Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Mass shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego; two teenage assailants killed three victims and themselves — Two teenagers, identified as Cain Clark (17) and Caleb Vazquez (18), opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 19, killing three victims: security guard Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nadir Awad. The shooters, who had met and been radicalized online, rushed the mosque "fully armored" with handguns and rifles. Police found them dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds near the scene. The FBI recovered a manifesto expressing "broad hatred" toward various races and religions, along with 30 firearms, tactical gear, and ammunition from two residences. The shooting prompted lockdowns at five nearby public schools.
• Mass shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego kills three worshippers; two teenage suspects dead from self-inflicted wounds — Three people, including a security guard, were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD), the county's largest mosque, shortly before midday prayer. Two suspects, aged 17 and 18, died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The mother of one suspect had called police two hours prior reporting her son missing along with weapons and a vehicle. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime; the FBI recovered evidence of "generalized hate rhetoric" by the attackers. No children at the center's school were harmed.
• Two teenagers opened fire at Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three men; attackers found dead from self-inflicted wounds — On Monday, May 19, 2026, two teenagers aged 17 and 18 opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing security guard Amin Abdullah (51), mosque elder Mansour Kaziha (78), and community member Nadir Awad (57). Abdullah engaged the attackers, delaying their advance and protecting approximately 140 children nearby. Kaziha called 911 and Awad attempted to intervene. Both attackers fled and were found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds several blocks away. Police and FBI are investigating as a hate crime, with the FBI noting the attackers appear to have been radicalized online.
• Memphis Safe Task Force agents shoot and kill Jonah Neal during mental health call — On 21 May, Memphis Safe Task Force officers responded to a report of an armed man threatening to harm himself at a home. Police reported finding Jonah Neal, 25, with several weapons inside. A Homeland Security special agent shot and killed him. This is the third officer-involved death attributed to the taskforce.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed Executive Order 14406 directing Treasury and financial regulators to issue guidance on detecting and preventing financial services to undocumented immigrants and their employers. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14406 on May 19, 2026, directing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue an advisory within 60 days identifying suspicious financial activity patterns associated with undocumented workers and employers, including payroll tax evasion, use of foreign identity documents, and structuring. The order also directs the Treasury and Federal functional financial regulators to propose and consider changes to Bank Secrecy Act regulations to strengthen customer due diligence and identification requirements, with particular attention to immigration status and work authorization as risk factors. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is directed to clarify that potential deportation and wage loss are factors affecting ability-to-repay determinations for non-work-authorized borrowers.
• Trump issued executive order directing financial regulators to strengthen customer due diligence and credit underwriting standards targeting non-work-authorized immigrants. — President Trump signed "Restoring Integrity to America's Financial System" on May 19, 2026, directing the Treasury Secretary to issue an advisory within 60 days identifying suspicious financial activity patterns associated with undocumented immigrants and their employers, including payroll tax evasion, use of foreign identity documents, and structuring schemes. The order instructs federal financial regulators to propose regulatory changes strengthening customer identification and due diligence requirements, and directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to clarify that deportation risk and wage loss are factors in credit underwriting for non-work-authorized borrowers. Implementation deadlines range from 60 to 180 days.
• White House issued Executive Order 14406 directing financial regulators to implement immigration-status-based lending restrictions and enhanced due diligence requirements — The White House signed Executive Order 14406 on May 19, 2026, directing the Treasury Secretary and federal financial regulators to issue advisories and propose regulatory changes to the Bank Secrecy Act. The order requires financial institutions to flag accounts held by non-work-authorized immigrants and their employers, treat deportation risk as a credit-underwriting factor, and implement enhanced customer due diligence tied to immigration status. The order states the policy is to "restore integrity" to the financial system by addressing risks posed by "the inadmissible and removable alien population" and cross-border financial activity.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive orders on financial system regulation and immigration-linked credit risk — The White House published a fact sheet on May 19, 2026, describing executive orders signed by President Trump. The orders direct the Treasury Secretary and federal financial regulators to issue advisories and propose regulatory changes to strengthen customer identification requirements, address credit risks associated with extending financial services to undocumented immigrants, and prevent denial of banking services based on political or religious beliefs. The fact sheet claims the orders target illicit financial activity, money laundering, and fentanyl trafficking while asserting that extending credit to undocumented immigrants creates systemic banking risks that raise costs for American consumers.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues Executive Order 14405 directing federal financial regulators to streamline fintech oversight and expand Federal Reserve payment system access. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14405 on May 19, 2026, directing federal financial regulators to review and update regulations, guidance, and supervisory practices within 90 days to reduce barriers to fintech firms entering partnerships with federally regulated institutions and seeking federal charters and licenses. The order also requests the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate and expand direct access to Reserve Bank payment accounts and services for uninsured depository institutions and non-bank financial companies engaged in digital assets and novel financial activities, with a report due within 120 days and transparent application procedures to be established within 90 days of application.
• Trump issued executive order streamlining fintech regulatory processes and expanding Federal Reserve access — President Trump signed an executive order on May 19, 2026, directing federal financial regulators to review and streamline regulations, guidance, and supervisory practices to reduce barriers to fintech firms entering partnerships with federally regulated institutions and obtaining federal licenses. The order requests the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate and expand direct access to Reserve Bank payment accounts and services for non-bank financial companies and digital asset firms, with a 120-day report deadline and 90-day application processing timelines where legally permissible.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on fintech regulatory integration — The White House published a fact sheet on May 19, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing federal financial regulators to review and streamline regulations to promote financial technology innovation and competition. The order directs the Federal Reserve to evaluate frameworks governing access to Reserve Bank payment accounts by uninsured depositories and non-bank fintech firms, and to report on legal authorities, expansion options, and impediments to such access. The fact sheet frames the order as removing "outdated regulatory burdens" and "regulatory protections for incumbents."
• White House signed Executive Order 14405 directing federal financial regulators to streamline fintech oversight and reduce regulatory barriers. — The White House issued Executive Order 14405 on May 19, 2026, directing federal financial regulators (CFPB, SEC, NCUA, CFTC, FDIC, OCC) to review and update regulations, guidance, and supervisory practices within 90 days to reduce barriers to fintech firms entering partnerships with federally regulated institutions and seeking federal charters and licenses. The order also requests the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate and expand direct access to Reserve Bank payment accounts and services for non-bank financial companies and digital asset firms within 120 days, and to establish transparent application procedures with 90-day decision timelines where legally permissible.

