Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration deploys ICE and threatens National Guard deployment to Chicago citing crime — The Trump administration has ramped up Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Chicago and threatened or sent National Guard deployments to the city, citing violent crime as justification. Chicago violence prevention workers and community organizers argue this approach exploits the city's crime narrative to normalize military force on streets and expand surveillance in already over-policed neighborhoods, rather than addressing root causes like poverty and lack of investment.
• Trump announces intention to deploy national guard to Chicago — During remarks at the White House on Monday, Trump stated that his administration would deploy national guard troops to Chicago "probably next" and indicated the deployment would proceed regardless of opposition from Illinois Democratic governor JB Pritzker. Trump also floated St. Louis, New Orleans, and Baltimore as potential future targets for similar deployments, stating "We want to save these places."
• Trump deploys national guard to Memphis; Democratic officials challenge deployment in state court — On September 15, 2025, President Trump signed a memo mobilizing the national guard to Memphis, Tennessee, citing the city's high murder rate. On November 4, 2025, a state chancery court in Nashville heard a legal challenge filed by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, state representatives Gabby Salinas and GA Hardaway, and other Democratic officials, with ACLU support, arguing the deployment violates state law and lacks proper authorization. The city of Memphis declined to join the lawsuit. Judge Patricia Head Moskal appeared skeptical of the state's defense and indicated she would issue a written ruling after receiving briefs.
• Trump signs executive order deploying national guard to Memphis — Donald Trump signed a presidential memo on Monday establishing a "Memphis Safe Task Force" and authorizing the deployment of national guard troops to Memphis, Tennessee, in coordination with federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI, ATF, DEA, ICE, US Marshals, and DOJ. Tennessee Republican governor Bill Lee welcomed the deployment. Trump stated Chicago would "probably" be next and suggested potential future deployments to St. Louis, New Orleans, and Baltimore, while indicating he would proceed without Illinois governor JB Pritzker's cooperation if necessary.

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• Trump administration announces ICE surge into Boston — The Trump administration announced a surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into Boston on September 8. The deployment follows threats to send federalized National Guard troops into Democratic-led cities. Unlike military deployment, ICE agents are part of regular law enforcement systems, but the operation was announced via social media without coordination with state officials, suggesting a political rather than crime-fighting purpose.
• Trump administration announces ICE surge into Chicago — On September 9, the Trump administration announced a surge of ICE agents into Chicago. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker stated the administration made no effort to coordinate with state officials and characterized the operation as laying groundwork to "circumvent our democracy, militarize our cities, and end elections" rather than combat crime. The announcement was made via social media as a "reality television show."

Supporting reports

• Pentagon plans National Guard deployment to Chicago — The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon has spent weeks planning to send thousands of National Guard troops to Chicago as soon as next month, with active-duty troop deployment also discussed but considered less likely. The move represents a significant escalation of federal military presence in domestic law enforcement operations.
• Trump administration plans federal takeover of Chicago for immigration enforcement — The Trump administration is preparing a federally led immigration crackdown targeting Chicago, a Democratic "sanctuary city," including a request for a military base on the city's outskirts to assist operations. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called on citizens to "stand up" against the plan, stating that deploying troops without coordination with local officials would constitute an invasion. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order directing city police to refuse cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and to protect residents' constitutional rights during the anticipated crackdown.

