Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Prosecutors request dismissal of Eric Adams charges — Under pressure from the Justice Department leadership, prosecutors in Washington filed a request to dismiss the criminal corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The charges included bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions. This decision followed the resignation of seven prosecutors, including the acting US attorney for the Southern District of New York, who opposed the dismissal for political reasons. The Justice Department argued that the case impeded Adams' cooperation with immigration enforcement, despite not being based on the strength of the evidence.
• Six prosecutors resign in protest over order to dismiss charges against Eric Adams — On February 13, 2025, six prosecutors resigned in protest after Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general, ordered them to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The prosecutors had previously indicted Adams on multiple counts, including bribery and campaign finance offenses, and expressed concerns that the dismissal was politically motivated.
• Six prosecutors resign over order to dismiss charges against Eric Adams — Six prosecutors resigned in protest after Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general, ordered them to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The prosecutors argued that the dismissal was politically motivated and undermined the rule of law, as Adams had been indicted on serious charges including bribery and campaign finance offenses.

Supporting reports

• Judge pauses Trump’s order restricting healthcare for transgender youth — A federal judge in Baltimore, Brendan Hurson, temporarily blocked an executive order by Donald Trump that aimed to restrict gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals under 19. The order, issued on February 9, 2025, sought to revoke federal funding from hospitals and clinics providing such care. The judge's ruling grants a temporary restraining order for 14 days, halting the directive while the case proceeds. The lawsuit was filed by civil rights groups and families affected by the order, arguing it was unconstitutional and discriminatory.
• Case update — PFLAG, Inc. v. Trump (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-00337 — Judge Brendan Abell Hurson issued a two-week TRO , blocking enforcement of the Executive Order.

Supporting reports

• Motion granted — AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition v. United States Department of State (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00400 — Judge Amir Ali granted a TRO in this case and in Global Health Council v. Trump on narrower terms than originally requested. The order enjoins implementation on the blanket suspension of foreign aid funding, but does not enjoin enforcement or implementation of Executive Order 14169, individual personnel decisions, or termination of individual contracts.
• Motion granted — Global Health Council v. Trump (D.D.C.) ​​1:25-cv-00402 — Judge Amir Ali granted Plaintiff's motion for a TRO in this case and in AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition v. United States Department of State , No. 1:25-cv-00400, on narrower terms than originally requested. The order enjoins implementation on the blanket suspension of foreign aid funding, but does not enjoin enforcement or implementation of Executive Order 14169, individual personnel decisions, or termination of individual contracts.
• U.S. District Judge orders disbursement of impounded foreign aid — U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ordered the Trump administration to disburse foreign aid that had been impounded. The judge rejected the administration's justification for the suspension, stating that it was not a rational precursor to reviewing programs and had caused significant disruption to agreements with various organizations.
• U.S. District Judge orders Trump administration to disburse impounded foreign aid — On February 13, 2025, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ordered the Trump administration to release foreign aid that had been impounded. The judge rejected the administration's justification for the suspension, stating that it disrupted numerous agreements and lacked a rational basis.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• Denver public school system sues Trump administration over ICE access — The Denver public school system has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its policy that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents access to schools. The lawsuit argues that this policy forces schools to divert educational resources and has led to decreased attendance due to fear of immigration enforcement on school grounds. The lawsuit seeks to block ICE from conducting raids in schools and demands that the Department of Homeland Security publish the directive to allow better preparation by the district.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration sues New York over immigration policies — On Thursday, the Trump administration, through newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi, announced a lawsuit against New York. The federal government accuses state officials of prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens. This legal action is part of a broader crackdown on immigration policies by the Trump administration, which has been met with protests and resistance in New York City. The lawsuit challenges New York's sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
• US Justice Department sues New York over immigration rules — The US Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has filed a lawsuit against New York State over its "green light" law, which allows individuals to obtain driver's licenses without legal residency. The lawsuit claims the law undermines federal immigration laws and seeks to have it struck down. Bondi criticized the law as prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens and emphasized the Justice Department's commitment to enforcing federal immigration efforts. New York Attorney General James has vowed to defend the state's laws, asserting they protect the rights and safety of New Yorkers.

