Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump posts about Iranian protests and military readiness — At 2:58 a.m. on January 2, President Trump posted on social media about ongoing Iranian protests sparked by rising cost of living, stating: "If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go." The post signaled potential U.S. military intervention in response to Iranian government actions against protesters.
• Iran's leadership responded to Trump's military threat — Ali Shamkhani, a top adviser to the Ayatollah, warned that any foreign threat to Iran's national security would be met with a response that would make the aggressor regret it. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said the American people should be mindful of their soldiers' safety and accused Trump of starting "dangerous adventurism."
• Trump posted threat of military action against Iran — Trump posted a message on social media threatening military action against Iran, stating that if Iran "shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters," the United States would "come to their rescue," adding "We are locked and loaded and ready to go." The post came amid large-scale protests in Iran fueled by economic collapse and inflation.
• Trump threatens Iran with military intervention over protest crackdown — Trump posted on Truth Social that if Iran "violently kills peaceful protesters," the U.S. "will come to their rescue," stating "We are locked and loaded and ready to go." The threat came as economic protests swept Iran and at least 7 people were killed in violence surrounding demonstrations. Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and Ali Shamkhani, responded with counter-threats, warning against U.S. intervention and alleging the U.S. was stoking the protests.
• Trump threatens military action against Iran — On Truth Social on January 2, Trump threatened to take military action against Iran if the country "shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters," saying the US "will come to their rescue" and that the military is "locked and loaded and ready to go."

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• Trump issued executive order prohibiting HieFo Corporation's acquisition of Emcore Corporation assets and ordering divestment within 180 days. — President Trump issued an executive order on January 2, 2026, prohibiting HieFo Corporation (a Delaware company controlled by a Chinese citizen) from owning any interest in Emcore Corporation's digital chips and semiconductor fabrication assets. The order, citing national security concerns under Section 721 of the Defense Production Act, requires HieFo to divest all interests within 180 days, imposes immediate restrictions on access to the assets, and grants CFIUS broad authority to enforce compliance, audit operations, and approve any future sale to a third party.
• President Trump signed executive order prohibiting HieFo Corporation's acquisition of EMCORE assets and ordering divestment within 180 days — On January 2, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order invoking section 721 of the Defense Production Act to prohibit and unwind HieFo Corporation's acquisition of EMCORE Corporation's digital chips and wafer fabrication assets. The order, citing credible evidence that HieFo is controlled by a Chinese citizen and that the transaction threatens U.S. national security, directs HieFo to divest all interests and rights in the Emcore Assets within 180 days, subject to CFIUS oversight. The order imposes immediate access restrictions, weekly compliance certifications, and authorizes CFIUS to conduct audits and inspections to verify divestment completion.

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• Department of Government Efficiency cuts nearly 10% of federal employees — The Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, concluded that while the Department of Government Efficiency did not actually reduce overall federal spending, it did cut approximately 10% of federal employees. This reduction aligned with a key goal of Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought, a principal author of Project 2025. The cuts were achieved through unilateral executive action rather than congressional appropriations processes.

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• Trump administration announced removal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland — Following the Supreme Court's December 23 rejection of its deployment authority, the Trump administration announced on December 31, 2025 that it would remove National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. Trump claimed the troops had "greatly reduced" crime and vowed to return "in a much different and stronger form" when crime rises again.
• Trump announces end of National Guard deployments in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland — On December 31, 2025, President Trump announced he was ending his National Guard deployment in Los Angeles and his attempted military takeovers in Chicago and Portland. This retreat followed a Supreme Court ruling one week prior that upheld a lower court decision halting his efforts to send hundreds of Guard troops into Chicago. The Court determined Trump lacked authority to invoke an archaic law to federalize Illinois Guard troops. Trump signaled he may return to Democratic-led cities "in a much different and stronger form," hinting at potential invocation of the Insurrection Act.
• Trump administration withdraws national guard deployment orders from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland — Following a California court ruling that returned national guard troops to state authority and a U.S. Supreme Court block on Illinois deployment, the Trump administration announced withdrawal of federal troops from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland. The Department of Justice ceased contesting the California court's decision, effectively ending the administration's attempt to maintain federal control over state national guard units in these Democratic-led cities. Trump framed the move as temporary, pledging to redeploy troops later.
• Trump announces withdrawal of National Guard deployments from major cities — Trump announced the withdrawal of National Guard deployments from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, while simultaneously threatening to redeploy them "in a much different and stronger form" if crime allegedly surged. This announcement came after Trump lost multiple court challenges to the deployments, including a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling the previous week that found his justification for sending National Guard to Chicago insufficient.

