Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration petitioned Supreme Court to block SNAP benefit distribution — The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to stay a U.S. District Court order by Judge John McConnell requiring distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by the end of the day, effectively seeking permission to halt food assistance to 42 million Americans during the government shutdown.
• Trump Administration Appeals Court Order on SNAP Benefits — The Trump administration filed an appeal against a federal court order requiring the release of emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to 42 million Americans. The administration's justification for the appeal was that it needed to "stay liquid," despite having recently approved $40 billion in aid for Argentina. This action reflects a prioritization of financial liquidity over domestic food assistance.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to withhold SNAP benefits unless Democrats capitulate on government funding — On November 4, 2025, President Trump threatened on social media to withhold SNAP (food assistance) benefits to 42 million Americans unless Democrats vote to fund the government. The threat came after the Trump administration had been forced by court rulings to provide emergency funds to keep SNAP operating at 50% capacity during the shutdown. Trump's statement—"Snap benefits will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government"—weaponizes a critical anti-poverty program as leverage in the funding standoff.
• Trump announced withholding SNAP benefits to pressure Democrats on government shutdown — President Trump announced via social media that SNAP benefits for 43 million Americans would be withheld until Democrats agree to reopen the government on Republican terms. This directly contradicted a federal court order from U.S. District Judge John McConnell requiring the administration to fund SNAP using emergency reserves. The White House initially claimed full compliance but Trump's announcement made clear the administration intended to use hunger as political leverage in the shutdown dispute.
• Trump announced refusal to comply with federal court order on SNAP benefits distribution — President Trump posted on Truth Social that he would refuse to follow a federal court order requiring SNAP benefits distribution to nearly 42 million Americans, stating benefits would only be given when "Radical Left Democrats open up govt." The White House later clarified the administration was still sending partial food aid benefits despite the president's threat, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the administration was "fully complying with the court order."
• Trump defies court order on SNAP benefits — Also on Truth Social, Trump said that SNAP benefits "will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government … and not before!" despite a court order requiring the administration to issue payments.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened Senate Republicans with retaliation if they do not pass continuing resolution without Democrats — According to an Axios report, a Trump advisor stated that if Senate Republicans do not pass the continuing resolution without Democratic support by eliminating the filibuster, Trump "will make their lives a living hell," including calling them at 3 a.m., attacking them in their districts, and calling them un-American and creatures of a dying institution.

Supporting reports

• Trump stated he could invoke the Insurrection Act without judicial review — During the 60 Minutes interview, Trump stated that if he needed to send the Army or Marines into cities, he would do so "in a heartbeat" using the Insurrection Act, claiming "no judge can even challenge you on that. If I wanted to I could."
• Trump claims he can invoke Insurrection Act without judicial review — During a 60 Minutes interview, Trump said he would send the Army or Marines into US cities "in a heartbeat" and claimed no judge could challenge his invocation of the Insurrection Act if he did so.

Supporting reports

• Administration claims exemption from War Powers Act consultation requirement — The Trump administration is claiming it does not have to consult Congress regarding continued military strikes against Venezuela, contrary to the 1973 War Powers Resolution. The administration notified Congress on September 4, 2025, of a strike against a vessel in the Caribbean allegedly affiliated with a terrorist organization and engaged in drug trafficking. As of November 1, the 60-day deadline requiring Congressional approval approaches on Monday, but the administration has not sought approval and has been reluctant to share information about the strikes with Congress, excluding senior Senate Democrats from briefings and providing incomplete briefings to House members.
• Trump administration ignored War Powers Act deadline for Venezuela strikes — The Trump administration did not seek congressional approval by the November 4 deadline required under the 1973 War Powers Act for ongoing military strikes against Venezuela. The administration took the position that no approval was necessary because U.S. military personnel were not at risk in the strikes, which have killed 65 people so far. The administration's interpretation effectively exempts the strikes from War Powers Act requirements.