Supporting reports

• Interim US Attorney resigns over corruption case — Danielle Sassoon, the interim US Attorney handling the NYC Mayor Eric Adams' public corruption case, resigned after refusing to drop charges despite pressure from DOJ Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Sassoon's resignation follows a letter to AG Pam Bondi detailing alleged unethical proposals from Adams' attorneys. Other senior US Attorneys also resigned in protest, highlighting concerns over political interference.
• US Attorney resigns over refusal to drop charges — Danielle Sassoon, the interim US Attorney in charge of the NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ public corruption case, resigned after refusing to drop the charges despite demands from DOJ Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Sassoon wrote a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, outlining an alleged quid pro quo proposal from Adams' attorneys. Following Sassoon's resignation, senior US Attorneys in New York also refused to dismiss the case and resigned in protest. Bove, who previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney, is involved in the case.
• DOJ pressures Public Integrity Section lawyers — DOJ leadership reportedly pressured Public Integrity Section lawyers to decide within an hour who would dismiss the indictment against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, threatening to fire all if none complied. This move has sparked resignations and widespread dismay within the legal community, reminiscent of the 1973 Saturday Night Massacre.
• Memo issued to dismiss Adams case for political reasons — A memo was issued stating that the criminal case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams was dismissed for political reasons, citing that the case restricted his ability to assist in deportation efforts. The memo admitted the decision was not based on evidence or law, raising ethical concerns about the DOJ's actions.
• Prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigns over DOJ pressure — Prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigned after refusing to dismiss a corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Scotten's resignation letter criticized the use of prosecutorial power to influence elected officials, stating that he would not comply with such directives. His resignation follows that of co-counsel Danielle Sassoon, highlighting internal DOJ tensions over the case.

Supporting reports

• Inspectors general fired by Trump file lawsuit — Eight former inspectors general from various U.S. government departments, including defense and veterans affairs, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. They seek redress for what they claim were unlawful and unjustified dismissals. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, argues that their terminations were illegal and that they should remain in their positions unless lawfully removed. The plaintiffs are also seeking injunctive relief to prevent interference with their duties. The lawsuit follows Trump's removal of 18 inspectors general shortly after returning to office.

Supporting reports

• Judge allows federal buyout offers to proceed — US District Judge George O’Toole Jr. ruled that buyout offers for federal employees could proceed, despite legal challenges from unions. The "Fork in the Road" program, which offers deferred resignation plans to federal employees, was previously halted but is now allowed to continue. The ruling comes amid widespread layoffs and restructuring efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk. The decision has been met with criticism from unions, who argue it undermines the rights and dignity of public servants.
• Judge rules Trump can downsize federal government with worker buyouts — A federal judge, George O’Toole Jr, ruled that Donald Trump's buyout program for federal employees can proceed. This decision allows 65,000 government workers who volunteered to resign under the program to move forward. The ruling came after unions sued, claiming the program was illegal, but the judge found they lacked standing to challenge it. The program, led by Elon Musk, aims to reduce federal spending by offering buyouts to federal employees, with plans to cut staff by up to 70% in some agencies.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel accused of orchestrating FBI purge — Kash Patel, nominated by Donald Trump to lead the FBI, has been accused by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of orchestrating a purge of FBI agents. Durbin claims Patel, as a private citizen, directed the firing of senior FBI personnel through the White House deputy chief of staff and the acting attorney general. These actions allegedly contradict Patel's testimony at his Senate confirmation hearing. Durbin has called for an investigation into the matter, suggesting that Patel may have committed perjury.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration fires USAID inspector general — The Trump administration fired the independent inspector general for USAID, following a critical report on the administration's dismantling of the agency. This action raises concerns about accountability and oversight within the agency.

