Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump waives Russia sanctions legislation passed by Congress — President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 last month after bipartisan congressional passage, but issued an executive order on Friday waiving the sanctions, restrictions, and duties on Russia that were due to take effect on October 18. The legislation targeted Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers, and directed Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on top importers of Russian oil and gas. Trump's waiver comes amid his public criticism of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and a separate agreement to purchase Russian diesel.
• Trump waived Russia sanctions days before implementation — President Trump issued an executive order waiving sanctions on Russia that Congress had passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (86–11 in the Senate). The action drew immediate criticism from lawmakers of both parties, who characterized it as capitulation to Putin and a betrayal of Ukraine. Trump's stated rationale centered on reducing U.S. gas prices ahead of midterm elections on November 3, citing a diesel import deal with Russia. The move represented an escalation in Trump's alignment with Putin and contradicted congressional intent to pressure Russia economically during its invasion of Ukraine.
• Trump cancelled congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia — The Trump administration cancelled congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia. This action was part of a broader pattern of pro-Russia policy shifts including urging Europe to purchase more Russian gas, ordering military cutoff of Starshield satellite communications to Ukraine, and discussing joint economic projects with Russia.
• Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress had enacted — Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress, led by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, had pushed for. The action removed economic penalties previously imposed on Russia, reportedly as part of Trump's broader alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The waiver occurred amid Trump's simultaneous purchase of Russian diesel and his handling of Starlink connectivity over Ukraine during Russian military operations.
• Trump announced waiver of congressionally mandated Russia sanctions — Two days before congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia were set to take effect, Trump announced he would waive them. The sanctions had been enacted by Congress as a binding requirement, but Trump exercised executive authority to suspend their implementation, circumventing the legislative mandate.

Supporting reports

• Navy transfers payroll funds to combat operations amid Iran war costs — The U.S. Navy, bearing the brunt of Trump's military operations against Iran, is transferring money from payroll to combat operations, creating personnel pay shortfalls that officials are covering by raiding other accounts. The issue was raised in a July Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, where Defense Secretary Hegseth blamed the Biden administration rather than address the spending mechanism. A conservative defense analyst speculated the shortages reflect a deliberate political decision to avoid appearing to damage military readiness over an increasingly unpopular war.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon threatens to defund 30 universities over foreign academic partnerships — The Pentagon issued a directive ordering 30 US universities, including Harvard, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and Cornell, to review and terminate foreign academic partnerships deemed national security risks within two weeks (by August 31, 2026). The order targets ties to Chinese institutions and claims to protect taxpayer-funded research from unauthorized technology transfers and intellectual-property theft. Universities failing to comply face loss of federal funding.

Supporting reports

• Trump imposed tariffs under Section 301 of Trade Act of 1974 — When the 150-day deadline for Section 122 tariffs expired on Friday, July 25, 2026, Trump announced he was imposing tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the president to impose tariffs on countries using forced labor. A senior administration official stated the tariffs address forced labor, a focus Trump has maintained for years. Law professor Barry Appleton noted that Section 301 allows permanent tariffs without congressional approval, suggesting the administration is seeking to bypass Congress entirely.
• Trump imposed tariffs under Section 122 of Trade Act of 1974 — After the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA-based tariffs, the Trump administration invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose tariffs in the case of an international financial emergency. These tariffs were limited to 150 days.
• Trump imposes new tariffs under emergency powers — President Trump announced the imposition of new tariffs on products from over 60 countries, claiming authority under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs in cases of forced labor. This follows a previous Supreme Court ruling that struck down earlier tariffs as unconstitutional. The administration's approach is seen as an attempt to bypass Congress's authority to raise revenue, which is constitutionally reserved for the legislative branch.
• Supreme Court struck down Trump tariffs as unconstitutional — The Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unconstitutional. Following the ruling, Trump announced he would find alternative legal mechanisms to reimpose tariffs, stating "We have alternatives. Great alternatives."

Supporting reports

• Trump Allies Discuss National Security Emergency Executive Order — In a podcast, Stephen Bannon suggested that the narrative of a communist threat could serve as a justification for Trump to declare a national security emergency executive order. This order would encompass the SAVE America act and could lead to significant changes in governance and civil liberties.

