Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• DEA publishes notice of Maridose LLC application to import controlled cannabis substances — The Drug Enforcement Administration published a notice that Maridose LLC, a Maine-based company, has applied for registration as an importer of controlled cannabis substances—marihuana extract, marihuana, and tetrahydrocannabinols (Schedule I)—for sale to research facilities for drug testing and analysis. The DEA is accepting public comments and hearing requests from registered bulk manufacturers and applicants through April 25, 2025, before deciding whether to approve the registration.
• Fisher Clinical Services, Inc. applies to import controlled substances — Fisher Clinical Services, Inc. has applied to the Drug Enforcement Administration to be registered as an importer of certain controlled substances, including marihuana and tetrahydrocannabinols, for use in clinical trials. The application is open for public comments and objections until April 14, 2025. The registration will not authorize the import of finished dosage forms for commercial sale.
• Sterling Wisconsin, LLC applies for controlled substances manufacturing — Sterling Wisconsin, LLC has applied to the Drug Enforcement Administration to be registered as a bulk manufacturer of several controlled substances, including lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin. The application was submitted on January 30, 2025, and interested parties may submit comments or request a hearing by May 27, 2025. The company plans to manufacture these substances for commercial sale, with some being produced synthetically.
• DEA publishes notice of Stepan Company's application to register as bulk manufacturer of controlled substances — The Drug Enforcement Administration published a notice on April 18, 2025, that Stepan Company, based in Maywood, New Jersey, has applied for registration as a bulk manufacturer of controlled substances. The company seeks authorization to bulk manufacture cocaine (Schedule II, drug code 9041) and ecgonine (Schedule II, drug code 9180) for use as internal intermediates or for sale to customers. The DEA is accepting public comments and hearing requests from registered bulk manufacturers and other applicants through June 17, 2025, before deciding whether to grant the registration.
• Stepan Company applies to import controlled substances — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that Stepan Company has applied to be registered as an importer of coca leaves, a Schedule II controlled substance. The company intends to import these substances to manufacture other controlled substances for distribution. Comments or objections to the application must be submitted by April 9, 2025. The DEA will approve permit applications only if the business activity aligns with authorized uses under 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2).

Supporting reports

• Democrats express outrage over illegal firings — Following the announcement of the firings of inspectors general, Democrats expressed outrage, and some Republicans also raised concerns, requesting an explanation from the White House regarding the legality of the actions taken by Trump.

Supporting reports

• Council of Inspectors General responds to firings — Hannibal “Mike” Ware, chair of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, recommended that the Director of Presidential Personnel consult with White House Counsel regarding the legality of the firings of inspectors general, citing the requirements of the 2022 law.

Supporting reports

• Trump DOJ fires prosecutors involved in investigations against him — The Department of Justice, under Acting Attorney General McHenry, terminated several career prosecutors who were involved in investigations of former President Trump. This action is framed as part of an effort to end the "weaponization of government" and aligns with Trump's agenda. The firings raise concerns about the independence of the DOJ and its role in upholding the rule of law.
• Trump administration fires DOJ lawyers in criminal cases — The Trump administration fired more than a dozen DOJ lawyers involved in two criminal cases against the president. This action raises concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and potential interference in legal proceedings.
• Trump justice department fires officials linked to Jack Smith — On January 27, 2025, Acting Attorney General James McHenry fired over a dozen federal prosecutors who had worked on criminal cases against Donald Trump. These prosecutors were part of Special Counsel Jack Smith's team, which had charged Trump in two cases related to mishandling classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. The firings were justified by McHenry as necessary because the prosecutors could not be trusted to implement the president's agenda. This move is part of broader personnel changes within the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
• Trump fires federal prosecutors involved in his prosecutions — On January 27, Trump’s acting attorney general fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors who were involved in the criminal prosecutions against Trump. The official stated that the acting attorney general “does not trust these officials to assist in faithfully implementing the President’s agenda.”
• White House directed firing of special counsel prosecutors — The Justice Department, following instructions from the White House, fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors involved in criminal prosecutions against Donald Trump. The firings were directed by the acting Attorney General, James McHenry, and were linked to a memo from the White House personnel office. This action has raised concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and its potential use as an extension of the White House. The prosecutors were dismissed due to their roles in prosecuting Trump, which was seen as incompatible with the president's agenda.