Supporting reports

• War Powers Resolution 60-day deadline for boat strikes passed without congressional approval — The Trump administration informed Congress of the boat strikes on September 4 to ensure Congress was "fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution." However, the administration has since ignored the War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional approval for hostile actions to continue longer than 60 days. The 60-day deadline passed in early November 2025 without congressional approval for the continuation of strikes.
• Trump notifies Congress of military strike — On September 4, 2025, President Trump notified Congress of a military strike against a vessel in the Caribbean, claiming it was linked to a terrorist organization and involved in drug trafficking. This notification was part of his obligation under the War Powers Resolution, which requires the president to inform Congress of military actions.

Supporting reports

• Federal judges ruled administration's SNAP funding refusal likely illegal — Two federal judges found that the Trump administration's refusal to use Congressional reserves to fund SNAP benefits in an emergency was likely illegal. One judge ordered the government to use the reserved funds. Despite the court order, the administration did not immediately comply. Trump posted on social media claiming government lawyers believe the administration lacks legal authority to pay SNAP and instructed lawyers to ask the court for clarification, while blaming Democrats for the shutdown and directing SNAP recipients to contact Senate Democrats.

Supporting reports

• Trump directs Pentagon to begin nuclear weapons testing matching Russia and China — Donald Trump posted on Truth Social instructing the Department of War to immediately begin testing nuclear weapons on an equal basis with Russia and China, citing their testing programs as justification. The announcement came less than an hour before Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea to discuss a trade war truce. Trump falsely claimed the US has more nuclear weapons than any other country. Pentagon officials did not immediately respond. Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus announced plans to introduce legislation to stop the testing.
• Russia denies nuclear weapons testing and warns of retaliation — Russia issued a statement denying that it has tested nuclear weapons, contradicting claims made by Trump. Russia warned that it will begin nuclear weapons testing if the United States does so, escalating nuclear rhetoric and raising the stakes for potential weapons testing by either power.
• Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing — Minutes before his meeting with Xi Jinping, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had instructed the Department of War to begin nuclear weapons testing "on an equal basis" with China and Russia, citing other countries' testing programs as justification. He did not respond to reporter questions about the decision during the summit.
• Trump announced resumption of nuclear weapons testing for the first time in 33 years. — Trump announced that the United States will resume testing nuclear weapons, instructing the Department of War to begin testing on an "equal basis" with other nations. Trump claimed Russia and China are conducting nuclear tests and that the U.S. must respond in kind. A nuclear proliferation expert stated that no nation except North Korea has tested nuclear weapons since the 1990s and that Trump's characterization of U.S. and Russian stockpile sizes was factually incorrect.
• Trump administration announced plans to resume nuclear weapons testing — Trump announced that the administration plans to resume nuclear weapons testing. When questioned about the announcement, Trump stated that the Pentagon should conduct the testing, though the Department of Energy is the actual agency responsible for nuclear weapons testing operations.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces federalization of National Guard and deployment to Democratic-led cities — During a speech in Japan on October 29, President Trump announced he is federalizing National Guard troops and deploying them into Democratic-led cities, stating the purpose is to "have safe cities." Trump also repeated false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. When pressed by reporters, Trump referenced the Insurrection Act, claiming that if invoked, it would allow him to deploy military forces without court involvement, though the Act legally applies only during actual insurrection or rebellion.
• Trump said he would deploy Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines to US cities — Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he would be willing to deploy other branches of the military into US cities, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Without naming the Insurrection Act, Trump said, "If I want to enact a certain act, I'm allowed to do it," adding that "I'd be allowed to do whatever I want" and claiming that "the courts wouldn't get involved."
• Trump stated he could deploy any military branch into American cities without court involvement. — When asked about his prior statement regarding sending "more than the National Guard" into American cities, Trump stated he was "allowed to do that" and could deploy the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines as he wished. Trump asserted that "the courts wouldn't get involved. Nobody would get involved" and that "I could send anybody I wanted."