Supporting reports

• National Treasury Employees Union Sues Over CFPB Closure — The National Treasury Employees Union filed a lawsuit against Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, for his directive to cease operations of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), claiming it undermines Congress's authority to create the agency.
• Union sues over CFPB closure — The National Treasury Employees Union filed a lawsuit against Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, over his directive to cease operations of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The union argues that this action undermines Congress's decision to establish the CFPB to protect consumers.
• Case update — Mayor and City Council of Baltimore et al. v. CFPB (D. Md.) 1:25-cv-00458 — Plaintiffs moved for a TRO enjoining defendants from defunding the CFPB, to which the government responded in opposition on Feb. 20, 2025.

Supporting reports

• Judge blocks Trump from cutting NIH research funding — A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked the Trump administration's attempt to impose a 15% cap on indirect costs for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. This decision came after 22 states and major universities sued, arguing that the proposed cuts would significantly harm medical research funding. The administration's proposal aimed to reduce overhead costs, which are essential for maintaining research facilities and equipment. The court's intervention prevents the immediate implementation of these cuts, which were criticized for potentially undermining critical disease prevention research.

Supporting reports

• Former Treasury secretaries warn of constitutional issues — Five former Treasury secretaries published an op-ed warning about the constitutional implications of political interference in the Treasury Department's operations. They highlighted concerns over the involvement of unqualified personnel in sensitive data management and the potential risks to national security and privacy.

Supporting reports

• Most charges against Gaza protesters dismissed — A significant number of charges against protesters involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the US have been dismissed. Data from a dozen major cities shows that about 60% of the 2,800 charges, summons, and citations against Gaza protesters were dropped or not filed. Legal advocates argue that mass arrests and charges are tactics used to silence protesters and deter future participation, despite many cases not holding up in court. The dismissals highlight concerns about the use of policing to suppress dissent and the potential chilling effect on free speech.

Supporting reports

• Steve Bannon pleads guilty to fraud charge — Steve Bannon, a conservative strategist and ally of Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to a fraud charge related to the "We Build the Wall" fundraising effort. The scheme involved soliciting donations to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, but prosecutors alleged that Bannon used the funds for personal enrichment. As part of a plea agreement, Bannon will avoid jail time and received a three-year conditional discharge. The case was prosecuted by the Manhattan district attorney's office after Bannon was pardoned for federal charges by Trump in 2021.

Supporting reports

• Judge orders Trump administration to release frozen funds — Chief Judge McConnell of the Federal District Court of Rhode Island ruled that the Trump administration is violating his order to lift a freeze on funding for various federal programs. He ordered the immediate release of the funds and indicated that contempt proceedings could begin against officials who refuse to comply, with Elon Musk likely to be a focus of such proceedings.
• Judge orders Trump to restore frozen funding — A federal judge, John J. McConnell Jr., ordered the Trump administration to immediately restore billions in federal funding that had been frozen. This directive follows a previous temporary restraining order issued in January, which the administration had defied. The funding freeze was initially implemented by the Trump administration's office of management and budget to align spending with Trump's policies. The judge's order comes after nearly two dozen states filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming non-compliance with the court's previous order.
• 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.
• Court orders restoration of frozen funding — Chief Judge John McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island ruled that the Trump administration must immediately restore federal funding that had been frozen, despite a temporary restraining order requiring its disbursement. This ruling specifically addresses funds owed to farmers who had entered contracts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for infrastructure improvements. The court's decision emphasizes adherence to legal obligations regarding appropriated funds.

