Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Minority Veterans of America files Administrative Procedure Act lawsuit against VA abortion ban — Minority Veterans of America filed suit in the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit challenging the Trump administration's reinstatement of the VA abortion ban. The lawsuit names an anonymous pregnant veteran member with chronic health conditions and prior pregnancy complications who cannot access counseling on abortion as a medical option. The complaint alleges the VA violated the Administrative Procedure Act by acting arbitrarily and capriciously, disregarding its own 2022 findings that limited abortion services were necessary to safeguard veterans' health.

Supporting reports

• Administration officials conducted classified briefing on Iran war to Senate Armed Services Committee — Administration officials provided a classified briefing to the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding ongoing military operations in Iran. Democratic senators emerged expressing significant frustration with the lack of transparency and unanswered questions about war costs, troop deployment risks, foreign adversary involvement, and strategic objectives. Senators called for declassification of information to enable public and constituent communication about the conflict.
• Senator Blumenthal expressed dissatisfaction with Iran war briefing and demanded transparency — Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) told reporters he was deeply dissatisfied with the classified briefing, stating he had more questions than answers, particularly regarding war costs. He expressed concern about potential ground troop deployment in Iran, Russian and Chinese military aid to Iran, and characterized the conflict as a "war of choice" made by the president without American public consent, demanding the administration provide answers to the American people.
• Senator Murphy criticized administration's lack of war strategy — Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) posted on social media that the administration appears to have no objectives for the war beyond continued bombing and no plan for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a lack of coherent strategic planning for military operations.
• Senator Rosen called for declassification of Iran war information — Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) expressed frustration that the administration restricts war information to classified briefings, preventing elected officials from communicating with constituents about the conflict. She asserted that Trump uses the word "war" publicly while the administration avoids formal war declaration, and called on Trump to seek congressional authorization and public debate before further escalation. She stated the administration has provided no post-conflict plan.
• Senator Blumenthal warned of potential ground troop deployment and Russian aid to Iran — Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), after receiving an intelligence briefing on Iran, stated that the U.S. appears to be on a path toward deploying American troops on the ground in Iran. He also warned of the specter of active Russian aid to Iran and potential Chinese assistance, both of which could endanger American lives.

Supporting reports

• Senator Mark Kelly sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for military censure in retaliation for protected speech — Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Defense Department, Navy Secretary John Phelan, and the Navy Department, alleging violations of his First Amendment rights, the Speech and Debate Clause, separation of powers, due process, federal law governing retired officer ranks (10 USC 1370), and the Administrative Procedure Act. The suit challenges Hegseth's January 5 formal censure of Kelly, which followed Kelly's November 18 participation in a video with five other Democratic veterans in Congress warning military and intelligence personnel that they have a legal duty to refuse unlawful orders. The lawsuit seeks to declare the censure and related actions unlawful and unconstitutional, vacate them, and enjoin their enforcement.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Kelly v. Hegseth (D.D.C.) 1:26-cv-00081 — Plaintiff moved for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
• Sen. Kelly sued Secretary Hegseth to block reduction of his Navy rank and retirement pay for protected speech — Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) filed a lawsuit against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth seeking an injunction to prevent unilateral reduction of Kelly's Navy rank and retirement pay in retaliation for a video urging service members not to follow unlawful orders. Kelly's complaint alleges First Amendment violation, retaliation for protected legislative speech, and an unprecedented executive attack on congressional independence and military oversight authority.
• Senator Kelly sued Defense Secretary Hegseth over military retaliation — Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon to block their efforts to punish him for a video he participated in last year with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders, asking a federal judge to find the move "unlawful and unconstitutional."
• Mark Kelly sues Hegseth over military rank reduction and pension censure — Democratic Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit in Washington DC federal court challenging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's formal censure and threatened demotion/pension reduction. The censure targeted Kelly and five other military-veteran lawmakers for a November video urging service members to resist unlawful orders. Kelly argues the action violates free speech, legislative independence, and separation of powers. The lawsuit names Hegseth, the Department of Defense, the Navy, and Navy Secretary John Phelan as defendants and seeks to vacate the censure and all related actions.
• Senator Mark Kelly files lawsuit against Defense Secretary Hegseth over retaliation for protected speech — Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to reduce his rank and pension as punishment for the video urging troops to refuse illegal orders. Kelly characterized Hegseth's actions as an "unconstitutional crusade" that sends a chilling message to retired military members that speaking against the administration will result in loss of rank and pay. Kelly argued that such retaliation violates constitutional protections and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing military veterans' free speech.
• Pentagon censures Senator Mark Kelly and launches administrative proceedings — Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth formally censured Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, in January and initiated administrative proceedings that could result in rank reduction and pension cuts. Kelly participated in the same November video about military duty to illegal orders. Kelly has responded with litigation arguing the Pentagon's actions violate constitutional protections.

