Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration awards $1 billion, 15-year contract to Geo Group for Delaney Hall ICE detention — The Trump administration in February awarded a $1 billion, 15-year contract to private prison company Geo Group to operate the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in New Jersey. The facility, recently reopened, has a capacity of 1,000 detainees and is part of the administration's expansion of detention infrastructure to support mass deportation operations. The contract was awarded despite ongoing legal challenges to the facility's operation and a 2021 New Jersey state law barring immigration detention.

Supporting reports

• Jared Kushner's business ties with Saudi Arabia — Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, has raised $2 billion from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for his private equity company, Affinity Partners. This funding was secured despite initial recommendations to reject his bid due to the company's inexperience and high fees. The financial relationship raises concerns about potential foreign influence, especially as Kushner has no formal role in Trump's second administration but maintains significant business ties with Middle Eastern countries.

Supporting reports

• US Postal Service halts packages from China and Hong Kong — The US Postal Service temporarily suspended incoming parcels from China and Hong Kong, resuming normal service the following day. This action occurred amid escalating trade tensions between the US and China, with accusations from Beijing of "unreasonable suppression." The suspension was likely related to the elimination of the de minimis duty-free exemption for low-value packages, impacting US consumer orders. The USPS did not provide specific reasons for the suspension. The incident is part of a broader trade conflict involving tariffs and countermeasures between the two nations.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration pauses new regulations — The Trump administration, through Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has paused all forthcoming regulations at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), including a rule designed to protect consumers from predatory medical debt practices. This pause threatens reforms aimed at preventing medical debt from appearing on credit reports, which could impact millions of Americans. The rule was scheduled to take effect in March, but its future is now uncertain due to the administration's actions. The debt collection industry, which opposes the rule, has lobbied for its delay or rescission.

Supporting reports

• Establishment of a United States Sovereign Wealth Fund — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14196, directing the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce to develop a plan for a United States sovereign wealth fund. The plan aims to promote fiscal sustainability, reduce tax burdens, and enhance economic security and international leadership. The plan must be submitted to the President within 90 days and include recommendations on funding, investment strategies, and governance.
• Trump signs executive order to create sovereign wealth fund — On Monday, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the US Treasury and Commerce Departments to establish a sovereign wealth fund. This fund is intended to act as an investment vehicle for the country, potentially being used to purchase the social media platform TikTok. The creation of the fund requires congressional approval, and its details, including funding sources, remain unspecified. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick are tasked with spearheading the fund's development, aiming to operationalize it within 12 months.
• Trump issues executive order to establish U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 3, 2025, directing the establishment of a United States Sovereign Wealth Fund. The order mandates the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, to develop a plan for the fund. This plan is to be submitted within 90 days and should include recommendations on funding mechanisms, investment strategies, and governance models. The initiative aims to promote fiscal sustainability, reduce tax burdens, and enhance U.S. economic leadership internationally.
• White House issued memorandum directing Treasury and Commerce to develop sovereign wealth fund plan — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on February 3, 2025, directing the Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Commerce to jointly develop a plan for establishing a U.S. sovereign wealth fund within 90 days. The order states the fund aims to "maximize the stewardship of our national wealth for the sole benefit of American citizens," promote fiscal sustainability, reduce tax burdens, and establish economic security for future generations. The plan must include funding mechanisms, investment strategies, governance models, and legal considerations, including any legislative requirements.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order directing sovereign wealth fund plan — The White House published a fact sheet on February 3, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Commerce to deliver a plan within 90 days for creation of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund. The order directs the plan to include recommendations for funding mechanisms, investment strategies, fund structure, and governance. The fact sheet states the fund would leverage the federal government's $5.7 trillion in directly held assets and additional indirect asset value to promote fiscal sustainability and economic competitiveness.
• Trump ordered creation of sovereign wealth fund — On February 3, 2025, Trump ordered the US Treasury and Commerce Department to create a sovereign wealth fund operating outside the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department. The fund would require congressional approval and act as an investment vehicle for the country. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the government would "stand this thing up within the next 12 months." Trump suggested the fund could facilitate TikTok purchase but offered few details on funding sources.

Supporting reports

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water from California dams — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a significant amount of water from two dams in California into river channels along farms in the San Joaquin Valley. This action, ordered by President Trump, has been criticized for its timing, as it occurs during the rainy season when water is not needed for irrigation. Experts warn that this could negatively impact farmers who rely on the water for summer irrigation.
• Trump orders opening of California dams — President Trump ordered the opening of two California dams, aiming to reduce wildfire risk by increasing water flow. However, this decision was reversed after local complaints, as it contradicted water management practices needed during California's rainy season. The action reflects Trump's intervention in state-level environmental management.
• Trump Signs Executive Order Affecting California Water Management — Last week, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Army Corps of Engineers to open two dams in California, releasing over 2 billion gallons of water from reservoirs. Local officials expressed concern that this action nearly flooded farms and may reduce water availability during dry periods. While Trump celebrated the release, experts noted that the water would not benefit Los Angeles, raising questions about the order's effectiveness and potential environmental impact. This move is part of Trump's broader critique of California's water management policies.