Supporting reports

• Senator Cotton criticizes judicial ruling — Senator Tom Cotton publicly criticized the federal judge's ruling that temporarily barred access to Treasury records, labeling it as "outrageous" and misrepresenting the nature of the ruling. This statement reflects a broader trend among Republican officials to challenge judicial authority and undermine the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. government.
• Senator Lee claims judicial coup — Senator Mike Lee characterized the federal judge's ruling as having "the feel of…a judicial coup," suggesting that the judiciary is overstepping its bounds. This rhetoric contributes to a narrative that seeks to delegitimize judicial decisions that counter the administration's agenda.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Eli Crane drafts impeachment articles against Judge Engelmayer — Representative Eli Crane announced he is drafting articles of impeachment against U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer. Crane accuses the judge of judicial overreach after Engelmayer ruled against the Department of Government Ethics (DOGE), allegedly preventing White House employees from accessing systems they oversee. Crane claims this is a partisan abuse of judicial power and a threat to democracy.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks Trump administration's buyout offer — A federal judge has maintained a temporary block on the Trump administration's buyout offer for federal employees. The buyout program, which has been criticized for its lack of clarity and legitimacy, is part of broader efforts by the administration to restructure the civil service. The judge's decision comes amid concerns about the program's legality and its potential impact on federal workers, including those in sensitive positions. The ruling provides temporary relief to employees facing pressure to make quick decisions about the buyout.
• Judge maintains block on Trump’s federal worker buyout plan — A federal judge, George O’Toole, has decided to maintain a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration's proposed mass buyout plan for federal workers. The plan, which offers severance pay to over 2 million federal employees in exchange for their resignation, is being challenged in court by federal workers' unions. They argue that the program is illegal as it lacks Congressional approval. The restraining order prevents the implementation of the buyout while the judge considers a longer-term block.

Supporting reports

• Judge orders CDC and FDA to restore webpages — A federal judge, John Bates, has ordered the Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, and the FDA to restore webpages that were removed following an executive order by Donald Trump. The order, which targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, led to the removal of critical public health information. The judge emphasized the harm to everyday Americans, particularly underprivileged individuals seeking healthcare, and mandated the restoration of the webpages to their state as of January 30.

Supporting reports

• Judge orders Trump to restore frozen funding — A federal judge, John J. McConnell Jr., ordered the Trump administration to immediately restore billions in federal funding that had been frozen. This directive follows a previous temporary restraining order issued in January, which the administration had defied. The funding freeze was initially implemented by the Trump administration's office of management and budget to align spending with Trump's policies. The judge's order comes after nearly two dozen states filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming non-compliance with the court's previous order.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks access to Treasury records — A federal judge temporarily blocked Musk and his team from accessing Americans' records from Treasury Department computers, responding to concerns about privacy and oversight. This ruling was a significant check on the Trump administration's attempts to bypass established legal frameworks and maintain accountability in government operations.

Supporting reports

• Case update — Dellinger v. Bessent (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00385 — Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued an administrative stay on Dellinger's termination through midnight on Feb. 13, 2025, while the parties submit their briefs.
• Judge blocks firing of special counsel — U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued a temporary order blocking the firing of U.S. Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, who enforces federal whistleblower laws. Dellinger is challenging his removal as illegal, citing protections established by Congress.
• Appeal filed — Dellinger v. Bessent (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00385 — Defendants appealed to the D.C. Circuit ( case no. 25-5025 ), making an emergency motion to stay the district court's administrative stay.
• Dismissal entered — Dellinger v. Bessent (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00385 — The D.C. Circuit dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Dellinger v. Bessent (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00385 — Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the D.C. District Court granted a temporary restraining order , ordering that Dellinger shall continue to serve as Special Counsel and prohibiting defendants from denying him the resources and materials of his office.
• Stay pending appeal decided — Dellinger v. Bessent (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00385 — Defendants filed an appeal to the D.C. Circuit ( case no. 25-5028 ). In the district court, their motion for a stay pending appeal was denied .

Supporting reports

• Case update — University of California Student Ass’n v. Carter et al (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00354 — Plaintiff moved for a TRO, requesting Defendants be enjoined from disclosing information about individuals to individuals affiliated with DOGE, and required to retrieve and safeguard any such information that has already been obtained by and shared or transferred by DOGE or individuals associated with it.