Supporting reports

• US military fires attack drones on Iranian naval base at Bandar Abbas — The US military conducted a strike on Iran's Bandar Abbas naval base using one-way attack surface drones on July 12, 2026, according to video released by US Central Command. The strike resulted in explosions at the facility. This action represents an escalation in the exchange of fire between the US and Iran that prompted Senate Democrats to block the NDAA.
• Trump ordered airstrikes on Iran — In response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump ordered airstrikes against Iran. The strikes followed Iran's closure of the strait and attacks on commercial vessels near the Oman shoreline. Additional U.S. military strikes against Iran were launched on the night of July 12, 2026.
• US and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults — US and Iranian forces conducted heavy exchanges of missiles and drone attacks over several days. Iran targeted US facilities across the Gulf and declared the Strait of Hormuz closed. Trump declared an end to a ceasefire but left the door open for negotiations. CENTCOM reported US forces struck 140 Iranian military targets on Saturday out of more than 300 during three nights of strikes to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported destroying a command center and drone hangars in Jordan, targeting a radar site in Kuwait, and attacking US aircraft carrier support platforms in Oman and a jet maintenance center in Qatar.
• Trump announced blockade of Iranian shipping and claimed U.S. will charge fees for Strait of Hormuz passage — At 10:16 a.m., Trump announced via social media that the U.S. is reinstating a blockade of Iranian ships and customers while keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to all other nations. Trump declared the U.S. will be "the Guardian of the Hormuz Strait" and will charge a 20% fee on all cargo shipped through the waterway to reimburse costs of providing security. This represents a resumption of hostilities against Iran following a June 17 memorandum of understanding that Trump now considers void.
• Trump Declares US Control Over Strait of Hormuz — Former President Donald Trump announced that the United States will take control of the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% cargo fee on vessels passing through. This declaration has significant implications for international trade and maritime law, potentially escalating tensions in the region and affecting global oil prices.
• Trump Reverses Strait of Hormuz Fee — President Donald Trump reversed his decision to impose a 20% "reimbursement fee" on the Strait of Hormuz less than a day after announcing it. The fee was intended to be levied on countries using the strategic waterway, but the quick reversal suggests significant backlash or reconsideration of the policy's implications.
• Trump administration announces blockade and cargo fee plan — The Trump administration announced a plan to reinstate a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for Iranian ships and impose a 20% fee on all cargo passing through. This announcement, made by Trump on Truth Social, has led to a spike in energy prices. The plan's effectiveness in reopening the strait or reducing energy costs remains unclear. The administration's approach has not resolved the ongoing disruption in maritime traffic, which has been severely affected since the conflict began.
• U.S. offers insurance for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz — The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation announced it would insure losses up to $40 billion for tankers willing to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Despite this offer, most shippers remain unwilling to risk passage due to the ongoing threat from Iran's military tactics. The insurance initiative has not succeeded in restoring normal maritime traffic through the strait, which remains severely disrupted.
• Trump walked back military takeover of Strait of Hormuz, replacing toll fee with investment deals — Trump announced he was reversing his previous day's declaration that the U.S. military would seize the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% toll on cargo vessels. He stated he had decided instead to pursue trade and investment deals with Gulf States, claiming these would be "massive" but beneficial to those nations. Trump cited conversations with Middle Eastern leaders as the reason for the reversal, acknowledging the original plan was impractical and faced universal international opposition.
• Trump announced Iran blockade and Strait of Hormuz control — On July 15, Trump announced he was reimposing a blockade on Iran and that the United States would become "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT." Later the same day, he reversed course, claiming that Gulf allies had told him they would prefer to invest directly in the U.S. rather than pay tolls for strait passage.
• Trump announces blockade on Iran — President Trump announced the reimposition of a blockade on Iran, declaring the U.S. would act as the "guardian of the Hormuz Strait." This announcement follows a reversal of a previous proposal to charge Gulf allies for tolls, indicating a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Iran.

Supporting reports

• Trump formally notified Congress of resumed strikes on Iran — Trump formally notified Congress that the U.S. has resumed strikes on Iran, claiming the Pentagon has another 60 days to conduct strikes before the timeline specified by the War Powers Act expires. This notification follows Trump's earlier claim that hostilities had ended on April 7 with a ceasefire declaration, despite continued military operations and the maintenance of a blockade on Iranian ports.
• Trump notifies Congress of resumed strikes on Iran — On July 13, 2026, President Trump formally notified Congress that the U.S. has resumed military strikes against Iran, claiming that the Pentagon has another 60 days to conduct operations before needing congressional approval under the War Powers Act. This notification follows a pattern of circumventing congressional authority regarding military engagements.