Supporting reports

• Stanley Woodward Jr. signs settlement agreement on behalf of the United States — Stanley E. Woodward Jr., a defense attorney who has represented Trump associates including FBI Director Kash Patel, Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro, Walt Nauta, and numerous January 6 defendants, signed the settlement agreement on behalf of the United States rather than Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Woodward's representation of Trump's orbit creates a conflict of interest in negotiating an agreement purportedly on behalf of the government.
• Treasury Department's top lawyer Brian Morrissey resigns — Brian Morrissey, the Treasury Department's top lawyer, resigned following the announcement of the Trump administration's agreement with the IRS regarding the $1.776 billion fund.
• Treasury Department general counsel resigned amid Trump settlement announcement — Brian Morrissey, the Treasury Department's general counsel and a former clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas, resigned as the government announced a controversial settlement with Trump. Morrissey, who joined the Trump administration last year as the president's pick for the position after previously serving at the agency and DOJ during Trump's first term, did not respond to requests for comment. The Treasury Department holds responsibility for approving use of the government's judgment fund, an uncapped pot of money used to settle lawsuits.

Supporting reports

• Senate Democrats request DOJ preserve documents on settlement agreement — Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats Adam Schiff (CA), Dick Durbin (IL), and Richard Blumenthal (CT) sent a memo to the Department of Justice requesting preservation of all documents and communications related to the January 6 settlement agreement and acting attorney general Todd Blanche's addendum to the original agreement.

Supporting reports

• New York Times files second lawsuit challenging Pentagon press escort requirement — The New York Times filed a lawsuit in US District Court in Washington on May 19, 2026, challenging a Pentagon policy requiring journalists to have official escorts when accessing the building. The policy, adopted in March 2026, requires reporters to schedule appointments, obtain escorts, and exit the building between each source interview—a departure from decades of unescorted corridor access. The Times argues the requirement is unconstitutional, retaliatory, and impedes effective reporting. The Pentagon maintains the policy protects classified information and is lawful.

Supporting reports

• DOJ issued order permanently barring federal government from pursuing tax claims against Trump and affiliated entities — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order stating that the federal government is permanently barred from pursuing tax-related claims, reviews, examinations, and appeals against Trump, his family members, and affiliated companies. The order uses language stating the US "RELEASES, WAIVES, ACQUITS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES" Trump and is "FOREVER BARRED and PRECLUDED" from pursuing monetary relief or other actions against Trump and related individuals, including family members, trusts, and subsidiaries.
• Trump granted permanent immunity from IRS tax investigations and prosecution — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed off on a provision in Trump's settlement that permanently prohibits the IRS from investigating or prosecuting the president, his family, or his businesses for pending tax claims, including a current audit that could have cost Trump more than $100 million. Former IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel stated he was unaware of any precedent where the IRS agreed in advance to permanently forgo examination of previously filed tax returns for a specific person or business.
• Department of Justice amends agreement to release Trump from all IRS prosecution and audits — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an amended agreement that declares the United States "RELEASES, WAIVES, ACQUITS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES" Trump, his sons, the Trump Organization, and "related or affiliated individuals" or companies from all IRS claims. The amendment asserts a blanket promise to cease all IRS audits of Trump's taxes and not to prosecute any crimes Trump, his family, businesses, or associates may have committed involving the IRS. This effectively grants Trump immunity from tax prosecution.
• Justice Department amends settlement agreement to permanently bar IRS from auditing Trump's tax returns — The Department of Justice, through acting attorney general Todd Blanche, added an addendum to a settlement agreement on May 20, 2026, permanently barring the IRS from auditing Donald Trump's past tax returns, as well as those of his family, company, and related entities for all filings prior to the agreement. This amendment was appended to a controversial $1.776 billion compensation fund created to settle Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and other government claims. The provision was posted quietly to the DOJ website the day after the fund's announcement and drew immediate criticism from Senate Democrats during Blanche's testimony.