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• Trump vetoes bipartisan clean water bill affecting Colorado — Trump vetoed a bipartisan clean water bill that would have delivered safe drinking water to 50,000 people in Colorado, including residents in Representative Lauren Boebert's district. Boebert was a co-sponsor of the legislation. The veto followed Boebert's role in pushing for the release of Epstein files. The timing and context suggest the veto was retaliatory in nature, punishing a Republican member of Congress for her vote on the Epstein documents.

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• Trump urges Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster — Donald Trump called on Senate Republicans to scrap the filibuster rule, which allows a minority of senators to block legislation. In an interview with Politico, Trump argued that eliminating the filibuster would prevent government shutdowns, enable passage of his legislative agenda, and allow Republicans to act without Democratic obstruction. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats, giving them limited margin for defection on simple-majority votes. Trump previously made the same call in October during a shutdown standoff.

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• Trump declares Venezuela a "foreign terrorist organization" and orders naval blockade — Trump announced a "total and complete blockade" of oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela and designated the Venezuelan government a "foreign terrorist organization" (FTO). The U.S. Navy deployed 11 ships, including an aircraft carrier, to the region. Legal experts note the FTO designation is legally murky because U.S. law targets non-state organizations, not sovereign governments. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles stated Trump "wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle," suggesting regime change rather than counterterrorism as the objective. The administration seized one tanker carrying 1.85 million barrels of Venezuelan crude valued at approximately $95 million.
• Trump declares "total and complete blockade" on Venezuelan oil tankers — On Truth Social, Trump declared a "TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE" on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or departing Venezuela. Trump also warned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro that the US "will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States IMMEDIATELY."
• Trump orders naval blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers — President Trump announced a "total and complete" blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, escalating pressure on Nicolás Maduro's government. The order follows weeks of military strikes in the region that have killed dozens and the recent U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude. Trump stated the blockade aims to prevent Venezuela from funding drug trafficking. The Venezuelan government rejected the order as a "grotesque threat" and act of piracy; Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro called it an unauthorized act of war.
• Trump Announces Total Blockade of Venezuelan Oil Tankers — President Trump announced a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela, citing the Maduro regime's designation as a foreign terrorist organization. He claimed that the blockade is necessary to prevent the regime from financing terrorism and other criminal activities. This announcement follows military actions against small boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
• Trump orders total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers and designates Maduro regime as foreign terrorist organization — Trump posted on social media that Venezuela is surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in South American history and ordered a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela. He claimed Venezuela stole U.S. oil, land, and other assets and demanded their immediate return. Trump designated the Maduro regime as a foreign terrorist organization, citing terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. He stated that illegal aliens and criminals sent by the Maduro regime during the Biden administration are being returned to Venezuela at a rapid pace.
• Trump administration expands travel ban to 39 countries — The Trump administration expanded its travel ban from 19 to 39 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and others. The expanded ban also applies to people holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents, effectively restricting Palestinian travel rights.

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• Trump began construction on White House ballroom without legal approvals — President Trump has begun construction on a proposed ballroom addition to the White House without securing required legal approvals or permits. The White House has expressed the position that the president does not need permits or permission to tear down buildings, only to construct them. The initial architect selected for the project has stepped aside.
• Department of Justice argues Trump ballroom project must proceed for national security — The Department of Justice argued in court that Trump's ballroom project must go forward for reasons of national security despite a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation seeking to stop the project without legally required reviews and public input. Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn told the court that when Trump tore down the East Wing in October, he destroyed security infrastructure, and that any pause in construction would hamper the Secret Service's ability to meet its statutory obligations.
• Federal judge allows Trump White House ballroom construction — A federal judge allowed Trump to move forward with the construction of his new White House ballroom for now. Later, Trump said the price tag of the ballroom would be $400 million, up from his last estimate of $300 million and double the White House's initial estimate.

