Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• New York Times reported Trump administration negotiations for Lukoil asset purchase — On October 3, the New York Times reported that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff—neither diplomats—have been negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a multibillion-dollar deal to purchase assets of Russian oil giant Lukoil at depressed prices due to U.S. sanctions. The sale would remove those assets from sanctions, making them far more valuable. Beneficiaries would include a major Trump donor and Middle Eastern investors tied to the Trump family and Witkoffs. The U.S. government would take a stake through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Putin allegedly suggested the deal on September 5, after Senator Lindsey Graham's death on July 11. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would need to approve the deal.

Supporting reports

• Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general — The US Senate voted 50-49 to confirm Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney, as attorney general. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote after two Republicans (Collins, Murkowski) opposed the nomination. Blanche had been serving in an acting capacity and faced pushback over a proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and tax immunity provisions for Trump, his sons, and businesses. Cornyn and Tillis secured written assurances the fund would not proceed, enabling narrow confirmation.
• Todd Blanche confirmed as US Attorney General — The Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as US Attorney General. Legal scholar Sherrilyn Ifill characterized the confirmation as signaling the collapse of the rule of law and the beginning of an accelerated program to suppress dissent. The confirmation occurred amid ongoing concerns about the use of the Justice Department as a political instrument.
• Senate confirmed Trump's former criminal defense lawyer Todd Blanche as attorney general — The Senate narrowly voted to confirm Todd Blanche, Trump's former criminal defense lawyer, as attorney general on August 8. As acting attorney general, Blanche greenlit the second indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, reauthorized the use of firing squads for death penalty executions, and signed off on a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization fund" (now supposedly rescinded). The confirmation marks a significant shift in DOJ leadership toward Trump's personal interests.
• Senate Republicans confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General — At 4:00 a.m. on August 9, 2026, just before a five-week recess, Senate Republicans confirmed Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to the permanent position of Attorney General of the United States. Blanche, who served as President Trump's personal criminal lawyer, becomes the top law enforcement officer of the country. Some Republicans, including 92-year-old Senate Judiciary Committee chair Chuck Grassley, expressed enthusiasm for the nomination. Others expressed skepticism but stated they believed confirming Blanche was preferable to allowing Trump to select an alternative candidate.
• Todd Blanche sworn in as attorney general by Trump defense lawyer Emil Bove — On August 10, Todd Blanche took the oath of office as attorney general, administered by federal appeals court judge Emil Bove, a Trump defense lawyer who later became deputy at the Department of Justice. The ceremony excluded the press but included FBI director Kash Patel and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. Retired conservative judge J. Michael Luttig characterized Blanche as "the symbol of Donald Trump's corruption of the rule of law" and called his confirmation "a shameful act of acquiescence" by Senate Republicans.
• Todd Blanche sworn in as US attorney general — Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal criminal defense lawyer, was sworn in as US attorney general on Monday following a narrow 50-49 Senate confirmation vote on Saturday. Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general since April. He previously represented Trump in criminal cases before joining the administration as deputy attorney general in early 2025. His tenure has included the departure of over 200 prosecutors and agents who worked on Trump-related investigations.