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• US Attorney General Bondi issues threats to 30 Democratic-led cities and states over sanctuary policies — US Attorney General Pam Bondi issued letters to 30 Democratic-led cities and states, including governors of California, Illinois, and Minnesota, and mayors of New York, Denver, and Boston, demanding they drop sanctuary policies. Bondi stated their jurisdictions engage in "sanctuary policies and practices that thwart federal immigration enforcement" and declared "This ends now." The letters represent escalating federal pressure on local governments to abandon policies limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens federal crackdown expansion to Chicago and New York — President Trump announced plans to expand federal crime-control operations to Chicago and New York, targeting Democratic-led cities with Black mayors. Simultaneously, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered that approximately 2,000 National Guard troops already deployed and patrolling Washington DC streets under federal control be armed with service weapons, reversing earlier Pentagon assurances that troops would remain unarmed. The armed deployment represents an escalation of federal intervention into DC policing.
• Trump threatens federal intervention in Chicago — Trump threatened to take over Chicago, claiming that he would send federal forces to address crime in the city. This statement was met with criticism from local officials, who labeled it an illegal abuse of power.
• Pentagon confirms planning for national guard deployment to Chicago; Jeffries accuses Trump of manufacturing crisis — Pentagon officials confirmed to ABC News that planning is underway to send national guard troops to Chicago. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of "manufacturing a crisis" to justify the deployment, stating the president was "playing games with the lives of Americans." Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called any such deployment "the most flagrant violation of our constitution in the 21st century." Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated the state had received no federal requests for assistance and that Trump was "abusing his power." The deployment would override state authority, as national guard is normally under state control and only federalized in national emergencies at a governor's request.
• Trump floats military deployment to Baltimore — Trump suggested sending military troops to Baltimore and threatened to "rethink" federal funding for bridge repair in the city, escalating rhetoric about using military force in domestic cities.
• Trump threatens to send troops to Baltimore — President Trump threatened to send troops to Baltimore after Maryland Governor Wes Moore invited him to walk through the city, which Trump interpreted as a provocation.
• Trump threatens to deploy national guard to Chicago; Illinois Democrats condemn as unconstitutional — Pentagon sources confirmed planning for national guard deployment to Chicago, though no final decision has been announced. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and state Attorney General Kwame Raoul held a news conference condemning the threat as unconstitutional and an abuse of presidential power. Trump, at an Oval Office event, referred to Chicago as a "killing field" and signed executive orders on cashless bail and flag burning. Pritzker stated neither he nor the mayor had been contacted by the White House but said they were prepared to pursue legal action to prevent deployment.
• Trump announced plan to deploy military to Chicago — Trump announced plans to deploy armed military personnel to Chicago, framing the action as a response to crime. The deployment was not coordinated with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker or Chicago's mayor, who learned of the plan through media reports rather than official communication from the White House.
• Trump threatens unilateral national guard deployment to Chicago against state objections — President Trump publicly considered deploying the national guard to Chicago without the governor's consent, citing crime concerns. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago leaders opposed the move as unnecessary overreach. Trump stated he might act unilaterally using emergency powers, framing it as a response to what he called a "killing field." Pritzker characterized the threatened action as a "dangerous power-grab" and military occupation to punish dissidents. Trump has already deployed the national guard to Los Angeles and Washington DC.

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• Trump threatened federal takeover of Chicago — Trump warned that he would take over Chicago "with the federal government," calling the city a "mess." He stated that "African American ladies, beautiful ladies, are saying, 'Please, President Trump, come to Chicago, please.'" The threat followed similar rhetoric about controlling Washington, D.C., and represents an escalation of threats to deploy federal forces in major cities.

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• Trump administration attorney general threatens Democratic cities with arrest of local leaders — Trump's attorney general sent letters to multiple Democratic cities this week threatening to arrest local leaders if they do not cooperate with federal authorities on immigration enforcement. The letters represent an escalation of pressure on sanctuary cities and Democratic-run municipalities.

Supporting reports

• Trump Mobilizes National Guard Amid Claims of Crime Crisis — President Trump mobilized the National Guard in Washington, D.C., claiming it was necessary to address a crime crisis, despite evidence showing that violent crime rates are at a historic low. This action is seen as a pretext for consolidating federal control over local law enforcement.
• Trump deploys national guard and federal agents to Washington DC — Trump deployed more than 1,450 officers including national guard troops and federal agents from the FBI, DEA, and Department of Homeland Security into Washington DC neighborhoods. The deployment followed an attack on a staffer in an entertainment district. The White House credited the operation with 43 arrests on the first night, though local data showed this was only marginally higher than typical arrest rates. The administration characterized DC as having an "out of control" crime problem, contradicting local officials and recent data showing crime at 30-year lows.
• Trump deploys National Guard to Washington DC and takes control of police force — President Trump ordered the federalization of law enforcement in Washington DC, deploying approximately 800 National Guard troops to city streets on Tuesday night and taking command of the DC police department. Trump justified the move by calling Washington DC "lawless" despite official crime statistics showing the violent crime rate at a 30-year low. A "massive law enforcement surge" of 850 officers and agents made 23 arrests on Monday night. Mayor Muriel Bowser initially pledged cooperation but later denounced the move as an "authoritarian push" undermining DC's home rule and autonomy.
• National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C. — Approximately 800 National Guard troops arrived at the D.C. Armory on the morning of August 12, 2025, to report for duty under Trump's order to address crime in the District. The troops have been deployed until September 25, 2025. The deployment represents Trump's assumption of control over the Washington, D.C., police force and National Guard.
• Trump deploys 800 National Guard troops to DC streets — As part of the same executive order, Trump announced deployment of 800 National Guard troops to patrol streets in Washington, DC. The deployment was framed as necessary to address violent crime, despite official statistics showing crime declining significantly. This marks a militarization of civilian law enforcement in the nation's capital.
• National Guard Deployed in Washington DC — The National Guard began deploying on the streets of Washington DC following President Trump's order to federalize law enforcement in the city. This move, described by many as an authoritarian power grab, was justified by Trump as a response to what he called a "lawless" city, despite crime statistics indicating otherwise. The deployment includes approximately 800 guard members, with a surge of 850 officers and agents leading to nearly two dozen arrests. The action has been widely condemned for undermining the autonomy of Washington DC's local government.

