Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Justice Department filed statement of interest supporting Enbridge against Michigan pipeline regulation — The Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division and Civil Division filed a statement of interest in federal court supporting Enbridge Energy against Michigan's termination of the company's Line 5 pipeline easement. The DOJ argued that Michigan's 2020 notice terminating the easement improperly encroached on federal authority under the Pipeline Safety Act and interfered with exclusive federal foreign-affairs power over a U.S.-Canada treaty pipeline. Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson stated the federal government "already comprehensively regulates pipeline safety" and characterized Michigan's action as "state overreach."

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• House passes resolution honoring Charlie Kirk; internal Democratic divisions emerge — The House of Representatives passed a five-page resolution introduced by Speaker Mike Johnson honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed on September 10. The measure passed with 95 Democrats voting yes, 58 voting no, and 38 voting present. Democrats divided over whether the resolution misrepresented Kirk's record; some cited his opposition to the Civil Rights Act and antisemitic rhetoric. The vote reflected broader tensions over political polarization and concerns about government pressure on media following Kirk's death.

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• House Republicans propose 14 bills imposing federal crime policies on DC — House Republicans proposed 14 bills to impose "tough on crime" policies in Washington DC, with some approved by the chamber this week. The bills target the federal district without regard for community input or analysis, according to DC Democratic council chairman Phil Mendelson. The legislative push accompanies Trump's federal intervention in DC policing and reflects Republican efforts to override local governance in the nation's capital.

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• Republicans advance NDAA provisions to weaken PFAS protections for military service members — Republicans in Congress included provisions in both House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would indefinitely delay a ban on PFAS-laden firefighting foam, cut cleanup funding by $200 million, lift a moratorium on foam incineration, and repeal a military ban on purchasing goods containing the chemicals. The moves reverse five years of accumulated PFAS protections passed in prior defense bills. Service members and civilians near military bases have been exposed to contaminated drinking water, with PFAS linked to cancer, kidney disease, and immune disorders.

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• Senate Democrats block Republican spending bill over healthcare cuts — The GOP-controlled House passed a bill extending government funding through November 21 on a near party-line vote. Senate Democrats blocked it, citing inadequate protections for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies. Republicans rejected a Democratic counter-proposal to extend funding through October while preserving healthcare programs. The impasse risks a federal shutdown nine months into Trump's term, with both parties accusing the other of obstruction.
• House passed continuing resolution on September 19 — The House passed a continuing resolution on September 19 by a 217–212 vote, largely along party lines, to fund the government at current levels through November 21 and provide additional security funding for Congress members. One Democrat voted for the measure and two Republicans voted against it. Speaker Johnson subsequently informed members the House would not meet on September 29 or 30, forcing the Senate to either accept the House measure or face a shutdown.
• Senate rejected House continuing resolution on September 19 — The Senate failed to pass the House continuing resolution on September 19, with two Republicans voting no. Democrats refused to support any measure that did not extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that Republicans had cut in their July budget reconciliation bill and roll back some of that act's cuts to Medicaid. The Republican budget reconciliation law allows enhanced premium tax credits to lapse at year's end, which the Congressional Budget Office estimated will result in 4.2 million Americans becoming uninsured over the next decade.
• House passes seven-week government funding bill — The House of Representatives passed a seven-week government funding bill on a 217-212 vote, nearly along party lines, ahead of a September 30 shutdown deadline. Speaker Mike Johnson could afford to lose only two votes given unified Democratic opposition. GOP Representatives Thomas Massie and Victoria Spartz voted no, while Democrat Jared Golden voted yes. The short-term patch was crafted with minimal Democratic input, and Senate Democrats indicated the measure is expected to fail in the upper chamber, prolonging funding negotiations and shutdown risk.

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• Release of Ayman Soliman from ICE custody with visa status restoration — Ayman Soliman was released from Butler County Jail on September 19 after more than 10 weeks in ICE custody. His visa status was fully restored following legal intervention and community advocacy. The release represents a reversal of the initial detention and deportation threat, marking what advocates describe as a major setback to the Trump administration's deportation campaign.