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• Trump signed executive order designating fentanyl a "weapon of mass destruction" — On December 15, Trump signed an executive order formally classifying illicit fentanyl and its precursor chemicals as "Weapons of Mass Destruction," arguing fentanyl is "closer to a chemical weapon than a narcotic." The order directs DOJ to pursue fentanyl trafficking prosecutions, contemplates DoD resources supporting enforcement, and instructs DHS to identify fentanyl threat networks using WMD and nonproliferation intelligence tools. The classification empowers the Pentagon to assist law enforcement and allows intelligence agencies to deploy tools normally reserved for countering weapons proliferation.
• Trump designates illicit fentanyl and precursor chemicals as Weapons of Mass Destruction via Executive Order 14367 — President Trump signed Executive Order 14367 on December 15, 2025, designating illicit fentanyl and its core precursor chemicals as Weapons of Mass Destruction. The order directs the Attorney General to pursue enhanced investigations and prosecutions; the Secretaries of State and Treasury to pursue asset and financial sanctions; the Secretary of War and Attorney General to assess whether military resources should support DOJ enforcement; the Secretary of War to update Armed Forces directives on chemical incident response to include fentanyl threats; and the Secretary of Homeland Security to employ WMD and nonproliferation threat intelligence for counter-fentanyl operations.
• Trump designates illicit fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on December 15, 2025, designating illicit fentanyl and its core precursor chemicals as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The order directs the Attorney General to pursue enhanced prosecutions and sentencing; the Secretaries of State and Treasury to target assets and financial institutions involved in fentanyl trafficking; the Secretary of War and Attorney General to assess whether military resources should support DOJ enforcement; and the Secretary of Homeland Security to integrate WMD-related threat intelligence into counter-fentanyl operations. The order frames fentanyl as a national security threat comparable to chemical weapons.
• Trump signed executive order designating illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction — President Trump signed Executive Order 14367 on December 15, 2025, designating illicit fentanyl and its core precursor chemicals as weapons of mass destruction. The order directs the Attorney General to pursue enhanced prosecutions and sentencing; the Secretaries of State and Treasury to pursue asset seizures and financial sanctions against fentanyl traffickers; the Secretary of War and Attorney General to assess whether military resources should support DOJ enforcement; the Secretary of War to update armed forces directives on chemical incidents to include fentanyl; and the Secretary of Homeland Security to use WMD and nonproliferation threat intelligence for counter-fentanyl operations.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order designating fentanyl as weapon of mass destruction — The White House published a fact sheet on December 15, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that designates illicit fentanyl and its precursor chemicals as weapons of mass destruction. The order directs the Attorney General to pursue enhanced criminal charges and sentencing in fentanyl cases; instructs the Secretaries of State and Treasury to pursue asset seizures and financial sanctions against fentanyl networks; directs the Secretary of War and Attorney General to assess whether military resources should support DOJ in WMD-related emergencies; and orders updates to chemical incident response protocols and enhanced intelligence gathering on fentanyl smuggling networks.
• Trump signs executive order designating fentanyl as weapon of mass destruction — Trump signed an executive order designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. The order directs the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute groups trafficking fentanyl and orders the Defense Department to determine if military resources are needed to help the DOJ conduct federal law enforcement to combat the threat of fentanyl.
• Trump signed executive order designating illicit fentanyl as "weapon of mass destruction" — Trump signed an executive order classifying illicit fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction," a designation typically reserved for chemical and biological threats. The move activates national-security enforcement tools and reframes drug enforcement as wartime escalation. The White House issued a fact sheet detailing the directive to federal agencies.

Supporting reports

• US military conducts lethal strikes on boats in Eastern Pacific — The US Southern Command announced that, at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the US military conducted lethal strikes on three boats in the Eastern Pacific, killing a total of eight people.
• U.S. military strikes three boats in eastern Pacific, killing eight people — U.S. Southern Command announced that the military conducted strikes on three small boats in the eastern Pacific at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, killing eight people. The command claimed intelligence confirmed the vessels were engaged in narco-trafficking. This brings the total death toll from U.S. strikes to at least 95. Legal experts dispute the administration's claim of an "armed conflict" against drug cartels and say the U.S. has no legal basis for the strikes.
• Sen. Rand Paul warned against regime change wars in South America — Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) warned on NBC that if the Trump administration continues toppling regimes in South America, there is "no amount of money that could be printed to pay for that" and lives should not be lost without a congressional vote. Paul's statement was made in response to Trump's warning to Colombia that it "could be next" after the administration's military escalation against Venezuela.
• Rep. Mike Turner expressed grave concern about boat strikes in Venezuela — Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) stated on ABC that there is "very grave concern in Congress" about boat strikes occurring in Venezuela. Turner noted that the individuals conducting the strikes are not being subject to criminal prosecution, and if they were, there would be no capital punishment available. Turner's statement indicates congressional concern about the legality and accountability of military operations against Venezuela.
• Sen. Jack Reed warned about consequences of violating laws of war — Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) stated on Fox that the U.S. must follow the law of war and can expect other countries to do the same. He warned that if the U.S. does not follow the law of war, it cannot expect other countries to protect American service members in distress, refrain from shooting wounded personnel in the water, or avoid leaving wounded soldiers to die. Reed's statement was made in response to the administration's military operations against Venezuela.
• Pentagon lawyers proposed sending boat strike survivors to El Salvador megaprison — The New York Times reported on December 9 that Pentagon lawyers raised the prospect of sending survivors of a mid-October boat strike in the Caribbean to El Salvador's megaprison in an effort to ensure they don't end up in the US court system, where the Trump administration could be forced to present evidence justifying their strikes in the region. The proposal represents an attempt to evade judicial accountability.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced mounting Republican criticism over a potentially illegal order to kill survivors of a Caribbean boat strike. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received criticism from Republican lawmakers regarding an order that allegedly directed the killing of survivors from a Caribbean boat strike. The order was characterized as potentially illegal. This incident contributed to broader concerns about dysfunction within the Trump administration and raised questions about the legality and ethics of military directives under the current leadership.
• Pentagon conducts military strikes on Venezuelan vessels; at least 95 killed since September — The Pentagon conducted strikes on three boats accused of drug trafficking in the Pacific near Venezuela, killing eight people. This action is part of an escalating campaign that has included more than 20 strikes since September 2, resulting in at least 95 deaths. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has refused to release video footage of a September 2 attack, citing national security and "longstanding Department of War policy." The administration defends the strikes as preventing drugs from reaching U.S. shores, though Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles confirmed in a Vanity Fair interview that the campaign aims to oust Maduro.

