Trump Action Archive

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• Federal judge declines to block Pentagon from firing Stars and Stripes journalists — US District Judge Trevor McFadden ruled that the Pentagon may proceed with firing Stars and Stripes journalists Max Lederer, Erik Slavin, and Lara Korte without legal impediment. The journalists had sued to challenge their terminations, arguing the Pentagon violated their First Amendment rights after they spoke about the publication's need for editorial independence. McFadden concluded the firings were lawful because the journalists gave pre-approved interviews in their official capacity, not as private citizens, and found no clear First Amendment violation.

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• DHS deployed 19 USC 1509 administrative summonses to obtain records on journalists, non-profits, and unions without judicial oversight — The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security has systematically used an obscure customs law (19 USC 1509) to issue administrative summonses demanding records from social media companies and telecommunications providers targeting journalists (Georgia Fort, Don Lemon, Megyn Kelly, Brendan Gutenschwager, Democracy Now), unions (SEIU, Communications Workers of America), and left-leaning non-profits (Sunrise Movement, Voices for Racial Justice). The summonses bypass judicial review required for search warrants and include secrecy directives. Fort's six-month phone records from T-Mobile and YouTube account information were obtained after a federal judge had twice rejected similar warrant requests in February 2026, citing lack of probable cause.
• Trump administration uses customs law to obtain journalist records without judicial oversight — The Trump administration deployed an obscure legal maneuver to obtain private information on journalists, non-profits, and unions without judicial oversight. The Department of Homeland Security served Google with an administrative summons citing 19 USC 1509, a customs statute, to obtain YouTube account information for journalist Georgia Fort and Don Lemon. The summons bypassed judicial review required for search warrants, which a judge had twice rejected for lacking probable cause. DHS officials used the customs provision—designed to investigate import duties and taxes—to investigate a domestic protest at a Minneapolis church that the journalists were covering.

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• Three journalists sue Pentagon for retaliatory firing from Stars and Stripes — Three employees of Stars and Stripes—a government-funded military news outlet—filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Defense and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging they were fired in retaliation for reporting on deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and for defending press freedom in a CBS News interview. The plaintiffs claim their dismissals violated First Amendment rights and were illegal. Publisher Max Lederer refused to comply with the firing order and retired instead; he was subsequently dismissed.

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• White House launches personal attack on CNN reporter Kristen Holmes — The White House social media account posted attacks on CNN reporter Kristen Holmes after she asked Trump to respond to Senator Jon Ossoff's criticism of the president. The White House called Holmes a "disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment" and posted that her children would be "sickened and embarrassed" by her question. Trump also directly attacked Holmes in the Oval Office, telling her to be quiet and calling her a "fake reporter." CNN defended Holmes as a respected journalist asking a legitimate question.
• White House Rapid Response account attacks CNN reporter, invokes her children — The anonymous White House Rapid Response X account attacked a CNN reporter who had asked Trump about Ossoff, calling her a "disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment to her alleged profession." In a follow-up post, the account invoked the reporter's children, stating they would be "sickened and embarrassed" by her question, framing legitimate journalism as "callous and vindictive."
• White House rapid response team attacked CNN reporter Kristen Holmes on social media, including targeting her children — After CNN reporter Kristen Holmes asked Trump to respond to Senator Jon Ossoff's criticism, the White House rapid response team posted on social media calling Holmes a "disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment to her alleged profession." In an escalation, the account then targeted Holmes's children directly, posting that "Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question. They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent be so callous and vindictive."

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• Trump dismissed USS Abraham Lincoln crew conditions report as fake news — When asked about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Trump called the reporter "fake news" and refused to answer. When another reporter asked the same question, Trump claimed a retired admiral told him the ship was "beautifully maintained and taken care of," dismissing the original report as false without providing substantive evidence.

