Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration signed Executive Order 14187 threatening federal funding cuts to hospitals providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth — Executive Order 14187, signed on January 20, 2025, targeted medical systems caring for transgender youth by threatening hospitals with loss of federal funding if they continued providing gender-affirming care. Gender clinics began shutting down even in states that protect such care. Doctors were instructed to pause new treatments pending legal clarification. Insurance companies began denying or delaying coverage. The administration's HHS released a "gender dysphoria" report misrepresenting existing research and promoting "exploratory therapy," a practice widely criticized by medical associations as conversion therapy under a new name.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration broadens ICE mandate to arrest all undocumented immigrants, including those checking in voluntarily — One of Trump's first actions after his second-term inauguration was to broaden ICE's mandate so that all immigrants without legal status are now prioritized for arrest, including those who have been checking in and cooperating with authorities. Previously, under Biden, immigration officials prioritized detaining those who posed threats to public safety or had criminal records. Guardian analysis estimates approximately 1,400 arrests (8% of 16,500 total arrests in the first month) occurred during or immediately after ICE check-ins. Immigrants who had been complying with supervision orders, wearing ankle monitors, or using facial recognition apps now face detention despite their cooperation.
• Trump administration reinstates 'remain in Mexico' policy — The Trump administration has announced the reinstatement of the "remain in Mexico" policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols. This policy requires non-Mexican asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the program would restart immediately, following its termination by President Biden in 2021. Critics argue that the policy exposes migrants to dangerous conditions, while Trump officials claim it deters fraudulent asylum claims.
• Trump administration reinstates expedited removal — The Trump administration has reinstated the policy of "expedited removal," allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to quickly deport undocumented individuals who cannot prove they have been in the U.S. for more than two years. This directive, issued by the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, is part of a broader immigration crackdown by the administration, aiming to increase deportations and enforce immigration laws more aggressively.
• Trump reintroduces expedited removals policy — President Trump reintroduced a 2019 policy on January 21, 2025, to speed up deportations of undocumented immigrants unable to prove they have lived in the U.S. for two years or more. This policy expands the scope of "expedited removals" beyond areas within 100 miles of U.S. borders, raising concerns about due process and the rights of immigrants.
• DoJ orders prosecution of officials resisting immigration crackdown — The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, has issued a directive to federal prosecutors to target state and local officials who resist the administration's mass deportation campaign. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed prosecutors to investigate and potentially bring criminal charges against officials in "sanctuary" jurisdictions for harboring undocumented immigrants or withholding immigration information. This directive is part of a broader immigration crackdown, including executive orders to mobilize federal agencies for enforcement and challenge local laws blocking Trump's immigration agenda.
• Trump administration expands expedited removal authority — The Trump administration announced the expansion of "expedited removal" authority nationwide, allowing immigration officers to deport individuals without requiring them to appear before a judge. This policy, detailed in a notice in the Federal Register, enables Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport people who cannot prove their right to remain in the U.S. immediately. The expansion aims to expedite deportations and bypass traditional immigration court proceedings, affecting immigrants who entered the U.S. legally under Biden-era programs.

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• Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina — President Biden issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of the Interior to develop a plan for the full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. This plan will explore legal pathways, including legislation, to grant the tribe full federal benefits. The memorandum emphasizes the historical and modern significance of the Lumbee Tribe and aims to rectify past exclusions from federal benefits. The Secretary is tasked with consulting the tribe's leadership and submitting the plan within 90 days.
• Reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy — President reinstated the Mexico City Policy, revoking a 2021 memorandum. This policy restricts U.S. funding for organizations involved in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. The Secretary of State is directed to implement this policy across global health assistance programs.
• Trump reinstates 'global gag rule' on abortion aid — On Friday, Donald Trump signed an executive order reinstating the "Mexico City policy," also known as the "global gag rule." This policy halts U.S. aid to international organizations that provide abortion services, counsel on abortion, or advocate for abortion rights. Historically affecting up to $600 million in aid, the policy's reinstatement under Trump could impact billions of dollars due to its expanded scope. This move is expected to significantly affect reproductive healthcare access globally, potentially leading to unsafe abortions and reduced access to contraception.
• White House issued memorandum reinstating the Mexico City Policy — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 24, 2025, revoking the January 28, 2021 memorandum titled "Protecting Women's Health at Home and Abroad" and reinstating the January 23, 2017 memorandum on the Mexico City Policy. The memorandum directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to implement a plan extending the policy's requirements to global health assistance furnished by all departments or agencies, and to ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars do not fund organizations or programs that support or participate in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.