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• Trump threatens National Guard deployment to Chicago, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Oakland — President Trump told reporters on Monday that he intends to deploy federal forces to other major Democratic-led cities, specifically naming Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, and Oakland as cities "that are bad." All five cities are run by Black mayors. Trump's characterization of crime in these cities contradicts official statistics; Chicago's mayor Brandon Johnson, Baltimore's Brandon Scott, Oakland's Barbara Lee, and Los Angeles's Karen Bass all issued statements rejecting Trump's claims and warning against federal intervention as a "power grab" and destabilization tactic.

Supporting reports

• Trump declares crime emergency in District of Columbia, delegates Metropolitan Police operational control to Attorney General — President Trump signed Executive Order 14333 on August 11, 2025, declaring a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., citing elevated violent crime rates. The order invokes section 740 of the Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police Department under federal operational control, delegating authority to the Attorney General to direct the Mayor and determine necessary police services. The order cites 2024 crime statistics (27.54 homicides per 100,000 residents, 842.4 vehicle thefts per 100,000) and frames the emergency as necessary to protect federal workers, buildings, and government operations.
• Trump declared crime emergency in Washington, D.C., to take control of police — On August 11, 2025, President Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., under the 1973 Home Rule Act to assume control of the city's police department. The Department of Justice had reported that crime in the District was at a 30-year low. The Home Rule Act permits such a takeover only if "special conditions of an emergency nature exist" and limits the takeover to 30 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution to extend it.
• Trump declares crime emergency in District of Columbia, delegates police control to Attorney General — President Trump issued an executive order on August 11, 2025, declaring a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., and invoking section 740 of the Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. The order delegates operational authority to the Attorney General, who may direct the Mayor to provide police services for federal purposes. Trump cited elevated violent crime rates (27.54 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2024, vehicle theft at 842.4 per 100,000) as justifying the emergency declaration and federal takeover of local law enforcement.
• President Trump signed Executive Order 14333 declaring a crime emergency in the District of Columbia and delegating operational control of the Metropolitan Police Department to the Attorney General. — On August 11, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14333, invoking section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to declare special conditions of emergency requiring the use of the Metropolitan Police Department for federal purposes. The order directs the Mayor to provide Metropolitan Police services for the maximum period permitted under law and delegates presidential authority to direct the Mayor to the Attorney General. The order cites 2024 crime statistics (27.54 homicides per 100,000 residents, 842.4 vehicle thefts per 100,000 residents) and asserts that D.C. has higher violent crime rates than all 50 states. The Attorney General is tasked with monitoring conditions and updating the President on whether further action is needed.
• President Trump signs executive order declaring crime emergency in District of Columbia — President Trump signed an executive order on August 11, 2025, declaring a crime emergency in Washington, D.C. The order invokes the President's authority under the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to require the Mayor to make Metropolitan Police Department services available to the President. The Attorney General is delegated authority to monitor the emergency and recommend further actions or termination. The fact sheet cites D.C. crime statistics (27 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2024; vehicle theft at 842.4 per 100,000) and frames the order as necessary to restore federal operations and public safety.
• White House issues release on "Liberation Day" declaring public safety emergency in Washington, D.C. — The White House issued a release on August 11, 2025, announcing that President Trump declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., and placed Attorney General Pam Bondi in command of the Metropolitan Police Department. The release states the action targets "known gangs, drug dealers and criminal networks" and attributes the city's crime crisis to "abject failures of the city's local leadership." The document includes testimonials from D.C. residents supporting the measure.
• Trump Assumes Control Over D.C. Metropolitan Police Department — President Donald J. Trump announced at a press conference that he is taking control of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department and deploying over 100 FBI agents, 40 agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with other federal officers and National Guard members to address crime in the capital. He stated that officers would clear homeless encampments from the city. This move comes despite statistics showing a significant decrease in violent crime in D.C.
• Trump signs executive order seizing DC police department control — President Trump signed an executive order on August 12, 2025, placing the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control, with Attorney General Pam Bondi assuming command. Trump also announced deployment of 800 National Guard troops to DC streets. The order was justified by claims of rising violent crime, but official DOJ data shows violent crime in DC declined 35% in 2024 (the lowest in over 30 years) and an additional 25% year-to-date in 2025. Crime expert Jeff Asher confirmed violent crime is declining regardless of categorization method.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to deploy National Guard to Chicago — Trump stated his administration would "end" the cashless bail system in Chicago (lacking authority to do so) and said he would consider deploying the National Guard to the city, calling it "a disaster" and Democratic Governor JB Pritzker "incompetent." He asked Republican lawmakers to "change the statute" to eliminate bail reforms.