Supporting reports

• Trump Intervenes to Lift World Cup Red Card Suspension for US Player Folarin Balogun — President Trump intervened to overturn a one-game suspension imposed on US soccer player Folarin Balogun following a red card received during a World Cup round-of-32 match on July 2. Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to challenge the suspension. A coordinated campaign involving Andrew Giuliani, Howard Lutnick, and US Soccer officials lobbied FIFA over four days. FIFA announced on July 5 that Balogun's suspension was lifted, an extraordinary decision described as the first such reversal since 1962. Belgium's coach and foreign minister expressed outrage, with Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stating the decision "undermined the most basic rules of soccer and sports" and questioning whether a presidential phone call explained the reversal.
• Trump pressured FIFA to reverse World Cup suspension of U.S. player — President Trump called FIFA's president and requested review of the suspension of U.S. soccer team's top goal scorer Folarin Balogun in the World Cup. FIFA reversed the suspension—the first time it has allowed a player to participate in a game they would have been suspended from since 1962. Balogun was eligible to play for the U.S. because of birthright citizenship and had been suspended after receiving a red card. The Trump administration worked with lawyers to help the U.S. Soccer Federation appeal despite no formal appeal mechanism existing.
• Trump administration pressures FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card suspension — U.S. Men's National Soccer Team forward Folarin Balogun received a red card in a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, suspending him from the next game against Belgium. White House FIFA World Cup Task Force executive director Andrew Giuliani informed President Trump of the suspension. As U.S. Soccer Federation officials prepared an appeal, Giuliani and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick engaged White House lawyers and investigated the referee's professional history. Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday. On Sunday, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced Balogun would receive a year-long probation instead, allowing him to play Monday—the first time a red card suspension was overturned since 1962. Trump publicly defended the decision at the White House, claiming the original call was not a foul and questioning the referee's integrity.
• FIFA Reverses Suspension of USMNT Player — FIFA reversed the red card suspension of USMNT player Folarin Balogun after personal intervention by former President Trump. This decision highlights the influence of political figures on international sports organizations and raises questions about the impartiality of sports governance.
• Trump Comments on FIFA Match and Election Integrity — Following the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team's loss to Belgium in the World Cup, President Trump commented on the match, suggesting that if the U.S. lost, it would be due to rigging, similar to his claims about the 2020 election. His remarks reflect a continued narrative of undermining trust in electoral integrity and the fairness of competitive outcomes.
• FIFA Allows Folarin Balogun to Play After Red Card Suspension — The Disciplinary Committee of FIFA announced that U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team forward Folarin Balogun would be placed on a year-long probation, allowing him to play in a World Cup match against Belgium despite receiving a red card in a previous game. This decision followed pressure from U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, who contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding the suspension. The ruling has sparked international criticism, with the Belgian soccer federation and UEFA expressing concerns over the integrity of FIFA's disciplinary processes.
• Trump intervened with FIFA to reinstate U.S. men's soccer team player; team lost 4-1 to Belgium in World Cup round of 16 — Trump meddled with FIFA to secure reinstatement of the U.S. men's national soccer team's best player, described as a birthright citizen. Despite this intervention, the American team lost 4-1 to Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 in Seattle. The loss prompted international criticism characterizing the U.S. as having used political corruption to influence FIFA. Multiple European media outlets and officials responded with mockery, including Belgium's defense minister and prime minister.

Supporting reports

• Trump commuted sentence of private equity executive convicted of fraud — The New York Times reported that Trump granted a commutation to David Gentile, a private equity executive convicted in 2024 of securities and wire fraud in a $1.6 billion scheme that defrauded thousands of investors. Gentile had served less than two weeks of a seven-year sentence. It is unclear whether he had connections to Trump or his allies.
• Trump released private equity executive David Gentile after 11 days of 7-year sentence — Trump released David Gentile, a private equity executive from Nassau County, New York, who had served less than two weeks of a seven-year sentence for his role in a $1.6 billion fraud scheme. Gentile was convicted in August 2024 of securities and wire fraud for defrauding 10,000 investors through GPB Capital funds, misrepresenting performance and using investor capital to make false distribution payments.
• Trump commuted sentence of private equity executive convicted of $1.6 billion fraud scheme — Trump commuted the sentence of private equity executive David Gentile, convicted in August 2024 of defrauding 10,000 investors in a $1.6 billion scheme involving securities and wire fraud. Prosecutors identified victims as small business owners, teachers, nurses, farmers, and veterans. A judge sentenced Gentile to seven years in prison. He reported to authorities on November 14, was incarcerated, and was released less than two weeks later after Trump's commutation.

Supporting reports

• Trump pardons Changpeng Zhao, Binance founder, amid crypto business ties — Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder and largest shareholder of Binance cryptocurrency exchange, who pleaded guilty in 2023 to violating anti-money-laundering laws and served a four-month sentence. Binance had inked a $2 billion investment deal with Trump family crypto firm World Liberty Financial, expected to yield tens of millions yearly to the Trump family. Trump admitted in a 60 Minutes interview he did not know who Zhao was, claiming he heard it was a "Biden witch-hunt." Legal experts characterized the pardon as pay-to-play and corrupt.
• 60 Minutes investigates Trump crypto empire and Binance pardon — According to Zach Guzman of Coinage Media, CBS's 60 Minutes is planning to release an investigation into the Trump family's growing cryptocurrency empire and Trump's controversial pardon of Binance founder CZ. The investigation focuses on World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's crypto project that launched a digital dollar (USD1) and is shopping it around to various entities. Binance inked a deal to accept $2 billion in USD1, which would allow the Trump company to collect interest payments potentially worth billions of dollars annually. The timing of the Binance deal and Trump's subsequent pardon of CZ raises questions about potential quid pro quo arrangements.