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• Trump signs Executive Order 14365 establishing federal AI policy framework and authorizing legal challenges to state AI laws — President Trump signed Executive Order 14365 on December 11, 2025, establishing a national policy framework for artificial intelligence designed to minimize regulatory barriers to AI innovation. The order directs the Attorney General to establish an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge state AI laws deemed inconsistent with federal policy, authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate and identify "onerous" state AI laws within 90 days, and empowers federal agencies to condition discretionary grants on states either refraining from enacting conflicting AI laws or agreeing not to enforce them. The order also directs the FCC and FTC to initiate proceedings on federal AI reporting standards and preemption of state laws requiring "deceptive" AI outputs.
• Trump signs executive order to preempt state AI regulation and establish federal litigation taskforce — On December 11, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Ensuring a national policy framework for artificial intelligence" that seeks to block states from regulating AI technology. The order creates a Department of Justice "AI Litigation Task Force" with the sole responsibility of challenging state AI laws. Though the order lacks the force of law, it resurrects a failed legislative effort to impose a 10-year moratorium on state AI regulation and directs review of existing state laws requiring AI safety disclosures or algorithmic discrimination assessments. The order prioritizes Silicon Valley interests over state consumer protections and civil liberties concerns.
• Trump issues executive order establishing national AI policy framework and challenging state AI laws — President Trump signed an executive order on December 11, 2025, directing the federal government to establish a minimally burdensome national policy framework for artificial intelligence and to challenge state AI laws deemed inconsistent with federal policy. The order creates an AI Litigation Task Force within the Department of Justice to sue states over AI regulations, directs the Commerce Secretary to evaluate and identify "onerous" state AI laws within 90 days, and conditions federal broadband funding on states' compliance with the national framework. The order explicitly targets state laws requiring AI models to alter outputs or disclose information in ways the administration views as unconstitutional.
• Trump announces executive order to preempt state AI regulations — President Trump announced on Truth Social that he will sign an executive order this week to preempt state-level AI regulations. A leaked draft of the order, drawn from an Andreessen Horowitz policy memo, would require the Attorney General to assemble an "AI Litigation Task Force" to overturn state AI laws using Commerce Clause arguments and would withhold federal broadband grants from states implementing AI regulations. Legal experts dispute this interpretation of the Commerce Clause.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order establishing national AI policy framework — The White House issued a fact sheet on December 11, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to establish a national policy framework for artificial intelligence. The order directs the Attorney General to establish an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge state AI laws; instructs the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate and potentially defund states with conflicting AI laws; and directs the FTC and FCC to limit states' ability to regulate AI companies. The fact sheet states the order aims to preempt a "patchwork" of state regulations and characterizes certain state laws as requiring "DEI ideology" and "Woke AI."
• White House signed Executive Order 14365 establishing federal preemption framework for state AI regulation — President Trump signed Executive Order 14365 on December 11, 2025, directing the establishment of a national AI policy framework designed to preempt state-level AI regulations. The order creates an AI Litigation Task Force within the Department of Justice to challenge state AI laws deemed inconsistent with federal policy, directs the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate and identify "onerous" state AI laws within 90 days, and authorizes withholding of federal broadband funding from states with AI laws conflicting with the order's policy. The order also directs the FCC and FTC to issue preemption standards and policy statements regarding AI disclosure and deceptive conduct.