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• DOJ removes database of Jan. 6 insurrectionists' charges — The Department of Justice removed a database listing the criminal charges and convictions of individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection. This action raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the handling of cases related to the insurrection.

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• New York doctor indicted in Louisiana over abortion pill prescription — Dr. Margaret Carpenter, a New York doctor, was indicted by a Louisiana grand jury for allegedly prescribing an abortion pill online to a minor in Louisiana. The indictment includes charges against Carpenter, her company Nightingale Medical PC, and the minor's mother for criminal abortion by means of abortion-inducing drugs. This case marks the first criminal charges against a doctor for sending abortion pills to another state since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Louisiana has a near-total abortion ban, and the state recently reclassified abortion pills as controlled dangerous substances.

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• Florida Legislature rejects Desantis's migrant deportation plan — The Florida House and Senate rejected Governor Ron Desantis's request for a special session to enact migrant deportation policies. Instead, they appointed Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to oversee state deportation efforts in coordination with the Trump Administration. This decision sidelines Desantis and aligns with Trump's immigration strategy, reflecting internal Republican dynamics and potential impacts on Desantis's political ambitions.
• Florida legislature passes Trump Act — The Florida legislature passed the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (Trump) Act, which includes provisions to eliminate in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. The act, modified with White House assistance, is part of a broader immigration agenda. Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the act as insufficiently stringent compared to his proposals and has promised to veto it. The passage of the act reflects ongoing legislative efforts to reshape immigration policy in Florida.
• Florida House Speaker ends special legislative session — Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez abruptly ended a special legislative session on immigration that Governor Ron DeSantis had summoned. The session was intended to address immigration measures, including the controversial Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (Trump) Act. Perez's action came amid tensions between DeSantis and Republican lawmakers over immigration policies, including the proposed removal of in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. The session's abrupt end highlights the ongoing power struggle within Florida's Republican Party.

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• Judge Griffin attempts to overturn election of Justice Alison Riggs — Judge Griffin is attempting to overturn the election of Justice Alison Riggs to the North Carolina Supreme Court. This legal battle is ongoing, with court dates set and public support mobilizing to defend the election outcome. The case highlights issues of judicial independence and electoral integrity in the face of challenges to democratic processes.
• North Carolina GOP attempts to overturn election results — In North Carolina, the GOP is attempting to overturn the election results for the NC Supreme Court seat won by Justice Alison Riggs. This effort involves Judge Griffin's attempt to discard 60,000 votes, which has sparked significant opposition from organizations like Common Cause NC and Emancipate. These groups are mobilizing efforts to raise awareness and counteract the GOP's actions, which are seen as an attempt to undermine democratic processes similar to tactics used in the 2020 election.

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• Kristi Noem confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security — Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, was confirmed by the US Senate as the Secretary of Homeland Security. The confirmation vote was 59-34, with support from seven Democrats. Noem will oversee agencies such as US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Her confirmation aligns with President Trump's plans to enforce stricter immigration policies. Noem has pledged to execute the president's orders and has previously supported sending national guard troops to the border.
• Noem confirmed by Senate as DHS Secretary — On January 25, 2025, the Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary by a vote of 59–34, with some bipartisan support. She was sworn in the same day and resigned as South Dakota governor to assume the position. Within days, she joined federal immigration enforcement operations, including raids targeting undocumented immigrants in New York.
• Kristi Noem confirmed as DHS Secretary — Kristi Noem was confirmed as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Her confirmation was supported by seven Democratic senators, despite concerns about her stance on immigration and other security issues. Noem's appointment is part of Trump's broader strategy to reshape the federal government with loyalists.
• Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as defense secretary — The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking a 50–50 tie. Hegseth's lack of relevant experience and past controversies raised concerns, but Republican senators ultimately supported his nomination. This marks a significant shift in the qualifications expected for such a critical position.