Supporting reports

• Trump solicits corporate donations for $300m White House ballroom project — Donald Trump announced a $300m ballroom project at the White House, funded by corporate and billionaire donors including Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Palantir, and others. Demolition of the entire East Wing began without prior public announcement or approval from the National Capital Planning Commission. Trump initially stated the project would cost $200m but increased the figure to $300m on Wednesday. House Democrats condemned the lack of transparency and secretive decision-making process.
• Trump raised $350 million in corporate donations for White House ballroom — Trump announced he has raised $350 million from corporate donors to fund the White House ballroom renovation, up from his initial estimate of $200 million, then $250 million, then $300 million. When asked how much he personally would contribute, Trump declined to provide a specific number. The project cost estimates have escalated repeatedly.
• White House releases list of donors to Trump ballroom project — The White House released a list of major corporations and individuals donating to Trump's ballroom project intended to replace the demolished East Wing of the White House. Donors include Google (whose CEO thanked Trump for resolving an antitrust case), Palantir (which holds lucrative ICE contracts), Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Coinbase, Ripple, and numerous others. Economist Robert Reich characterized the arrangement as "pay-to-play," noting that donors include companies with direct regulatory or contractual interests in Trump administration decisions.

Supporting reports

• Trump exempts fossil fuel products from universal tariff package — On Wednesday, President Trump announced a 10% universal tariff package that explicitly exempts many fossil fuel products, including liquefied natural gas imports, crude oil from Canada, and petrochemical materials. The exemption follows $96 million in campaign contributions from the fossil fuel industry to Trump's re-election effort. Environmental advocates characterized the carveout as evidence of Trump's prioritization of major oil donors over broader economic and climate interests, while the American Petroleum Institute publicly welcomed the decision.

Supporting reports

• Establishment of Strategic Bitcoin Reserve — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14233, establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the United States Digital Asset Stockpile. The order mandates the creation of custodial accounts for managing government-held Bitcoin and other digital assets, primarily acquired through forfeiture proceedings. The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with overseeing these reserves and developing strategies for their management, ensuring budget neutrality and compliance with applicable laws.
• Trump issues executive order establishing national bitcoin stockpile — On March 6, Trump issued an executive order establishing a national stockpile of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The order was issued the day before Trump's "crypto summit" and has drawn criticism from watchdogs for its economic risks and for benefiting bitcoin holders while exposing U.S. taxpayers to financial risk.
• Establishment of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the United States Digital Asset Stockpile. The order mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to create offices to manage these reserves, which will include Bitcoin and other digital assets obtained through forfeiture proceedings. The reserves are intended to enhance the strategic position of the U.S. in the global financial system. The order also requires agencies to report on their digital asset holdings and outlines conditions under which these assets can be used or disposed of.
• Trump establishes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve via executive order — On March 6, 2025, Trump signed an executive order establishing a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile," directing the federal government to acquire and hold bitcoin and other cryptocurrency assets. The announcement provided legitimacy to bitcoin by associating it with the world's largest economy. The article notes it is unclear how the American public benefits from such a stockpile, but the announcement boosted bitcoin prices and benefited bitcoin investors, including Trump himself.
• White House issues fact sheet on Strategic Bitcoin Reserve executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on March 6, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile. The order directs the Treasury Department to hold bitcoin seized through criminal and civil asset forfeiture as a non-sale reserve asset, authorizes the Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce to develop budget-neutral strategies for acquiring additional bitcoin, and requires agencies to report their digital asset holdings to Treasury and the President's Working Group on Digital Asset Markets.
• White House signed executive order establishing Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile — The White House signed an executive order on March 6, 2025, directing the Treasury Secretary to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve capitalized with all Bitcoin held by the federal government from asset forfeiture proceedings, and a separate Digital Asset Stockpile for other digital assets. The order requires agencies to inventory and transfer holdings within 30 days, prohibits sale of reserve assets except under specified conditions (victim restitution, law enforcement operations, state/local sharing, or legal requirements), and directs Treasury and Commerce to develop budget-neutral strategies for acquiring additional Bitcoin.