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• Trump administration petitions Supreme Court to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — The Trump administration filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court on September 19, 2025, seeking to overturn a lower court order blocking the removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The administration cited unconfirmed mortgage fraud allegations predating her Fed appointment. Cook's lawyers argue the president lacks statutory authority to fire her. The filing represents an escalation in Trump's effort to gain political control over the Federal Reserve's traditionally independent board, following his installation of loyalist Stephen Miran as a governor.

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• Judge Merryday dismissed Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times — U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, threw out the defamation complaint filed by President Trump on September 15 against the New York Times. The judge called the complaint "decidedly improper and impermissible" and criticized Trump's legal team for using the lawsuit as a public forum for abusive language. The complaint contained eighty pages of praise for Trump and allegations against the Times before two defamation counts. Merryday imposed a forty-page limit on any amended complaint.
• Federal judge dismisses Trump's $15 billion libel lawsuit against New York Times — US District Judge Steven Merryday in Florida dismissed President Trump's $15 billion libel and defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, ruling that the complaint lacked "any legitimate legal claims." Merryday, a Bush appointee, gave Trump 28 days to file a revised complaint and ridiculed the original filing, stating that a complaint is not "a public forum for vituperation and invective" or "a megaphone for public relations."
• Federal judge tossed Trump's defamation lawsuit against New York Times — A federal judge dismissed Trump's defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, calling the complaint "improper and impermissible" and stating that "a complaint is not a public forum for vituperation and invective — not a protected platform to rage against an adversary." The judge ordered any revised complaint be limited to 40 pages.

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• House Democrats demand FCC Chair Carr's resignation over media pressure — Six House Democratic leaders, led by Hakeem Jeffries, issued a joint statement demanding the resignation of FCC Chair Brendan Carr, accusing him of "corrupt abuse of power" for bullying ABC into suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live. The lawmakers characterized the suspension as government-coerced censorship, warned of congressional investigations, and threatened to deploy "relentless unleashing of congressional subpoena power" to expose the truth to the American people.
• House Oversight Committee announced investigation into Trump administration pressure on media — House Oversight ranking member Robert Garcia announced he will launch an investigation to examine communications between the Trump administration, FCC officials, and media executives to determine whether political influence played a role in ABC's programming decisions. Garcia stated "We will not be silent as our freedoms are threatened by corrupt schemes and threats." The Oversight Committee has broad authority to subpoena documents and compel testimony.
• Rep. Eric Swalwell warned FCC officials of future accountability — Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) stated in committee that "There's going to be a Democratic majority in just over a year. To the FCC chairperson and anyone in involved in these dirty deals: get a lawyer and save your records because you're going to be in this room answering questions."
• House Democrats launched investigation into Kimmel suspension — Top Democrats on the House Oversight Committee launched an investigation into ABC, Sinclair, and the FCC over the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," writing in a letter to FCC Chair Carr that "this corrupt political intimidation is unacceptable." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his leadership team called for Carr to resign.

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• Federal judges block Trump administration deportations of Guatemalan children and Venezuelan TPS holders — A federal judge in Washington DC ordered the Trump administration to halt deportations of Guatemalan unaccompanied minors with active immigration cases, finding the administration's claim that parents requested deportation "crumbled like a house of cards." Separately, a three-judge appellate panel rejected the administration's attempt to pause a lower court ruling that found Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem lacked authority to end Temporary Protected Status for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans. The rulings protect vulnerable populations from forced removal.
• Federal judge blocks majority of Trump's March 25 election executive order — A federal judge blocked the majority of Trump's March 25 executive order "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections" after the order faced multiple legal challenges. The order had attempted to impose citizenship documentation requirements, withhold federal funding from states, and decertify voting machines.

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• US Supreme Court schedules oral arguments on Trump tariff legality — The US Supreme Court announced it will hear oral arguments on November 5, 2025, regarding the legality of President Trump's sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). A federal appeals court had ruled in August that Trump overstepped his authority by using a law meant for emergencies to impose broad tariffs without congressional approval. The case was placed on a fast track. A Supreme Court defeat could halve the current average US effective tariff rate and force repayment of tens of billions in collected tariffs.

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• Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejects Trump administration stay request on Venezuelan TPS ruling — The San Francisco-based Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause a September 5 ruling by Judge Chen that found Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem lacked authority to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans. The three-judge panel stated that vacating TPS "threw the future of these Venezuelan citizens into disarray, and exposed them to a substantial risk of wrongful removal, separation from their families, and loss of employment." The administration indicated it may appeal to the Supreme Court.