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• Trump administration transfers 760 acres of California public land to US Navy for militarized border defense zone — The Trump administration's Department of Interior announced the transfer of 760 acres of public land in California's San Diego and Imperial counties to the US Navy for a three-year period to establish a "National Defense Area" supporting border security operations. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the action addresses security gaps and supports the President's border and sovereignty agenda. The region, spanning from the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area to approximately one mile west of the California–Arizona border, is claimed by officials to be among the highest-traffic areas for unlawful crossings.

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• Trump pressured Supreme Court on tariff authority via social media — Trump posted on social media framing tariffs as a national security matter and asserting that the president has inherent constitutional authority to impose them. He claimed to have "settled 8 Wars in 10 months" based on presidential rights and urged the Court to uphold his tariff policy. The post came as the Supreme Court prepared to rule on whether Trump's use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs was constitutional, with justices' questioning suggesting skepticism of his authority.
• Trump Pressures Supreme Court on Tariffs — President Donald J. Trump pressured the Supreme Court to uphold his tariffs, claiming authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act after declaring a national economic emergency. Observers expect a decision on the constitutionality of these tariffs soon, with indications that the justices may not support Trump's expansive interpretation of presidential power. Trump's administration has also indicated it will continue its tariff agenda regardless of the Court's decision.

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• Trump announces Biden's autopens invalidate all prior presidential actions — President Trump announced that because former President Joe Biden used an autopen to sign documents, "[a]ny and all Documents, Proclamations, Executive Orders, Memorandums, or Contracts," pardons, and commutations Biden signed are "invalid." Trump claimed no constitutional mechanism exists for a president to erase the actions of a predecessor by fiat. Legal experts note all modern presidents, including Trump, have used autopens, and the Constitution provides no such invalidation power.
• Trump expanded plan to terminate Biden's autopen-signed documents — On Truth Social, Trump doubled down on his plan to terminate all of Biden's executive orders signed by autopen, but expanded the list to include documents, proclamations, memorandums, and contracts. The expansion broadened the scope of retroactive invalidation of Biden administration actions.

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• White House claimed September 2 boat strike was lawful self-defense — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the administration believes the September 2 strike on a boat off Venezuela was lawful because it "was conducted in self defense to protect Americans and vital United States interests." This justification would permit the president or those acting in his name to be judge, jury, and executioner without regard to law. Leavitt attributed the orders to Admiral Bradley rather than Defense Secretary Hegseth.
• Trump administration announced formal armed conflict determination against drug cartels — The Trump administration announced that President Donald Trump has "determined" the United States is in a formal armed conflict with drug cartels and that individuals aboard targeted boats are formally designated "combatants." This determination was made without providing the legal authority required to support such a classification. The administration announced the strikes on September 4 and informed Congress to ensure it was "fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution," but has since ignored that resolution's requirement for congressional approval for hostile actions continuing longer than 60 days, a deadline that passed in early November.
• Trump administration asserts formal armed conflict with drug cartels without legal authority — The Trump administration declared that President Trump has "determined" the U.S. is in a formal armed conflict with drug cartels and that individuals on targeted boats are formally "combatants." The administration notified Congress of strikes on September 4 under the War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional approval for hostile actions continuing longer than 60 days. That deadline passed in early November 2025, yet Trump has not sought or obtained congressional approval and has ignored the War Powers Resolution requirement. Legal experts have stated the operation lacks lawful foundation, as civilians engaged in trade—even illicit trade—are not enemy combatants under international law.

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• Trump threatened to close Venezuelan airspace and warned airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers — President Trump issued a social media post declaring that airspace above Venezuela was "closed in its entirety" and directed the warning at "all airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers." The White House provided no legal basis for the pronouncement. The statement created the impression Trump was prepared to shoot down commercial airliners near Venezuela. The post occurred amid reports of unauthorized U.S. military actions off the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia.
• Trump declared Venezuelan airspace closed — On Truth Social, Trump declared that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered "CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY." The Venezuelan government rejected the claim as a "colonial threat" designed to undermine the country's "territorial integrity, aeronautical security, and full sovereignty," calling it a "hostile, unilateral, and arbitrary act."