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• Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation hearing for Trump — Tulsi Gabbard is set to have her confirmation hearing this week for a position in Trump's administration. Her appointment has been controversial due to her past political positions and affiliations. The hearing will be closely watched as it may reveal more about Trump's administration's priorities and direction.
• Tulsi Gabbard's Senate confirmation hearing — Tulsi Gabbard, nominated by Donald Trump for the position of national intelligence director, faced a challenging Senate confirmation hearing. Senators questioned her past statements and positions on figures like Edward Snowden, Bashar al-Assad, and Vladimir Putin. Gabbard refused to label Snowden a "traitor" and defended her past actions, while also expressing a change of heart regarding the Fisa Section 702 law, which she now supports reauthorizing. The hearing was critical for her nomination, as she needs the support of the Senate intelligence committee to advance to a full Senate vote.

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• Eric Adams faces federal indictment for corruption — Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, has been indicted on federal corruption charges. The indictment alleges that Adams accepted bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. These charges were filed in September, and Adams has pleaded not guilty. The indictment has raised questions about his ability to effectively lead the city, especially as he is also running for re-election. The trial is scheduled to begin in April, and Adams has defended his actions, claiming political targeting by the Biden administration.

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• Executive Order Enforcing the Hyde Amendment — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14182 on January 24, 2025, enforcing the Hyde Amendment by revoking previous executive orders that allowed federal funding for elective abortions. The order directs the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to federal agencies to ensure compliance with this policy, which prohibits the use of federal taxpayer dollars for elective abortions.
• Trump issues executive order enforcing the Hyde Amendment — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 24, 2025, to enforce the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for elective abortions. The order revokes previous executive orders from 2022 that allowed federal funding for such procedures. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is tasked with guiding executive departments and agencies on implementing this policy. The order aims to align federal funding practices with the longstanding congressional consensus against taxpayer-funded elective abortions.
• White House established Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council — The White House issued an executive order establishing a Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council composed of up to 20 members, including the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense as co-chairs, to assess FEMA's disaster response efficacy and recommend structural changes. The order directs the Council to evaluate FEMA's performance over the previous four years, compare federal responses with state and local alternatives, and submit a report within 180 days of its first public meeting, which must occur within 90 days of the order's issuance.
• White House signed executive order revoking prior abortion-funding guidance and directing OMB to implement Hyde Amendment enforcement — The White House signed an executive order on January 24, 2025, revoking Executive Orders 14076 (July 8, 2022) and 14079 (August 3, 2022), which the order characterizes as having embedded federal funding of elective abortion in various federal programs. The order directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to promulgate guidance to executive departments and agencies to implement the revocation and enforce the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding congressional restriction on federal funding of elective abortion.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to abolish FEMA — Former President Trump threatened to abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), suggesting that states should handle their own disaster responses. This proposal raises concerns about the federal government's role in disaster management and support for states during emergencies.
• Trump suggests paring back FEMA — Donald Trump has suggested reducing or dismantling the federal response to major disasters, which would shift the burden of disaster aid to individual states. This proposal could significantly impact Republican-leaning states that have historically received substantial FEMA assistance. Trump criticized FEMA's effectiveness and expressed a preference for states to handle their own disaster responses, with federal support limited to financial aid. This move aligns with the Project 2025 manifesto and could have severe implications for states with limited resources to manage disasters independently.
• Trump announces intent to abolish FEMA — Former President Donald Trump announced his intention to abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during visits to disaster sites in North Carolina and California. He criticized FEMA's effectiveness and suggested that states should handle disaster relief independently. Trump proposed redirecting federal relief funds to private organizations like Samaritan’s Purse.
• Executive Order Establishes FEMA Review Council — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14180, establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council. The Council will assess FEMA's effectiveness and recommend improvements. It includes up to 20 members, co-chaired by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense. The Council will evaluate FEMA's disaster response capabilities and suggest reforms to enhance national resilience. A report is due to the President within 180 days of the Council's first meeting.
• Trump plans to establish a council of FEMA advisers — President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order to establish a council of FEMA advisers. This council is intended to examine the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address issues of corruption, incompetence, and bureaucracy. The move signals Trump's intent to potentially reshape FEMA's role in national disaster response by redirecting more disaster-management responsibilities and federal funding to state governments. This announcement was made during Trump's national disaster recovery tour, which included visits to hurricane and fire-affected areas.
• White House established Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council on January 24, 2025. The Council is tasked with assessing FEMA's effectiveness and impartiality in disaster response, amid concerns of political bias and inefficiency. Comprising up to 20 members, including the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense, the Council will provide recommendations for improvements to FEMA. The Council is expected to produce a report within 180 days of its first public meeting, which must occur within 90 days of the order.
• — The White House issued an executive order establishing a Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council composed of up to 20 members, including the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense as co-chairs, to assess FEMA's disaster response efficacy and recommend structural changes. The order directs the Council to evaluate FEMA's performance over the previous four years, compare federal responses with state and local alternatives, and submit a report within 180 days of its first public meeting, which must occur within 90 days of the order's issuance.