Supporting reports

• Trump pardons anti-abortion activists — Former President Donald Trump granted pardons to anti-abortion activists convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The law protects clinic staff and patients from violence and harassment. Trump's pardons affect 21 individuals, including 10 who were still in prison. This action follows calls from Senator Josh Hawley for pardons of these individuals, whom he described as unjustly persecuted by the Biden administration.
• Mike Lee introduces bill to repeal FACE Act — Senator Mike Lee introduced legislation to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, arguing it has been weaponized against pro-life activists. The FACE Act currently protects clinic staff and patients from violence and harassment. Lee's bill aims to prevent future administrations from enforcing the law.
• Trump Delegates Executive Orders to Attorney General — President Trump issued a series of executive orders and instructed the incoming attorney general to manage their implementation, indicating a desire for the Justice Department to act on his policy wishes.
• Trump shuts down federal DEI offices — Trump ordered the shutdown of all federal government offices focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and placed employees working in these programs on leave. He characterized DEI efforts as “illegal discrimination in the federal government” and directed agencies to plan for layoffs. This move is part of a broader effort to eliminate DEI initiatives from federal operations.
• Trump pardons antiabortion activists — President Trump issued pardons for nearly two dozen antiabortion activists convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. This action aligns with his administration's agenda to oppose perceived government overreach against political minorities.
• — President Trump issued pardons for nearly two dozen antiabortion activists convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which prohibits threats and obstruction against reproductive health services. The pardons align with Trump's agenda against what he describes as the weaponization of government. The timing of these pardons has raised questions among activists about their delayed announcement compared to the January 6 pardons.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order to combat 'anti-Christian bias' — President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a taskforce to address what he claims is "anti-Christian bias" within federal agencies, including the FBI and IRS. The order empowers US Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead efforts to prosecute anti-Christian violence and vandalism in government institutions. This move is part of Trump's broader strategy to strengthen his alliance with Christian conservatives, following actions such as pardoning anti-abortion activists and banning the legal recognition of transgender people by the US government.

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• Trump administration bans non-US flags at embassies — The Trump administration, through the US Department of State, has implemented a policy prohibiting the display of any flags other than the US flag at consular posts. This "One flag policy" is part of a broader effort to reduce diversity initiatives within government institutions. The policy allows exceptions only for the prisoner of war/missing in action flag and the hostages and wrongful detainees flag. This move contrasts with the previous Biden administration's practices of flying gay pride and Black Lives Matter flags at embassies.

