Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Judge Wilson rules California oil pipeline can continue operating under Trump's Defense Production Act order — Federal Judge Stephen Wilson ruled that the Sable offshore oil pipeline off Santa Barbara can continue operating, overriding California state opposition. The Trump administration invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) in March 2026 to order the pipeline's reopening, citing national security and energy supply needs during the Iran war. Wilson found the DPA order pre-empts conflicting state law, including California's trespass claims. The judge fined Sable $1.5 million for violating a consent decree but allowed operations to proceed under federal oversight rather than state authority.
• Federal court upholds Defense Production Act order requiring Santa Ynez Pipeline operation against California state obstruction — The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California ruled that a Defense Production Act order issued by the Secretary of Energy preempts California state law and environmental challenges to the Santa Ynez Pipeline's operation. The court rejected California's motion for a preliminary injunction, held that federal law bars state trespass claims against pipeline operations, modified an existing consent decree to place pipeline safety oversight under federal rather than state authority, and clarified that state courts cannot enforce injunctions conflicting with federal directives. The Department of Justice announced the ruling as a victory for national energy security.

Supporting reports

• New Jersey attorney general sued GEO Group over Delaney Hall conditions — New Jersey's attorney general filed suit against GEO Group to force health inspectors into Delaney Hall detention facility. The governor toured the facility. More than 80 people were arrested at solidarity protests outside. Lawmakers from two states demanded access. Some of the most vulnerable detainees were released, including an 18-year-old high school senior who spent nearly two months inside.

Supporting reports

• Appeal filed — Institute for Applied Ecology v. Burgum (D. Or.) 6:25-cv-02364 — The government appealed the March 12, 2026, preliminary injunction to the Ninth Circuit (Case No. 26-3011 ).
• Complaint filed — Cultural Landscape Foundation v. U.S. Department of the Interior — The Cultural Landscape Foundation and Charles A. Birnbaum filed a complaint in D.D.C. challenging the National Park Service's decision to resurface the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool basin with vivid blue coating without following mandatory consultation and environmental review processes. The NPS awarded a $6.9 million no-bid contract in mid-April 2026 without completing required procedures under the National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and seek injunctive relief, vacatur of agency decisions, and restoration of the pool's historic elements.
• Federal Lawsuit Filed Over Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool — A federal lawsuit has been filed concerning the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The details of the lawsuit have not been disclosed, but it involves federal oversight and management of the historic site. This legal action could have implications for federal property management and public access to national monuments.
• Former DOJ employees filed emergency lawsuit to halt Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool repainting — A litigation team of former DOJ employees filed an emergency lawsuit seeking to halt and reverse Trump's repainting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The suit alleged that the administration engaged a swimming pool contractor to resurface the pool with vivid blue coating without following congressionally mandatory Section 106 procedures required for changes to historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The lawsuit noted the pool was a character-defining feature of the historic landscape and the site of the 1963 March on Washington. The contract was awarded as a $6.9 million no-bid deal to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which had performed work at Trump's golf club in Sterling, Virginia.

Supporting reports

• First Circuit Court of Appeals lifts injunction, allows Trump administration to block Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood — The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the Trump administration may proceed with blocking Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid reimbursements under a provision in its tax and spending bill. The decision lifts a lower court's preliminary injunction. Planned Parenthood estimates up to 200 clinics may close, affecting 1.1 million Medicaid-eligible patients who rely on the organization for cancer screenings, STI testing, contraception, and other services. Litigation continues as the court prepares to hear substantive arguments in coming weeks.