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• Trump announces plan to cancel most Biden executive orders based on autopen signature claims — Donald Trump declared via social media that he intends to cancel approximately 92% of Joe Biden's executive orders, claiming baselessly that Biden did not personally authorize them and that White House staff used an autopen signature machine without his approval. Trump alleged Biden was not involved in the autopen process and threatened perjury charges if Biden claimed otherwise. The announcement prompted Republican celebration, including statements from the Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project and House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, though legal experts warned such actions could set problematic precedents.
• Trump announced cancellation of executive orders signed via Autopen — Trump posted that he is "hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally." Trump claimed that if Biden says he was involved in the Autopen process, Biden will be "brought up on charges of perjury." Legal experts noted that perjury charges require false statements made under oath and that presidents now have immunity following Trump's Supreme Court appeal.
• Trump claimed authority to nullify Biden's autopen-signed executive orders — On Truth Social, Trump claimed he will nullify any executive order from the Biden administration signed with an autopen or "anything else that was not directly signed" by Biden himself, and warned that Biden "will be brought up on charges of perjury" if he claims involvement in the autopen process. Trump has admitted to using the autopen himself and lacks legal authority to nullify Biden's pardons, which included his son and Jan. 6 investigators.

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• Rep. Jason Crow detailed Trump's threats to use military unlawfully — Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) appeared on CBS and detailed Trump's threats to use the military in unlawful ways, including sending troops into Chicago, into polling stations, killing terrorists' families, and shooting peaceful protesters. Crow stated that Trump cannot tolerate members of Congress reminding service members of their constitutional duty to obey the law and resorts to threats of violence and arrest.
• Pentagon announces investigation of Senator Mark Kelly for video calling troops to refuse illegal orders — The Pentagon announced an investigation into Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, after he participated in a video with other Democratic lawmakers calling on US troops to refuse unlawful orders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the video was "despicable" and that Kelly's conduct undermines military discipline. The Pentagon cited federal law allowing recall of retired service members to active duty for possible court-martial. Kelly responded that the investigation was meant to intimidate Congress and vowed not to be silenced.
• Defense Department announced investigation of Senator Kelly for alleged misconduct and threatened recall to active duty — The Defense Department posted on social media that it was investigating Senator Mark Kelly following "serious allegations of misconduct" and suggested that Kelly could be recalled to active duty "for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures." This announcement came after Kelly participated in a November 18 video with five other Democratic veterans in Congress warning military and intelligence personnel of their legal right and duty to refuse unlawful orders.
• Department of War initiated review of Senator Mark Kelly for potential court-martial — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the Department of War has initiated a review of retired Navy Captain Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for potential recall to active duty and court-martial proceedings. The review stems from a video Kelly made with five other Democratic lawmakers informing service members of their constitutional duty to refuse unlawful orders. The DOD statement cited 10 U.S.C. § 688 and 18 U.S.C. § 2387, which prohibits actions intended to interfere with military loyalty, morale, and discipline. Hegseth characterized the video as "despicable" and "seditious."
• Trump posted threats against Senator Mark Kelly — President Trump posted on social media that Senator Mark Kelly should be "arrested, hanged, and put to death" in response to Kelly's video encouraging service members to follow the Constitution and refuse unlawful orders. Kelly responded by reaffirming his oath to the Constitution and stating that Trump's threats would not intimidate him or other members of Congress from holding the administration accountable.
• Pete Hegseth orders Navy investigation into Mark Kelly's video comments — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memorandum to Navy Secretary John Phelan on Tuesday ordering an investigation into "potentially unlawful comments" made by Senator Mark Kelly and fellow Democrats in a social media video encouraging military personnel to refuse unlawful orders. The Pentagon had already announced an investigation on Monday. Hegseth requested a brief by December 10. The group faces FBI counter-terrorism inquiry and potential court-martial proceedings.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth directs Navy review of Senator Kelly — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a memo directing the Navy secretary to review Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) for "potentially unlawful conduct" related to the viral video where Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers urged military members to resist illegal orders. The memo requested the Navy review be completed and briefed to Hegseth by December 10.
• Defense Secretary threatens Senator with court martial over military dissent video — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened Senator Mark Kelly with court martial after Kelly recorded a video with five Democratic lawmakers warning military members to question unlawful orders, apparently in reference to the Caribbean boat strikes. The threat represents potential retaliation against a senator for encouraging military personnel to uphold constitutional obligations.
• Secretary of Defense Hegseth threatens court martial of Senator Mark Kelly — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth threatened to court martial Senator Mark Kelly in response to Kelly's video urging military personnel to follow the law and refuse illegal orders. Hegseth called the video "sedition" and made deranged social media posts attacking Kelly's uniform and medals, later claiming Kelly's image was reversed by his phone. Kelly responded that the threat was about intimidation and the media cycle, not law, and refused to be silenced.
• Trump threatened to court-martial Senator Mark Kelly over military discipline video — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth threatened to court-martial Senator Mark Kelly after Kelly released a video with five other Democratic lawmakers urging military members not to follow illegal orders. The video was released in response to the alleged illegal directives issued by Hegseth regarding lethal operations.