Supporting reports

• Trump cancels housing bill signing event — President Trump canceled a scheduled signing event for the housing bill, citing the need for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act first. This cancellation reflects his prioritization of voter eligibility legislation over housing reform, which could impact public perception and support for his administration.
• Trump threatens to withhold housing bill signature — President Trump announced he will not sign a bipartisan housing bill into law until Congress passes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote. This announcement came after the Senate and House passed the housing measure aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability.
• Trump withholds signature on bipartisan housing bill pending passage of voter ID legislation — After the Senate and House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan housing affordability bill designed to increase housing supply and prevent private equity from purchasing single-family homes, Trump announced he would not sign it into law until Congress passes the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote and mandates states surrender voting rolls to the federal government. Trump cancelled a scheduled housing bill signing ceremony, declaring the voter ID measure a "National Emergency."
• Trump refuses to sign housing bill pending Senate passage of voting restrictions measure — President Trump refused to sign a major housing bill that had passed with bipartisan majorities in Congress, conditioning its approval on the Senate advancing the Save America Act, a voting restrictions measure. This represents a continuation of Trump's linkage of unrelated legislative priorities, previously connecting the housing bill's passage to renewal of a foreign surveillance law. The standoff has created a legislative logjam and prompted House Republican leadership to cancel scheduled votes.
• Trump canceled bipartisan housing bill signing hours before ceremony — Roughly an hour before Trump was scheduled to sign bipartisan housing legislation on Capitol Hill alongside Republican leaders, he canceled the signing via social media post, calling the bill "of minor importance" and demanding Congress pass the SAVE Act first. The presidential seal-emblazoned table sat waiting in Statuary Hall as some top Republicans were mid-speech or press conference touting the bill, unaware the president had canceled.
• White House Press Secretary contradicted housing bill signing announcement — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted hours before Trump's refusal to sign the housing bill, announcing that "Trump will sign into law the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, one of the most significant pieces of housing affordability legislation in American history," touting it as a bipartisan achievement and "promise made, promise kept." Trump then canceled the signing.
• Interior Department transferred taxpayer funds to Freedom 250 events — The Department of Interior transferred taxpayer money to the National Park Foundation for use in Freedom 250 events, and the National Park Service funded the Fourth of July fireworks display. Michael Scherer of The Atlantic reported this fact-check in response to Alexis Wilkins' claim that the celebration was not taxpayer-funded.
• Trump's construction projects carry over $1 billion in taxpayer costs — A New York Times analysis revealed that Trump's 18 major construction projects undertaken during his second term—including an East Wing ballroom, Kennedy Center renovations, National Garden of American Heroes, Lafayette Park, Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and others—carry a potential cost exceeding $1 billion, with significant taxpayer expense despite Trump's claims of private funding.
• Trump demanded Senate pass SAVE Act before signing legislation — Trump announced he would not sign any additional legislation until the Senate passed the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act), designed to restrict voting before the 2026 election. This conditional demand effectively halted all legislative activity and prompted House MAGA members to vote against procedural measures, leading Speaker Johnson to adjourn the House.
• Trump refused to sign bipartisan housing bill into law — President Trump declined to sign a landmark bipartisan housing bill after a midday confrontation with senators. The refusal followed Trump's demand that the Senate pass the SAVE Act to restrict voting before the 2026 election. Trump announced he would not sign any additional legislation until this voting-restriction measure advanced, effectively halting legislative activity and prompting Speaker Johnson to adjourn the House.
• House Freedom Caucus voted against procedural measures — Members of the far-right Freedom Caucus voted against procedural measures necessary for the House to conduct business, citing Trump's refusal to sign legislation as justification. Their obstruction rendered the House unable to accomplish any legislative work, prompting Speaker Johnson to adjourn members on Thursday.
• Senate Republicans voted against war powers resolution — Senate Republicans voted to reject advancing a war powers resolution that the Senate had passed the day before. The vote occurred after Trump's refusal to sign the housing bill and his confrontation with senators, appearing as an attempt to mollify the president following their brief assertion of independence.
• Trump canceled housing bill signing to leverage proof-of-citizenship voting requirement — President Trump canceled his scheduled signing of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act on Wednesday, June 25, stating he would not approve it until Congress passed his SAVE America Act, which includes a proof-of-citizenship voting requirement. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (85–5 in Senate, 358–32 in House). Under the ten-day pocket-veto rule, the bill becomes law without Trump's signature if Congress remains in session and he does not veto it; Speaker Johnson indicated Trump will ultimately sign.
• Rep. Luna refused to reopen House floor pending Senate return — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) announced she would not vote to reopen the House floor until the Senate returned to Washington to act on the SAVE Act. Luna criticized Senate Majority Leader Thune for obtaining unanimous consent to adjourn, saying "Thune is running and hiding."
• Rep. Luna shut down House floor over SAVE Act demand — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) shut down the House floor, preventing any legislation from being brought up, because the Senate had not acted on the SAVE Act. Luna froze the House despite the fact that shutting down the floor does not accomplish anything in the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson was unable to pass a rule or bring any legislation to a vote.
• Sen. Murkowski criticized Trump's housing bill obstruction — Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) told CNN's Manu Raju that Trump's decision to hold up his own agenda by demanding action on the SAVE Act was "not helpful to him" and "not helpful to the country." She noted that "If you don't have the votes, sir, you don't have the votes" and said Trump's actions do not help chances of keeping the GOP majority, as people want Congress to focus on issues affecting them at home.
• Sen. Whitehouse warned of Republican dissension and Trump's destructive intent — Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) warned that Thune may be growing fed up with Trump and that dissension in the Republican Caucus may be growing. Whitehouse suggested that "The realization may be dawning that Trump prefers to take them all down with him than fail alone."
• Senate Majority Leader Thune adjourned Senate for 19 days — Senate Majority Leader John Thune obtained unanimous consent to adjourn the Senate for 19 days after Trump's last-minute cancellation of the housing bill signing. Thune declined to comment on Trump's reversal, saying "I guess I would say at this point I don't have any observations."