Supporting reports

• DHS rescinded guidance limiting immigration enforcement in schools and protected areas — On January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced rescission of prior guidance that had designated schools as "protected areas" where certain immigration enforcement actions were restricted. The rescission did not explicitly authorize agents to enter schools but communicated that schools were no longer treated as uniquely buffered spaces under federal guidance, altering the legal and practical environment for immigration enforcement near educational facilities.
• Trump administration overturns sensitive areas policy — The Trump administration has overturned longstanding policies that restricted immigration enforcement in "sensitive areas" such as schools, churches, and hospitals. This change allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection to arrest migrants in these locations. The Department of Homeland Security announced the policy shift, emphasizing a crackdown on immigration. This move is part of a broader set of executive actions aimed at increasing deportations and cooperation between ICE and local governments.
• Department of Homeland Security removes guidance limiting immigration enforcement near sensitive locations — The Department of Homeland Security removed previous guidance that had limited enforcement actions near churches, schools, and hospitals. Immigration enforcement operations now occur at houses of worship and other sensitive locations. Over 620,000 deportations have occurred since January 2025 under this enforcement posture.
• DHS scraps guidance limiting immigration arrests near sensitive locations — The Department of Homeland Security removed previous guidance that limited immigration enforcement actions near sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and hospitals. This policy change has led to increased deportations and raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable communities and the sanctity of sensitive locations.
• ICE enforcement surge in Lake Worth Beach following Trump's January 2025 inauguration — Following Trump's January 2025 inauguration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified operations in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, a city of 45,000 located 10 miles from Mar-a-Lago. ICE agents began patrolling streets, raiding grocery stores, churches, and schools, and coordinating with local police for arrests. According to the Guatemalan-Maya Center director, approximately 70% of center users attending immigration check-ins or court dates have been deported, detained, or given ankle bracelets with 90-day self-deportation orders. The crackdown has created widespread fear, isolation, and documented mental-health crises within the migrant community.
• Trump issues immigration executive orders — On his first day in office, Donald Trump issued several executive orders targeting immigration. These include a national emergency declaration to deploy the military to the US-Mexico border, an attempt to end birthright citizenship, and the rescission of a taskforce aimed at reuniting families separated at the border. The orders have been described as chaotic and difficult to enforce, with many expected to face legal challenges. The actions have incited panic and confusion among immigrants and their advocates.
• DoJ orders prosecution of officials resisting immigration crackdown — The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, has issued a directive to federal prosecutors to target state and local officials who resist the administration's mass deportation campaign. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed prosecutors to investigate and potentially bring criminal charges against officials in "sanctuary" jurisdictions for harboring undocumented immigrants or withholding immigration information. This directive is part of a broader immigration crackdown, including executive orders to mobilize federal agencies for enforcement and challenge local laws blocking Trump's immigration agenda.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order Revoking DEI Policies — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14173, revoking several previous executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The order mandates federal agencies to terminate discriminatory DEI practices and enforce civil-rights laws. It also directs the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to cease promoting diversity and affirmative action among federal contractors. The order aims to restore merit-based opportunities and eliminate identity-based preferences in federal and private sectors.
• Trump revokes Equal Employment Opportunity Act — President Trump signed an executive order revoking the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, which had prohibited discrimination against protected classes in employment by federal contractors since 1965. This action removes longstanding protections against employment discrimination for those working with federal contractors.
• Trump issues executive order to end DEI policies — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 21, 2025, titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." The order directs federal agencies to terminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies deemed discriminatory and illegal. It revokes several previous executive orders related to diversity and inclusion, including Executive Order 12898 and Executive Order 13583. The order also mandates federal contractors to comply with civil-rights laws and prohibits DEI practices that violate these laws. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with revising government-wide processes to eliminate DEI references.
• Trump administration targets DEI programs — On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across various sectors, including federal agencies, corporations, and educational institutions. The order claims these programs constitute "illegal discrimination" and mandates federal agencies to identify potential civil compliance investigations into organizations implementing DEI initiatives. The order suggests that DEI programs discriminate against white men, framing them as a threat to traditional American values. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI initiatives.
• President Trump signed executive order terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal government and directing enforcement against private-sector DEI practices. — On January 21, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." The order revokes four prior executive orders and one presidential memorandum related to environmental justice, federal workforce diversity, and national security workforce diversity. It directs the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to cease promoting diversity and affirmative action among federal contractors. The order requires OMB to remove DEI references from federal acquisition and contracting procedures. It directs the Attorney General to submit a 120-day report recommending enforcement actions against private-sector DEI programs, identifying up to nine potential civil compliance investigations per agency targeting corporations, nonprofits, foundations, bar associations, medical associations, and universities. The order also directs joint guidance from the Attorney General and Secretary of Education to educational institutions on compliance with the Supreme Court's Students for Fair Admissions decision.
• White House issued fact sheet on executive order terminating DEI programs in federal workforce and contracting — The White House published a fact sheet on January 22, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that the document states terminates "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) programs in the federal workforce and federal contracting. The order claims to revoke Executive Order 11246, bar the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs from workforce-balancing requirements, and direct agencies to investigate private-sector DEI practices. The fact sheet asserts the order enforces civil rights statutes and advances "colorblind equality before the law."
• Trump signs executive orders affecting healthcare access — Within his first 48 hours back in office, Donald Trump signed several executive orders that repeal Biden-era directives expanding healthcare access for lower-income and middle-class Americans. These orders are expected to impact the medical insurance coverage of approximately 20 million people, affecting aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) such as eligibility requirements and federal subsidies. The repealed orders include those aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and expanding Medicaid coverage. The actions are anticipated to create more barriers to healthcare access and increase costs for remaining insurance options.
• Trump signs executive orders ending federal DEI programs — President Donald Trump signed two executive orders targeting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs within the federal government. The first order mandates the closure of all DEIA offices and initiatives within 60 days, reversing previous executive actions by Joe Biden. The second order overturns longstanding equity policies, including those from the civil rights era. Federal employees in DEIA roles were placed on paid leave as agencies begin to dismantle these programs. The orders reflect Trump's stance against DEI, which he claims promotes discrimination against historically dominant groups.
• US State Department suspends DEI training materials — The US State Department's Foreign Service Institute has suspended access to over 1,200 training courses, including more than 2,100 items related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This action, effective January 22, 2025, follows recent executive orders and marks a significant change in the department's educational policy. The suspension includes the removal of DEI-focused courses from the department's learning platform and a freeze on new enrollments for certain courses. The review is ongoing, and some courses may not return to the catalog.
• Trump signed executive orders reversing DEI efforts — On January 23, 2025, Donald Trump signed two executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the federal government. The first order terminates DEI programs initiated under Joe Biden, while the second broadly bans DEI activities, overturning past executive orders, including one from Lyndon B. Johnson. These orders grant the Trump administration broad authority to eliminate DEI measures and require federal employees to report colleagues furthering DEI efforts. The legality of these orders may be challenged in court.
• Trump repeals Executive Order 11246 — President Donald Trump issued an executive order repealing Executive Order 11246, originally signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. This order had prohibited government contractors with contracts over $10,000 from discriminating in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Trump's repeal is part of an initiative to end what he describes as "radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing." The repeal could hinder opportunities for minorities and women in government contracting, as it removes requirements for contractors to demonstrate non-discrimination and gather workforce composition data.

Supporting reports

• Trump revokes federal contractor civil rights order — On January 21, President Donald Trump revoked an executive order that had guided federal contractor nondiscrimination policy for nearly 60 years, which was rooted in earlier civil rights efforts. This action is seen as a significant step in dismantling protections for workers and undermining the principles of equality established in previous administrations.
• Trump repeals Executive Order 11246 — President Donald Trump issued an executive order repealing Executive Order 11246, originally signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. This order had prohibited government contractors with contracts over $10,000 from discriminating in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Trump's repeal is part of an initiative to end what he describes as "radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing." The repeal could hinder opportunities for minorities and women in government contracting, as it removes requirements for contractors to demonstrate non-discrimination and gather workforce composition data.

