Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Congressional investigation into big oil ended — The Republican party's control of the Senate and House of Representatives has led to the termination of a congressional investigation into the oil and gas industry's disinformation and political interference. The investigation, led by Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, had uncovered documents showing the industry's efforts to downplay the dangers of fossil fuels. With Republicans in control, further scrutiny of the industry's influence is unlikely, and calls for the Justice Department to investigate have stalled.

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• Democratic senators call for GAO inquiry into federal worker firings — Senator Elizabeth Warren, along with 10 other Democratic senators, has requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the recent mass firings of federal probationary employees. The senators are concerned about the impact of these firings on public health and safety, as well as the potential for private companies, including those associated with Elon Musk, to fill the void left by the terminated workers. The letter highlights the need to understand the full consequences of these terminations and whether they have led to inefficiencies and increased spending.

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• NEA sued over Trump executive order on LGBTQ+ projects — Several arts organizations have filed a lawsuit against the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) following an executive order by Donald Trump that bars the use of federal funds for promoting "gender ideology." The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, claims that the NEA's new requirements effectively block funding for projects supporting transgender and non-binary art, violating the First and Fifth Amendments. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is representing the plaintiffs, arguing that the order imposes a vague and viewpoint-based restriction on artists' speech.

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• Ward Brehm files lawsuit against Doge — On March 6, 2025, Ward Brehm, president of the US African Development Foundation (USADF), filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's Doge unit, Peter Marocco, and the White House. The lawsuit accuses them of ignoring statutory requirements and attempting to dismantle the USADF using false pretenses and bullying tactics. This legal action follows an executive order by Donald Trump to close the agency, which Brehm argues is illegal without congressional approval.

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• Court rules Trump’s firing of labor board official illegal — A federal court ruled that Donald Trump's firing of Gwynne Wilcox, a senior official at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), was illegal. The court ordered her reinstatement, stating that the president does not have the authority to terminate NLRB members at will. The ruling emphasized that the president is not a king and must adhere to constitutional limits. Wilcox's removal had left the NLRB without a quorum, affecting its ability to function. The court's decision reinforces the independence of the NLRB and the rule of law.
• Summary judgment ruling — Gwynne A. Wilcox v. Donald J. Trump et al (D.C. Cir.) 1:25-cv-00334 — Judge Beryl Howell granted the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment, and denied the defendant's cross motion for summary judgment. The court issued a declaratory judgment that Wilcox's firing was unlawful and that she remains a member of the NLRB; the court further ordered that Wilcox be allowed to continue to serve in office unless removed for cause under the NLRA, and enjoined defendants from removing Wilcox or impeding her from executing her duties.
• Federal court rules Trump's firing of labor chief illegal — A federal court ruled that President Trump's firing of Gwynne Wilcox, a senior official at the National Labor Relations Board, was illegal. The court ordered her reinstatement, marking a significant legal setback for the administration. This ruling underscores the limits of presidential power in removing officials and reinforces the independence of labor oversight bodies.

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• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — Judge McConnell granted the plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction. Defendants were enjoined from in any way impeding the disbursement of appropriated federal funds to the states.
• Trump faces legal challenges over funding freeze — U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. ruled that Trump does not have the authority to freeze funding appropriated by Congress, issuing a preliminary injunction in the case New York v. Trump. This ruling emphasizes the constitutional separation of powers and limits executive authority over budgetary matters.

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• Justice Department announces Title VII investigation of University of California for alleged antisemitic hostile work environment — The Department of Justice announced a civil pattern-or-practice investigation into the University of California under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The investigation will assess whether UC engaged in discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin against professors, staff, and employees by allowing an antisemitic hostile work environment on its campuses. The investigation was announced by the Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism and will be conducted jointly with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• US Department of Justice investigates University of California for alleged antisemitism — The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has launched an investigation into the University of California (UC) system to determine if it violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The investigation focuses on whether UC engaged in a pattern of discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin by allowing an antisemitic hostile work environment on its campuses. This action follows campus protests against Israel's war in Gaza, which have raised concerns about antisemitic discrimination within the university system.