Supporting reports

• Trump calls for military deployment in Chicago amid weekend shootings — Following at least seven deaths and dozens injured in multiple Chicago shootings over the weekend of June 21–22, 2026, President Trump posted on Truth Social demanding that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker accept national guard deployment, claiming he could make Chicago "safe in ONE MONTH." Pritzker has repeatedly rejected Trump's proposal to federalize state guard units and previously sued to block deployment. A non-partisan study found national guard presence in DC had minimal effect on violent crime.

Supporting reports

• US Park Police arrested David Hearn for touching pool liner — David Hearn, a 67-year-old three-time Olympic canoeist, was arrested by US Park Police on a charge of destruction of government property after he touched a piece of the Reflecting Pool's liner that was already peeling and partially detached. Hearn stated he did not vandalize or remove anything, only touched the flapping material. The arrest occurred at the Lincoln Memorial.
• National Guard arrested Olympic athlete David Hearn at Reflecting Pool — David Hearn, a three-time Olympian, was arrested by National Guard troops at the Reflecting Pool after leaving the site. Hearn stated he was detained for five hours, photographed, fingerprinted, held incommunicado, and never read his rights. He said he did not believe he had done anything wrong when approached by the troops.
• Trump threatens ten-year prison sentences for pool damage without due process clarity — President Trump posted on Truth Social that anyone found to have harmed or attempted to harm the reflecting pool faces a ten-year prison sentence, which "will be fully enforced." Trump asserted that six people have been arrested for allegedly damaging the pool, though only one arrest was confirmed: David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoe racer from Maryland, who claimed he was detained for five hours by national guard troops and park police merely for reaching into the pool to examine peeling coating.

Supporting reports

• White House considered invoking Insurrection Act against protest — According to Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and Vice President J.D. Vance pushed the idea of invoking the Insurrection Act to put down protests by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. They did so even after federal agents had shot and killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Vance argued that using troops to suppress Americans in the streets would be painful short-term but would send a message that protesters would never again disrupt ICE operations. While the act was not invoked at the time, the reporters note it "would remain a loaded weapon in a West Wing eager to test the limits of presidential power."

Supporting reports

• President Trump signs National Security Presidential Memorandum on AI in the National Security Enterprise — President Trump signed National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM-11) on June 5, 2026, directing the national security enterprise to accelerate AI adoption for military and intelligence use. The memorandum orders rapid deployment of advanced AI models from multiple vendors, establishment of high-security computing facilities, creation of an AI National Security Strategic Reserve, and updated guidance on weapon system autonomy. It rescinds the Biden Administration's NSM-25 and directs agencies to prevent unauthorized modification of AI systems warfighters depend on.
• White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-11 on AI in national security enterprise — President Trump issued NSPM-11 directing accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence across U.S. national security and military operations. The memorandum establishes four policy pillars: adoption (eliminating barriers to rapid AI deployment), adaptation (leveraging commercial and open-source AI), assurance (ensuring AI systems are reliable and controllable), and accountability (preventing censorship, ideological bias, and unlawful surveillance). The order directs agencies to update procurement processes, develop AI governance policies, establish computing facilities, hire AI talent, and create training curricula within 90–120 days. It rescinds National Security Memorandum-25.

Supporting reports

• U.S. military conducted strike on boat in Eastern Pacific, killing three people — U.S. Southern Command announced that at the direction of Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the U.S. military conducted a strike on a boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing three people. This followed a strike the previous day that also killed three people, bringing the total number of people killed by the Trump administration's boat strikes to more than 200.

