Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• President Trump rescinds multiple executive orders and actions — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14236, revoking several executive orders and memoranda from the previous administration. This includes orders related to COVID-19 response, minimum wage for federal contractors, and biotechnology innovation. The revocations aim to restore what the administration describes as "common sense" to federal governance. The order was signed on March 14, 2025, and affects various policies across national security, labor, and economic sectors.
• Trump rescinds multiple executive orders — On March 14, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Additional Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions," which revoked several executive actions from the previous administration. This order rescinded Executive Order 13994 related to COVID-19 response, National Security Memorandum 3 on foreign policy workforce revitalization, and other orders and memoranda concerning minimum wage for federal contractors, energy supply, and biotechnology innovation, among others. The rescissions aim to restore what Trump describes as "common sense" to federal governance and to unleash the potential of American citizens.
• Trump signed executive order rescinding 17 additional Biden-era executive actions and memoranda — President Trump signed an executive order on March 14, 2025, rescinding 17 additional executive actions, memoranda, and determinations issued by the Biden administration. The rescissions include orders on COVID-19 response, federal contractor minimum wage, LGBTQ+ human rights abroad, apprenticeships, worker empowerment, tribal self-determination, biotechnology innovation, and various Defense Production Act determinations related to infant formula, solar modules, insulation, electrolyzers, and heat pumps. The order states the rescissions are necessary to "restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of American citizens."
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump executive order rescinding 19 Biden executive actions — The White House published a fact sheet on March 14, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order rescinding 19 executive actions issued by the Biden administration. The fact sheet states this is the second round of rescissions, following approximately 80 actions rescinded on Trump's first day in office. The document claims the rescissions target policies on gender ideology in diplomacy, Defense Production Act use for renewable energy mandates, labor policies, union-driven regulations, and biotech initiatives. The fact sheet characterizes these as "harmful" and "radical."

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• Trump administration defunds US Agency for Global Media — On 14 March, Donald Trump issued an executive order to defund the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America and provides grants to Radio Free Asia and other international news agencies. The agency employed approximately 3,500 staff with an $886m annual budget. Foreign workers on visas face deportation to authoritarian countries where they risk imprisonment or death. Two VoA contributors are imprisoned in Myanmar and Vietnam; four Radio Free Asia contributors are imprisoned in Vietnam. Federal workers, journalists, and labor unions filed a lawsuit seeking to reverse the shutdown.
• Trump signed executive order rescinding 17 additional Biden-era executive actions and memoranda — President Trump signed an executive order on March 14, 2025, rescinding 17 additional executive actions, memoranda, and determinations issued by the Biden administration. The rescissions include orders on COVID-19 response, federal contractor minimum wage, LGBTQ+ human rights abroad, apprenticeships, worker empowerment, tribal self-determination, biotechnology innovation, and various Defense Production Act determinations related to infant formula, solar modules, insulation, electrolyzers, and heat pumps. The order states the rescissions are necessary to "restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of American citizens."
• White House issued executive order directing elimination of seven federal agencies and components — The White House issued an executive order on March 14, 2025, directing the elimination of non-statutory components and functions of seven federal entities: the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the United States Agency for Global Media, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, and the Minority Business Development Agency. The order requires each entity to reduce to minimum statutory functions within 7 days and directs OMB to reject funding requests inconsistent with the order.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge orders reinstatement of fired probationary staff — A federal judge in California, William H. Alsup, issued a preliminary injunction to reinstate thousands of probationary federal employees who were fired from six federal agencies. The ruling is part of a lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees. The judge criticized the Trump administration's justification for the firings, stating that claims of poor performance were false. The order affects employees from the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Energy, Interior, and Treasury. The judge also restricted the Office of Personnel Management from advising agencies on terminations.
• Judge orders Musk to comply with lawsuit — U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency to turn over their records and answer questions in response to a lawsuit filed by 14 attorneys general from Democratic-dominated states. They are required to comply within three weeks.
• Judge orders rehiring of federal employees — Judge William Alsup ordered the Trump administration to immediately rehire tens of thousands of federal employees from various departments who were terminated due to Elon Musk's DOGE cuts. The judge criticized the administration for allegedly firing employees under false pretenses of performance issues, calling it a lie and expressing frustration over the lack of transparency in the process.
• Federal judge reinstates fired probationary workers — On March 13, 2025, a federal judge in California granted a preliminary injunction to reinstate thousands of fired probationary workers at federal agencies. This decision was part of a lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees. The ruling applies to employees from several departments, including Defense and Veterans Affairs, who were dismissed under claims of poor performance. The judge criticized these claims as false and prohibited the Office of Personnel Management from advising on terminations.
• Federal judges rule against Musk's firings — Two federal judges issued rulings against Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) regarding the firing of probationary employees. Judge William H. Alsup in California ruled that fired employees must be offered their jobs back, criticizing the process as a "sham." In Maryland, Judge James Bredar issued a temporary restraining order blocking further firings at 18 federal agencies. These rulings challenge Musk's cost-cutting measures, which have faced public disapproval and legal scrutiny.
• Judge orders reinstatement of federal workers — U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled that federal agencies must immediately offer jobs back to thousands of probationary workers who were purged from the government early in President Trump's administration. The judge stated that the mass firings did not follow legal protocols. Additionally, Judge James Bredar ordered the reinstatement of these workers across multiple federal departments, indicating that the government likely engaged in an illegal scheme regarding the firings.
• Judge rules against mass firings — U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled that the mass firings of probationary workers from various federal departments did not comply with legal requirements. The judge expressed skepticism about the government's claims regarding the firings and criticized the lack of transparency in the process.