Supporting reports

• Mike Johnson strips IVF coverage from military defense bill — House Speaker Mike Johnson worked behind the scenes to remove a bipartisan-approved provision providing in vitro fertilization (IVF) healthcare coverage for active-duty military members from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), despite both chambers previously approving it as an amendment. The exclusion contradicts Trump's campaign pledge to expand IVF access. The revised NDAA was revealed Sunday and may face a congressional vote as early as the following week.
• Republicans removed IVF funding from military families from NDAA — Republicans removed funding for in vitro fertilization treatments for military families from the National Defense Authorization Act. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) stated the removal reflected a clash within the Republican conference that they could not resolve, and that they chose not to have that fight. The objections had nothing to do with funding but were rooted in religious opposition to IVF.

Supporting reports

• Transgender Air Force members sue Trump administration over revoked early retirement benefits — Seventeen transgender U.S. Air Force members filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision to deny them early retirement pensions and benefits. The Air Force revoked early retirement eligibility for transgender service members with 15–18 years of experience, effectively forcing them out without retirement support. The plaintiffs argue the revocation is "unlawful and invalid" and seek reinstatement of retirement orders, correction of military records, and damages including attorney's fees.

Supporting reports

• Republicans maintain House shutdown and refuse Democratic negotiation — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) kept the House out of session during the government shutdown, and Republicans refused to negotiate with Democrats in the normal legislative process. Trump departed for Asia for a week, leaving the shutdown unresolved. This posture indicates a deliberate Republican strategy to avoid compromise and force Democrats to capitulate on their demand for extension of the premium tax credit for healthcare.
• Speaker Johnson canceled House business for the week of October 27, extending a 17-week pattern of minimal legislative activity — Speaker Mike Johnson announced the cancellation of House business for the week beginning October 27, 2025. Over the preceding 17 weeks, the House has convened on Capitol Hill for only 20 days total. This scheduling decision means the House will not reconvene before November 1, when at least 25 states have announced they cannot continue distributing SNAP benefits to over 42 million Americans without federal appropriations. The extended recess occurs amid a government funding impasse between Republicans and Democrats over healthcare subsidies and Medicaid restoration.
• Speaker Mike Johnson held press conference claiming House Republicans are working meaningfully while House remains adjourned. — Speaker Mike Johnson held his daily shutdown press conference, claiming that House Republicans are "doing some of the most meaningful work of their careers in their districts" while the House has been adjourned for 84 of the last 96 days, resulting in only 12 days of legislative work over three months. Members continue to receive full pay and benefits. Johnson's statement contrasts with the Senate, which has continued working, suggesting the House adjournment is not necessitated by the shutdown but rather serves another purpose.
• House Speaker announces no votes scheduled for following week; chamber inactive for six weeks — Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House of Representatives would not conduct business during the following week. The House had not held a vote since September 19, leaving the chamber inactive for six weeks while members remained absent from Washington and did not conduct town halls in their districts.

Supporting reports

• Senate fails to pass "Shutdown Fairness Act" to guarantee pay for essential federal workers and troops — The US Senate voted 54–45 on Thursday to reject Republican Senator Ron Johnson's "Shutdown Fairness Act," which would have guaranteed pay for federal employees deemed essential and military personnel during the ongoing government shutdown. Democrats opposed the bill, arguing it would grant President Trump discretionary power to choose which workers receive compensation. The shutdown, now in its 23rd day, has furloughed approximately 700,000 federal workers and left hundreds of thousands working without pay. Two Democratic counterproposals also failed to advance.

Supporting reports

• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims rejects Trump VA's request to halt disability benefits rulings — Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins petitioned the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to pause work on nearly all pending cases during a government shutdown. A unanimous 9-0 panel, led by Trump appointee Chief Judge Michael Allen, rejected the request on October 23, 2025, calling it an "extreme request" and finding the secretary failed to demonstrate why such sweeping relief was appropriate. The court noted veterans had already waited years or decades for toxic-exposure claims to be adjudicated.