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• Congress blindsided by Trump's Ukraine peace plan — Congressional representatives were not informed in advance of the 28-point Ukraine peace plan that Trump is pressuring Zelensky to sign. The proposal was leaked to media rather than shared with Congress, leaving lawmakers unaware of a major foreign policy initiative affecting NATO, European security, and U.S. strategic interests.

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• Trump administration pressures Ukraine to accept 28-point peace plan before Thanksgiving — President Trump is pressuring Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to sign a 28-point "peace" plan by November 27. The plan, reportedly leaked by Kirill Dmitriev (a Putin ally) and negotiated by Dmitriev and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff without Ukrainian or European representatives, cedes Crimea and most of four eastern Ukrainian oblasts to Russia, limits Ukraine's military, grants full amnesty for Russian war crimes, requires Ukraine to amend its constitution to reject NATO membership, and proposes lifting sanctions and readmitting Russia to the G7. The plan also suggests U.S. separation from NATO and positions the U.S. and Russia to profit from European-funded reconstruction of Russian-controlled territory.
• Trump set Thursday deadline for Ukraine peace agreement — Trump announced a deadline of the following Thursday for Ukraine to agree to a peace plan. The deadline was set amid reports that the U.S. is preparing to pressure Ukraine to accept unfavorable terms, and Zelensky warned the Ukrainian people that Ukraine faces a choice between loss of dignity or loss of a key partner.
• Trump's 28-point Ukraine peace plan contained Russian-language syntax — The Guardian reported that sections of Trump's 28-point Ukraine peace plan contained syntax and phrasing commonly used in Russian, including passive constructions and vocabulary that are more natural in Russian than English. The White House acknowledged that Vladimir Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Trump's special representative Steve Witkoff jointly wrote the proposal during a meeting in Miami.
• Trump rejected Maduro's conditions for leaving Venezuela — Reuters reported that during a November 21 phone call, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro told Trump he was willing to leave the country on conditions including full legal amnesty for himself and family members, removal of sanctions for over 100 Venezuelan officials, and Vice President Delcy Rodriguez leading an interim government. Trump rejected most of Maduro's requests and told him he had a week to leave Venezuela. The deadline expired on November 28.

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• President Trump designates Commerce officials to exercise control over U.S. Steel through Golden Share agreement with Nippon Steel — President Trump, holding a Class G Preferred Stock ("Golden Share") in U.S. Steel pursuant to a National Security Agreement with Nippon Steel Corporation, designated Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt as his designee to exercise authorities under the company's Certificate of Incorporation, and appointed David Shapiro, Chief Counsel of the Commerce Department's Investment Accelerator, as the Class G Director of U.S. Steel's board. The designations remain in effect unless Trump directs otherwise.

Supporting reports

• Trump attempted to pressure Republican signatories to withdraw from Epstein discharge petition — In the hours before Grijalva's swearing-in on November 12, President Trump attempted to persuade Republican representatives who had signed the discharge petition to remove their signatures. Trump focused on Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO). He attempted to reach Mace by phone and invited Boebert to a meeting in the White House Situation Room, which is equipped to prevent recording. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel attended the meeting with Boebert. Trump's efforts failed; the discharge petition proceeded to ripening.
• Trump contacts Republican members to block DOJ Epstein files release — In the hours before Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva was sworn in on November 12, 2025—providing the final signature for a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing Department of Justice Epstein files—President Trump made direct contact with Republican members to persuade them to withdraw support. Trump called Congresswoman Lauren Boebert early Tuesday morning and summoned her to the White House on Wednesday for a meeting in the Situation Room with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel. Trump also attempted to contact Congresswoman Nancy Mace. A vote on the DOJ files is expected in early December.
• Trump pressures congressional Republicans to block Epstein files discharge petition — President Trump attempted to persuade Republican representatives Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace to withdraw their signatures from a discharge petition that would force a House vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump invited Boebert to the White House and had Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel attempt persuasion, followed by "vague threats." Mace received an unsuccessful phone call and responded with a letter citing her personal history of sexual abuse. Both representatives refused to withdraw, and the petition achieved the necessary 218 votes this week, setting up a potential House vote that could expose Trump to political damage.
• White House pressured representatives to withdraw from Epstein petition — The White House conducted a sustained pressure campaign against Representatives Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace to persuade them to remove their names from the discharge petition to release Epstein files. The campaign included phone calls from Trump to Mace, vague threats to Boebert about the risks of crossing Trump in her district, and inquiries about what it would take to change their positions. Both representatives refused to withdraw.