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• Merit Systems Protection Board orders USDA to reinstate employees — The Merit Systems Protection Board, chaired by Cathy Harris, has ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to temporarily reinstate nearly 6,000 probationary employees who were previously terminated. This decision mandates their reinstatement for 45 days while the board investigates the legality of their firings, which were part of efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce. The board found reasonable grounds to believe the terminations violated federal laws and procedures. This ruling may set a precedent for similar actions in other federal agencies.
• Trump administration reinstates fired USDA employees — The US Merit Systems Protection Board ordered the Trump administration to reinstate approximately 6,000 probationary employees who had been fired from the Department of Agriculture. This decision supports employee rights and challenges the administration's mass firings.

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• Supreme Court rejects Trump request to freeze foreign aid — The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, rejected the Trump administration's request to continue freezing nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the liberal justices to uphold a lower court's order to unfreeze the aid, which had been approved by Congress. The decision marks a setback for the Trump administration, which had imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance. The Supreme Court instructed Judge Amir Ali to clarify the government's obligations to comply with the order.
• Supreme Court denies request to block foreign aid payment — The United States Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, denied the federal government's request to overturn an order by D.C. Circuit Judge Amir Ali. Judge Ali had temporarily paused part of President Donald Trump's executive order that sought to reevaluate and realign U.S. foreign aid. The order prevented the suspension of foreign aid funding that existed before January 20, 2025. The Supreme Court instructed Judge Ali to clarify the government's obligations to ensure compliance with the order. The federal government subsequently provided a schedule for fulfilling pre-existing funding commitments.
• Supreme Court rejects Trump administration's aid freeze — The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, rejected the Trump administration's attempt to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. This ruling represents a significant check on executive power and supports congressional authority over budgetary decisions.
• Supreme Court ruling against foreign aid freeze — The Supreme Court issued a ruling against the Trump administration's freeze on nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. This decision led to the lifting of some stop-work orders on aid projects, which had been in place since late January. The ruling indicates that the administration must comply with the court's order, at least temporarily, allowing some aid programs to resume operations. However, there remains confusion among program administrators about the criteria for future reviews of their projects.

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• Congressman Al Green removed from Trump address — During a joint session of Congress, Congressman Al Green was removed from the House chamber after repeatedly interrupting President Donald Trump's speech. House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Green's removal after he shouted "He has no mandate" and refused to sit down. The sergeant-at-arms carried out the removal, marking a rare event in congressional history. Green, a vocal critic of Trump, had previously announced his intention to file articles of impeachment against the president. The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of Democratic protests during Trump's address.
• Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber — Democratic Rep. Al Green was removed from the House chamber after disrupting President Trump's address to Congress. Green had previously announced plans to file articles of impeachment against Trump, highlighting tensions between the executive and legislative branches.
• House member removed from Congress chamber — During Donald Trump's speech to Congress, Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, was removed from the chamber after shouting at the president. Green's outburst came in response to Trump's claims of having a significant electoral mandate. The Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, instructed the sergeant at arms to remove Green after he refused to maintain decorum. This incident occurred amidst a broader protest by Democrats, some of whom walked out wearing "resist" shirts.
• Al Green removed from Trump address after heckling — During President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, Congressman Al Green was removed from the chamber after heckling the president. Green shouted, "You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!" which prompted House Speaker Mike Johnson to order the House serjeant at arms to escort him out. This incident occurred amidst a highly charged atmosphere, with Republicans cheering and Democrats expressing dissent through various forms of protest.
• House votes to censure Rep. Al Green — The House of Representatives voted to censure Democratic Rep. Al Green for disrupting President Trump's address to Congress. Ten Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the resolution, reflecting internal party divisions and the contentious political climate.
• House censure of Al Green for interrupting Trump's joint address — On March 5, 2025, Democrat Al Green interrupted President Trump's joint address to Congress, shouting "he has no mandate" while pumping a walking cane. Speaker Mike Johnson had Green forcibly removed. Two days later, on March 7, the House passed Republican Dan Newhouse's censure resolution against Green with 210 votes in favor (all Republicans plus 10 Democrats). Green was required to stand before the House dais as Johnson read the censure. This was the only censure to pass in 2025.
• House votes to censure Al Green — The US House of Representatives voted to censure Representative Al Green for disrupting President Trump's joint session address. The vote, which included support from some Democrats, accused Green of breaching proper conduct. This censure reflects the political tensions and disciplinary measures within Congress regarding decorum and conduct during official proceedings.