Supporting reports

• Protests against government cuts and oligarchy — Thousands of Americans participated in protests across the country, including over 150 Stand Up for Science events and 300 demonstrations on International Women’s Day, opposing government cuts and the concentration of wealth and power. Protesters chanted against Elon Musk, asserting that "Nobody voted for Elon Musk," highlighting their demand for democratic representation and accountability. Senator Bernie Sanders is actively engaging with crowds on his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, emphasizing the need for a government that serves the people rather than wealthy elites.
• Thousands Protest Against Government Cuts — On March 7, 2025, thousands of researchers and their supporters participated in over 150 Stand Up for Science protests across the United States. Additionally, on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025, 300 demonstrations were organized nationwide to protest various administration policies. Senator Bernie Sanders is also conducting a tour titled "Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here," drawing large crowds. Protesters at a Tesla dealership in Manhattan chanted against Elon Musk, emphasizing their demand for democracy over oligarchy.

Supporting reports

• White House issues promotional fact sheet claiming 50 achievements in first 50 days — The White House published a fact sheet titled "50 WINS IN 50 DAYS: President Trump Delivers for Americans" on March 10, 2025, listing claimed accomplishments across border enforcement, tariffs, investment announcements, energy policy, military recruitment, government reorganization, and regulatory rollbacks. The document attributes specific outcomes to executive actions, including border crossing reductions, tariff implementations, private-sector investment commitments, energy policy reversals, and personnel changes. No new instruments are announced; the fact sheet restates and promotes previously issued orders and policies.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Public Service Loan Forgiveness — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14235, directing the Secretary of Education to revise the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The revisions aim to exclude organizations with substantial illegal purposes from qualifying as public service, affecting eligibility for loan forgiveness. This includes organizations involved in illegal immigration, terrorism support, child abuse, illegal discrimination, and violations of state tort laws.
• Executive Order Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 7, 2025, to revise the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. The order directs the Secretary of Education, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, to propose changes to the program's regulations. These changes aim to exclude organizations engaged in activities deemed to have a substantial illegal purpose from qualifying for loan forgiveness. The order targets activities such as aiding illegal immigration, supporting terrorism, and engaging in child abuse or illegal discrimination.
• White House issued executive order redefining Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility to exclude organizations engaged in specified illegal activities. — The White House issued an executive order directing the Secretary of Education to revise regulations governing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. The order redefines "public service" to exclude organizations whose activities have a "substantial illegal purpose," including those aiding immigration law violations, supporting terrorism, engaging in child abuse, illegal discrimination, or violating state tort laws. The order states the prior administration "abused" the program through a waiver process and claims PSLF funds were misdirected to "activist organizations" harming national security. The Secretary of Education is directed to propose regulatory revisions in coordination with the Treasury.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order restricting Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility — The White House published a fact sheet on March 7, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Education to revise the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to exclude organizations with "substantial illegal purpose," including those advancing illegal immigration, terrorism, child abuse, discrimination, and public disruptions. The fact sheet states the order refocuses PSLF on essential public service roles and claims the prior administration expanded the program from 7,000 to over 1 million borrowers.

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• DHS removes union protections for TSA employees — The Department of Homeland Security announced the removal of union protections for approximately 47,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees. This decision follows a new agreement that had previously raised wages for TSA workers, and union leaders claim it is retaliation against their challenges to the administration's actions.