Supporting reports

• US Supreme Court Allows Doge Access to Social Security Data — The US Supreme Court lifted an injunction, allowing the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to access sensitive records from the Social Security Administration during ongoing legal challenges. The decision, supported by the conservative majority, permits Doge, a team led by Elon Musk, to access data to target alleged waste and fraud. The ruling faced dissent from the court's liberal justices and opposition from labor unions and advocacy groups concerned about privacy violations. The case continues as opponents argue the access could lead to misuse of personal data.
• Motion granted — American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO v. Social Security Administration (D. Md.) 1:25-cv-00596 — The Supreme Court granted a stay while the case is on appeal.
• Supreme Court Grants Stay in Social Security Administration v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees — The Supreme Court granted a stay in the case of Social Security Administration v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. This decision allows the Social Security Administration to proceed with its actions that were previously challenged by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. The stay was granted despite dissent from Justices Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson, indicating a division within the Court on this matter. The stay effectively pauses the lower court's ruling against the Social Security Administration, pending further litigation.

Supporting reports

• Remand ordered — CREW v. DOGE (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00511 — The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to stay the lower courts' action, and also to treat the petition as a writ for certiorari. The Court ruled that the district court could not order the Government, in discovery, “to disclose the content of intra-Executive Branch USDS recommendations and whether those recommendations were followed.” On remand, the Court of Appeals is instructed to narrow the discovery order with deference to internal Executive Branch communications.
• Supreme Court grants stay in U.S. Doge Service v. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington — The Supreme Court granted a stay in the case of U.S. Doge Service, et al., Applicants v. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. This decision allows the Department of Government Efficiency to proceed with its actions that were previously challenged by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. The stay was granted despite dissent from Justices Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson, indicating a division within the Court on this matter. The stay effectively pauses the lower court's ruling against the Department of Government Efficiency, pending further litigation.
• U.S. Doge Service v. CREW: Certiorari Granted and Stay Issued — The Supreme Court granted a stay and treated the application as a petition for a writ of certiorari in the case of U.S. Doge Service, et al. v. CREW. The Court vacated the D.C. Circuit's order denying a writ of mandamus and remanded the case for further consideration. The Court found that the District Court's discovery order requiring disclosure of intra-Executive Branch recommendations was not appropriately tailored, citing separation of powers concerns. The stay on the District Court's orders will remain pending further proceedings.

Supporting reports

• U.S. District Judge rules against Musk and DOGE — U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that 14 states can proceed with their lawsuit against Elon Musk and the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), stating that their conduct is unauthorized by any law. This ruling allows the states to challenge the legality of Musk's role and the actions taken by DOGE.

Supporting reports

• Preliminary injunction ruling — American Federation of Teachers et al v. Bessent et al (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-00430 — Plaintiffs filed a motion to convert the temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction and to schedule discovery in the case.
• — Plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction to prevent Defendants from disclosing personally identifiable information to DOGE or its affiliates.

Supporting reports

• IRS reportedly preparing to give Musk’s Doge agency access to taxpayer data — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reportedly reviewing a request to grant access to its classified systems, which contain sensitive taxpayer data, to a member of Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge). This request would allow Doge officials, including software engineer Gavin Kliger, broad access to IRS systems and datasets, including tax returns. The move has sparked controversy and legal challenges, with 19 state attorneys general suing to block similar access to Treasury Department data. The IRS is also preparing to lay off workers hired by the previous administration.

Supporting reports

• Access granted to Treasury Department systems — Reports indicate that Marko Elez, a 25-year-old engineer with previous ties to Elon Musk's companies, has gained direct access to Treasury Department systems that manage significant government payments. This access allows him to potentially alter critical financial operations, raising concerns about the security and integrity of government payment systems. The implications of such access could affect various federal programs, including veterans' benefits and Social Security.

Supporting reports

• Treasury official resigns over Musk's demands — David Lebryk, a senior Treasury Department official, resigned following Elon Musk's demands for access to sensitive payment systems. Lebryk, a non-political civil servant, had refused Musk's repeated requests for access. His resignation raises concerns about the integrity and independence of federal financial systems.
• Access granted to Treasury Department systems — Reports indicate that Marko Elez, a 25-year-old engineer with previous ties to Elon Musk's companies, has gained direct access to Treasury Department systems that manage significant government payments. This access allows him to potentially alter critical financial operations, raising concerns about the security and integrity of government payment systems. The implications of such access could affect various federal programs, including veterans' benefits and Social Security.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• 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.