Supporting reports

• RNC and North Carolina GOP join Griffin's ballot challenge — The Republican National Committee, the North Carolina GOP, and the Wake County Republican Party joined Jefferson Griffin's legal challenge, contesting 60,000 ballots in the 2024 election. They argue that the state's voter registration form did not clearly state that providing a driver's license or social security number was mandatory, affecting the validity of these ballots. This legal action is part of a broader effort to contest the election results.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14160, restricting birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents under certain conditions. The order specifies that citizenship will not be granted if the mother was unlawfully present or temporarily in the U.S. and the father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of birth. This policy applies to births occurring 30 days after the order's issuance.
• Trump attempts to end birthright citizenship — President Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born in the US to undocumented immigrants. This order instructs federal agencies not to issue certain documents to these children, challenging the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship. Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, have vowed to challenge this directive in court, as the president cannot unilaterally change the Constitution.
• Trump signed executive order ending birthright citizenship — On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order targeting automatic citizenship for US-born children of undocumented immigrants and some legal immigrants. The order limits birthright citizenship if a person's "mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident" or when the mother's presence was "lawful but temporary." Birthright citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment. The order was temporarily blocked on January 23, with the judge calling it "blatantly unconstitutional."
• Trump issued executive order denying birthright citizenship to children of non-permanent residents — On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship" declaring that individuals born in the United States are not citizens if their parents do not have legal permanent status. The order directly contradicts the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship. The order prompted legal challenges from the ACLU and other organizations on behalf of families affected by the policy, including an asylum applicant from Honduras whose child was due after the order took effect.
• Trump signed executive order attacking birthright citizenship — On his first day in office in January 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship" announcing that the federal government would not issue documents recognizing U.S. citizenship to persons born in the United States whose mother was unlawfully present or whose presence was lawful but temporary, and whose father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order specified a 30-day implementation delay. Trump had promised this action as a candidate in May 2023, calling birthright citizenship "based on a historical myth, and a willful misinterpretation of the law by the open borders advocates."
• Trump signed executive order denying birthright citizenship to children of non-permanent-resident parents — On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," declaring that individuals born in the United States are not citizens if their parents lack legal permanent status, directly contradicting the Fourteenth Amendment. The order prompted lawsuits by families including asylum applicants, with lower court judges calling it "blatantly unconstitutional." On June 30, 2026, the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship in a 6–3 decision, though Justice Kavanaugh indicated he would overturn it if Congress rewrote relevant law.
• Trump issues executive order on American citizenship — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting The Meaning And Value Of American Citizenship." The order stipulates that U.S. citizenship will not automatically be granted to individuals born in the United States if their mother was unlawfully present or temporarily in the U.S. at the time of birth, and the father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This policy applies to births occurring 30 days after the order's issuance. The order directs federal departments to align their regulations with this policy and issue guidance within 30 days.
• Trump signed executive order denying birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and temporary visa holders — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to deny citizenship documentation to persons born in the United States whose mother was unlawfully present or on temporary visa status and whose father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order applies to births occurring 30 days after its issuance. It directs the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Social Security to implement the policy within their agencies and issue guidance within 30 days.
• Trump signs executive orders to end birthright citizenship — On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed a record number of executive actions, including one aimed at ending the constitutionally-protected right to birthright citizenship. This move is part of a broader set of actions targeting immigration and citizenship policies. The executive order has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges, as it directly contradicts the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.
• Trump ends birthright citizenship for certain children — President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting birthright citizenship for children born in the US to certain immigrant parents. The order specifies that citizenship will be denied if the mother was unlawfully present and the father was not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of birth. This move challenges the 14th Amendment and is expected to face legal challenges.
• Trump plans to challenge birthright citizenship — Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order ending automatic citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents in the US. This direct challenge to the 14th amendment would likely trigger immediate constitutional challenges, with Trump acknowledging the need for a constitutional amendment.
• Trump redefines birthright citizenship — President Trump signed an executive order redefining birthright citizenship, targeting children of undocumented migrants born on US soil. This move contravenes the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the United States. The order is part of a broader immigration policy overhaul.
• Trump signs executive order limiting automatic birthright citizenship — On the day after his inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order that would deny citizenship to US-born babies whose parents are not citizens or green-card holders. The order directly contradicts the 14th Amendment. Five pregnant immigrant women, including an asylum seeker from Venezuela, immediately filed suit challenging the order, fearing their unborn children would become stateless.
• Trump issues executive order on birthright citizenship — President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which seeks to overturn the established interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment regarding birthright citizenship. This order aims to give Trump the power to determine citizenship status, prompting lawsuits from multiple states and organizations.
• Trump Issues Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship — President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” aiming to overturn the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship established by the Fourteenth Amendment. This order seeks to give the president the power to determine citizenship status, which has prompted lawsuits from multiple states and organizations.
• — Former President Donald Trump issued an executive order stating that children born in the U.S. to visa holders and illegal immigrants are not entitled to birthright citizenship. This order challenges the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. and contradicts a Supreme Court ruling from 1898. The order has already been blocked by a federal judge, and several states have launched lawsuits against it. The order is expected to have a chilling effect on skilled immigration to the U.S.