Supporting reports

• Court rules Trump’s firing of labor board official illegal — A federal court ruled that Donald Trump's firing of Gwynne Wilcox, a senior official at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), was illegal. The court ordered her reinstatement, stating that the president does not have the authority to terminate NLRB members at will. The ruling emphasized that the president is not a king and must adhere to constitutional limits. Wilcox's removal had left the NLRB without a quorum, affecting its ability to function. The court's decision reinforces the independence of the NLRB and the rule of law.
• Summary judgment ruling — Gwynne A. Wilcox v. Donald J. Trump et al (D.C. Cir.) 1:25-cv-00334 — Judge Beryl Howell granted the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment, and denied the defendant's cross motion for summary judgment. The court issued a declaratory judgment that Wilcox's firing was unlawful and that she remains a member of the NLRB; the court further ordered that Wilcox be allowed to continue to serve in office unless removed for cause under the NLRA, and enjoined defendants from removing Wilcox or impeding her from executing her duties.
• Federal court rules Trump's firing of labor chief illegal — A federal court ruled that President Trump's firing of Gwynne Wilcox, a senior official at the National Labor Relations Board, was illegal. The court ordered her reinstatement, marking a significant legal setback for the administration. This ruling underscores the limits of presidential power in removing officials and reinforces the independence of labor oversight bodies.

Supporting reports

• White House plans mass layoffs at IRS and Veterans Affairs — The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge), is planning significant layoffs at the IRS and Veterans Affairs (VA). The IRS may see up to half of its 90,000 employees laid off, while the VA plans to cut up to 83,000 workers by the end of 2025. These cuts aim to reduce the workforce to 2019 levels, despite increased demand for services following the 2022 Pact Act. The layoffs are part of a broader strategy to reduce federal agency sizes, which has faced legal challenges and criticism for undermining essential services.

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• Representative Richard Hudson directed House Republicans to stop holding town halls — On March 4, 2025, Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC), head of the House Republicans' campaign arm, directed House Republicans to stop holding town halls to prevent protests against government cuts from gaining public attention. This directive aimed to suppress constituent engagement and limit visibility of public opposition to DOGE-driven cuts.

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• Trump signed executive orders affecting DEI programs — Former President Donald Trump signed two executive orders that aimed to dismantle federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These orders mandated that all federal employees working in diversity offices be placed on paid leave and their programs terminated. Additionally, the orders instructed federal agencies to create plans to monitor and report on private companies with DEI programs. However, a judge has recently blocked these orders, preventing their immediate implementation.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cancels $577 million in international labor rights programs — Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced in March the cancellation of approximately $577 million in grants for international labor programs administered by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) at the Department of Labor. The cuts eliminated programs addressing child labor, forced labor, worker rights in supply chains, and enforcement of trade agreements. Labor groups, including the Solidarity Center, Global March Against Child Labour, and the American Institutes for Research, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the termination as unauthorized and arguing Congress had authorized the programs.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order rescinding collective bargaining rights for federal workers — In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order invoking national security to rescind collective bargaining rights for approximately two-thirds of federal workers—over one million employees. The order stated Trump would not tolerate "mass obstruction" from unions. Six labor unions filed a lawsuit challenging the order as unlawful. Unions initially won a sweeping injunction, but a federal appeals court overturned it. The administration then stripped hundreds of thousands of federal workers of their union contracts in August. Court proceedings continue.

Supporting reports

• Americans launch economic boycott against anti-DEI policies — On February 28, 2025, Americans across the country participated in a 24-hour economic boycott organized by the People’s Union USA. The boycott aimed to protest against corporations rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, influenced by government cuts under Donald Trump and Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency." Participants were encouraged to avoid spending money or to shop at local businesses using cash. The boycott was part of a broader movement to demonstrate consumer power and resist policies perceived as harmful to social equity.

Supporting reports

• Department of Education offers misleading buyout — The US Department of Education sent an email to its employees offering a buyout of up to $25,000 for voluntary resignation or retirement. The offer, described by employees as misleading, would provide the lesser amount between the buyout and severance pay. Employees noted that severance and unused leave compensation would be significantly higher than the buyout. The email was initially retracted and then resent, with a deadline for acceptance by the end of the following Monday. The offer also includes a stipulation requiring repayment if the employee returns to federal employment within five years.

Supporting reports

• Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s mass firings at federal agencies — A federal judge in California, William Alsup, has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from executing mass firings of federal employees, including probationary workers, across various agencies. The judge ruled that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) lacked the authority to order such firings. The decision came after a lawsuit filed by labor unions and non-profit organizations. The judge ordered the OPM to rescind emails directing agencies to identify employees for termination. The ruling highlights concerns about the potential widespread harm of these firings on government services.
• Judge blocks Trump's mass firings at federal agencies — A federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from proceeding with mass firings at the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. This judicial intervention halts the administration's plans to significantly reduce the federal workforce, which had been criticized for potentially undermining the functioning of essential government services.
• Judge orders rescission of mass firings at federal agencies — U.S. District Judge William Alsup ordered the Office of Personnel Management to rescind the mass firings of probationary government workers, ruling that such actions were likely illegal and undermined agency operations.