Supporting reports

• U.S. carried out strikes in southern Iran while negotiating ceasefire — The U.S. conducted military strikes in southern Iran, described by officials as self-defense targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to lay mines near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reported shooting down a U.S. drone. The strikes occurred while negotiators worked toward a ceasefire in Qatar. By Friday, the administration claimed a peace deal was "very close," which Iran did not confirm. The White House had declared on May 1 that hostilities had "terminated," though fighting has continued.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration granted Clean Air Act compliance pauses to 180+ polluting facilities — The Trump administration granted a two-year pause on compliance with the Clean Air Act to more than 180 facilities, including coal power plants and medical sterilizers, that are polluting in 38 states and Puerto Rico. The administration invoked a presidential exemption claiming the technology to implement pollution standards does not exist and that compliance poses a national security risk. The exemption was justified by citing a purported national energy emergency related to emerging industries like artificial intelligence and data centers. This authority has never been used before, and other utilities report they are already using the pollution controls the administration claims do not exist. Democratic senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Adam Schiff introduced legislation requiring congressional approval for future Clean Air Act pauses.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced naval escort mission for ships in Strait of Hormuz, warning Iran against interference. — Trump posted on Truth Social announcing "Project Freedom," a mission to escort neutral ships out of the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday. He stated the US would guide ships safely through restricted waterways and warned that any interference with this "humanitarian process" would "have to be dealt with forcefully." The announcement framed the operation as assistance to countries uninvolved in the Middle Eastern dispute whose vessels are trapped due to the ongoing Iran conflict.
• Project Freedom collapses after Saudi and Kuwaiti blockade — Project Freedom, an apparent U.S. military initiative, collapsed after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked American military access. The blockade by key regional allies represents a significant diplomatic and strategic setback for the administration's Middle East posture.
• Trump announced and then abruptly halted "Project Freedom" military operation — Trump announced "Project Freedom" on social media as a way to break Iran's blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, surprising Gulf allies and angering leadership in Saudi Arabia. Top national security leaders spent much of Tuesday publicly briefing about the effort at the Pentagon and White House. Approximately 36 hours after the announcement, Trump abruptly halted the operation. The reversal came after Saudi Arabia suspended the U.S. military's ability to use Prince Sultan Airbase and Saudi airspace to carry out the operation. A call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince MBS did not resolve the issue. Other close Gulf allies, including Qatar, were also caught off guard by the announcement and had not been consulted beforehand.
• Project Freedom Collapses After Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Block U.S. Military Access — Project Freedom, a U.S. military initiative, has collapsed after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked U.S. military access. This development marks a significant setback for U.S. military strategy in the Middle East and reflects shifting alliances and regional dynamics.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced "Project Freedom" to escort merchant ships through Strait of Hormuz — President Trump announced that on Monday the U.S. will launch "Project Freedom," an effort to escort stranded merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command stated that Project Freedom will include "guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members." Iran has stated that the use of U.S. Navy ships for escort would violate the ceasefire; it is unclear whether Navy ships will participate. Trump characterized the effort as "humanitarian," citing ships stuck from the strait's closure running low on supplies and facing sanitation problems, though the administration is clearly attempting to challenge Iran's control of the strait.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration claims War Powers Resolution compliance by declaring Iran war "terminated" despite ongoing blockade — The Trump administration argued on Friday that it did not require congressional approval under the 1973 War Powers Resolution at the 60-day mark because the war with Iran had "terminated" on April 7, despite the U.S. continuing to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports—an act of war. When asked how the war could be terminated while the military enforced the blockade, Trump told reporters it was a "very friendly blockade" that "nobody's even challenging." Senator Tammy Duckworth challenged the claim as false, noting that U.S. and Iranian ships were exchanging missile fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Secretary of State announces shift in military operations against Iran — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the military operation known as Epic Fury against Iran has concluded, transitioning to a new phase called Project Freedom, which aims to open the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes after the deadline set by the War Powers Act for congressional approval of military action.
• Secretary of State Rubio announced end of Operation Epic Fury and transition to Project Freedom — Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign against Iran, is concluded and the administration is transitioning to Project Freedom, an effort to open the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came after the May 1 deadline imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act, which required either congressional approval or withdrawal of troops within 60 days of notifying Congress of military action.
• Trump claims war has "terminated" to avoid War Powers Act compliance — The Trump administration insists the war with Iran has "terminated," a characterization that would exempt the president from the requirement under the 1973 War Powers Act to either withdraw troops or obtain congressional approval for continuing military actions. This claim is made despite ongoing military exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz.