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• Trump directs White House lawyers to study legislation overturning DC Home Rule Act — Trump told reporters on Wednesday that White House lawyers were "already studying" the possibility of legislation to overturn the DC Home Rule Act of 1973, which grants Washington DC residents the right to elect their own mayor, council members, and neighborhood commissioners. This move would impose direct federal control over the capital's day-to-day governance, eliminating local democratic self-rule.

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• Trump suggested federal takeover of New York City if Mamdani elected — Speaking to reporters during a Cabinet meeting, Trump suggested he may initiate a federal takeover of New York City if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor, saying, "We have tremendous power at the White House to run places when we have to." Trump has no authority to run New York City, but "there are ways in which he can make life difficult," one legal expert told Newsday. Trump added that his administration has been "looking at" doing the same in Washington, DC.
• Trump suggested federal takeover of New York City and Washington D.C. — Trump suggested the administration could take over New York City if voters elect Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. He also suggested the administration could take over Washington, D.C., stating "We could run D.C." and "We want a capital that's run flawlessly, and it wouldn't be hard for us to do it."

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• Education Secretary warned California over trans athlete policy — On Twitter, Education Secretary Linda McMahon warned California Governor Gavin Newsom that the state could face legal action for refusing to ban trans athletes from girls' and women's sports. McMahon noted that Newsom will be hearing from Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration sued Los Angeles over sanctuary city policy — The Trump administration sued the city of Los Angeles over a sanctuary city policy prohibiting city resources from being used for immigration enforcement, arguing it is hindering efforts to crack down on what the administration calls a "crisis of illegal immigration." The lawsuit challenges local authority to restrict participation in federal immigration enforcement.
• Trump administration files lawsuit against Los Angeles over sanctuary city immigration policies — The Trump administration, through the Department of Justice, filed a federal lawsuit in the Central District of California against the city of Los Angeles, challenging its sanctuary city ordinance that restricts local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The suit claims the city law discriminates against federal law enforcement and obstructs immigration law enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the lawsuit targets what the administration characterizes as illegal sanctuary policies that prioritize undocumented immigrants over American citizens. The filing follows weeks of aggressive immigration enforcement operations and protests in Los Angeles.
• Department of Justice files lawsuit challenging Los Angeles sanctuary city policies — The Department of Justice announced a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass, and the Los Angeles City Council, alleging that sanctuary city policies enacted after President Trump's reelection interfere with federal immigration law enforcement. The complaint alleges that Los Angeles's refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities contributed to recent civil unrest requiring deployment of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated the lawsuit holds the city accountable for obstructing federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit is part of a series targeting sanctuary policies in multiple jurisdictions.
• Congress allocates $170.7 billion for immigration and border enforcement over four years — Legislation, referred to as Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," allocates $170.7 billion to immigration and border enforcement programs over the next four years. This represents a significant increase compared to ICE's current annual budget of approximately $8 billion, substantially expanding resources for mass deportation and immigration enforcement operations.

