Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Summary judgment ruling — Gwynne A. Wilcox v. Donald J. Trump et al (D.C. Cir.) 1:25-cv-00334 — Plaintiff moved for expedited summary judgment.

Supporting reports

• Temporary restraining order ruling — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — Judge McConnell granted Plaintiffs' motion to enforce the temporary restraining order. Judge McConnell noted the Plaintiff States presented evidence suggesting that Defendants “have continued to improperly freeze federal funds and refused to resume disbursement of appropriated federal funds” ( citing three exhibits ). Judge McConnell emphasized that this is a violation of the TRO and ordered Defendants to immediately restore frozen funding.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks DOGE actions — A federal judge has issued rulings blocking DOGE from placing USAID workers on administrative leave and from accessing Treasury Department payment systems. These judicial interventions are part of a broader legal challenge against DOGE's actions, which have been criticized for overstepping legal boundaries and potentially sparking a constitutional crisis.

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• Trump fires director of Office of Government Ethics — President Trump fired the director of the Office of Government Ethics, a move that raises concerns about the administration's commitment to ethical governance. The firing could undermine the office's ability to enforce ethical standards within the federal government.
• Trump fires government ethics director — President Trump dismissed David Huitema, the director of the Office of Government Ethics, which oversees political appointments and conflicts of interest. This action is part of a broader pattern of purging officials deemed insufficiently loyal to the administration.

Supporting reports

• Judge blocks NIH grant rate change — U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley issued a ruling blocking the implementation of a proposed rate change for NIH grants by Trump appointees. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by twenty-two Democratic-led states against the administration, aimed at preventing Republican-led states from benefiting from changes that could disadvantage Democratic states.

Supporting reports

• Senate confirms Russell Vought as OMB director — Russell Vought was confirmed by the US Senate as the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) following a narrow, party-line vote. Vought, a Trump appointee, has been a controversial figure due to his advocacy for a powerful executive branch and his role in the Project 2025 blueprint. His confirmation was met with opposition from Democrats, who boycotted the vote and criticized his past actions, including a freeze on federal grant funding. Vought's confirmation signals a continuation of policies aimed at reducing the influence of federal agencies.

Supporting reports

• Brian Schatz places hold on State Department nominees — Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii announced a "blanket hold" on all of Trump's State Department nominees until the administration restores funding to USAid, which Elon Musk moved to eliminate. Schatz's decision is part of a broader Democratic strategy to oppose Trump's nominees and policies, citing the president's "unacceptable and dangerous" actions. This move reflects the Democrats' commitment to using procedural tools to challenge the administration's agenda.

Supporting reports

• Hakeem Jeffries introduces legislation to protect taxpayer data — Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, introduced legislation aimed at protecting taxpayers' personal data from Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge). This move comes in response to revelations that Doge accessed sensitive taxpayer data. Jeffries denounced Musk as an "unelected, unaccountable, out-of-control billionaire puppet master" and vowed to use Democrats' leverage in the narrowly divided chamber to protect federal programs targeted by Trump.

Supporting reports

• Republican Lawmakers Express Concerns Over NIH Funding Cuts — Lawmakers from Republican-dominated states have begun to express concerns regarding the NIH's new policy on indirect funding cuts, which could adversely affect state programs reliant on federal money. Despite initially supporting the cuts, they are now seeking ways to mitigate the impact on their states, indicating a recognition of the importance of federal funding for local programs.

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• Vice President Vance asserts executive power over judicial authority — On February 9, Vice President JD Vance tweeted that "Judges aren't allowed to control the executive's legitimate power," articulating an administration position that the executive branch is not bound by judicial constraints on its authority. This statement reflects the broader administration posture of resistance to adverse court rulings.
• Vice President Vance defends executive power — Vice President J.D. Vance defended the executive branch's authority in response to the federal judge's ruling, asserting that judges should not control the executive's "legitimate power." This statement reflects a growing trend among Republican leaders to challenge judicial oversight and assert executive dominance.