Supporting reports

• Trump fired National Capital Planning Commission board members and installed loyalists — Trump fired board members of the National Capital Planning Commission and replaced them with his own loyalists, giving Republicans control of the little-known body that has outsized influence over the White House complex. The NCPC raised no public objections to his plans to remodel the White House, allowing Trump to proceed with his ballroom construction project by circumventing normal zoning, permitting, and regulatory structures that govern most real-estate projects in the country.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration demolishes White House East Wing without National Capital Planning Commission approval — The Trump administration completed demolition of the historic White House East Wing to make way for a $300 million privately funded ballroom. The demolition reversed Trump's July promise that no existing infrastructure would be torn down. Construction began without approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency with jurisdiction over such projects. The 90,000-square-foot ballroom, designed to accommodate 999 people, is funded by major tech companies, defense contractors, and other corporations seeking government access.
• Trump plans to bulldoze East Wing of the White House for personal use — Trump reportedly plans to bulldoze the East Wing of the White House to construct a personal ballroom, a decision defended by Bessent as a "judgment call" by the president.
• White House demolishes East Wing to construct ballroom — The Trump administration demolished the East Wing of the White House to construct a ballroom. The action was cited as an example of constitutional violations and institutional degradation occurring during the administration's tenure.

Supporting reports

• House Democrats accuse Trump of orchestrating illegal scheme to direct $230m in Treasury funds to himself — Representatives Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia sent a letter to President Trump on Thursday condemning his plan to use a confidential Department of Justice administrative process to direct Treasury funds to himself personally. Trump claimed the government owes him "a lot of money" for past DOJ investigations, including the Mar-a-Lago search and the 2016 Russian interference probe. The arrangement would allow Trump as president to decide whether Trump as claimant receives taxpayer funds, with potential months of delay before public disclosure.

Supporting reports

• Trump appointed White House Staff Secretary to chair National Capital Planning Commission — President Trump appointed Will Scharf, his White House Staff Secretary, to chair the National Capital Planning Commission, the independent federal agency responsible for reviewing and approving major construction and renovation projects on federal property in Washington, D.C. This appointment placed a direct presidential subordinate in a position statutorily designed to provide independent oversight of executive branch projects. At a September meeting, Scharf argued that the Commission's jurisdiction covers only new construction, not demolition, thereby creating a procedural rationale for demolishing the East Wing without Commission review.

Supporting reports

• Trump authorizes Defense Department to redirect research and development funds to pay military personnel — President Trump authorized the Department of Defense to pay US military personnel using funds originally allocated for research and development, circumventing the appropriations process during the government shutdown. Budget experts consulted by the Guardian characterized the move as likely illegal, as it reallocates congressionally approved funds without legislative authorization. This action occurred as hundreds of thousands of federal employees and military personnel faced unpaid status during the shutdown.