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• DOJ official encouraged prosecutors to "go big" and "go loud" in prosecuting protesters — A top Justice Department official encouraged prosecutors to "go big" and "go loud" when pursuing criminal charges against people who protested against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, according to reporting. The Minneapolis case is one of several the DOJ has brought across the U.S. leveling charges against wide swaths of protesters, including cases in Texas where prosecutors secured decades-long sentences for nine people protesting outside an ICE facility.
• Law enforcement provided false information in criminal case against journalist Georgia Fort — Federal law enforcement officials, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), provided false information to federal judges in at least 15 search warrant applications and to a grand jury in the case against independent journalist Georgia Fort, who was charged alongside nearly 40 others after interrupting a Minnesota church service to protest an ICE official serving as a pastor. The Justice Department later conceded the false claims. Fort's lawyers filed motions on Thursday seeking dismissal, arguing the prosecution violates the First Amendment, fails to state an actual crime, and is vindictive retaliation against her journalism.
• Prosecutors charged journalist Georgia Fort with conspiracy to interfere with religious rights for documenting anti-ICE protest — Journalist Georgia Fort was charged with conspiracy to interfere with the religious rights of parishioners after she entered and documented a protest at Cities church in St Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators interrupted a service upon learning an ICE official was a pastor. Fort's lawyers argue the prosecution is vindictive retaliation targeting her for her journalism and for amplifying a message the government opposes, violating the First Amendment.
• Prosecutors made false claims in search warrant applications regarding protest conduct — In search warrant applications, prosecutors claimed a congregant had broken her arm during the protest when she had not, and made other false characterizations of Fort's conduct, including claims she conspired with others in advance when evidence showed she arrived late and was not present for planning discussions. Prosecutors also claimed Fort blocked a van from leaving when her own livestream showed the van left easily.
• Journalist Georgia Fort indicted for covering anti-ICE protest; seeks dismissal on First Amendment grounds — Attorneys for Twin Cities journalist Georgia Fort asked a federal judge to dismiss charges against her for covering an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church, arguing the indictment violates her First Amendment rights. Fort was indicted alongside former CNN host Don Lemon and dozens of protesters on charges of conspiring against the right of religious freedom at a place of worship. Her attorneys argue the 19-page indictment contains no allegation of physical force, threats, or blocking the church entrance, and that her role was to observe and document. Magistrate Judge John Docherty twice refused to sign search warrants for Fort's and Lemon's YouTube accounts, finding they violated the Privacy Protection Act of 1980. A government attorney acknowledged a mischaracterization in an affidavit at a July hearing.

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• Trump defended subpoenaing family members of journalists — When asked whether it is appropriate to subpoena family members of journalists to obtain information, Trump stated he did not know what was appropriate and claimed that Barack Obama did it "all the time," asserting a double standard in how his actions are treated compared to his predecessor's.

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• Trump Administration Sought Phone Records of NYT Reporters and Relatives — The Trump administration issued subpoenas seeking phone records of New York Times reporters dating back to January 1, as well as records of their relatives, in connection with an investigation into the Times's reporting on security concerns regarding Trump's new Air Force One, donated by Qatar. The Times characterized the move as a "bad-faith effort to intimidate the journalists and chill their ability to report on the administration." The DOJ later withdrew the subpoenas.

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• Department of Justice subpoenaed New York Times reporters over Air Force One security reporting — The Department of Justice, through U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, issued subpoenas to New York Times reporters Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager, and Eric Schmitt. The subpoenas order the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday regarding an alleged violation of federal criminal law related to leaking national security information. The reporters had published a story on Wednesday reporting that the Secret Service had security concerns about the new Air Force One Boeing 747-8 and recommended the president use an older plane during his return from the NATO summit in Türkiye due to escalating Iran tensions. FBI Director Kash Patel conducted an 8-hour investigation from the White House to identify the anonymous sources.
• DOJ subpoenaed New York Times journalists over Air Force One reporting — The Trump administration issued subpoenas on Friday to several journalists at the New York Times after the outlet reported on security concerns involving Trump's new Qatari-donated Air Force One. The subpoenas seek to force the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday. NYT General Counsel David McCraw called the action "an attempt to prevent the public from knowing what is happening in their country by intimidating journalists from doing their jobs." Fox chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin posted that the action "should alarm every American."
• New York Times Journalists Subpoenaed Over Trump Air Force One Coverage — The Trump administration subpoenaed several New York Times journalists to testify before a federal grand jury about their reporting on security concerns surrounding Trump's new Air Force One, which was donated by Qatar. The subpoenas followed a White House meeting where FBI Director Kash Patel was directed to lead a leak investigation into the newspaper's reporting. The Times' top newsroom lawyer called the move a violation of press freedom protections in the Constitution.
• DOJ subpoenas New York Times reporters — The Department of Justice issued subpoenas to reporters from the New York Times regarding a story about security concerns related to the new Air Force One plane. The subpoenas require the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury about an alleged violation of federal criminal law concerning the leaking of national security information. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, nominated by Trump to be the next director of national intelligence, is overseeing the subpoenas. The DOJ stated that the reporters are not targets, but the act of subpoenaing journalists raises concerns about press freedom.
• DOJ issues subpoenas to New York Times journalists — The Trump administration, through the Department of Justice, issued subpoenas to multiple New York Times journalists seeking to compel their testimony before a federal grand jury in Manhattan. The subpoenas followed the Times' reporting on security concerns regarding Trump's new Qatari-gifted aircraft, which cited anonymous sources. An FBI official had previously contacted the Times requesting the article be withheld on national security grounds and demanded disclosure of sources, which the Times refused. The Times' legal counsel condemned the subpoenas as threatening constitutional press freedom.
• DOJ issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists — The Department of Justice issued subpoenas to four New York Times journalists—Julian Barnes, Eric Lipton, and Eric Schmitt—demanding they appear before a grand jury and disclose confidential sources. The subpoenas relate to the Times' reporting on security concerns surrounding the new Air Force One aircraft. The New York Times filed a motion to quash the subpoenas, arguing they were intended to punish the newspaper for its coverage and violated journalists' constitutional rights.