Supporting reports

• Robert F Kennedy Jr's confirmation hearing for HHS Secretary — Robert F Kennedy Jr, a known Trump ally, recently underwent a confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). His nomination has sparked significant controversy due to his past anti-vaccine stance and potential plans to cut Medicaid. Critics, including public health researchers and some of his own family members, have expressed strong opposition, fearing his policies could harm public health. Despite this, Kennedy's supporters, who favor alternative medicine and wellness, are optimistic about his potential leadership.
• Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed as health secretary — Robert F Kennedy Jr was confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services after a Senate vote of 52 to 48. All Republicans except Mitch McConnell supported his nomination. Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, will oversee agencies like the CDC and FDA. His confirmation has sparked controversy due to his past statements on vaccines and his financial ties to anti-vaccine litigation. Despite opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, Kennedy was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.
• Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence — The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the U.S. director of national intelligence, with all Democrats voting against her and all Republicans, except Mitch McConnell, voting in favor. McConnell expressed concerns about Gabbard's qualifications for the significant role overseeing the intelligence community.
• RFK Jr. confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on February 13, 2025. Despite his long-standing anti-vaccine stance, Kennedy assured Republican Senators during his confirmation process that he would not restrict access to vaccines. However, shortly after his confirmation, Kennedy announced plans to convene a new panel to study the childhood vaccination schedule, raising concerns about potential changes to federal vaccine policies.
• Senate Republicans confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary — Senate Republicans, with the exception of Mitch McConnell, voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This decision has raised concerns among some senators regarding Kennedy's lack of relevant experience and controversial statements about public health. Senator Jon Ossoff expressed disbelief that the Senate would place such an individual in charge of national public health.
• Senate Republicans confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services — On February 13, 2025, Senate Republicans, with the exception of Mitch McConnell, voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. This decision has raised concerns among some senators regarding Kennedy's lack of relevant experience and controversial statements about public health. Senator Jon Ossoff expressed disbelief that the Senate would place such an individual in charge of the nation's public health agencies.

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• CIA offers buyouts to workforce — The CIA offered buyouts to its entire workforce, a move that could significantly reduce the agency's personnel and impact its operational capabilities. This action aligns with broader efforts to downsize federal agencies.

Supporting reports

• Temporary restraining order ruling — New York et al v. Donald J. Trump (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01144 — After midnight, Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued an emergency temporary restraining order until the next court hearing on Feb. 14, 2025. Judge Engelmayer's order prohibits access to the Treasury Department's systems and also requires prohibited persons to immediately destroy any material already downloaded from the Treasury Department's systems.

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• ACLU sues over asylum order — The ACLU filed a lawsuit against a Trump executive order that effectively suspended US asylum law. This legal challenge seeks to protect the rights of asylum seekers and uphold international obligations.

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• Bondi reinstates federal death penalty — Attorney General Pam Bondi reinstated the federal death penalty, ending a moratorium from the Biden administration. She called for its use in cases involving the murder of police and urged new state charges for individuals with commuted sentences.

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• DOJ reinstates immigration court funding — The Justice Department reversed its decision to halt funding for immigration court support programs, reinstating financial support following lawsuits from nonprofit groups. This reversal comes amid broader immigration policy changes under the Trump administration.

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• DOJ sues Chicago and Illinois — The DOJ filed a lawsuit against Chicago and Illinois, arguing that the city and state are interfering with Trump's immigration crackdown and seeking to block sanctuary laws. This legal action challenges local efforts to protect undocumented immigrants.

Supporting reports

• Elon Musk and Tom Cotton attack judge over DOGE records — Elon Musk and Senator Tom Cotton criticized a judge who temporarily blocked DOGE employees from accessing sensitive Treasury records. Cotton labeled the judge an "outlaw" and suggested he should be barred from hearing future cases against the Trump administration. This attack on the judiciary highlights ongoing tensions between the administration and the courts.
• Elon Musk calls for impeachment of federal judge blocking DOGE access to treasury records — On 9 February, after federal judge Paul Engelmayer blocked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing millions of sensitive and personal treasury records, billionaire Elon Musk baselessly accused the judge of being a "corrupt judge protecting corruption" on X and called for his impeachment. Musk, who donated close to $300 million to Trump's campaign, has approximately 200 million followers on the platform. Trump subsequently echoed these attacks.

Supporting reports

• FBI class action lawsuit filed — FBI employees filed a class action lawsuit against acting Attorney General James McHenry, seeking to block the release of names of workers involved in Jan. 6 investigations. This legal action aims to protect employee privacy and prevent potential retaliation.

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• Former NLRB member sues over firing — A former member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a federal lawsuit against President Trump and the new NLRB chairman, arguing her firing was illegal. This legal action challenges the administration's influence over labor relations.

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• Judge blocks birthright citizenship order — A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship, stating it would cause "irreparable harm." This decision protects the constitutional rights of individuals born in the US.

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• Judge blocks federal worker buyout deadline — A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from imposing a midnight deadline for federal workers to voluntarily resign and take buyouts until a hearing occurs. This decision temporarily halts the administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce.

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• Judge blocks trans women prison transfers — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from transferring trans women to men's prisons and ending their gender-affirming care. This decision protects the rights and safety of trans women in the prison system.

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• Judge grants injunction on birthright citizenship — A federal judge in Seattle granted an injunction against President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship. This decision protects the constitutional rights of individuals born in the US.

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• Steve Wynn petitions SCOTUS to overturn NYT v. Sullivan — Billionaire Steve Wynn filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to overturn the 1964 decision in New York Times v. Sullivan, which protects press freedom to report on public officials. This legal challenge could significantly impact media protections.