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• House Republicans propose $88m security spending in stopgap funding measure — House Republicans released a stopgap spending bill on Tuesday to fund government through November 21, including $88m in new security spending: $30m for congressional security, $30m for executive branch protective services, and $28m for Supreme Court justice security. The proposal was prompted by the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Democrats blocked the measure, demanding inclusion of healthcare provisions including ACA subsidy extensions and Medicaid restoration, creating a shutdown risk.

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• Senator Tammy Duckworth demands VA hospital evict ICE agents — On 17 September, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), a former Army helicopter pilot who lost both legs in combat, publicly demanded that Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins evict ICE agents from the Edward Hines Jr VA hospital parking lot, which had been used as a staging ground for immigration raids. Duckworth criticized the VA's cooperation with "reckless, paramilitary activities" that harm veterans and servicemembers by enabling deportations of family members with minimal due process.

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• William Barr testifies to House oversight committee on Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 death — Former Attorney General William Barr testified to the House oversight committee in an August deposition (transcript released September 17) reaffirming his conclusion that Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 death in federal custody was "undoubtedly suicide." Barr cited security camera footage, physical evidence, and Epstein's state of mind as supporting suicide. He acknowledged a camera blind spot but maintained the death was not a homicide. The committee is investigating Epstein's crimes and connections; former US Attorney Alex Acosta is scheduled to testify Friday.

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• Former CDC Director Monarez testifies that RFK Jr. operates without scientific basis — Susan Monarez, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions that Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is operating according to ideology without regard for science. Monarez stated that Kennedy fired her after she refused to approve changes to the childhood vaccination schedule without supporting research.
• Former CDC director testified she was fired for scientific integrity — Appearing before the Senate health committee, former CDC director Susan Monarez testified that she was fired for "holding the line on scientific integrity." She said she was directed to only work with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's political appointees at the agency, "and not to speak or work with career scientists." She also testified that RFK Jr. said "there was no scientific evidence associated with [COVID-19] vaccines," called the CDC "the most corrupt federal agency in the world," and said its employees "were killing children, and they don't care."
• Senator Cassidy warns against Kennedy-appointed immunization panel — Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) warned against the panelists that Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices after purging the panel responsible for making changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. Insurance companies also signaled they will disregard any changes made by Kennedy's panel and continue covering vaccines, indicating lack of confidence in the panel's scientific judgment.
• Susan Monarez testifies against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s actions — Former CDC director Susan Monarez testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, criticizing Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for operating based on ideology rather than scientific evidence. Monarez was fired by Kennedy after refusing to support changes to the childhood vaccination schedule without proper research.

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• House rejected Mace's resolution to censure Omar — By a vote of 214-213, the House rejected Rep. Nancy Mace's resolution to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar, preventing her removal from committees.

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• Georgia Supreme Court declines to hear Fani Willis appeal; disqualification from Trump case stands — The Georgia Supreme Court declined 4-3 to hear Fani Willis's appeal of her removal from prosecuting Donald Trump's election interference case. A lower appellate court had disqualified Willis in December 2024, citing an "appearance of impropriety" from her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The decision allows the appellate ruling and its new prosecutorial-removal standard to stand without further review. The case will be reassigned by the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, though finding a willing prosecutor remains uncertain.

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• Judge dismisses terrorism-related murder charges against Luigi Mangione — Judge Gregory Carro dismissed the two top state charges against Luigi Mangione—first-degree murder and second-degree murder, both framed as terrorism crimes—finding the evidence legally insufficient. Mangione remains charged with an additional second-degree murder count in state court and federal murder charges in the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The judge rejected double jeopardy and self-incrimination arguments by the defense.

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• Three former senior FBI officials sue Kash Patel for wrongful termination — Three former senior FBI officials, including one who served as acting director, filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel alleging wrongful termination. The lawsuit claims the FBI has become politicized under Patel's leadership, with allegations that Patel was instructed to fire agents who investigated Trump. The suit was referenced during Patel's Senate testimony, though he declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.