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• Trump fires 17 Inspectors General without notice — Former President Donald Trump fired 17 non-partisan, independent Inspectors General at various government agencies without providing the required 30-day notice to Congress. This action violates federal law and has been criticized as a move to eliminate oversight and accountability within the government. The firings have raised concerns about potential corruption and abuse of power in the Trump administration.
• Trump fires multiple inspectors general — President Trump informed at least 15 inspectors general across various federal departments that they were fired, including those from Defense, State, and Health and Human Services. This action follows a recent law requiring presidents to provide written reasons for such removals, raising legal concerns about the firings.
• Trump fired federal inspectors general — Donald Trump dismissed more than a dozen independent federal government watchdogs, including inspectors general at the departments of state, defense, and transportation. This action was taken without providing the required 30 days' notice or reasons to Congress, which is a violation of federal law. The dismissals are seen as an attempt to replace these officials with loyalists, raising concerns about oversight and accountability in the government.
• Trump administration fires federal watchdogs — Since January 24, 2025, President Trump has fired a dozen independent federal government watchdogs, including Gwynne Wilcox, a senior official at the National Labor Relations Board. Wilcox described her dismissal as "unprecedented and illegal." These firings are part of Trump's broader agenda to reshape the federal government by reducing its workforce and cutting spending. The removal of these watchdogs has raised concerns about the administration's commitment to oversight and accountability.
• Trump fires Inspectors General without notice — Senator Chuck Grassley reported that President Trump fired 18 Inspectors General without providing the required 30-day notice to Congress. This action violates legal norms and raises concerns about oversight and accountability within the federal government.

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• Establishment of President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14177, establishing the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The council will advise on science, technology, education, and innovation policy, aiming to maintain U.S. technological dominance. The order revokes Executive Order 14007 and outlines the council's structure, functions, and administration, including the involvement of non-Federal members and the Department of Energy's support.
• Trump orders declassification of assassination records — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) on January 23, 2025. The council is composed of up to 24 members, including the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Special Advisor for AI & Crypto. The PCAST will advise the President on science, technology, education, and innovation policy, and provide scientific and technical information to inform public policy. The order also revokes a previous executive order related to the council.
• President signed executive order establishing President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology — President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating the declassification and release of all federal records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The order requires the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to present plans for the full release of these records within specified timeframes. This action aims to provide transparency and truth to the American public and the families of the assassinated figures.
• White House issued fact sheet on PCAST establishment — President Trump signed an executive order on January 23, 2025, establishing the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The order creates a council of up to 24 members, including the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and a Special Advisor for AI & Crypto as co-chairs, plus distinguished individuals from academia, industry, and the private sector. The council will advise the President on science, technology, education, and innovation policy. The order revokes the previous PCAST established by Executive Order 14007 (January 27, 2021) and sets a two-year termination date unless extended.
• — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing President Trump's establishment of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a 24-member advisory body comprising scientists and technologists from industry, academia, and government. The fact sheet states PCAST will provide "evidence-based recommendations" to the President and claims the council will "restore excellence" by prioritizing "results-driven excellence and merit-based achievement" while eliminating "bureaucratic barriers." The document asserts that "ideological agendas" have threatened "scientific truth" and eroded public trust in research.

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• Purdue Pharma and Sacklers reach $7.4bn settlement — Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family have agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement to resolve thousands of lawsuits related to the opioid crisis. The settlement, which requires court approval, involves the Sacklers relinquishing control of Purdue Pharma, which will be restructured with a new board appointed by states and other plaintiffs. The funds will be distributed among victims, survivors, and state and local governments to combat the opioid epidemic. This settlement follows a previous $6 billion agreement that was blocked by the Supreme Court.

