Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Interior Secretary Doug Burgum indicates Trump reached out to Apple regarding Lake Ontario name change — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, appearing on Fox News, stated that President Trump has reached out to Apple directly regarding changing Apple Maps' designation of Lake Ontario to "Lake America." Burgum indicated that a change may be coming soon as a result of Trump's direct contact with the company.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America — President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing US federal agencies to refer to Lake Ontario as "Lake America," effective immediately. The order affected the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which sets the standard for official US maps. Google Maps complied, changing the lake's name for US users. The renaming escalated an existing trade dispute between the US and Canada involving 50% US tariffs on Canadian steel and Canadian retaliatory tariffs. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the renaming, citing the lake's Indigenous Wendat origin meaning "the lake is beautiful, the lake is great."

Supporting reports

• Google Maps changes Lake Ontario to Lake America — Google Maps changed the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on its app. Apple Maps has not made the same change.

Supporting reports

• Trump gloated about death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller on Truth Social — On Truth Social, President Trump posted that he was "glad" former FBI Director and Special Counsel Robert Mueller had died, stating "He can no longer hurt innocent people!" Mueller had led the investigation into Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia's interference efforts during Trump's first term. The post represents Trump's public celebration of the death of a former official who investigated him.
• Trump posted celebrating death of Robert Mueller — At 1:26 p.m. on March 22, Trump posted on social media: "Robert Mueller just died. Good, I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people! President DONALD J. TRUMP." Mueller, 81, was a lifelong public servant who served as a Marine Corps officer in Vietnam, became a federal prosecutor, and was appointed FBI director by President George W. Bush. In 2017, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election. Mueller's investigation resulted in charges against thirty-four people, including six Trump advisors, five of whom pleaded guilty.
• Trump attacked deceased Robert Mueller — Trump continued attacking Robert Mueller, the deceased former FBI director and special counsel, on Sunday. Representative Jason Crow, a veteran, responded by stating that Mueller's lifetime of service represents everything Trump is not, contrasting the former official's decorated military and law enforcement career with Trump's conduct.
• Trump posted celebrating death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller — Trump posted on social media: "Robert Mueller just died. Good, I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!" The post received widespread condemnation from members of both parties, including Republican Rep. Don Bacon and Fox analyst Brit Hume. Mueller was a decorated Marine Vietnam veteran with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart who served as FBI Director for 12 years. Former Presidents Obama and Bush issued respectful statements about Mueller's service and legacy.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed pardons for 77 election subversion conspirators — Trump signed pardons for 77 individuals involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, Sidney Powell, and fake electors who had already pleaded guilty. The pardons were signed Friday and announced Sunday night during government shutdown media coverage. The timing and announcement strategy obscured the action from public attention during competing news cycles.
• Trump withdrew endorsement from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene over Epstein file support — President Trump withdrew his endorsement from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on Friday, November 14, citing her support for releasing the Epstein investigation files. Greene stated the withdrawal was directly tied to her position on the transparency measure, representing a use of presidential political power to punish a member of Congress for supporting government disclosure.
• Trump withdrew endorsement of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene — President Trump announced he was "withdrawing my support and Endorsement of 'Congresswoman' Marjorie Taylor Greene" and attacked Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), calling him a "LOSER," in response to their votes in favor of releasing the Epstein files compiled by the FBI. Greene responded that Trump was "coming after me hard to make an example to scare all the other Republicans before next weeks vote to release the Epstein files," stating she would not "worship or serve Donald Trump."

Supporting reports

• Trump orders demolition of White House East Wing to build $300 million ballroom — President Trump ordered the demolition of the White House East Wing, which historically served as the office and workspace for first ladies since 1942. The demolition eliminates Melania Trump's official office space, despite her reported private concerns about the project. The East Wing will be replaced with a $300 million ballroom. The action removes institutional infrastructure that previous first ladies used to advance major policy initiatives and public health campaigns.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces plan to end birthright citizenship via executive order — Following the Supreme Court's Trump v. CASA decision, President Trump announced to reporters his intention to use an executive order to end birthright citizenship, claiming the Fourteenth Amendment was based on a misinterpretation of law and rooted in a fabricated historical narrative about the Civil War ending in 1869 and a case filed on that exact day concerning "babies of slaves."

Supporting reports

• Hegseth Orders Passive Approach to Juneteenth at Pentagon — The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, reportedly ordered a "passive approach" to Juneteenth messaging at the Pentagon, as per a Rolling Stone report citing a Pentagon email. This directive aligns with the Trump administration's broader campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the government, including the military. The Pentagon's office of the chief of public affairs indicated it would not publish web content related to Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black people in Texas.

Supporting reports

• Trump Seizes Control of Kennedy Center — In February 2025, President Donald Trump took control of the Kennedy Center by removing its former chair and firing its longtime president. He criticized the institution for being "too woke" and pledged to overhaul it. This move has led to a decline in ticket sales and cancellations by some performers. Trump's actions at the Kennedy Center are part of a broader effort to reshape cultural institutions in line with his administration's values.