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• Trump administration eliminated "X" gender marker on federal passports and denied or revoked requests to update gender markers — Within days of returning to office on January 20, 2025, the Trump administration reversed Biden-era protections for transgender Americans by eliminating the "X" gender marker on passports that had been introduced in 2022. Requests to update gender markers were returned with instructions to "correct" them back to birth sex. Some applicants reported their passports were seized and never reissued. The Supreme Court allowed the administration to continue enforcing these rules while litigation proceeds, leaving trans people unable to obtain identification documents that reflect their identity.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14168 eliminating gender markers from federal recognition and banning trans military service. — On his first day back in office, President Trump signed Executive Order 14168 titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government." Over the subsequent ten months, the order resulted in elimination of passport gender markers, ban on trans military service with reinstatement of discharge codes, threats to youth healthcare funding, closure of the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Lifeline (which had served 1.3 million youth), transfer of trans women to men's prisons, removal of federal data on trans Americans from government websites, removal of shelter protections, and deletion of LGBTQ health pages from federal sites.
• Executive Order on Gender Definitions and Policies — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14168, mandating federal agencies to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, and rescinding previous orders that supported gender identity recognition. The order directs agencies to enforce sex-based distinctions in federal policies and documents, and prohibits federal funding for gender ideology. It also requires changes to identification documents and agency policies to reflect these definitions.
• Trump issues executive order on gender and fetal personhood — Donald Trump issued an executive order that defines gender based on biological sex at conception, incorporating language that aligns with the concept of fetal personhood. This doctrine, advocated by the anti-abortion movement, suggests that life begins at conception, granting embryos and fetuses full legal rights. The order's language has raised concerns among abortion rights supporters, as it could potentially lead to nationwide abortion bans and criminalization of the procedure. The order was issued shortly after Trump took office, signaling a possible shift in federal policy regarding reproductive rights.
• Trump issues executive order on passport sex markers — On January 20, 2025, Trump issued an executive order overturning a 33-year State Department policy allowing transgender individuals to change sex markers on passports. The order declared that "It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female," defined as "an individual's immutable biological classification" assigned "at conception." The order characterized transgender identity as "false" and "corrosive" to the country.
• Trump issues executive order on gender ideology — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government." The order mandates federal agencies to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, and to enforce sex-based rights and protections accordingly. It directs agencies to revise policies, documents, and communications to reflect this definition and prohibits the use of federal funds to promote gender ideology. The order also rescinds previous executive orders related to gender identity and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• White House issued executive order redefining sex and gender in federal policy and rescinding prior LGBTQ+ protections — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing federal policy that recognizes only two sexes (male and female) as immutable biological categories and directs all federal agencies to enforce this definition across law, policy, and identification documents. The order directs the Attorney General to reinterpret the Supreme Court's Bostock decision, rescind prior guidance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, remove gender-identity-affirming materials from federal programs, prohibit federal funding for gender-affirming care in prisons, and enforce sex-based distinctions in detention facilities and shelters. It explicitly rescinds five prior executive orders and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• Trump administration issued new federal prison guidance transferring transgender women to men's prisons and authorizing male guards to conduct pat-down searches — New federal guidance issued by the Trump administration reshaped the federal prison system by directing the transfer of transgender women into men's prisons regardless of their safety or medical needs. Male guards were authorized to conduct pat-down searches on trans women, a practice condemned by advocates and medical professionals. Those who reported threats were placed in solitary confinement labeled as "protective custody," despite isolation being known to cause psychological harm. Federal court filings describe some trans women as being at "imminent risk" of assault.
• Trump administration issued directives removing LGBTQ and race-related books from federal military-base schools — The Trump administration issued directives around "gender ideology" that reshaped education in federal military-base schools. Administrators removed hundreds of LGBTQ- and race-related books from shelves. A federal judge ordered the books restored after legal challenge. Teacher unions warned that educators now face legal and administrative risks for using a student's correct name or pronouns. Federal guidance discouraged any support for social transition, even when recommended by medical professionals.
• Trump administration issued Executive Order 14168 directing federal agencies to delete LGBTQ health pages, suicide-risk data, and trans-related terminology from government records — Executive Order 14168, signed January 20, 2025, directed federal agencies to delete LGBTQ health pages, suicide-risk data, trans-related terminology, public health guidance, federal surveys, workforce protections, and research pages from government systems. Almost overnight, web pages went dark and guidance documents disappeared. Datasets that once helped hospitals, schools, and researchers understand risk and allocate resources became inaccessible. Some pages were restored only after lawsuits forced agencies to comply with transparency requirements.
• Trump creates policy recognizing only two genders — President Donald Trump signed an executive order removing "gender ideology guidance" from federal government communication, policies, and forms. The order establishes a policy recognizing only two genders, male and female, reversing a Biden-era action on gender identity acceptance.
• White House initiates Foreign Terrorist Organization designation process for Ansar Allah (Houthis) — President Trump signed a presidential action on January 22, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to initiate a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation process for Ansar Allah (the Houthis) within 30 days, followed by formal designation within 15 days thereafter. The order cites Houthi attacks on U.S. Navy vessels, civilian infrastructure in the Middle East, commercial shipping in the Red Sea, and Israeli targets. It directs the State Department to consult with intelligence and Treasury officials, and mandates USAID to review and terminate relationships with entities that have made payments to or are controlled by Ansar Allah or have criticized counter-Houthi efforts.

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• Trump administration signed Executive Order 14183 banning most transgender people from military service and discharging those already serving — Executive Order 14183, signed on January 20, 2025, banned most transgender people from enlisting in the military and began discharging those already serving. The order cut off gender-affirming medical care in the military health system, required service members to use facilities tied to birth sex regardless of lived identity or safety, and introduced discharge codes that can shadow service members for life, appearing in background checks and job applications.
• Trump plans rollback of transgender rights — Donald Trump has vowed to institute a sweeping rollback of transgender rights on his first day in office. This includes reinstating a military ban on transgender individuals and barring transgender women from competing in women's sports. Additionally, he plans to convene an FDA panel to investigate alleged links between hormone treatments and behavioral issues.