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• Trump attacked New York Times and objected to First Amendment — Trump reacted with fury to a New York Times story reporting that analysts did not believe the Iran war had accomplished much. Trump called the paper's reporters "corrupt and unethical cowards" and appeared to object to the First Amendment, writing that the Times' coverage was "TREASONOUS" and announcing he would add their reporting to a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit against them, calling them "Criminals."

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• Scott Pelley was fired from CBS News after 37 years — Scott Pelley, a longtime CBS News correspondent, was fired last week after 37 years with the network. His dismissal followed his refusal to alter a story about anti-ICE and Border Patrol protests in Minneapolis to match the Trump administration's false narrative about an officer-involved shooting.

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• Scott Pelley criticized Bari Weiss's editorial direction at 60 Minutes — In his first interview since being fired from 60 Minutes, Scott Pelley discussed his departure and criticized Bari Weiss's leadership. Pelley alleged that Weiss sent emails to his boss requesting that protesters be made to "look more violent" and that a shooting victim's car be described as "driving towards the officer," contrary to video evidence. Pelley stated Weiss's characterization matched Trump's account. When asked if Weiss should be removed, Pelley said yes, comparing her appointment to asking someone unfamiliar with aviation to pilot a 747.
• CBS News director Bari Weiss requested changes to story about ICE protests to favor Trump's narrative — Scott Pelley, a 37-year CBS News correspondent fired last week, revealed in a New York Times interview that CBS News director Bari Weiss (appointed after Trump loyalist David Ellison took over the network) sent an email hours before airing asking him to make anti-ICE protesters look more violent and to falsely claim that Renee Good was driving her car toward an officer before he shot her. Video evidence showed Good's wheels were turned away from the officer and he was not in front of the car. Pelley said this represented "a level of political influence that I had never seen in 37 years at CBS News."

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• CBS 60 Minutes correspondent departs after editorial independence compromised — Sharyn Alfonsi, a correspondent for CBS's 60 Minutes, departed the program this week after her contract was not renewed. In a statement, Alfonsi criticized CBS management for "abandoning" the show's mission of "fearless, independent reporting," stating the network is "choosing access journalism over accountability and protecting power rather than scrutinizing it." She alleged that "the wall between editorial independence and corporate interest at CBS is being methodically torn down."
• Kash Patel's girlfriend sues MSNBC for defamation — Alexis Wilkins, girlfriend of Kash Patel, filed a defamation lawsuit against MSNBC. Her legal team used the phrase "This was hogwash and they knew it" in the filing.
• Scott Pelley confronts new 60 Minutes leadership hire at all-hands meeting — Scott Pelley publicly confronted new 60 Minutes hire Nick Bilton at an all-hands meeting, questioning his qualifications. Pelley also called out Bari Weiss by name, stating she was brought in to kill the show and is doing exactly that, per Puck's Dylan Byers.