Supporting reports

• Trump Announces Restoration of Confederate Base Names — During a speech at Fort Bragg, President Trump announced plans to restore the names of Army bases named for Confederate generals, defying Congress' decision to remove Confederate symbols. This move is part of a broader cultural and historical debate.

Supporting reports

• Trump Announces National Garden of American Heroes — President Trump announced plans to create a "National Garden of American Heroes," which will feature 250 statues to commemorate significant figures in American history. The project is intended to foster patriotism ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. However, reports indicate that the project faces significant logistical challenges, including a lack of available sculptors and foundries to meet the demands of the initiative.

Supporting reports

• US Defense Secretary Orders Renaming of USNS Harvey Milk — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the US Navy to remove the name of Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist and navy veteran, from a ship. The decision, announced during Pride month, is part of a broader initiative to align with the objectives of President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense priorities, which emphasize reestablishing a "warrior culture." The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet replenishment oiler, will be officially publicized on June 13. This move is part of a larger plan to rename other vessels named after historical icons.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order Shuts Down VoA Operations — An executive order signed by Donald Trump in mid-March has effectively shut down Voice of America (VoA) operations, taking them off the air and offline. This order has resulted in approximately 1,300 VoA employees being placed on leave. The order is part of a broader effort to dismantle the agency overseeing VoA, which has historically been a pro-democracy voice. A federal judge blocked the order to shutter VoA, but the ruling is currently under government appeal.
• Trump Administration's Executive Order Shuts Down Voice of America — In March, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), effectively shutting down Voice of America (VoA) and placing 1,300 employees on administrative leave. The order also canceled federal grants for sister outlets like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia. This move has been criticized as a crackdown on press freedom, with VoA's broadcasts going dark for the first time since World War II. A federal judge temporarily blocked the dismantling, but the situation remains unresolved as legal challenges continue.