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• Trump administration cut funding for dedicated LGBTQ+ youth line on national suicide hotline — The Trump administration cut funding for the dedicated "Press 3" option on the national suicide hotline (988), a line that had served over 1.3 million LGBTQ youth. Young trans callers are now routed to the general crisis line, often reaching counselors with no specialized training in LGBTQ issues. This action occurred in a year when 61 percent of transgender people who died by suicide were between ages 15 and 24.

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• CBPOne asylum appointment system canceled by Trump administration — On January 20, 2025, hours after Trump's inauguration, the Trump administration canceled the CBPOne mobile application system that had allowed asylum seekers to request legal appointments to apply for refuge at the US-Mexico border. The system, created during the Biden administration, was a legal mechanism for rationing asylum appointments. Its cancellation left asylum seekers with scheduled appointments—including Alexander's family with a February 2 appointment in Calexico, California—without recourse.
• Trump administration cancels 30,000 CBPOne asylum appointments via executive order — On 20 January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order cancelling all scheduled CBPOne appointments for asylum seekers, affecting approximately 30,000 migrants who had been granted prized appointments to enter the US legally from Mexico. The order abruptly closed the border for those planning to seek asylum through official channels. Families like a Salvadoran household were turned back at the international bridge; many have since dispersed across Mexico, entered unlawfully, or given up on seeking US asylum.
• Trump administration plans to cancel CBP One app — The Trump administration plans to cancel the CBP One app, which migrants in Mexico use to arrange US asylum appointments. This move is part of a broader set of immigration policy changes that include reviving the Remain in Mexico policy and Title 42. These changes are expected to increase the number of migrants in Mexico's border cities, potentially overwhelming local resources and increasing the risk of exploitation by criminal groups.
• Trump administration shuts down CBP One app and reclassifies legal immigrants as illegal — The Trump administration shut down the CBP One mobile app on the first day of Trump's second term in January 2025, eliminating the scheduling and pre-screening tool that allowed immigrants to request legal entry appointments. The app was then repurposed as a tool for requesting removal from the U.S. The administration has begun reclassifying many people who entered the U.S. legally via the app as suddenly illegal, affecting their immigration status retroactively.
• Trump administration terminates CBP One asylum app and deploys troops to southern border — Hours after Trump's second inauguration, the administration signed a national emergency order allowing additional US troops at the southern border and terminated the CBP One mobile app, which had permitted tens of thousands of people in Mexico to cross legally and apply for asylum. The action reversed Biden-era policy and contributed to a dramatic drop in border crossings in the Del Rio sector from over 2,300 daily in December 2023 to an average of 30 by September 2025.
• Trump cancels CBP One app — On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration abruptly canceled the CBP One app, which was used by asylum seekers to schedule appointments at the US-Mexico border. This action resulted in the cancellation of approximately 30,000 scheduled appointments, leaving hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers in limbo. The app had been a critical tool for managing asylum requests, allowing limited daily appointments and reducing congestion at the border. The cancellation has caused significant distress among asylum seekers and may lead to increased attempts to cross the border illegally.
• Trump disables CBP One app for migrants — On the day of his inauguration, President Trump disabled the CBP One phone app's appointment system, which allowed prospective migrants and asylum seekers to schedule appointments with U.S. authorities for legal entry. This action affected approximately 270,000 people trying to apply and canceled existing appointments for about 30,000 individuals, many of whom had waited in dangerous conditions in Mexico. This move effectively closed a legal pathway for migrants and asylum seekers to enter the United States.
• Trump administration deports Russian asylum-seeking family to Costa Rica without asylum hearing — The Trump administration canceled an asylum appointment for a Russian family (Alexander, his wife, and son) scheduled for February 2, 2025, after Trump's January 20 inauguration. When the family presented themselves at the US-Mexico border, they were arrested, detained for one month, then forcibly deported via military aircraft to Costa Rica—a country they had no connection to—as part of a third-country deportation deal. The family was subsequently detained in Costa Rica for two months in poor conditions before being released following a June 2025 Costa Rican constitutional court ruling that their rights had been violated.
• Trump cancels asylum appointment system — On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration canceled the CBP One app, an online system that allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments with border agents. This cancellation left many asylum seekers stranded and without access to the process.