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• State police replace ICE officers outside Delaney Hall; violent clashes ensue — On Friday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that state police would replace ICE officers outside Delaney Hall detention center. State police established roadblocks approximately half a mile on either side of the facility. That night, clashes erupted when state police officers on horseback and in riot gear moved into the crowd of protesters, deploying teargas canisters, aggressively shoving demonstrators, and arresting six people. Advocates criticized the state police response as more aggressive than prior ICE conduct.
• State police deploy teargas and pepper balls against anti-ICE protesters at Newark detention facility — On Friday night, New Jersey state police fired teargas canisters and pepper ball pellets at anti-ICE protesters outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark. State police also deployed on horseback to drive protesters back. This followed Governor Mikie Sherrill's announcement that state officials would take over policing outside the facility from ICE, including attempts to establish a "protected speech zone" with fences. The action occurred amid a nine-day hunger and labor strike by detained immigrants demanding improved conditions and medical care.
• New Jersey state police deploy at Delaney Hall ICE facility; dozens of protesters arrested for curfew violations — On Sunday night, New Jersey state police in riot gear enforced a curfew at Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, resulting in arrests of at least 20–46 protesters who defied dispersal orders. Governor Mikie Sherrill had announced Friday that state law enforcement would take over policing duties from federal ICE officers following eight days of confrontations. The rapid deployment—less than 15 minutes after issuing a dispersal order—drew criticism from protesters, elected officials, and journalists, who alleged excessive force and attacks on press documenting the scene.
• Governor Sherrill establishes "free speech zone" restricting protester access to Delaney Hall — On Friday, Governor Mikie Sherrill enacted a "free speech zone" that kept protesters at least half a mile away from the entrance to Delaney Hall detention center. Protesters reported this restriction prevented them from being visible or heard by detainees inside, effectively nullifying their ability to demonstrate solidarity with those held in the facility during ongoing hunger and labor strikes.
• Newark Mayor imposes indefinite overnight curfew at Delaney Hall area — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka imposed an indefinite overnight curfew from 9pm to 6am in the area surrounding Delaney Hall immigration detention center, effective immediately following Saturday night clashes between state police and protesters. The curfew order threatened arrest or legal action against those who did not disperse during the restricted hours. The curfew was announced after violent confrontations in which state police on horseback and in riot gear used teargas, aggressive shoving, and arrests against demonstrators.
• DHS posts mocking video of protester arrest; launches "zero tolerance" messaging campaign — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted a video on its X account showing an unarmed protester being dragged at gunpoint by officers in riot gear, captioned "Don't be this guy." The post was part of a broader DHS messaging campaign on Sunday featuring slogans including "law and order," "ZERO tolerance for rioters," and "if you riot, you will face the consequences." The DHS also dismissed detainee complaints of poor food and lack of medical care as "a hoax."
• Journalist Adriano Kalin reports first direct police attack on press at anti-ICE protests — Photojournalist Adriano Kalin, documenting protests at Delaney Hall, reported that state police directly targeted press for the first time in his coverage of anti-ICE demonstrations nationwide. Kalin posted video footage of a flash-bang grenade thrown directly at his feet as state police in riot gear advanced on the crowd. He noted that while press had previously been in harm's way at other protests, they had never been deliberately targeted until this incident.
• New Jersey Governor Sherrill deploys state police to suppress Delaney Hall immigration detention protests — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill sent state police in riot gear to "lower the temperature" at protests outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, where 300+ detainees were conducting a hunger and labor strike over poor conditions. State police arrested dozens of protesters, hospitalized some, pulled journalists from vehicles and exposed them to teargas, and arrested other journalists who were held in custody for a full day. Sherrill blamed "outside agitators" and has not met strikers' demands, including a meeting with the governor.

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• New York Times files second lawsuit challenging Pentagon press escort requirement — The New York Times filed a lawsuit in US District Court in Washington on May 19, 2026, challenging a Pentagon policy requiring journalists to have official escorts when accessing the building. The policy, adopted in March 2026, requires reporters to schedule appointments, obtain escorts, and exit the building between each source interview—a departure from decades of unescorted corridor access. The Times argues the requirement is unconstitutional, retaliatory, and impedes effective reporting. The Pentagon maintains the policy protects classified information and is lawful.

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• DHS maintains combative relationship with journalists covering ICE operations — The Department of Homeland Security has been accused of maintaining a combative relationship with journalists attempting to document ICE activities. The agency has accused reporters of "demonizing DHS law enforcement" and has intimidated and arrested members of the media for documenting ICE enforcement operations. This pattern of media obstruction limits public transparency regarding ICE's conduct and operations.