Supporting reports

• US Senate rejects eighth Republican bill to end government shutdown — The US Senate voted 49-45 on October 15 to reject a Republican continuing resolution to fund government operations through November 21, falling short of the 60 votes required for passage. The shutdown, now in its second week, has prompted the Trump administration to lay off over 4,000 federal workers and redirect Pentagon research funds to pay military personnel. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over healthcare subsidies and other policy demands, with House Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to negotiate with Senate Democrats.
• Senate Republicans block Democratic government reopening measure with healthcare extension — The Senate voted repeatedly on two competing continuing resolutions to end the October 1 government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) brought the House Republican measure—funding government until November 21—to a vote multiple times, but it failed to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster. Democrats offered an alternative that would extend the healthcare premium tax credit and restore nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, which also failed to pass. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) stated that President Trump instructed Republican senators to "boycott negotiating," and they are "following orders."
• Ninth failed Senate vote on government funding; shutdown enters third week — The US Senate failed for the ninth time to advance legislation restoring federal funding on October 16, 2025, as the government shutdown entered its third week. Republicans and Democrats remained deadlocked over spending priorities and healthcare provisions, with Democrats pushing for Affordable Care Act tax credit extensions and Republicans warning of military pay disruptions. Federal workers faced disrupted paychecks, and the Trump administration announced stopgap measures including redirecting funds from a July tax and immigration bill to pay Coast Guard members. No clear resolution was in sight.
• US Senate fails 10th vote to end government shutdown and fund Pentagon — The US Senate failed on October 16, 2025, to pass a short-term Republican funding bill (51 votes) and a separate Pentagon funding measure, both falling short of the 60-vote threshold needed. Only three Democratic senators broke ranks to support the defense bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune offered Democrats a guaranteed vote on Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions by a fixed date if they agreed to reopen the government, but Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rejected the offer during a CNN town hall, demanding signed legislation rather than promises. The White House called the town hall a "clown show." Federal workers remained without paychecks, and senators departed for the weekend, ensuring the shutdown would extend into the following week.

Supporting reports

• Republicans advance NDAA provisions to weaken PFAS protections for military service members — Republicans in Congress included provisions in both House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would indefinitely delay a ban on PFAS-laden firefighting foam, cut cleanup funding by $200 million, lift a moratorium on foam incineration, and repeal a military ban on purchasing goods containing the chemicals. The moves reverse five years of accumulated PFAS protections passed in prior defense bills. Service members and civilians near military bases have been exposed to contaminated drinking water, with PFAS linked to cancer, kidney disease, and immune disorders.

Supporting reports

• Senator Tammy Duckworth demands VA hospital evict ICE agents — On 17 September, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), a former Army helicopter pilot who lost both legs in combat, publicly demanded that Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins evict ICE agents from the Edward Hines Jr VA hospital parking lot, which had been used as a staging ground for immigration raids. Duckworth criticized the VA's cooperation with "reckless, paramilitary activities" that harm veterans and servicemembers by enabling deportations of family members with minimal due process.

Supporting reports

• Federal appeals court lifts block on Trump administration's mass firings at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — A federal appeals court ruled in a split 2-1 decision that a lower court lacked jurisdiction to block the Trump administration's attempt to fire approximately 1,500 of the CFPB's 1,700 employees. Trump appointees Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao voted in favor of the administration, while Obama appointee Cornelia Pillard dissented. The ruling does not take immediate effect, allowing workers and consumer groups to petition for full circuit court review. The CFPB has returned over $21 billion to consumers since its founding.