Supporting reports

• Trump claimed government lacks funds to refund tariff revenue if Supreme Court rules against tariff authority — Trump stated in public remarks that the federal government cannot afford to repay tariff revenue collected if the Supreme Court rules against his tariff authority, claiming repayment would exceed $3 trillion and constitute a "National Security Event." Trump also accused justices opposed to his position of "giving low Numbers" to make the case appear easy to resolve. The administration lost twice in lower courts on the tariff issue and made no fiscal preparations for a potential loss.
• Trump claimed tariff ruling would cost $2–3 trillion and constitute national security catastrophe — President Trump stated on Monday that if the Supreme Court ruled his tariffs unconstitutional, the U.S. would owe "in excess of $2 Trillion Dollars," later increasing the figure to $3 trillion, and characterized this as a "National Security catastrophe." He blamed "Anarchists and Thugs" for challenging his tariffs. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated the actual figure at approximately $195 billion. The Supreme Court had heard arguments on tariff constitutionality on November 5.

Supporting reports

• USDA directs states to reverse SNAP benefit payments issued under court order — The US Department of Agriculture issued a Saturday memo directing states to "immediately undo" full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits distributed to approximately 42 million low-income Americans on Friday, following a Supreme Court order that temporarily paused a lower court ruling requiring full November payments during the federal government shutdown. The USDA warned states that noncompliance could result in cancellation of federal administration cost-sharing and liability for overpayments, though the scope of the directive—particularly regarding states using their own funds—remained unclear.
• USDA deputy undersecretary ordered states to reverse SNAP payments already issued — On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Patrick Penn, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sent a memo to states declaring that any full SNAP payment files sent for November 2025 were "unauthorized" and ordering states to "immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits." The memo threatened states with cancellation of federal administrative cost reimbursement and liability for any overissuances if they failed to comply.
• Trump administration directed states to undo full SNAP benefit payments — The Trump administration sent a memo to state agencies on November 8 directing them to "immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits" for November after the Supreme Court paused an order for food benefit payments to be issued one day earlier. This action sought to reverse emergency food assistance that had been authorized, affecting millions of low-income Americans relying on the program during a federal government shutdown.
• Administration refused to fund SNAP benefits to pressure Democrats on continuing resolution — The Trump administration declined to use congressionally established emergency reserve funds to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which 42 million Americans depend on for food. House Republicans passed a continuing resolution in September; Speaker Mike Johnson has blocked further House work to force the Senate to pass it. Democrats refused unless Republicans extended premium tax credits supporting the Affordable Care Act. The administration's refusal to tap SNAP reserves—a practice used by prior administrations including Trump's first term—was designed to pressure Democrats to capitulate on the healthcare issue.
• Administration Refuses to Fund SNAP Benefits — The Trump administration has refused to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting 42 million Americans, as a tactic to pressure Democrats into agreeing to a continuing resolution passed by House Republicans. The administration previously stated it would not use emergency funds to support SNAP, leading to multiple lawsuits. A federal judge ordered the administration to distribute SNAP benefits, but the administration appealed the ruling and sought a stay from the Supreme Court, which was granted by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
• USDA Memo to States on SNAP Payments — The USDA sent a memo to states instructing them to reverse any unauthorized full SNAP payments issued for November, warning of potential consequences for noncompliance. This memo followed confusion over the administration's directives regarding SNAP funding.

Supporting reports

• JD Vance rejected federal court authority over SNAP compliance — Vice President JD Vance stated on the record that the administration will not follow a federal judge's order to distribute SNAP benefits, calling the ruling "absurd." Vance asserted that a court cannot direct the president how to "triage the situation" and that the administration will instead act "according to what we think we have to do to comply with the law."
• Trump refused to disperse SNAP funds despite court order — Trump announced he is refusing to distribute SNAP (food assistance) benefits to 42 million Americans despite a federal court order mandating the disbursement. He justified the refusal by stating the country must "remain very liquid" due to potential "problems, catastrophes, wars." Vice President JD Vance characterized the court order as "absurd" and stated the administration would not comply with judicial direction on the matter.