Supporting reports

• President exempts Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-07, exempting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from Federal, State, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for one year (April 20, 2026–April 20, 2027). The exemption applies to operations subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Ass'n v. Meink. The determination invokes section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, citing paramount national interest. Certain statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317) remain applicable.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation essential to national defense, waiving procedural requirements. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-08, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains, mining, logistics, terminals, and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination cites a prior national energy emergency declaration and asserts that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-10 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act to declare grid infrastructure and supply chains (transformers, transmission lines, substations, power electronics, and related materials) essential to national defense. The determination finds that domestic production capacity is dangerously limited and foreign-dependent, posing a threat to defense readiness. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic manufacturing capability.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity as national defense priority. — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-11 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity essential to national defense. The determination, published April 23, 2026, finds that without federal action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand domestic petroleum capacity.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity as national defense priority — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-12 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints, permitting delays, and infrastructure bottlenecks. The President waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to prioritize large-scale energy infrastructure development, manufacturing, and deployment as essential to national defense. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-09, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, made pursuant to Executive Order 14156 (declaring a national energy emergency), finds that domestic capability cannot be met under existing market conditions due to financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• Trump invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal purchases and financial support for domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity constitute industrial resources essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The memorandum, issued pursuant to a January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand petroleum infrastructure, citing constrained financing, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations as barriers. The determination waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act regulations — President Trump signed a Presidential Determination on April 20, 2026, granting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada a one-year exemption from certain Clean Water Act regulations. The fact sheet states the exemption prioritizes national security and military readiness while claiming compliance with "toughest Federal standards." The determination removes what the administration characterizes as "unnecessary obstacles" to pilot training and operational effectiveness.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal action on large-scale energy infrastructure development and financing — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to a prior national energy emergency declaration (Executive Order 14156), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic energy infrastructure capability, citing financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers as obstacles. The memorandum waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that grid infrastructure and supply chains—including transformers, transmission lines, substations, and related equipment—are essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The determination, issued pursuant to the January 20, 2025 National Energy Emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic production capacity. The memorandum waives procedural requirements of Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) to expedite implementation.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity — President Trump issued a Presidential Determination under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, declaring natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity to be industrial resources essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to the national energy emergency declared in Executive Order 14156 (January 20, 2025), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, financial commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure, waiving standard procedural requirements under the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act to expand coal supply chains and baseload power generation — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The memorandum directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination, including making purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand coal supply chain capacity and baseload generation availability, and waives certain procedural requirements of the Act.
• White House issues presidential memorandum exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, exempting the U.S. Air Force's jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from federal, state, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for a one-year period (April 20, 2026 to April 20, 2027). The memorandum cites section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and notes that some operations are subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Association v. Meink. The exemption does not apply to certain specific statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317).
• Trump signs memos invoking Defense Production Act to expand domestic fossil fuel production — On Monday, President Trump released multiple memoranda citing his January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, directing the energy secretary to expand US oil, coal, and natural gas production under the Defense Production Act. Trump claimed inadequate domestic energy supply poses a national security threat and ordered federal action to ensure "resilient domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity." The memos authorized the energy secretary to make purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to enable fossil fuel projects.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened renewed military action if ceasefire terms not met — By Wednesday night, Trump backed away from celebratory statements about the ceasefire and posted a lengthy threat that all U.S. military assets would remain in place around Iran until the "REAL AGREEMENT" was fully complied with. He threatened that if compliance did not occur, "the 'Shootin' Starts,' bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before," and reiterated demands that Iran have no nuclear weapons and the Strait of Hormuz remain open.
• Trump threatens military action against Iran while contradicting his own deal claims — Trump posted threats on Truth Social declaring that all U.S. ships, aircraft, and military personnel will remain positioned around Iran until the "REAL AGREEMENT" is fully complied with. He threatened that if compliance does not occur, "Shootin' Starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before." Trump also announced that Iran agreed to no nuclear weapons and an open Strait of Hormuz—terms that directly contradict his simultaneous claim that the ten-point framework is a fake hoax, since those terms originate from that framework. He stated the U.S. military is "Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest."
• Trump threatened renewed military action against Iran — Trump posted on Truth Social that all U.S. ships, aircraft, and military personnel will remain in place around Iran with additional ammunition and weaponry for the "lethal prosecution and destruction" of Iran until the ceasefire agreement is fully complied with. He stated that if compliance does not occur, "the 'Shootin' Starts," bigger and stronger than ever before. He also reiterated that no nuclear weapons and an open Strait of Hormuz were agreed terms.

Supporting reports

• White House officials told Trump Iran's civilian infrastructure is legitimate wartime target — According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal, Trump's aides have been advising him that Iran's civilian infrastructure is a legitimate wartime target, contrary to expert consensus that such attacks are illegal under international law. Defense Secretary Hegseth has embraced this argument, claiming that attacking infrastructure would impede Iran's nuclear weapons development. A White House official added that destroying electric plants could foment civil unrest to further hinder nuclear production.