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• Idaho House passes petition against same-sex marriage — The Idaho House of Representatives passed House Joint Memorial 1, a legislative petition urging the Supreme Court to reverse its ruling on same-sex marriage. The petition calls for the restoration of the "natural definition of marriage" as a union between one man and one woman. The vote passed 46-24, reflecting a broader Republican effort to challenge the Supreme Court's 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. This move has sparked criticism from civil rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocates.

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• US Senate Democrats block bill to ban trans athletes from women’s sports — On March 3, 2025, US Senate Democrats successfully blocked a Republican-led bill aimed at banning transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The bill, known as the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, was defeated in a 51-45 vote, failing to reach the 60 votes needed to advance. The legislation had previously passed the House in January. The vote reflects ongoing cultural and political debates surrounding transgender rights and sports participation, with Democrats labeling the bill as a political distraction.

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• Representative Mike Turner Removed from House Intelligence Committee — Representative Mike Turner (R-OH) was removed from his position as chair of the House Intelligence Committee and from the committee altogether by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Turner, a supporter of NATO and Ukraine, publicly contradicted the Trump administration's stance on U.S. operations against Russia, suggesting that the administration's claims about cybersecurity threats were inaccurate.

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• US Justice Department to review Tina Peters' conviction — The US Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, announced a review of the conviction of Tina Peters, a former election clerk from Colorado. Peters was sentenced to nine years in prison for her involvement in a voting system data-breach scheme. The review will assess whether the prosecution was politically motivated rather than focused on justice. This action follows a Trump executive order aimed at ending the perceived weaponization of the federal government. The review will consider the length of Peters' sentence and the denial of bail during her appeal process.

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• Justice Department files statement of interest supporting access to places of worship — The Department of Justice announced it filed a statement of interest in federal court in California addressing allegations that a violent mob used violence, intimidation, and threats to prevent congregants from accessing Adas Torah Synagogue. The statement interprets federal law protecting access to places of religious worship under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The Civil Rights Division characterized the filing as part of nationwide efforts to combat antisemitism and promote freedom of religious worship.
• Justice Department files statement of interest supporting religious land use challenge in Pennsylvania — The Department of Justice filed a statement of interest in federal court in the Western District of Pennsylvania supporting Hope Rising Community Church's lawsuit against the Borough of Clarion. The Church alleges the Borough's zoning code violates the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by prohibiting houses of worship in a commercial district while permitting nonreligious assembly uses like theaters. The Department's filing refutes the Borough's motion to dismiss, arguing the Church has properly alleged an equal-treatment claim and suffered concrete injury.

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• Certiorari granted in Barrett v. United States — The Supreme Court granted certiorari in the case of Barrett v. United States, limited to Question 1 presented by the petition. This means the Court will review the specific legal question outlined in that part of the petition. The petitioner, Dwayne Barrett, was also granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, allowing him to pursue the case without the burden of court fees due to financial constraints.

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• FBI official James Dennehy forced out — James Dennehy, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, was forced to retire after resisting the Trump administration's efforts to purge agents involved in investigating the January 6 Capitol assault. Dennehy was given an ultimatum to retire or be fired, without a stated reason. His departure follows the removal of eight other FBI officials involved in investigations into Trump. Dennehy had previously vowed to resist these purges, which he described as targeting agents for doing their jobs according to law and policy.

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• Elon Musk funds Wisconsin Supreme Court race — Elon Musk is spending millions to support Republican candidate Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Musk's political action committee is contributing $1 million, and another group he funds is spending $1.6 million on ads against Schimel's opponent, Susan Crawford. This election could influence major cases on abortion, union rights, and election law. Musk's involvement is seen as an attempt to expand his political influence and potentially affect future legal decisions that could benefit his business interests, such as Tesla's pending lawsuit in Wisconsin.