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• Federal judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order — A federal judge in Washington issued a 14-day restraining order blocking an executive order by Trump that aimed to end birthright citizenship. The lawsuit claims Trump's order violates the 14th Amendment and previous court decisions. This temporary block prevents the order from taking effect while the legal challenge proceeds.
• Trump ordered end to birthright citizenship — President Trump issued an order to end birthright citizenship, which was temporarily blocked by a federal district judge in Seattle, John Coughenour. The judge described the order as blatantly unconstitutional. The Trump administration expressed its intention to fight the legal challenge up to the Supreme Court if necessary.
• California sues Trump administration over birthright citizenship order — The state of California, along with a coalition of other states and the city of San Francisco, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to an executive order that seeks to deny automatic citizenship to certain children born in the United States. The lawsuit, filed in the US district court for Massachusetts, argues that the order violates the US Constitution by attempting to reinterpret the 14th Amendment. A federal judge in Washington has temporarily blocked the order from taking effect.
• Federal judge rules against Trump's birthright citizenship order — A federal judge ruled against an executive order signed by Donald Trump on his first day back in power, which sought to end the right to citizenship for all children born on American soil and subject to US jurisdiction. The judge described the order as "blatantly unconstitutional," highlighting its conflict with the 14th Amendment, which has guaranteed birthright citizenship since 1868. This ruling represents a significant legal challenge to Trump's immigration policy and could potentially reach the US Supreme Court for further adjudication.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — State of Washington et al v. Donald J. Trump et al (W.D. Wash.) 2:25-cv-00127 — Judge John Coughenour of the Western District of Washington issued a temporary restraining order against the Executive Order.
• Federal judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship executive order — A federal judge has blocked the enforcement of Trump's executive order that aimed to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. to visa holders and illegal immigrants. This judicial action temporarily halts the implementation of the order, pending further legal challenges and potential Supreme Court review. The order had sparked significant legal and public opposition due to its constitutional implications.
• Federal judge blocks end of birthright citizenship — On January 23, 2025, a federal judge appointed by Ronald Reagan temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempt to end birthright citizenship, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional." This ruling is a significant legal setback for the administration's immigration policy and upholds the constitutional guarantee of citizenship for those born in the U.S.
• Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order — U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order against President Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship established by the Fourteenth Amendment. The order was challenged by 22 states and two cities, with Coughenour stating the executive order is blatantly unconstitutional. A hearing for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for February 6.
• Judge blocks Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship — U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order against Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship established by the Fourteenth Amendment. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit from 22 states and two cities, with Coughenour labeling the order as blatantly unconstitutional.

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• House Republicans form new January 6 panel — House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, announced the formation of a new select subcommittee to investigate the events surrounding January 6. This move aims to challenge the findings of the previous investigation that held Donald Trump responsible for the Capitol attack. The subcommittee, chaired by Barry Loudermilk, seeks to explore alleged intelligence and security failures. This development follows the president's pardoning of individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 events, including those involved in violence against Capitol police.

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• Trump administration sued over Schedule F executive order — The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration following the reinstatement of Schedule F, an executive order that reclassifies thousands of federal workers as political hires, making them easier to fire. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, arguing that the order deprives federal workers of due process rights and wrongly applies political appointee rules to career staff. The executive order has been criticized by various labor unions as an attack on federal employees and a return to a political spoils system.