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• Executive Order on Immigration Enforcement — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," which revokes several previous executive orders related to immigration policies. The order mandates strict enforcement of immigration laws, prioritizes the removal of inadmissible and removable aliens, and establishes Homeland Security Task Forces nationwide. It also directs federal agencies to revoke policies based on the revoked orders and to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
• Suspension of U.S. Refugee Admissions Program — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14163, suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) effective January 27, 2025. The order cites national interest and security concerns, allowing exceptions on a case-by-case basis. It revokes Executive Order 14013 from February 4, 2021, and mandates periodic reviews to assess the program's resumption.
• Trump administration plans to revive Remain in Mexico policy — The Trump administration plans to revive the Remain in Mexico policy, which forces asylum seekers to wait in dangerous border cities while their applications are processed. This policy change is expected to increase the number of migrants in Mexico's border cities, potentially overwhelming local resources and increasing the risk of exploitation by criminal groups.
• Trump administration plans to revive Title 42 policy — The Trump administration reportedly plans to revive Title 42, a pandemic-era public health policy that expelled people almost 3 million times without allowing them to request asylum. This policy change is expected to increase the number of migrants in Mexico's border cities, potentially overwhelming local resources and increasing the risk of exploitation by criminal groups.
• Trump administration suspends asylum system at southern border — Within hours of taking office in his second term, Trump suspended the asylum system at the southern border as part of a wide-ranging immigration crackdown. This action eliminated legal pathways for asylum seekers and represents one of several concurrent restrictions on immigration, including ending temporary legal residency for Haitian, Venezuelan, and Cuban nationals and moving to revoke temporary protected status for multiple immigrant groups.
• Trump resumes Migrant Protection Protocols — President Trump reinstated the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the "Remain in Mexico" policy. This policy requires migrants and asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their U.S. immigration court proceedings are pending, exposing them to high risks of violence. The resumption of MPP is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown.
• Trump suspends U.S. Refugee Admissions Program — President Trump suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, halting the resettlement of thoroughly vetted refugees in the United States. This suspension affects the resettlement infrastructure and funding for agencies that support refugees, potentially leading to office closures and reduced capacity to assist future refugees.
• Trump issues executive order on immigration enforcement — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting The American People Against Invasion." The order revokes several previous executive orders related to immigration policies and mandates strict enforcement of immigration laws. It directs federal agencies to prioritize the removal of inadmissible and removable aliens, establish Homeland Security Task Forces nationwide, and enhance cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The order also calls for the reestablishment of the VOICE Office to support victims of crimes committed by removable aliens and imposes penalties on illegal aliens and those facilitating their presence in the U.S.
• President Trump signed executive order on immigration enforcement titled "Protecting The American People Against Invasion" — President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) on January 20, 2025. The order cites concerns over the ability of the U.S. to absorb large numbers of refugees without compromising resources, safety, and security. The suspension will remain in effect until a determination is made that resuming the program aligns with U.S. interests. The order allows for case-by-case admissions if deemed in the national interest and revokes a previous executive order aimed at enhancing refugee resettlement programs.
• White House signed executive order on border security and immigration enforcement — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to enforce immigration laws against all "inadmissible and removable aliens." The order revokes four prior executive orders from the Biden administration, establishes Homeland Security Task Forces in all states, directs ICE to prioritize removal of recent entrants, authorizes state and local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement functions, and instructs agencies to deny public benefits to unauthorized aliens and audit funding to NGOs serving immigrants. The order also directs the Secretary of State to pressure foreign governments to accept deportations and instructs the Attorney General to prosecute unauthorized entry as a criminal priority.
• White House signed executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program — The White House signed an executive order titled "Securing Our Borders" directing the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to deploy physical barriers, personnel, and technology along the southern border; the Secretary of Homeland Security to maximize detention of apprehended aliens pending removal; the Attorney General and DHS to prioritize prosecution of immigration-related offenses; and multiple agencies to resume the Migrant Protection Protocols, terminate parole programs including CBP One, and pursue international cooperation on immigration enforcement.
• Trump suspends entry at southern border — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, suspending entry into the United States of refugees under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), effective January 27, 2025. The order cites record migration levels over the preceding four years and claims the U.S. lacks capacity to absorb refugees without compromising resources for citizens. It directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend decisions on refugee applications and requires a report within 90 days on whether resumption would serve U.S. interests. Case-by-case admissions may continue at the discretion of State and Homeland Security secretaries if deemed in the national interest.
• Trump suspends Refugee Admissions Program — On January 20, 2025, President Trump suspended the entry of people newly arriving at the southern border. This action is part of a series of executive orders targeting immigration and border security. The suspension is expected to have significant humanitarian and legal implications, affecting asylum seekers and migrants seeking entry into the United States.
• Trump signed executive order freezing refugee admissions — President Trump suspended the Refugee Admissions Program for at least 90 days on January 20, 2025. This suspension is part of a broader strategy to restrict immigration and refugee intake. The decision has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and could have severe consequences for refugees seeking safety in the United States.
• — On January 23, 2025, Trump signed an executive order suspending the country's refugee resettlement program. Refugees may only be admitted on a case-by-case basis if their entry is in the "national interest." The order cited "record levels of migration" and claimed the country lacked capacity to "absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees." Advocates say the move endangered lives and left families devastated, with thousands of refugees stranded globally.