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• US appeals court blocks Trump's removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit declined to allow President Trump to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, upholding a lower court's temporary block. Trump had claimed Cook committed mortgage fraud before taking office; Cook denies the allegations and argues they are pretextual retaliation for her monetary policy stance. The 2-1 decision (Biden appointees Garcia and Childs in majority; Trump appointee Katsas dissenting) preserves Cook's seat ahead of a Fed policy meeting. The administration signaled intent to appeal to the Supreme Court.

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• Department of Justice sues Rhode Island education agencies over race-based teacher loan forgiveness program — The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Education and Providence Public School District, alleging that their "Educators of Color Loan Forgiveness Program" violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by excluding white teachers from up to $25,000 in student loan forgiveness available to teachers identifying as Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, or multiracial. The complaint seeks a declaration that the program discriminates on the basis of race, a permanent injunction halting the program, and equitable relief for excluded teachers. The program, established in 2021 in partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation, allocated $3.175 million over five years to recruit and retain up to 127 teachers of color.

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• Kash Patel testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee on FBI leadership and politicization allegations — FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his first oversight hearing since confirmation in February. Democratic senators pressed him on the politicized firing of top FBI agents, the transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a lower-security prison, and a premature arrest announcement in the Charlie Kirk murder investigation. Patel denied politicization claims, defended his leadership, and refused to provide specific numbers on agent departures, describing Democratic inquiries as seeking "media hits and fundraising clips."
• Patel stated assault weapons ban could reduce political violence — Sen. Amy Klobuchar asked FBI Director Kash Patel whether an assault weapons ban could result in fewer instances of political violence. Patel responded: "I think there are instances on this legislation that could prevent future attacks."
• Patel testified at Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on FBI resource allocation — FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee and claimed he was unaware that Baltimore's domestic terrorism squad had been wiped out to reassign agents to immigration enforcement. The hearing was highly combative, with Patel arguing with Democratic senators. Sen. Dick Durbin stated that political opponents should not be treated as enemies, and Sen. Cory Booker suggested Patel's tenure would be short-lived.
• FBI Director Kash Patel testified before Senate Judiciary Committee — FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his performance during the investigation into Charlie Kirk's murder and budget cuts at the agency. When questioned about Epstein case files, Patel stated that material in the files is limited and does not show Epstein trafficked girls to anyone other than himself, asserting "There is no credible information—none…that he trafficked to other individuals." Senator Adam Schiff expressed astonishment at this statement, and Patel yelled at Schiff when challenged on his assertion that the Bureau of Prisons alone made the decision to move Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security work camp.
• Sen. Kennedy asked Patel about Epstein trafficking victims — Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) asked FBI Director Kash Patel who, if anyone, Jeffrey Epstein trafficked young women to. Patel responded: "There is no credible information, none, that he trafficked to other individuals."

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• Senate committee launches investigation into oil industry lobbying over EPA endangerment finding rollback — The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led by ranking Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse, sent letters to two dozen corporations—including oil giants Exxon, Chevron, Shell, BP, coal producers, auto manufacturers, trade associations, law firms, and right-wing think tanks—requesting documents on their role in lobbying the Trump administration to rescind the EPA's 2009 endangerment finding. The finding established that greenhouse gases harm human health and underpins virtually all U.S. climate regulations. Democrats lack subpoena power but expect compliance; the investigation signals potential future action if Democrats regain congressional control.

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• Department of Justice sues Oregon and Maine over voter registration list disclosure — The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division filed lawsuits against Oregon and Maine, naming their respective Secretaries of State, alleging violations of the National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and Civil Rights Act of 1960. The suits charge that both states refused to provide unredacted electronic copies of statewide voter registration lists and information on voter list maintenance procedures. The DOJ stated both states provided identical information to a private organization but withheld it from the federal government.
• DOJ files lawsuits against Oregon and Maine demanding voter data — The Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Oregon and Maine seeking to compel disclosure of private voter registration data, including driver's license numbers and partial social security numbers. The lawsuits cite an executive order signed by President Trump on March 25 claiming, without evidence, that states have failed to protect voters from fraudulent voting. Oregon's Secretary of State and election experts argue the DOJ has no legitimate purpose for the data and plans to use it to substantiate false voter-fraud conspiracy theories and suppress voting.