Supporting reports

• North Carolina Supreme Court temporarily stayed the Court of Appeals ruling — On Monday, April 7, 2025, the North Carolina Supreme Court temporarily stayed the Court of Appeals' ruling that would have invalidated 60,000 ballots to consider Democrat Allison Riggs' appeal. Riggs, who won the November 2024 election and should already be months into her first full term, will recuse herself from the case, leaving Republicans with a 5-1 majority on the court. The stay prevents immediate disenfranchisement of voters while the case proceeds to the state's highest court.
• Jefferson Griffin filed and pursued ballot challenges violating the Purcell principle — Republican Jefferson Griffin, who lost the November 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court election to Democrat Allison Riggs by 734 votes, spent five months attempting to overturn the election by challenging over 60,000 ballots. Griffin recycled arguments previously rejected by a Trump-appointed federal judge before the election, violating the Purcell principle—a federal election doctrine prohibiting courts from altering election rules directly before, during, or after an election. Griffin's post-election challenges sought to disenfranchise voters based on missing driver's license or Social Security numbers on registration forms and military/overseas voters, despite no evidence of ineligibility.
• North Carolina Republican Party sent postcards with QR codes to notify voters of ballot challenges — The North Carolina Republican Party sent postcards to voters whose ballots were being challenged by Jefferson Griffin, instructing them to scan a QR code for additional information rather than providing direct notice of the quasi-judicial election protest. The postcards did not identify a protestor or campaign committee, provided no forwarding address, and directed voters to a partisan website containing dozens of challenges and thousands of names not listed alphabetically. A dissenting Court of Appeals judge noted that forcing voters to possess technological means and trust to scan an anonymous QR code and navigate a partisan website cannot be considered reasonably calculated to notify affected voters.
• North Carolina State Board of Elections rejected Griffin's ballot challenges — The North Carolina State Board of Elections, which has a Democratic majority, rejected Jefferson Griffin's claims that over 60,000 ballots cast in the November 2024 Supreme Court election were invalid. Griffin had filed legal challenges against these ballots, primarily targeting voters whose registration forms lacked a driver's license or Social Security number, as well as military and overseas voters. The Board's rejection was the first official action to defend the election result against Griffin's post-election challenges.
• North Carolina Supreme Court stays Court of Appeals ruling in Riggs-Griffin election dispute — The North Carolina Supreme Court placed a stay on the Court of Appeals' ruling that would have required notification and cure procedures for 60,000 voters with incomplete registrations. The stay halts implementation of the lower court's order while the state Supreme Court reconsiders the case. Based on prior rulings by the justices, a 3-3 deadlock is described as the best-case scenario for incumbent Justice Riggs; if a deadlock occurs, the Court of Appeals ruling would stand.
• North Carolina Court of Appeals orders notification and cure period for 60,000 voters with incomplete registrations in Riggs-Griffin Supreme Court race — The North Carolina Court of Appeals, in a decision by judges Fred Gore and John Tyson, ruled in favor of Republican Jefferson Griffin's challenge to Justice Allison Riggs' narrow November 2024 election victory. The court ordered election officials to notify approximately 60,000 voters that their registrations were incomplete and gave them 15 days to complete their registrations if they want their ballots to count. The dissent characterized the ruling as "mass disenfranchisement." Riggs appealed to the state Supreme Court, which placed the ruling on hold pending reconsideration.
• North Carolina Supreme Court orders overseas voters to prove eligibility or face ballot discard — The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that thousands of overseas voters, including military members, must prove their eligibility within 30 days or have their votes retroactively discarded in a state supreme court race won by Democrat Allison Riggs by 734 votes. The court dismissed challenges to 60,000 other voters but upheld the requirement for overseas voters. Justice Anita Earls dissented, arguing the decision amounts to overturning a valid election. Riggs announced plans to challenge the ruling in federal court.
• North Carolina Supreme Court orders overseas voters to prove eligibility, threatening election results — The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled on April 11 that overseas voters must prove their eligibility within 30 days or have their votes discarded, potentially overturning Democratic Justice Allison Riggs's November 2024 election victory by 734 votes. The ruling followed a Republican opponent's challenge to over 65,000 ballots cast by voters who had followed all existing state rules. Riggs has petitioned federal court to intervene, arguing the post-election rule change violates the Constitution and federal law protecting military and overseas voters.
• Jefferson Griffin challenges Alison Riggs' North Carolina Supreme Court election win — Jefferson Griffin filed a legal challenge to Alison Riggs' victory in the North Carolina Supreme Court election. The challenge prompted calls for voters to verify whether their votes were challenged and to contact county Boards of Elections. Pro-democracy organizations including Common Cause NC mobilized to defend the election certification in court.