Supporting reports

• White House demands federal agencies plan for mass layoffs — The Trump administration issued a memo demanding federal agencies to identify hundreds of thousands of potential layoffs by March 13. The memo, sent by Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, targets employees performing non-essential functions not mandated by statute or regulation. This move has sparked concern among trade union leaders and federal employees, who fear the privatization of services and the dismantling of essential government functions. The administration's actions are seen as part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce and cut costs.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration halts New York City's congestion pricing scheme — The Trump administration has moved to stop New York City's congestion pricing scheme, which was introduced by the state's Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, in January. This decision was announced through a social media post by the White House, which also controversially depicted Trump as a king. The move has sparked significant backlash, with critics arguing that it undermines state authority and promotes an un-American monarchist image of the presidency.

Supporting reports

• OMB and OPM prepare for mass firings — The heads of the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management sent a memo to federal agencies to prepare for mass firings and submit "reorganization plans" by March 13. This directive could lead to significant changes in the federal workforce.
• White House demands federal agencies plan for mass layoffs — The Trump administration issued a memo demanding federal agencies to identify hundreds of thousands of potential layoffs by March 13. The memo, sent by Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, targets employees performing non-essential functions not mandated by statute or regulation. This move has sparked concern among trade union leaders and federal employees, who fear the privatization of services and the dismantling of essential government functions. The administration's actions are seen as part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce and cut costs.
• Memo on federal government reform sent — Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought and Office of Personnel Management acting director Charles Ezell sent a memo to department heads outlining a plan to reform the federal government, claiming inefficiency and waste. The memo cites the public's support for President Trump's agenda as a mandate for these changes. The memo indicates a push for significant reductions in government spending and workforce.
• Plans for agency layoffs announced — Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought announced that agency heads should prepare for large-scale layoffs and submit plans for reorganizing their agencies by March 13. This directive follows significant cuts already made within the federal workforce.

Supporting reports

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

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• Supreme Court hears reverse discrimination case — The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case involving Marlean Ames, an Ohio woman who claims she was denied a promotion and demoted due to her heterosexual orientation. Ames's appeal challenges the legal standards applied to "reverse discrimination" cases, arguing that majority groups face a higher burden of proof in workplace discrimination claims. The case could potentially transform how such claims are handled and lead to increased litigation from majority groups. The Supreme Court justices appeared inclined to overturn a lower court ruling against Ames, which could impact diversity and inclusion programs.

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• US personnel office walks back Musk's email ultimatum — The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reversed an ultimatum issued by Elon Musk, which demanded federal employees submit a list of accomplishments or face resignation. The ultimatum, part of a cost-cutting initiative led by Musk, was met with resistance from various government departments and labor groups. The OPM clarified that failing to respond to the email would not be considered a resignation. Despite this, Musk maintained that non-compliance could lead to job termination, subject to presidential discretion.

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• Federal employee unions amend lawsuit against DOGE — Federal employee unions have amended their lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to include recent actions by Elon Musk. The lawsuit claims that Musk's directive for federal employees to report their weekly accomplishments violates the Administrative Procedure Act, as no notice was published regarding this requirement. The unions argue that the directive lacks procedural compliance and is part of a broader pattern of mass firings.
• Lawsuit amended against Musk's employment directive — A federal lawsuit was amended to argue that Elon Musk violated the law with his demand that federal employees submit an email about their accomplishments or risk being fired. This legal challenge addresses concerns about employment practices and worker rights.

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• Pentagon announces layoffs of 5,400 civilian workers — The Pentagon announced plans to lay off 5,400 civilian workers, marking the start of a broader reduction of 5-8% of its civilian workforce. This move aligns with Donald Trump's political goals to institute massive government cuts. The layoffs will begin next week, targeting probationary employees who have been on the job for less than a year. The Department of Defense will also implement a hiring freeze to reassess personnel needs. This decision is part of a larger strategy to produce efficiencies and refocus on the president's priorities.

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• Federal workers required to document accomplishments — Following a Twitter post by Elon Musk, federal workers received an email from the Office of Personnel Management asking them to document five things they accomplished in the past week. Musk indicated that failure to respond would be considered a resignation, raising concerns about employment practices and worker rights.