Supporting reports

• White House demolition of East Wing began without National Capital Planning Commission approval — Demolition of the White House East Wing commenced on October 20, 2025, without formal submission to or approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency statutorily required to review major construction and renovation projects on federal property in Washington, D.C. The East Wing, which housed First Lady offices for 48 years and served as a workspace for policy initiatives by multiple First Ladies, is being demolished to make way for a privately funded ballroom estimated at $250–$300 million. President Trump appointed Will Scharf, his White House Staff Secretary, to chair the Commission; Scharf argued the Commission has jurisdiction only over construction, not demolition, creating a procedural loophole.
• National Nuclear Security Administration furloughs 80% of workforce during government shutdown — The National Nuclear Security Administration announced it will furlough approximately 1,400 employees (80% of its workforce) starting Monday, October 20, 2025, due to exhausted carryover funding during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Only 375 essential staff will remain to handle critical safety operations including nuclear material monitoring, equipment maintenance, and reactor safety. The shutdown has now become the longest complete government-wide funding lapse in U.S. history, surpassing the 16-day 2013 shutdown. Most scientific research, stockpile maintenance, and global security programs will be suspended.
• Trump administration begins demolition of White House East Wing for $250 million ballroom construction — Construction crews began demolishing part of the White House East Wing to make way for a $250 million ballroom project announced by Trump in July. Trump announced on Truth Social that "ground has been broken on the White House" and stated the project would be privately funded with zero cost to taxpayers, though it involves unnamed donors and corporate representatives including Amazon, Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Palantir, and Lockheed Martin. The project is expected to be completed by January 2029. Democratic congressman Mark Takano proposed legislation to prohibit federal funds for White House construction during government shutdowns.
• Trump administration begins demolition of White House East Wing without approval — Demolition crews began tearing down the East Wing of the White House to make way for Trump's 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, which approves construction of federal buildings, has not signed off on the destruction. In September, the Trump-appointed head of the commission, Will Scharf, claimed the board has no jurisdiction over demolition or site preparation. As of the time of reporting, the White House had not submitted building plans to the National Capital Planning Commission.
• Trump bulldozes East Wing of the White House on October 20 — On Monday, October 20, President Trump began to bulldoze the East Wing of the White House, the People's House. The demolition of a historic structure symbolized the administration's disregard for institutional continuity and public property.
• Trump ordered physical destruction of White House East Wing to construct ballroom — Trump began demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make room for a ballroom styled after his Mar-a-Lago property. The work commenced on the date reported, representing a significant alteration to the historic structure. No congressional authorization or public process was described in the source material.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens use of Insurrection Act against American cities — On the morning of October 19, 2025, President Trump told Fox News Channel host Maria Bartiromo that he could invoke the Insurrection Act, stating "Don't forget I can use the Insurrection Act. Fifty percent of the presidents almost have used that. And that's unquestioned power. I choose not to, I'd rather do this, but I'm met constantly by fake politicians." He framed the threat in terms of ensuring "safety" in cities, implying military or federal force could be deployed against American civilians and local governments.
• Trump falsely claimed presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act 28 times and threatened to use it to deploy troops to cities — Trump stated he can "always use the Insurrection Act" to send more troops to U.S. cities and falsely claimed that one president invoked it 28 times. In reality, the Insurrection Act has been invoked only 30 times in over 230 years, with President Ulysses S. Grant invoking it six times. Trump specifically threatened to deploy National Guard troops to San Francisco and other Democratic-run cities, claiming they are "unsafe" and "disasters."

Supporting reports

• Trump administration seeks Supreme Court override of Illinois National Guard deployment block — The Trump administration's Justice Department filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday requesting permission to deploy National Guard troops to Illinois, after lower courts halted the deployment. The administration claimed federal agents faced threats and assaults in Chicago and Broadview. A federal appeals court had upheld the lower court's injunction on Thursday. The administration has already deployed Guard units to multiple Democratic-led cities including Chicago, Portland, Los Angeles, Memphis, and Washington DC, framing military intervention as necessary for immigration enforcement and public order.
• Trump administration petitions Supreme Court to override Chicago ruling — Following the Seventh Circuit's affirmation of Judge Perry's block on national guard deployment to Chicago, the Trump administration filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court requesting that the Court pause the lower court rulings and permit national guard deployment to Chicago streets.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration withheld over $27 billion in funds from Democratic districts during government shutdown — During the government shutdown, Trump told reporters his administration was using the shutdown to withhold funds Congress appropriated from Democratic districts. The New York Times estimated the administration cancelled more than $27.24 billion in funds for Democratic districts and states while cutting only $738.7 million from Republican districts and states. Speaker Johnson said such withholding was lawful and constitutional but did not explain his reasoning. Republican representatives, including Senator Susan Collins (chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee), reported they were not consulted about the cuts.
• Trump claims administration is selectively closing Democratic programs — President Trump told reporters that the administration is deliberately closing government programs it disagrees with, framing the cuts as targeting Democratic priorities. Trump stated: "We're not closing up Republican programs because we think they work. So the Democrats are getting killed, but they're not telling the people about that…. So we are closing up Democrat programs that we think that we disagree with, and they're never going to open again."