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• Trump ends legal pathways for certain nationalities — President Trump ended processes that allowed Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans with financial sponsors to live and work legally in the U.S. for two years. This decision removes a legal pathway for these individuals to explore permanent immigration options, affecting their ability to seek safety and stability in the U.S.
• Trump resumes border wall construction — President Trump signed an executive order to resume construction of the border wall along the US-Mexico border. This action reverses the previous administration's halt on the project and is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown. The resumption of construction is expected to face logistical and legal challenges, as well as opposition from various groups.
• Trump administration reinstates 'remain in Mexico' policy — The Trump administration has announced the reinstatement of the "remain in Mexico" policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols. This policy requires non-Mexican asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the program would restart immediately, following its termination by President Biden in 2021. Critics argue that the policy exposes migrants to dangerous conditions, while Trump officials claim it deters fraudulent asylum claims.
• Trump reimplements "remain in Mexico" policy — Trump reissued an executive order to reinstate the "remain in Mexico" policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed in the U.S. This policy, previously implemented during Trump's first term, has faced criticism for endangering asylum seekers and complicating the asylum process. Legal challenges are expected as the policy is seen as a deterrent to asylum claims.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration increases ICE detention quotas and budget — Within days of Trump's second inauguration on 20 January 2025, the administration ordered ICE to detain more people, establishing new quotas that increased daily arrests from a few hundred to 1,200–1,500. ICE's annual budget has grown from $6 billion a decade ago to $85 billion, making it the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the US. New ICE recruits receive signing-on bonuses of up to $50,000. The administration also expanded Project Homecoming, a self-deportation scheme offering $2,600 exit bonuses (increased from $1,000 in May 2025), funded by repurposing $250 million previously allocated to refugee aid.
• ICE detainee death toll reaches 16 since Trump's January return to office — Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, at least 16 people have died in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, including Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old Mexican national and former DACA recipient, who died at an ICE facility in Adelanto, California on September 21. ICE was holding 59,762 detainees as of September 25, exceeding the previous record of 60,000 set in August. Data shows a death rate of approximately 1.88 per month under Trump compared to 0.54 per month during the Biden administration. Immigration advocates cite "horrendous conditions" and inadequate medical monitoring despite ICE's assertions of safe, humane environments.
• Escalation of Deportation of Undocumented People — The incoming administration has announced plans to escalate the deportation of undocumented individuals, a move that is expected to increase fear among immigrant communities. This strategy is part of a broader approach to immigration enforcement that has been criticized for its potential to create a climate of fear and uncertainty. The National Immigrant Justice Center is highlighted as a resource for those affected by these policies, offering support and advocacy in response to the administration's actions.
• Trump ICE raids cause worker absences — New ICE raids under the Trump administration have led to significant worker absences in California's agricultural sector. The raids are reportedly targeting individuals based on racial profiling rather than criminal suspicion, causing fear and disruption in communities.
• DoJ orders prosecution of officials resisting immigration crackdown — The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, has issued a directive to federal prosecutors to target state and local officials who resist the administration's mass deportation campaign. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed prosecutors to investigate and potentially bring criminal charges against officials in "sanctuary" jurisdictions for harboring undocumented immigrants or withholding immigration information. This directive is part of a broader immigration crackdown, including executive orders to mobilize federal agencies for enforcement and challenge local laws blocking Trump's immigration agenda.
• ICE raid in Newark targets Hispanic military veteran — ICE agents conducted a raid at a seafood wholesaler in Newark, NJ, arresting three people, including a Puerto Rican military veteran. The raid was part of a racial profiling operation targeting Hispanic individuals, raising concerns about discrimination and unlawful targeting of US citizens.

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• Trump issues executive order on gender and fetal personhood — Donald Trump issued an executive order that defines gender based on biological sex at conception, incorporating language that aligns with the concept of fetal personhood. This doctrine, advocated by the anti-abortion movement, suggests that life begins at conception, granting embryos and fetuses full legal rights. The order's language has raised concerns among abortion rights supporters, as it could potentially lead to nationwide abortion bans and criminalization of the procedure. The order was issued shortly after Trump took office, signaling a possible shift in federal policy regarding reproductive rights.

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• Presidential Proclamation on Border Security — President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring an ongoing invasion at the southern border of the United States. The proclamation suspends the entry of aliens involved in this invasion and imposes restrictions on their access to immigration provisions. The President directed the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, to take actions necessary to repel and remove aliens engaged in the invasion.
• Trump issued proclamation declaring southern border "invasion" and suspending entry of migrants — President Trump signed a proclamation on January 20, 2025, declaring the southern border situation an "invasion" under Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution. The proclamation suspends physical entry of aliens "engaged in the invasion" across the southern border, restricts their access to asylum provisions (Section 208 of the INA), and directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to "repel, repatriate, or remove" such aliens. The order applies to aliens who fail to provide medical, criminal history, or background information before entry. Trump asserts inherent constitutional authority to take these actions independent of statutory immigration law.

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• DNC intervenes in GOP's ballot challenge case — The Democratic National Committee intervened in the case brought by the RNC and North Carolina GOP, asking a court to block their request to discard thousands of ballots. The DNC cited state and federal laws that protect the votes of eligible voters despite minor registration application issues. This intervention is part of the ongoing legal battle over the 2024 election results in North Carolina.
• North Carolina Virtual Town Hall on Election Overturn Efforts — A virtual town hall is scheduled for January 23 in North Carolina to address GOP efforts to overturn the election of Supreme Court Justice Alison Riggs. This event aims to inform and mobilize citizens against attempts to challenge the legitimacy of a duly elected official. The town hall will provide a platform for discussing the implications of these efforts on the state's judicial system and democratic processes.
• Challenges to NC Supreme Court Justice election — Challenges have been raised against the election of NC Supreme Court Justice Alison Riggs, with concerns that the GOP is attempting to overturn the election results. This situation is characterized as a "five alarm fire" for democracy by Marc Elias, indicating the potential for similar attempts in future elections, including the 2028 Presidential election.

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• Trump revoked Biden police reform executive orders — On January 20, 2025, President Trump revoked executive orders issued by President Biden that implemented limited police reforms. The article notes that Trump dismantled the federal database tracking police misconduct on the same date. These actions reversed measures intended to address police accountability following the George Floyd protests and the passage of related legislation in Congress.
• Trump decommissioned federal police misconduct database on first day of office — On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order directing the decommissioning of a federal database tracking police misconduct. This action removed a key transparency and accountability mechanism for monitoring law enforcement violations across jurisdictions, making it more difficult to identify patterns of abuse or hold departments accountable.