausing prosecutions under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — On February 10, 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the DOJ to halt prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign government officials. Attorney General Pam Bondi was instructed to pause prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 until she issues revised enforcement guidance promoting American competitiveness. Trump stated the action would "mean a lot more business for America." The White House claimed the law disadvantages US firms compared to foreign competitors.

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• Judge orders CDC and FDA to restore webpages — A federal judge, John Bates, has ordered the Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, and the FDA to restore webpages that were removed following an executive order by Donald Trump. The order, which targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, led to the removal of critical public health information. The judge emphasized the harm to everyday Americans, particularly underprivileged individuals seeking healthcare, and mandated the restoration of the webpages to their state as of January 30.

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• Trump signed executive orders to scrub diversity terms from health websites — On his first day in office, Donald Trump signed executive orders mandating the removal of terms related to race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and other diversity-related terms from U.S. health agency websites. This action led to the temporary removal of thousands of webpages and the permanent alteration of content, affecting the availability of vital health information. The orders have raised concerns about the impact on health research and the ability of healthcare providers to access necessary information for evidence-based care.