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• Trump posted on Truth Social accusing media of "virtual treason" for reporting on Iranian military performance — Trump posted on Truth Social while en route to China: "When the Fake News says that the Iranian enemy is doing well, Militarily, against us, it's virtual TREASON in that it is such a false, and even preposterous, statement. They are aiding and abetting the enemy!" He characterized journalists as "American cowards that are rooting against our Country" and "Losers, Ingrates, and Fools."
• Trump posted AI images of U.S. military destroying Iran and labeled media coverage of Iran as treason — The president posted AI-generated images depicting the U.S. military destroying the Iranian military, then posted that media reports characterizing Iran as doing well militarily against the U.S. constituted "virtual TREASON" because such statements were "aiding and abetting the enemy." He also posted an image of a map with Venezuela overlaid with the U.S. flag captioned "51st State."
• Trump attacked reporter aboard Air Force One — Trump called a reporter "treasonous" for reporting accurately about Iran during the Air Force One press conference, using the accusation as a response to critical questioning.
• Trump accuses New York Times reporter of treason — Trump lashed out at New York Times reporter David Sanger after Sanger pointed out that Trump's military actions have not resulted in political change in Iran. Trump declared that Sanger's reporting was "sort of treasonous," using inflammatory language to attack a journalist for factual criticism. The statement represents an attempt to intimidate the press through accusations of disloyalty.

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• FCC accelerates ABC license renewal review following White House attack on Jimmy Kimmel — The Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump-appointed chair Brendan Carr, announced an accelerated review of eight ABC-owned local broadcasting licenses (WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham, and KFSN-TV Fresno). The licenses were not scheduled for renewal until 2028–2031 but now must be filed by May 28, 2026. The action follows the White House's attack on late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about Melania Trump. The FCC cited an ongoing investigation into Disney's diversity practices as justification, though critics characterize the move as political retribution and regulatory intimidation.
• Federal Communications Commission announced review of ABC's broadcast licenses — On April 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission announced it is reviewing ABC's broadcast licenses following a joke made by late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel about First Lady Melania Trump on April 24, 2026. FCC chair Brendan Carr, a Trump loyalist who frequently attacks media organizations, leads the agency.
• FCC orders Disney/ABC license renewal in retaliation for Kimmel criticism — FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued an order directing Disney's ABC to file license renewals for all licensed TV stations within 30 days (by May 28, 2026). The order is widely viewed as retaliation for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel's criticisms of Trump and the network's resistance to Trump administration pressure to fire Kimmel. The FCC asserts the review relates to an ongoing probe into Disney's diversity initiatives, but the timing and context suggest political retaliation. The order initiates a protracted legal process, though ABC has broad legal protections.
• FCC accelerates review of ABC broadcast licenses following Kimmel joke — On Monday, following Melania Trump's public criticism of ABC host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke about her appearance, FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the agency was expediting its review of eight ABC local broadcasting licenses. Carr denied the action was related to Kimmel's monologue, but the timing and context suggest regulatory retaliation for constitutionally protected speech critical of the Trump family.

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• Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia seeking $250 million in damages against the Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick over an article published April 17 alleging excessive drinking and unexplained absences during his tenure. Patel's legal team claimed the article was a "malicious hit piece" relying on anonymous sources and accused the magazine of acting with actual malice. The Atlantic and Fitzpatrick have stated they stand by the reporting and will vigorously defend the lawsuit.
• Kash Patel filed $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit in DC federal court against The Atlantic magazine over an article documenting multiple incidents of alleged intoxication while serving as FBI Director. The lawsuit challenges the article's use of anonymous sources and claims the publication engaged in a "deliberate and malicious smear." The article cited dozens of sources including current and former FBI officials, law-enforcement and intelligence agency staff, hospitality workers, members of Congress, and political operatives.
• FBI Director Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine. The Atlantic stated it stands by its reporting. The lawsuit represents a high-stakes legal action by a law enforcement leader against a news organization over published reporting.
• Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million defamation — FBI Director Kash Patel sued The Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick on Monday for defamation, seeking $250 million in damages over a story published Friday alleging Patel engaged in excessive drinking, unexplained absences, and conduct that alarmed colleagues. The Atlantic's story was based on interviews with more than two dozen sources including current and former FBI officials, intelligence agency staff, and members of Congress, all speaking anonymously. Patel's complaint claims the article is "replete with false and obviously fabricated allegations" published with "actual malice," but legal analysis suggests his case faces significant obstacles under defamation law for public figures.
• FBI Director Kash Patel filed $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — On April 21, Kash Patel sued The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick for $250 million for publishing "a sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece" full of "obviously fabricated allegations." The suit denies that Patel drinks to excess and claims this has never been a source of concern across government. The Atlantic stated it stands by its reporting and will vigorously defend against the lawsuit.
• — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic on April 21, 2026, in response to an article alleging he has alarmed colleagues with excessive drinking. Patel's complaint characterizes the article as "a sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece." According to Popular Information, the complaint itself actually confirms several key aspects of The Atlantic's reporting, suggesting the lawsuit may be a strategic effort to intimidate press coverage of the FBI Director.