Supporting reports

• Trump directs Republican senators to boycott negotiations on government shutdown — President Trump instructed Republican senators to refuse to negotiate with Democrats on ending the government shutdown. Senator Chris Murphy reported that Trump told Republican senators to "boycott negotiating," and they are "following orders," preventing the normal legislative negotiation process that would typically resolve such impasses.

Supporting reports

• Trump confirms authorization of CIA covert action in Venezuela — Trump confirmed on October 15 that he had authorized "covert action" by the CIA in Venezuela as part of the administration's broader military campaign against drug cartels and efforts to destabilize the Venezuelan government. The Guardian reported that the CIA has been providing bulk intelligence used in the airstrikes. The authorization occurred without public disclosure of scope, legal basis, or congressional notification at the time of announcement.
• Trump administration authorized covert CIA action in Venezuela including lethal force for regime change — The New York Times reported that the United States authorized covert CIA action in Venezuela, including lethal force, to force regime change. The authorization represented a significant escalation of U.S. intervention in Venezuelan affairs.
• Trump administration escalates covert operations against Venezuelan government — The Trump administration, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, is conducting covert operations against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro authorized by a presidential finding. The administration previously declared Venezuelan drug cartels "nonstate armed groups" whose actions constitute an armed attack on the United States, providing legal cover for military strikes on Venezuelan vessels. Multiple administration officials disclosed the classified directive to the New York Times, suggesting deliberate leaking to justify ongoing operations.
• Trump authorized CIA covert action campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro — The New York Times reported that Trump has secretly authorized the CIA to conduct covert action in Venezuela aimed at driving President Nicolás Maduro from power. Trump acknowledged the authorization and stated the U.S. is considering strikes on Venezuelan territory. The military buildup includes 10,000 U.S. troops in the region, 8 surface warships, and a submarine in the Caribbean.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act to sidestep court orders blocking Guard deployments — In response to recent court orders blocking military deployments, Trump and senior White House officials raised the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, one of the president's most powerful emergency authorities. The rarely used law allows the president to deploy military forces within the U.S. to suppress rebellion, domestic violence, or lawless behavior. The act is the primary exception to the Posse Comitatus Act. Trump stated in the Oval Office on Monday that he may invoke the act to sidestep court rulings blocking the dispatch of Guard troops, saying "It's been invoked before. We have an Insurrection Act for a reason."

Supporting reports

• Vice President Vance said Trump considering Insurrection Act invocation for National Guard deployment — On NBC's "Meet the Press," Vice President JD Vance said Trump is "looking at all of his options" to deploy National Guard troops in Democratic-led cities, including invoking the Insurrection Act. He noted that while Trump "has not felt like he needed to" invoke the Insurrection Act "right now," he also hasn't ruled out doing so.
• Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act to sidestep court orders blocking Guard deployments — In response to recent court orders blocking military deployments, Trump and senior White House officials raised the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, one of the president's most powerful emergency authorities. The rarely used law allows the president to deploy military forces within the U.S. to suppress rebellion, domestic violence, or lawless behavior. The act is the primary exception to the Posse Comitatus Act. Trump stated in the Oval Office on Monday that he may invoke the act to sidestep court rulings blocking the dispatch of Guard troops, saying "It's been invoked before. We have an Insurrection Act for a reason."