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• Trump executive order on birthright citizenship challenged at Supreme Court — On inauguration day (January 20, 2025), President Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born in the US without at least one parent who is a legal permanent resident or US citizen. The order was immediately blocked by lower courts as "blatantly unconstitutional." After failed appeals, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on May 15, 2025, as an emergency case. The administration is pressing the Court to allow partial enforcement and to narrow the scope of lower-court injunctions from nationwide to case-specific.
• Democratic attorneys general began planning legal challenges to Trump administration in February 2024 — Democratic attorneys general, led by California (5,600 staffers) and New York (2,400 staffers), began planning in February 2024 for potential legal challenges to Trump's campaign promises and Project 2025 implementation. They filed their first challenges to Trump's January 20 executive orders on January 21, 2025. Their lawsuits have been so successful that they have sparked Trump and MAGA Republicans to attack judges and the judiciary.
• Trump pardons January 6 rioters — Trump decided to pardon or commute the sentences of all individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 riots, including those who attacked police officers. This decision has sparked controversy and concern, particularly from law enforcement groups and victims of the riots. Critics argue that this undermines the rule of law and public safety. Jackson Reffitt, a key witness against his father, expressed fear for his safety now that his father is free.
• California sues Trump administration over birthright citizenship order — The state of California, along with a coalition of other states and the city of San Francisco, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to an executive order that seeks to deny automatic citizenship to certain children born in the United States. The lawsuit, filed in the US district court for Massachusetts, argues that the order violates the US Constitution by attempting to reinterpret the 14th Amendment. A federal judge in Washington has temporarily blocked the order from taking effect.
• States launch lawsuits against Trump's birthright citizenship order — Multiple states have initiated lawsuits challenging Trump's executive order that seeks to deny birthright citizenship to children of visa holders and illegal immigrants. These legal actions argue that the order violates the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent. The lawsuits are part of a broader legal battle over the order's constitutionality and its potential impact on immigration policy.

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• Lawsuit filed against Trump's 'Doge' program — A lawsuit was filed against the 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) program, initiated by Donald Trump and led by Elon Musk, shortly after Trump's swearing-in. The lawsuit, filed by the public interest law firm National Security Counselors, claims that Doge violates federal transparency rules. It argues that Doge should be considered a federal advisory committee, which requires balanced representation, record-keeping, and public access to meetings. The program, which aims to cut government programs and jobs, has reportedly hired staff working from Musk's SpaceX offices.
• DOGE program sued for transparency violations — The DOGE program, initiated by the Trump administration, was sued shortly after Trump's inauguration. The lawsuit alleges that DOGE violates federal transparency rules, including failing to maintain balanced representation, keep records of meetings, and ensure public scrutiny. The National Security Counselors, a public interest law firm, argue that DOGE should be classified as a federal advisory committee, which would subject it to specific legal requirements for transparency and accountability.

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• White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum reorganizing NSC structure and governance — The White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-1 on January 20, 2025, reorganizing the National Security Council and its subordinate committees. The memorandum establishes a unified NSC staff serving both national security and homeland security functions, designates new NSC members (including the Attorney General, Secretary of Interior, White House Chief of Staff, and National Security Advisor), clarifies the roles of the National Security Advisor and Homeland Security Advisor, and restructures the Principals Committee and Deputies Committee with new decision-making and dispute-resolution procedures. The memorandum supersedes all prior NSC organizational directives, including National Security Memorandum–2 of February 4, 2021.
• Trump designates acting cabinet and cabinet-level officials — President Trump issued a presidential action designating 31 individuals to serve as acting heads of cabinet departments and cabinet-level agencies, effective immediately, pending Senate confirmation of permanent appointees. The designations invoke 5 U.S.C. § 3345 et seq. (the Federal Vacancies Reform Act). Acting positions include Secretary of State (Lisa Kenna), Attorney General (James McHenry), Secretary of Defense (Robert Salesses), and heads of EPA, CIA, FBI, and other major agencies.
• Trump designates chairmen and acting chairmen across federal agencies — President Trump issued a presidential action on January 20, 2025, designating chairmen and acting chairmen for 15 federal agencies and commissions, including the FCC (Brendan Carr), FERC (Mark Christie), FTC (Andrew Ferguson), NLRB (Marvin Kaplan), NRC (David Wright), SEC (Mark Uyeda, acting), EEOC (Andrea Lucas, acting), FDIC (Travis Hill, acting), NCUA (Kyle Hauptman), USCCR (Peter Kirsanow), Farm Credit Administration (Jeffrey Hall), Surface Transportation Board (Patrick Fuchs), and Federal Maritime Commission (Louis Sola).
• Trump sends cabinet and cabinet-level nominations to Senate — President Trump sent nominations to the Senate for 23 cabinet and cabinet-level positions on January 20, 2025. The nominations include Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary, Pamela Bondi for Attorney General, Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, Peter Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, and 18 other positions spanning domestic and international agencies. The Senate must confirm each nominee.
• White House announces sub-cabinet nominations to Senate — The White House issued a formal nominations announcement to the Senate on January 20, 2025, naming 47 individuals for sub-cabinet positions across federal agencies. The list includes nominees for Deputy Secretaries, Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, agency heads, and other senior executive roles, replacing officials who resigned or whose terms expired. Positions span Defense, Treasury, State, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Justice, Veterans Affairs, and other departments.
• White House transmits 13 nominations to Senate for sub-cabinet positions — The White House transmitted 13 nominations to the Senate on January 22, 2025, for deputy secretaries, under secretaries, and other sub-cabinet roles across multiple agencies including Agriculture, Transportation, Energy, EPA, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Interior, Education, SBA, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The nominees are identified by name, home state, and the position sought, with most replacing officials who resigned.