Supporting reports

• Endangered Species Committee votes to exempt Gulf of Mexico oil and gas drilling from ESA protections — The Endangered Species Committee, convened for the first time in over 30 years, voted unanimously to grant an exemption from the Endangered Species Act for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested the exemption citing national security concerns related to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and global energy prices. The exemption could jeopardize the Rice's whale (51 remaining), whooping cranes, sea turtles, and other marine species. Environmental groups have pledged legal challenges.
• Endangered Species Committee grants exemption for Gulf of America oil and gas activities from Endangered Species Act requirements — The Endangered Species Committee, by unanimous vote on March 31, 2026, granted an exemption under section 7(h) of the Endangered Species Act for Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities based on a national security finding by the Secretary of War. The exemption exempts federal agencies from consultation, jeopardy, and adverse modification mandates, and prohibits the taking of endangered species in connection with covered oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities in federal and state waters of the Gulf of America.
• Complaint filed — Healthy Gulf v. Endangered Species Committee, Secretary of Defense (D.D.C. 1:26-cv-01118) — Conservation nonprofits filed a complaint challenging an Endangered Species Committee decision issued March 31, 2026, granting a categorical exemption excusing all oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America from Endangered Species Act requirements. The exemption was based on a March 13, 2026 National Security Finding by the Secretary of Defense asserting that litigation threatens national security. Plaintiffs allege the Committee bypassed mandatory ESA procedures, including public hearings and formal reports, and that the Finding lacks evidence of irreconcilable conflict between species protection and oil production. Plaintiffs seek declaratory relief and vacatur of both the Finding and the Exemption.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order directing DHS to immediately pay TSA agents during partial shutdown — President Trump signed an executive order on Friday, March 28, 2026, instructing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents who had gone without pay for over 42 days due to a partial government shutdown. The order came after House Republicans rejected a Senate-passed funding deal for key DHS subagencies. Trump blamed Democrats for prioritizing "criminal illegal aliens" over American citizens. DHS confirmed TSA began paying its workforce immediately, with officers potentially receiving paychecks by March 30. The shutdown had caused nationwide staffing shortages, record airport wait times, and nearly 500 TSA resignations.
• Trump signs presidential memorandum directing DHS to pay TSA employees from available funds — Trump signed a presidential memorandum late Friday, March 28, directing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to restore pay to TSA employees who had missed two paychecks. The memo instructed the secretary to redirect funds "that have a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations" to cover accrued pay and benefits. White House border czar Tom Homan stated the measure was "a start" but acknowledged thousands of other DHS employees remained unpaid and that ICE deployment at airports would continue pending TSA staffing recovery.
• Trump announces emergency order to pay TSA agents — President Trump announced he would sign an emergency order to pay TSA agents who have gone unpaid for over a month, although the legality and source of the funding remain unclear. This announcement came amid growing airport congestion and dissatisfaction with the handling of TSA funding.
• Trump issued executive order to pay TSA employees during 44-day DHS funding impasse — During a record-breaking 44-day Department of Homeland Security funding impasse, Trump issued an executive order to authorize payment of TSA employees. The shutdown resulted from Republican infighting between the House and Senate over DHS funding, with House Republicans rejecting a Senate proposal. House Speaker Johnson sided with House Republicans against Senate Majority Leader Thune's approach. TSA agents reported receiving only partial paychecks despite the executive order authorization.
• Trump declared national emergency to pay TSA officers during DHS shutdown — The White House issued a fact sheet stating that President Trump declared a national emergency to authorize payment of TSA officers who had gone unpaid during a Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The document claims Trump also deployed ICE officers to major airports to assist with crowd control and security. The fact sheet cites media reports indicating that TSA wait times improved after workers received back pay and absenteeism declined.
• Trump signs executive order directing TSA back pay during DHS partial shutdown — Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Transportation Security Administration to pay employees back pay during an ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. TSA employees received retroactive paychecks covering at least two full pay periods on Monday. The order instructed DHS to use funds with "reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations" to cover salaries. Airport security lines reportedly shortened following the payment. Congress remains deadlocked over DHS funding, with Democrats and Republicans disagreeing over guardrails on immigration enforcement operations.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces executive order directing DHS to pay TSA agents immediately amid funding standoff — President Trump announced he will sign an executive order instructing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents who have gone without pay for over a month due to a partial DHS shutdown. TSA staffing shortages have caused record airport delays and nearly 500 agents have quit. The order addresses an impasse where Democrats have refused to fund DHS without ICE accountability reforms, while Trump has demanded Democratic support for the Save America Act, which would tighten voter registration and identification requirements.
• Trump signs executive order to pay TSA agents during shutdown — President Trump announced via Truth Social that he would sign an executive order directing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately pay 50,000 TSA agents during the ongoing DHS shutdown. Trump invoked a national emergency to justify the action. Senate Majority Leader Thune acknowledged the order as a "short-term solution" that takes "immediate pressure off" Congress to reach a funding deal.