Supporting reports

• The Pentagon diverted $8 billion in research and development funds to cover military payroll during the shutdown. — The Trump administration ordered the Pentagon to repurpose approximately $8 billion in unobligated research and development funds from the prior fiscal year to cover military payroll, preventing service members from missing their first paychecks during the government shutdown. However, civilian federal employees were not afforded the same treatment. The Trump administration's budget office also argued in a draft opinion that furloughed workers are not entitled to back pay when the shutdown ends, creating a disparity in how different federal workers are treated.
• Trump administration redirects Pentagon funds to pay military personnel during shutdown — The Trump administration, via Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, reallocated unspent Pentagon research and development funds to ensure military personnel receive scheduled paychecks on October 15 during the government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the move as lawful, while Democratic lawmakers questioned its legality under appropriations law. The action bypassed the need for a separate military pay bill and was framed by Trump as preventing Democrats from holding the military "hostage."
• Trump announces plan to pay furloughed troops using unappropriated funds — Trump announced he has the power to pay furloughed troops by redirecting unused fiscal year 2026 appropriations to cover military payroll after funding expired on September 30. Trump claims authority as commander in chief. Budget experts note this violates the Antideficiency Act and constitutional requirements that only Congress can appropriate and direct spending. The move is unnecessary, as Congress would easily pass a measure to pay troops if House Speaker Mike Johnson called the chamber into session.
• Trump directs use of FY2026 Department of War funds to pay active-duty military during appropriations lapse — President Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-8 directing the Secretary of War, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget, to use funds appropriated for Fiscal Year 2026 to disburse military pay and allowances to active-duty and Reserve component personnel during a 15-day appropriations lapse. The memorandum asserts that the lapse presents a threat to military readiness and invokes Article II authority as Commander in Chief to authorize the reallocation of funds with a "reasonable, logical relationship" to military compensation.
• Trump signed presidential memo to pay military during shutdown — Trump signed a presidential memo to use unspent federal funds to pay military members during the government shutdown. It's unclear whether he has the legal authority to issue the directive.
• Trump administration announced use of military research funds to pay furloughed troops — The Trump administration announced it would pay furloughed troops by redirecting funds Congress appropriated for research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDTE) for fiscal year 2026. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the action as a "creative solution," dismissing Democratic legal objections. The Antideficiency Act, dating to 1870, prohibits spending money Congress has not appropriated for a specific purpose. This action violates that law and undermines congressional control of federal finances.

Supporting reports

• Trump ordered a military strike on a Colombian boat — President Donald Trump ordered a military strike on a boat identified as Colombian, which has sparked an international incident. Colombia's president stated that Colombian citizens were on board the vessel. The White House dismissed the accusation as "baseless," but U.S. officials privately believe the boat was likely Colombian.
• Trump announces 100% tariffs on Chinese products effective November 1 — After the stock market closed, President Trump posted on social media announcing 100% tariffs on products from China beginning November 1, 2025. This levy is in addition to existing tariffs. The announcement sent stocks falling further in after-market trading. The tariff authority constitutionally belongs to Congress, not the President.
• Trump announced 100% tariff on Chinese goods — Trump announced a new 100% tariff on all goods from China in addition to previously imposed tariffs, following his earlier Truth Social posts claiming China was becoming "very hostile" and attempting to impose export controls on rare earths and other materials. Trump stated he had not spoken to President Xi and canceled plans to meet him at APEC in South Korea in two weeks. The announcement caused significant stock market decline, with the Dow falling nearly 900 points and the NASDAQ dropping 3.56%.
• Trump threatens massive new tariffs on China — Trump announced threats of massive new tariffs on China, causing the stock market to decline rapidly in response.
• Trump posts social media threats against China regarding rare earth minerals — President Trump posted on social media claiming "[s]ome very strange things are happening in China!" in response to Chinese restrictions on rare earth mineral exports. Rare earth minerals are essential for manufacturing robotics, electric vehicles, and electronics. Trump threatened retaliation against China and suggested canceling an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The post sent stock prices tumbling.

Supporting reports

• DOJ Office of Legal Counsel justified lethal strikes on drug boats — CNN reported that the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel's classified memo justifying the Trump administration's lethal strikes against suspected drug trafficking boats argues that the president has the power to designate drug traffickers as enemy combatants and have them summarily killed without legal review. One former associate general counsel at the Defense Department noted that if the opinion is as broad as it seems, "it would mean the DOJ has interpreted the president to have such extraordinary powers that he alone can decide to prosecute a war far broader than what Congress authorized after the attacks on 9/11."