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• Federal court ruling against military deployment in Los Angeles — A federal judge ruled that control of national guard troops and US marines deployed to Los Angeles should return to California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom. This ruling was in response to California's lawsuit against the Trump administration's deployment of troops to the city. However, an appeals court has stayed the ruling, allowing the troops to remain under federal control for the time being. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested he might not comply with the court's decision, indicating a potential constitutional crisis.
• Appeals court rules in favor of Trump on National Guard deployment — The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of President Trump, allowing him to maintain control over the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles. This decision overturned a temporary restraining order by US District Judge Charles Breyer, who had previously ruled that Trump acted illegally by deploying the troops without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom. The appellate court found that the Trump administration provided sufficient evidence of violent acts by protesters to justify federalizing the troops. The ruling allows the federal control of the California National Guard to continue as the lawsuit proceeds.
• Federal Appeals Court Rules on National Guard Control — A federal appeals court ruled that President Trump can temporarily maintain control over California's National Guard troops in Los Angeles. The decision affects state-federal military relations.

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• Trump Suggests Withholding Disaster Aid to California — President Trump suggested he may withhold federal disaster aid to California due to Governor Gavin Newsom's response to military deployments in Los Angeles. California requested $40 billion for wildfire relief.

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• Threat of arrest against Wisconsin governor — Trump’s "border czar," Tom Homan, threatened Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers with arrest after Evers issued a memo advising state workers to consult a lawyer before complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement requests. Evers defended his actions, stating he did not direct anyone to break the law.

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• Trump signs executive order targeting sanctuary cities — On April 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general and the secretary of homeland security to publish a list of state and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws, commonly known as "sanctuary cities." The order also calls for identifying federal funds that can be terminated for these jurisdictions. This move is part of Trump's broader immigration policy efforts to penalize sanctuary cities by cutting off federal funding.
• Executive Order: Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens — On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens." The order directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to identify and publish a list of "sanctuary jurisdictions" that obstruct federal immigration law enforcement. It mandates federal agencies to consider suspending or terminating federal funds to these jurisdictions. The order also calls for the development of mechanisms to prevent federal benefits from being provided to aliens in sanctuary jurisdictions and seeks to ensure equal treatment of American citizens over aliens in legal matters.
• Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Sanctuary Cities — On April 28, 2025, Trump signed an executive order threatening to cut federal funding from sanctuary cities and jurisdictions that "obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws." This order is part of the administration's broader immigration enforcement strategy.
• Trump Requires List of Sanctuary Cities and States — On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed executive orders targeting "sanctuary cities" and strengthening law enforcement against "criminals." The orders call for a list of jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration laws and support for officers facing legal costs from official duties.