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• Missouri Health Department rejects Planned Parenthood medication abortion plans — In March 2025, the Missouri Health Department issued new emergency rules and rejected Planned Parenthood's "complication plans" (submitted in February to enable medication abortion prescribing) on the same day, claiming non-compliance. The state imposed unnecessary stipulations, including a requirement that an OB-GYN live within 25 miles of the clinic and be available around the clock for seven days after a patient takes medication. These barriers effectively prevented resumption of medication abortion services despite the voter-approved Amendment 3.

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• DHS dismantles independent watchdog offices, citing obstruction of immigration enforcement — The Trump administration's DHS dismantled three independent watchdog offices—the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties office (CRCL), the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), and the CIS Ombudsman office—in March 2025. The agency stated the offices "obstructed immigration enforcement" and were being closed. All 147 full-time CRCL employees and 118 OIDO staff were ousted. This action became the subject of a federal lawsuit filed in April 2025 by civil rights organizations challenging it as violating separation of powers.
• Trump administration dismantles DHS civil rights watchdog offices, reducing oversight capacity by 97% — The Trump administration gutted three independent DHS watchdog offices tasked with investigating civil rights violations, detention conditions, and deaths in custody. Court records show the civil rights office received nearly 6,000 complaints from March to December 2025 but investigated only 183 (3%), compared to a historical 20% rate. Staff at the CRCL dropped from 147 to fewer than 40; the OIDO fell from 118 to 5 people. A lawsuit by civil rights groups challenges the action as violating separation of powers and constitutional norms.
• CRCL office staffing reduction and suppression of civil rights report — The Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), which had approximately 150 employees, was reduced to only two full-time employees and around 20 outside contractors. A congressionally-mandated report documenting suspected civil rights violations by local police agencies in the 287(g) program—completed and cleared through multiple DHS components—was placed "into limbo" after Trump took office and has not been published. Former officials report the report identified jurisdictions, particularly in Florida, suspected of violating civil rights in 2023.
• Department of Homeland Security eliminates federal immigration detention oversight offices — In March 2025, the Department of Homeland Security effectively eliminated its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. These offices were responsible for investigating complaints about immigration detention facilities and reporting conditions to Congress. The elimination removes federal watchdog capacity to monitor detention conditions as ICE custody reaches record levels and is projected to become the deadliest year for people in ICE custody.

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• Kennedy's health department to eliminate public participation in policy decisions — The US Department of Health and Human Services, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced plans to eliminate public participation in many of the agency's policy decisions. This move contradicts Kennedy's earlier promise of "radical transparency" made to Congress. The department has historically allowed public comment on a range of actions, and this change would significantly alter the rulemaking process at an agency that oversees substantial healthcare spending and programs.

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• NRC Extends Turkey Point Nuclear Plant License

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• House Republicans approve budget framework cutting Medicaid — The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved a budget framework that proposes significant cuts to Medicaid, aiming to reduce funding by $880 billion over the next decade. This move is part of a broader plan to finance $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and mass deportations under Donald Trump's agenda. The proposed cuts have raised concerns about the potential loss of health insurance for millions of Americans, including low-income individuals, the elderly, and people with disabilities, as well as the impact on hospitals and healthcare systems.

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• Coalition of parents, teachers, and school board members files lawsuit challenging Oklahoma election-denial standards — A coalition of Oklahoma parents, teachers, and school board members filed a lawsuit in March 2025 challenging the state's new social studies standards on procedural and constitutional grounds. The complaint alleged that Superintendent Walters and the State Board violated the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act and the state constitution's due process clause by emailing the final standards version to board members only hours before the vote, with no redline or summary of changes, and without public review of the final text during the required comment period.

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• Federal judges propose transferring US Marshals Service from DOJ to judicial control — Federal judges discussed a proposal to move armed security personnel (US Marshals Service) away from Department of Justice control under Attorney General Pam Bondi and place them under the direct control of Chief Justice John Roberts. The proposal emerged at a March 2025 judicial conference meeting of approximately 50 federal judges amid concerns that the Trump administration might weaponize the Marshals Service by withdrawing protection from judges who rule against the president. Judge John Coughenour endorsed the transfer as necessary given recent threats and intimidation targeting judges.