Supporting reports

• Trump Administration Dismisses Scientists from Climate Assessment — The Trump administration informed nearly 400 scientists they would no longer contribute to the National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report. This decision affects the report's comprehensiveness and scientific integrity.
• Trump administration dismisses contributors to climate report — The Trump administration has dismissed nearly 400 contributors to the sixth National Climate Assessment (NCA), a key US government study on climate crisis preparedness. This assessment, mandated by Congress, is crucial for federal and local governments to plan for climate impacts such as extreme heat, hurricanes, flooding, and drought. The contributors, consisting of scientists and experts, were notified by email, leaving the future of the report, due in 2028, uncertain. The move has drawn criticism for undermining scientific integrity and leaving the nation vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive orders targeting Perkins Coie and Covington and Burling law firms — Trump issued executive orders targeting the law firms Perkins Coie and Covington and Burling, similar in structure to the Paul Weiss order. Perkins Coie was targeted over its ties to a lawyer who worked with Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign; Covington and Burling was targeted for representing former special counsel Jack Smith in litigation against the administration.
• Trump issues executive orders penalizing law firms Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie — President Trump issued executive orders targeting three major law firms—Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison—barring them from federal buildings, restricting agency interaction, and revoking security clearances from some lawyers. The orders were widely characterized as punitive retaliation against firms whose clients included former special counsel Jack Smith and Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. District Judge Beryl Howell blocked enforcement against Perkins Coie on 12 March, citing First Amendment violations. Paul Weiss reversed the order on 19 March after agreeing to $40 million in pro bono services.
• Trump warned law firms to "behave themselves" — After the settlement with Paul Weiss, Trump warned that "law firms have to behave themselves." The warning signals that the administration will use executive power to target firms that do not comply with its preferences.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14246 suspending security clearances of Jenner & Block employees, restricting federal contracts, and limiting government access to the law firm. — President Trump issued Executive Order 14246 on March 25, 2025, targeting Jenner & Block LLP. The order directs the Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence to suspend active security clearances held by firm employees pending review. It requires federal agencies to cease provision of government goods, property, and services to the firm. Agencies must review all contracts with Jenner & Block, terminate contracts where the firm provides services, require contractors to disclose business relationships with the firm, and restrict official access and engagement between federal employees and firm staff, including attorney Andrew Weissmann.
• Trump signs executive orders targeting law firms challenging his administration — President Trump signed multiple executive orders targeting major law firms (Jenner & Block, Covington and Burling, Perkins Coie, Paul Weiss) that have represented his political opponents or employed prosecutors involved in investigations into Trump. The orders threaten to revoke security clearances, deny access to government buildings, and require government clients to disclose representation by these firms. Trump also directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate lawyers blocking administration priorities. Paul Weiss capitulated and accepted Trump's demands; Perkins Coie obtained a temporary restraining order blocking its order.
• Trump issued executive order targeting law firm Jenner & Block, suspending security clearances and restricting federal contracts. — President Trump issued an executive order on March 25, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Jenner & Block LLP employees, cease provision of government goods and services to the firm, and review all federal contracts involving the firm for termination. The order alleges the firm engaged in "partisan lawfare," pro bono work undermining administration priorities, and employment discrimination. It specifically names attorney Andrew Weissmann and restricts federal employee engagement with firm staff.
• White House signed executive order targeting law firm Jenner & Block, directing suspension of security clearances and termination of federal contracts. — The White House issued an executive order on March 25, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Jenner & Block LLP employees, cease provision of government services and facilities to the firm, terminate federal contracts with the firm, and restrict official access and hiring of its employees. The order characterizes the firm as engaging in "partisan lawfare," pro bono activities deemed harmful to U.S. interests, and alleged racial discrimination. The order specifically names attorney Andrew Weissmann and directs agencies to submit compliance assessments within 30 days.
• Trump signed order targeting law firm with Mueller connection — Trump signed another executive order targeting a law firm that once employed Andrew Weissman, the former deputy to Robert Mueller, who investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election. The order suspends security clearances of the firm's employees, terminates government contracts, and orders a review of the firm's compliance with civil rights laws against racial bias.
• Trump administration stripped security clearances from law firms and barred attorneys from federal buildings — The Trump administration issued executive orders stripping security clearances from Perkins Coie and Paul, Weiss law firms and barring their attorneys from entering federal buildings, including courthouses. The chair of Paul, Weiss stated the move "could easily have destroyed our firm." The orders targeted firms representing Trump's opponents in litigation.
• Trump signed executive order encouraging disciplinary action against attorneys filing litigation against the administration — President Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to refer attorneys for disciplinary action if they file "frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious litigation" against the administration. Critics argue the order will have a chilling effect on litigation challenging government actions, and law firms have begun refusing to represent Trump's opponents out of fear of retaliation.
• Trump issues Executive Order 14250 suspending security clearances and restricting federal contracts with WilmerHale law firm — President Trump signed Executive Order 14250 directing the suspension of security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending national-interest review, cessation of federal goods and services to the firm, termination of government contracts with WilmerHale, restrictions on federal building access for firm employees, and guidance against hiring WilmerHale staff. The order cites the firm's pro bono work, representation of immigration and voting-rights cases, and employment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller as grounds for the action.
• Trump issued executive order targeting WilmerHale law firm with security clearance suspensions and federal contracting restrictions. — President Trump issued an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by WilmerHale employees, cease provision of government goods and services to the firm, require federal contractors to disclose business relationships with WilmerHale, review and terminate relevant contracts, restrict WilmerHale employee access to federal buildings, and limit hiring of WilmerHale staff. The order cites the firm's pro bono work, representation of immigration and election-related cases, and employment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller as grounds for the action.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14250 targeting WilmerHale law firm with security clearance suspensions, contract terminations, and personnel restrictions. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14250 on March 27, 2025, directing the suspension of security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending review, cessation of government provision of materials and services to the firm, termination of federal contracts with WilmerHale, restrictions on federal employee access to WilmerHale staff, and limitations on hiring WilmerHale employees into government. The order characterizes the firm's pro bono work and representation of clients as threats to national security and American interests, and specifically names former Special Counsel Robert Mueller and colleagues as examples of "weaponization of government."
• Trump signed executive order suspending security clearances for WilmerHale employees and terminating federal contracts with the firm — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, suspending security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending review, halting federal material and services to the firm, restricting employee access to government buildings, terminating WilmerHale contracts, and barring federal agencies from hiring the firm's employees without authorization. The fact sheet characterizes WilmerHale as engaging in partisan activities, racial discrimination, and obstruction of immigration enforcement.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14253 directing removal of exhibits and narratives from federal museums and historical sites deemed ideologically divisive, with authority delegated to the Vice President over the Smithsonian Institution. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14253 on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove exhibits, programs, and historical narratives from museums and monuments that the order characterizes as "divisive" or promoting "ideology" rather than "objective facts." The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution, directing the Vice President to work through his role on the Smithsonian Board of Regents to remove what the order calls "improper ideology." It instructs the Secretary of the Interior to audit and reinstate pre-2020 monuments and ensure all federal historical sites focus on "greatness" and "achievements" rather than narratives the order deems disparaging. Future appropriations are to be conditioned on prohibiting exhibits that "divide Americans based on race" or are "inconsistent with Federal law and policy."
• Trump issues executive order directing federal agencies to remove "ideological" content from Smithsonian Institution and federal historical sites — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing the Vice President, OMB Director, and Secretary of the Interior to remove what the order characterizes as "divisive, race-centered ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution, Independence National Historical Park, and other federal historical sites. The order mandates restoration of pre-2020 monuments and memorials, prohibits future federal funding for exhibits deemed to "degrade shared American values" or "divide Americans based on race," and requires the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to exclude recognition of transgender athletes. The order frames this as restoring "truth" and "sanity" to American history.
• Trump administration issues executive orders targeting law firms; two firms sue to block — The Trump administration issued executive orders halting business with five law firms (Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, Paul Weiss, Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie) and revoking security clearances of their attorneys, citing retaliation for the firms' representation of political opponents or employment of Trump critics. On Friday, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale filed federal lawsuits in Washington DC seeking to block the orders as unconstitutional. Perkins Coie had already successfully convinced a judge to block its order. Paul Weiss and Skadden reached settlements with the administration to avoid or withdraw orders.