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• Senate confirms Marco Rubio as US secretary of state — The U.S. Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as the new Secretary of State, marking the first cabinet member approved under President Trump's second term. Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida, received overwhelming support with 99 senators voting in favor. His confirmation follows a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he endorsed Trump's "America first" foreign policy approach. Rubio's appointment is significant as he becomes the first Latino American to hold the position, stepping into the role amidst ongoing international tensions, including the war in Ukraine.
• Republican senators oppose Pete Hegseth's nomination — Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski announced their opposition to Pete Hegseth's nomination as US Secretary of Defense. Their decision raises doubts about Hegseth's confirmation, as he can only afford to lose three Republican votes given the party's 53-47 Senate majority. Both senators cited concerns over Hegseth's lack of experience and past behavior, including allegations of sexual assault and comments on women in combat roles. The Senate is expected to hold a final vote on his nomination soon.
• Senate committee approves Pete Hegseth's nomination — The Senate armed services committee approved Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense by a party-line vote. Despite allegations of aggressive behavior, sexual assault, financial mismanagement, and excessive alcohol use, Hegseth is expected to be narrowly confirmed by the Senate. The approval follows an affidavit submitted by Hegseth's ex-sister-in-law, detailing alleged misconduct. Hegseth and his ex-wife have denied the allegations, and his lawyer stated that there was no abuse. The nomination has raised concerns about the adequacy of the background check process.
• Murkowski opposes Hegseth nomination — Senator Lisa Murkowski announced her opposition to Pete Hegseth's nomination for a leadership role in the Department of Defense. Murkowski cited concerns about Hegseth's lack of experience, past financial mismanagement, and statements about women. Her opposition highlights the importance of qualifications and conduct in military leadership roles.
• Senate advances Pete Hegseth's nomination for secretary of defense — The Senate voted to advance Pete Hegseth's nomination for secretary of defense, moving it towards a final vote. Despite concerns over his personal history and qualifications, 51 Republican senators supported the procedural vote. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, joined Democrats in opposing the advancement due to skepticism about Hegseth's qualifications. The final vote is expected to occur on Friday night, with Hegseth still favored for confirmation despite the controversies surrounding him.
• Pete Hegseth confirmed as defense secretary — Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, has been confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Defense following a tie-breaking vote by Vice-President JD Vance in the Senate. The confirmation vote was split 50-50, with almost all Republicans supporting Hegseth and all Democrats opposing. Concerns were raised about Hegseth's past allegations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and his controversial views on military policies. Despite these issues, Hegseth was sworn into office, pledging to focus on a "warrior ethos" within the military.
• Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing for defense secretary — Pete Hegseth, nominated by Donald Trump for the position of defense secretary, underwent a confirmation hearing earlier this month. During the hearing, concerns were raised about his endorsement of extremist Christian doctrines, particularly those aligned with Christian reconstructionism. These beliefs include the subordination of civil government to Old Testament law and a patriarchal societal structure. Hegseth's views have sparked controversy due to their potential impact on his role in the Trump administration, especially regarding the separation of church and state.
• Trump nominee for defense secretary faces opposition — Trump's nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, faced opposition from Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, who declined to support his nomination due to concerns over his past conduct, including allegations of sexual assault and financial mismanagement. This opposition reflects broader tensions within the Republican Party regarding Trump's influence.

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• National Archivist refuses to certify Equal Rights Amendment — The National Archivist, Colleen Shogan, refused to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as part of the U.S. Constitution. This decision came after President Biden and Vice President Harris declared the ERA as "the law of the land," despite it not being ratified. The refusal highlights the procedural requirements for constitutional amendments and underscores the limitations of executive declarations in altering the Constitution.