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• Trump signed Executive Order 14260 directing Attorney General to identify and challenge state energy and climate laws as unconstitutional or preempted. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14260 on April 8, 2025, directing the Attorney General to identify all state and local laws, regulations, and causes of action burdening domestic energy development—particularly those addressing climate change, environmental justice, carbon emissions, or ESG initiatives—that the administration deems unconstitutional, preempted by federal law, or otherwise unenforceable. The order instructs the Attorney General to expeditiously stop enforcement of such laws and submit a report within 60 days recommending additional presidential or legislative action.
• Trump directs DOJ to stop enforcement of state climate laws — President Trump issued an executive order instructing the Department of Justice to cease enforcement of state climate laws, specifically targeting New York and Vermont's "climate superfund" laws requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for climate disaster damages. The order characterizes these state policies as unconstitutional and irreconcilable with the administration's energy agenda. Trump also targeted lawsuits brought by states, cities, and counties against oil companies for climate damages, framing them as obstacles to energy independence.
• Trump signed executive order stopping enforcement of state climate laws — On April 8, 2025, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of Justice to "stop the enforcement" of state climate laws, which his administration suggested are unconstitutional or unenforceable. The order states "These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration's objective to unleash American energy. They should not stand." The action represents Trump's attempt to preempt state climate initiatives.
• Trump issues executive order directing DOJ to challenge state energy regulations — President Trump issued Executive Order "Protecting American Energy From State Overreach" on April 8, 2025, directing the Attorney General to identify and challenge state and local laws regulating energy production, with particular focus on climate-related policies. The order characterizes state climate regulations—citing New York's climate liability law, Vermont's emissions penalties, and California's carbon cap system—as unconstitutional or preempted by federal law. The Attorney General is instructed to take "expeditious" action to stop enforcement of identified state laws and report within 60 days on actions taken and recommendations for additional presidential or legislative measures.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14260 directing the Attorney General to identify and challenge state energy regulations as unconstitutional or preempted federal law. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14260 on April 8, 2025, directing the Attorney General to identify all state and local laws, regulations, and policies that burden domestic energy development—particularly those addressing climate change, environmental justice, carbon emissions, or ESG initiatives—and to take action to stop their enforcement. The order characterizes such state laws as unconstitutional, preempted, or otherwise unenforceable, citing concerns about energy costs, national security, and federalism. The Attorney General must report within 60 days on actions taken and recommend additional presidential or legislative measures.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on state energy regulation — The White House published a fact sheet on April 8, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Attorney General to identify and challenge state laws and policies that burden domestic energy production. The order states it targets laws addressing climate change, environmental justice, carbon emissions, and carbon taxes. The fact sheet claims state policies in New York, Vermont, and California raise energy prices and disrupt supply. The Attorney General is directed to submit a report within 60 days detailing actions taken and recommendations.

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• Trump signed executive order stopping enforcement of state climate laws — On April 8, 2025, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of Justice to "stop the enforcement" of state climate laws, which his administration suggested are unconstitutional or unenforceable. The order states "These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration's objective to unleash American energy. They should not stand." The action represents Trump's attempt to preempt state climate initiatives.
• Trump administration freezes $790 million in federal funding to Northwestern University — The Trump administration froze $790 million in federal funding to Northwestern University as part of broader crackdowns on students and faculty members across US colleges who have expressed opposition to Israel's military operations in Gaza. The freeze targeted the university in response to activism and legal representation related to pro-Palestinian causes.
• White House freezes federal funding for Cornell and Northwestern universities — The Trump administration froze over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University, citing investigations into alleged "failure to protect Jewish students" following pro-Palestinian campus protests. The freeze includes grants and contracts from federal departments of health, education, agriculture, and defense. Cornell received over 75 stop-work orders from the Department of Defense affecting research in defense, cybersecurity, health, and cancer. The action follows warning letters sent to 60 universities in early March and comes after Cornell's president published a defiant op-ed defending academic freedom and free discourse.
• Princeton University reports suspension of federal research grants — Princeton University announced that dozens of its federal research grants were suspended over allegations that the university promoted antisemitism. This action follows similar defunding threats against Columbia and Harvard, representing a coordinated campaign against major research institutions.
• Trump administration announces cancellation of $400 million in grants and loans to Columbia University — The Trump administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in grants and loans to Columbia University, alleging the school failed to protect students from antisemitic harassment. In response, Columbia officials capitulated to a series of changes demanded by federal officials, sparking outrage from advocates and prompting at least one prominent academic to leave the institution.
• Trump administration announces plan to review $9 billion in Harvard University contracts and grants — The Trump administration announced a plan to review approximately $9 billion in contracts and multiyear grants to Harvard University over accusations that the university failed to protect Jewish students and promoted "divisive ideologies over free inquiry." The action follows the defunding of Columbia University and represents escalating pressure on major research institutions.
• Trump administration considers consent decree to place Columbia University under federal control — The Trump administration is reportedly considering placing Columbia University under a legally binding consent decree, a dramatic escalation following the university's acceptance of administration-demanded changes as a condition for restoring $400 million in suspended federal grants and contracts. The proposal originates from the administration's antisemitism taskforce, composed partly of Justice Department lawyers who question Columbia's good faith compliance. If Columbia resists, the Justice Department would need to present its case in court, risking prolonged litigation and continued funding withholding.
• Trump administration freezes nearly $1 billion in federal funding from Cornell University — During a cabinet meeting, President Trump pressed Education Secretary Linda McMahon on withholding federal funds from universities deemed "not behaving." McMahon confirmed the administration has frozen nearly $1 billion in funding from Cornell University and is investigating multiple institutions while holding back grant money pending compliance discussions with university presidents.
• Trump administration pauses $175 million in federal funding to University of Pennsylvania — The Trump administration paused $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania over its inclusion of transgender athletes in women's college sports. This action represents another instance of defunding universities over policies the administration opposes.
• Trump administration demands Harvard surrender academic freedoms; Harvard refuses; administration retaliates by freezing $2.2bn in grants — The Trump administration (Departments of Education, HHS, and GSA) issued an 11 April demand letter to Harvard University president Alan Garber requiring sweeping reforms including installation of "viewpoint-diverse" faculty, elimination of DEI programs, and adoption of specific antisemitism definitions as conditions for continued federal funding. Harvard's legal team, citing First Amendment violations and constitutional limits on executive authority, rejected the demands as governmental overreach into academic freedom. Within hours, the administration froze $2.2bn in grants and a $60m contract in retaliation.
• Trump administration withheld Harvard University federal funding pending government control of admissions and intellectual content — On April 11, the Trump administration announced it would withhold $2.2 billion in grants already awarded and a $60 million contract from Harvard University unless the university permitted the federal government to control its admissions and intellectual content. The administration framed the action as addressing antisemitism. On April 22, Harvard filed suit against the departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, Education, Energy, and Defense, the General Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, NASA, and their leaders, alleging violation of the First Amendment and abuse of legal authority.
• White House claims letter to Harvard withholding federal funds was "unauthorized" — On Friday, April 18, the administration claimed that a letter sent to Harvard University on April 11 withholding federal grants until the university granted administration officials power over the school's students and programs was "unauthorized." However, the White House simultaneously stated it was standing by the letter. The letter was signed by three federal officials, placed on official letterhead, and sent from the email of a senior federal official. Harvard responded by pointing out the letter's official provenance and noting that the government's actions had "real-life consequences."
• Harvard University rejected Trump administration demand for control over university governance — On April 11, 2025, Harvard University rejected the Trump administration's demand to regulate "intellectual and civil rights conditions" at Harvard, including its governance, admissions, programs, and extracurricular activities, in exchange for continuation of $2.2 billion in multiyear grants and a $60 million contract. Harvard's lawyers stated the university would not surrender its independence or relinquish constitutional rights and would not allow itself to be taken over by the federal government.