• Trump signs executive order to pay TSA workers during shutdown — President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay 60,000 airport security workers, declaring an "unprecedented emergency situation." The order came as TSA officers went weeks without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown. Trump blamed Democrats for the shutdown, accusing them of prioritizing "criminal illegal aliens over American citizens." Acting TSA Chief Ha Nguyen McNeill reported that 40% of officers had stopped reporting to work and nearly 500 had quit since the previous month.
• Trump announced emergency order to pay TSA agents — President Trump announced he would sign an emergency executive order to pay TSA agents who had been without paychecks for over a month. The announcement came after the contrast of unpaid TSA workers and paid ICE agents created public pressure on the administration. It remained unclear where the funding would come from or whether the executive action to appropriate funds—a power constitutionally vested in Congress—was legally permissible.
• White House issued memorandum directing DHS and OMB to pay TSA employees during government shutdown — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on March 27, 2026, directing the Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of the Office of Management and Budget to use funds with "reasonable and logical nexus" to TSA operations to compensate approximately 60,000 TSA employees, including 50,000 security officers, who had not been paid during an ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The memorandum characterizes the situation as an emergency compromising national security due to security wait times and staff attrition.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announced ICE agents would replace TSA agents — The Trump administration announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would take the place of some Transportation Security Administration agents. Former national security officials noted that the legality of moving ICE agents into TSA positions is unclear.
• Tom Homan announced ICE deployment to airports beginning next day — When asked on CNN whether ICE agents would move into American airports starting the next day, Tom Homan responded: "Yes. I'm currently working on the plan. We'll execute tomorrow." When pressed on whether ICE agents are trained to handle airport security, Homan claimed they "receive high-level training" and compared the task to "guard an exit to make sure no one comes through that exit." Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries expressed concerns about untrained ICE agents potentially brutalizing or killing Americans at airports.
• Trump announced ICE deployment to airports to assist TSA — Trump announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be deployed to airports to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Border Czar Tom Homan acknowledged there was no detailed operational plan beyond "guarding exits." The deployment positioned immigration enforcement as airport security during a period when international tourism and the World Cup were approaching.
• ICE agents deployed to US airports to assist TSA amid government shutdown — President Trump and border czar Tom Homan announced and deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to major US airports beginning Monday, March 23, to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents with security screening and exit monitoring. The deployment occurred amid a partial government shutdown that began February 14, leaving TSA agents unpaid for over a month. More than 400 TSA agents have resigned and others called out sick, creating hours-long security lines. Homan stated ICE officers would handle non-specialized tasks like monitoring exits to free TSA agents for screening duties, though operational details remained unclear.
• Trump deploys ICE agents to US airports during TSA shutdown — President Trump deployed ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents to 11 major US airports on March 23, 2026, as TSA screening agents went unpaid during a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The deployment occurred amid a budget impasse triggered by Democratic demands for accountability following ICE killings in Minneapolis and documented warrantless detention practices. TSA agents missed their second paycheck, with hundreds reportedly quitting and many refusing to report for duty, causing security lines to stretch for hours across the country.
• ICE agents were deployed to U.S. airports in tactical gear. — Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports across the country, where they appeared in tactical gear. Travelers and media posted videos of agents "milling around in tactical gear mostly doing absolutely nothing other than getting in people's way." Trump stated ICE would arrest undocumented migrants at airports and indicated the National Guard could be deployed if needed. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move as part of Trump's standard playbook.
• Trump administration deployed ICE agents to major airports — President Trump confirmed that his administration would deploy ICE agents to major airports across the country on March 23, ostensibly to assist TSA agents who had been working without pay for over a month due to a Department of Homeland Security shutdown. At least one person was violently arrested by ICE at an airport following the announcement. Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon subsequently stated on his podcast that the deployment could serve as "a test run…to really perfect ICE's involvement in the 2026 midterms," calling it "perfect training."
• Trump administration deploys ICE agents to airports for security support amid TSA staffing crisis — The Trump administration deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to U.S. airports to provide "non-specialized security support" including exit lane manning, crowd management, and line control. This deployment follows a partial government shutdown since mid-February that has caused TSA officer shortages—more than 450 TSA officers quit during the shutdown—and long security lines. Acting TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News ICE would help alleviate challenges facing TSA officers. The shutdown stems from Senate disagreement over immigration enforcement reforms tied to TSA funding.
• Trump deploys ICE agents to airports amid DHS funding shutdown — President Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports on Monday, citing the need to ease congestion at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints caused by the ongoing DHS funding lapse. The funding shutdown, which began in mid-February, has resulted in hours-long security lines at some airports. Trump framed the ICE deployment as a response to operational necessity, though the move places immigration enforcement personnel in civilian airport security roles during a period when Democrats are demanding stronger oversight of immigration agents.