Supporting reports

• SEC investigation into crypto billionaire Justin Sun placed on hold in February. — Crypto billionaire Justin Sun, who purchased $75 million in Trump coin at the dinner, had been under SEC investigation for market manipulation. That investigation was placed "on hold" in February 2025, prior to the dinner event.
• SEC halts prosecution of crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun in exchange for settlement — In February 2025, the SEC announced it was halting prosecution of crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun for fraud and market manipulation to work out a settlement. Sun had invested $75 million in World Liberty Financial tokens beginning in November 2024, directly after Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Sun's purchases resulted in a $50 million windfall for Trump and his sons. The timing and terms of the settlement halt suggest prosecutorial discretion exercised in favor of a major investor in the president's personal financial scheme.

Supporting reports

• Paramount dismantles DEI programs under FCC pressure — In February 2025, Paramount Global issued an internal memo instructing employees that it would not "set or use aspirational numerical goals related to the race, ethnicity, sex or gender of hires" and would redirect DEI funding to other programs. This followed FCC Chairman Carr's March message to media companies seeking FCC approval, encouraging them to "get busy ending any sort of their invidious forms of DEI discrimination." The dismantling of diversity initiatives was undertaken to improve Paramount's chances of FCC approval for its merger with Skydance Media.

Supporting reports

• Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods — In response to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will implement 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods. The tariffs will begin with $30 billion worth of goods immediately, with additional tariffs on $125 billion of products to follow in 21 days. The targeted goods include American alcohol, produce, clothing, shoes, household appliances, furniture, and lumber, specifically affecting industries in red states and those dominated by Trump allies and donors.
• China to file WTO complaint over U.S. tariffs — China's Ministry of Commerce announced plans to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the U.S. tariffs, which they claim violate WTO rules. China also intends to take countermeasures to defend its rights. This move is part of a broader international response to the Trump administration's trade policies.
• Mexico plans countermeasures against U.S. tariffs — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico will implement Plan B, which includes tariff and non-tariff measures, in response to U.S. tariffs. She criticized the Trump administration's justification for the tariffs and rejected allegations of Mexican alliances with criminal organizations. Sheinbaum emphasized dialogue and cooperation, particularly in migration and human rights, as the preferred approach to resolving issues.
• Panama rejects U.S. ultimatum on canal — Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino rejected an ultimatum from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Chinese influence in the Panama Canal. Mulino denounced the demand as imperialistic and politically motivated, suggesting it was intended to leverage lower fees for U.S. shipping.
• Trump cuts funding to South Africa — President Trump announced plans to cut funding to South Africa, claiming without evidence that the country is confiscating land from white farmers. This decision aligns with narratives promoted by Elon Musk and reflects the administration's foreign policy stance.
• Trump threatens Panama Canal action — President Trump told reporters that the US is "going to take" back the Panama Canal or "something very powerful is going to happen." This statement suggests potential aggressive actions regarding international agreements and territorial control.
• Canada and Mexico respond to U.S. tariffs — In response to Trump's tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs of 25% on various American goods, emphasizing the historical partnership between the U.S. and Canada. Mexico's president also rejected U.S. claims of government alliances with criminal organizations and promised retaliatory measures.
• Canada announces retaliatory tariffs against U.S. — In response to Trump's newly imposed tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced over $100 billion in retaliatory tariffs, including a 25% tariff on various American goods. Trudeau emphasized the historical partnership between the U.S. and Canada and warned that these tariffs would harm jobs and economic stability.
• Trump imposes tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China — Former President Donald Trump announced the imposition of tariffs of 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada, and 10% on goods from China, breaking existing trade agreements. He justified these tariffs as a means to address undocumented migration and drug trafficking, despite evidence suggesting limited impact on these issues.
• China announced retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. — Former President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada, and 10% on goods from China, breaking existing trade agreements. This action is framed as a response to undocumented migration and drug trafficking, despite evidence suggesting limited impact from Canada.
• Italian politician filed complaint against Donald Trump Jr. — In response to President Trump's additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, China has announced retaliatory measures, including a 15% tax on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large vehicles exported by the U.S. China also initiated an investigation into monopolistic practices by U.S. companies.
• Trump announced new sanctions against Iran — Italian Green Party politician Andrea Zanoni filed a complaint against Donald Trump Jr. for allegedly killing an endangered Ruddy Shelduck during a hunting trip in Italy. The complaint has garnered support from local environmentalists and MPs, calling for an investigation into the incident.
• Trump delays tariffs on Mexico and Canada — President Trump announced new sanctions against Iran from the Oval Office, warning Iran not to retaliate against the U.S. He stated that if Iran were to assassinate him, he has left instructions to "obliterate" their country. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with Trump emphasizing the potential consequences of any aggressive actions by Iran.
• Trump delays tariffs on Canada and Mexico — Following minor increases in border enforcement by Mexico and Canada, President Trump delayed the implementation of the newly announced tariffs on these countries for one month. This delay suggests potential negotiations or symbolic actions by Mexico and Canada to address Trump's concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
• — President Donald Trump has delayed the imposition of new tariffs on Canada and Mexico for one month after both countries made symbolic commitments to border security. This decision temporarily alleviates the threat of tariffs that could have disrupted North American supply chains and increased costs for U.S. manufacturers. The delay provides a temporary reprieve for businesses concerned about the potential economic impact of the tariffs, although the possibility of future tariffs remains.