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• Social Security Administration canceled Maine contracts for newborn Social Security number applications. — Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner Leland Dudek canceled contracts permitting Maine parents to apply for Social Security numbers for newborns from hospitals and for Maine families to report deaths from funeral homes. The action was taken in retaliation after Maine Governor Janet Mills stated the state would follow state and federal law rather than comply with Trump's demands. When informed the change would risk identity theft and wasteful spending, Dudek directed the agency to proceed anyway. After public outcry, Dudek backtracked on the decision.

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• Secretary of Agriculture froze federal funds for Maine educational programs. — Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a freeze on federal funds for Maine educational programs. The action was taken in retaliation against Maine Governor Janet Mills for refusing to comply with Trump administration demands. Rollins stated the administration would stand against "a leftist social agenda," framing the funding freeze as ideological punishment for the state's resistance to federal directives.

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• Trump administration ends NYC congestion pricing approval — The Trump administration announced plans to end federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing program. This decision impacts local transportation policy and raises questions about federal intervention in state and local governance.
• Trump administration orders end to NYC congestion pricing — The Trump administration, through the US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has ordered New York City to terminate its congestion pricing program by March 21, 2025. This directive was communicated in a letter from FHWA executive director Gloria Shepherd to New York state and city officials, citing concerns about financial burdens on working-class Americans. The program, which charges drivers a fee to enter Manhattan's central business district, is being challenged by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and a New York bridge authority in court.

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• DoJ sues Chicago and Illinois over sanctuary laws — The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago, accusing them of obstructing the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies. The lawsuit seeks a court order to nullify sanctuary laws that the federal government claims interfere with federal immigration law enforcement. The complaint was filed in a federal court in Chicago, following a national emergency declaration by Donald Trump on his inauguration day. The DoJ aims to prevent these jurisdictions from receiving federal grants if they continue to impede immigration enforcement.