Supporting reports

• Cory Booker delivers 25-hour Senate speech condemning Trump administration — Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey broke the Senate record for longest solo speech, speaking for 25 hours and 5 minutes beginning Monday evening. His speech was not a filibuster but a public warning against what he characterized as grave threats to democracy posed by the Trump administration's policies, including spending cuts, attempts to abolish the Department of Education, judicial bypass attempts, and removal of critics. Booker called on Congress to hold the executive branch accountable.
• Cory Booker delivers 25-hour Senate speech protesting Trump administration — Senator Cory Booker delivered a record-breaking 25-hour speech on the Senate floor from March 31 through April 1, 2025, presenting a litany of protests against the Trump administration's actions in its first 71 days. The speech required continuous physical presence without sitting or breaks, functioning as an act of political protest and civil disobedience. Booker acknowledged Democratic failures and called for the party to do better.
• Senator Cory Booker conducted 25-hour Senate filibuster defending democracy — Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) held the Senate floor for 25 hours and 5 minutes beginning March 31, 2025, delivering a coherent speech about threats to American democracy under the Trump administration. He detailed administration violations including constitutional breaches, harm to farmers through loss of government contracts, environmental protection cuts affecting public health, housing affordability crises, education and medical research cuts, national security breaches, and an erroneous deportation of a legal resident. Booker invoked civil rights history and called on Americans to resist normalization of the current moment.
• Senator Cory Booker delivered extended floor speech declaring national crisis — On March 31, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) spoke on the Senate floor beginning at 7:00 p.m., stating "I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis" and declaring "These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate." Booker's extended remarks signaled Democratic concern about the trajectory of governance and institutional norms.
• Senator Cory Booker delivered longest speech in congressional history attacking Trump administration — At 7:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) launched a marathon speech attacking the Trump administration and urging Republicans to defend democracy. The speech lasted twenty-five hours, concluding on April 1, 2025, making it the longest speech in congressional history. The speech received 400 million likes on TikTok, indicating massive public engagement with the message.
• Senator Cory Booker delivers 25-hour Senate speech in obstruction of Trump administration policies — Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) conducted a 25-hour and 4-minute speech on the Senate floor beginning at 7pm Monday, breaking the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes held by segregationist Strom Thurmond. Though not technically a filibuster (no bill was under vote), Booker deliberately obstructed Senate business to protest Trump administration actions, including economic chaos, billionaire influence, Elon Musk's unilateral cuts to federal programs affecting vulnerable groups, executive overreach, press intimidation, and democratic erosion. Democrats responded with standing ovations and solidarity.
• Sen. Cory Booker conducted a 25-hour Senate floor speech, breaking the record for longest Senate speech in U.S. history. — Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivered a marathon 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, surpassing the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes set by Sen. Strom Thurmond in 1957 (who was opposing a civil rights bill). Booker's speech called attention to damage caused by Trump and Musk, criticized the President's treatment of disabled people and pattern of lying, and called for Democratic Party self-reflection. Unlike Thurmond, Booker did not leave the floor to use the restroom or eat, maintaining continuous presence throughout. The speech was widely interpreted as both a protest against Trump's policies and a potential opening move in a challenge to Chuck Schumer's leadership of Senate Democrats.
• Senator Cory Booker delivers record-length Senate speech on democracy crisis — Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) began a speech on Monday in the Senate addressing what he characterized as a national crisis and concluded just over 25 hours later on Tuesday, setting a new record for the longest individual Senate speech. In the address, Booker urged Americans to speak up for democracy and to "be bolder in America with a vision that inspires with hope," framing civic engagement as essential to the nation's democratic health.
• Senator Cory Booker conducted extended Senate floor action on unspecified legislation — Senator Cory Booker held the Senate floor for more than 25 hours, citing constituent opposition to autocracy and extremism as his motivation. The article describes this action as having "changed history" and "burst through the wall of inertia which has crippled the Senate," though the specific legislation or issue under debate is not identified in the text provided.

Supporting reports

• Schumer rejects Republican funding bill — On Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Democrats would not support the Republican-drafted stopgap funding bill, increasing the risk of a partial government shutdown. Schumer criticized the bill for being drafted without Democratic input and called for a bipartisan effort to pass a short-term funding extension. The House had passed the bill on Tuesday, but it requires Senate approval to avert a shutdown. Schumer's stance reflects Democratic concerns over the bill's provisions, which include significant cuts to non-defense spending.
• Chuck Schumer to vote for Republican funding bill — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he would vote for a Republican-authored funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. The bill, which funds federal agencies through September, requires Democratic support to pass due to the Senate's 60-vote threshold. Schumer described the decision as a "Hobson's choice," acknowledging the pressure from House Democrats and activists to oppose the bill, which they argue gives excessive spending discretion to Donald Trump. The bill includes a $6 billion increase in military spending while cutting $13 billion from non-defense programs, which Democrats claim harms vulnerable Americans.

Supporting reports

• VA liquidates Office of Equity Assurance investigating racial disparities in disability claims — The VA "liquidated" its Office of Equity Assurance in March, placing staff on administrative leave. The office had been investigating why Black veterans face significantly higher denial rates on disability claims compared to white veterans. A 2023 GAO report found the VA was far more likely to deny disability claims filed by Black veterans. The VA stated the office was no longer needed because "there is no longer discrimination at the VA."