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• Trump attacked multiple media figures and political allies on Truth Social — President Trump posted a lengthy tirade on Truth Social personally attacking Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, Alex Jones, and Marjorie Greene, calling them "stupid," "NUT JOBS," and "LOSERS." He criticized their media presence, questioned their intelligence, and suggested they were disloyal to MAGA. The post came hours after Melania's Epstein statement and Trump's claim he was unaware of it beforehand.
• Trump attacked former allies over Iran war opposition — At 4:28 p.m., President Trump's social media account posted attacks on former allies Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, who do not support Trump's war in Iran. Trump called them "stupid people" and claimed their families and everyone else knows it. He reiterated his false claim of winning in a "LANDSLIDE" and suggested MAGA voters love him, while characterizing those opposing his Iran adventure as "not 'MAGA'" and "losers, just trying to latch on to MAGA."

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• Trump threatened to jail journalist and compel source disclosure — During the press conference, Trump threatened to jail the journalist who first reported details about a missing U.S. airman, stating he would force the media company to reveal the source or face imprisonment. Trump stated: "We're going to go to media company who released it and say 'national security, give it up or go to jail.'" The journalist identified was Amit Segal, an Israeli journalist with proximity to Netanyahu. Trump repeated the threat: "The person that did the story will go to jail if he doesn't say."

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• FBI Director Kash Patel pressed to release decade-old investigative file on Rep. Eric Swalwell. — FBI Director Kash Patel directed agents in the San Francisco office to quickly redact and prepare for public release a decade-old investigative file involving Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, despite no evidence of wrongdoing by Swalwell. The file concerns Christine Fang (Fang Fang), who courted Swalwell and other California politicians from 2011–2015. When FBI agents conveyed concerns about Fang to Swalwell around 2015, he cut off ties and cooperated with investigators. Swalwell was not accused of wrongdoing in the original investigation, and the Republican-led House Ethics Committee closed a two-year investigation in 2023 with no action. Patel has reassigned multiple agents to work on bringing a criminal case against Swalwell, a vocal Trump critic and leading Democratic candidate for California governor.
• Trump FBI director Kash Patel pushes for release of Eric Swalwell investigative records — FBI Director Kash Patel, under the Trump administration, is reportedly pushing to release records from a decade-old FBI investigation into Eric Swalwell's alleged links to a Chinese agent. Swalwell, a Democratic congressman and California gubernatorial candidate, was found cooperative and not suspected of wrongdoing. The move occurs as Swalwell gains traction in the governor's race. Democrats characterize the effort as weaponized retaliation against a political opponent. Swalwell's attorneys issued a cease-and-desist letter on Monday.

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• Conspiracy charges filed against anti-ICE protesters in multiple jurisdictions — Following the Spokane protest, federal prosecutors filed conspiracy charges against demonstrators in Chicago and investigated Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for the same alleged crime. Journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were also charged with conspiracy to violate religious freedom stemming from coverage of a protest inside a Minnesota church. Both journalists have pleaded not guilty and await trial. Governor Walz condemned the probe as an "authoritarian tactic."

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• Pete Hegseth held press conference attacking media and refusing mainstream journalists — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a press conference where he attacked the media while refusing to call on any mainstream journalists in the room. He only took questions from right-wing media outlets, stating "A dishonest and anti-Trump press will stop at nothing to downplay progress, amplify every cost, and call into question every step" and claiming "TDS is in their DNA. They want President Trump to fail."

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• Trump and FCC Chair Carr threatened media companies covering the war — Trump posted that the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other media outlets "want us to lose the War" and that their reporting is "the exact opposite of the actual facts." FCC Chair Brendan Carr responded by threatening broadcasters, stating that those "running hoaxes and news distortions" have a chance to "correct course before their license renewals come up" or they will lose their licenses. Carr stated the law requires broadcasters to operate in the public interest.