Supporting reports

• Trump holds press event at Golden Ballroom construction site — U.S. President Donald Trump held a chaotic press event outside the construction site of his planned Golden Ballroom in Washington, D.C. During the event, Trump claimed that the building would protect all of Washington, D.C., and boasted that the ballroom roof would host snipers with a clear view of the city. The event highlights Trump's focus on personal projects amid ongoing national and international issues.
• Trump presented ballroom construction project to press — Trump conducted a lengthy presentation to the press at a ballroom construction site, emphasizing the building's security features and architectural significance. Trump described the structure as featuring a drone-proof flat roof with strong steel, titanium fencing around the White House, impenetrable steel and glass walls with 4-inch-thick glass, and design elements modeled after classical buildings from around the world. Trump stated "There will never be another building like this built" and emphasized the military utility of the structure.
• Trump holds press conference to discuss White House ballroom security features — During the same day Acting Attorney General Blanche testified before Congress regarding the controversial fund, Trump called a sudden, urgent press conference to discuss renovations to the White House ballroom. Trump described extensive security modifications including drone-proofing, missile-proofing, and sniper positions built into the ballroom's height to provide "a very clear view of everything all over Washington," characterizing the White House as a fortified military installation.

Supporting reports

• Brookings Institution study documents 145,000+ US children separated from detained parents during Trump ICE enforcement surge — The Brookings Institution released a report estimating that over 145,000 US citizen children have experienced parental detention by immigration authorities since Trump's second presidency began in January 2026. The study found approximately 22,000 children lost all co-resident parents, with 36% younger than six years old. The report notes DHS's own count of 18,277 detainees with US citizen children in fiscal 2025 is "almost certainly a substantial undercount." Researchers recommend DHS collect and publicly report accurate data on detained parents and affected children, and ensure affected children receive basic governmental support.

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• Governor Hochul reportedly pressures council speaker to block No More 24 Act — Advocates reported that Governor Kathy Hochul has been actively pressuring City Council Speaker Julie Menin to block the No More 24 Act, threatening to withhold Medicaid funding to the city if the bill passes. Hochul's office declined to comment on the allegation. The bill would end mandatory 24-hour shifts for home care workers and cap weekly hours at 56.

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• Supreme Court weakens Voting Rights Act protections — On April 29, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that significantly weakened the protections for Black-majority districts established by the Voting Rights Act. This decision has prompted Republican-controlled southern state legislatures to expedite the redrawing of district lines, which is expected to dilute the voting power of Black Democrats. The ruling has sparked widespread protests and calls to action from various groups advocating for voting rights across the country.

Supporting reports

• Trump made 3,642 stock trades in first quarter of 2026 — Financial Times reported that Trump made 3,642 stock trades in the first three months of 2026, according to financial disclosures just released. The bulletin notes this represents significant trading activity during his presidency.
• Trump stock trading while making policy affecting those stocks — Trump bought and sold at least $220 million in stocks including Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft while simultaneously making policy decisions and public announcements that affected the value of those stocks. The trading activity occurred while Trump held the presidency and made decisions directly impacting the companies' regulatory and market conditions.

Supporting reports

• Senate parliamentarian stripped $1 billion ballroom funding from DHS bill — The Senate parliamentarian removed a provision from a Republican bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security that would have allocated $1 billion in taxpayer money for a ballroom. The parliamentarian ruled that the provision was inappropriate because it involved multiple federal agencies and multiple committees had jurisdiction, requiring the ballroom funding to now be approved with 60 votes rather than a simple majority.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration held taxpayer-funded evangelical worship event on National Mall as part of 250th anniversary celebration — Thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for an eight-hour taxpayer-funded evangelical worship event called "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving." President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Gabbard, and Defense Secretary Hegseth spoke on video; House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke in person. Nineteen clergy and faith leaders participated, nearly all Christian evangelicals. The event promoted the claim that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, contradicting the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli and the Founders' explicit separation of church and state.
• "Rededicate 250" National Jubilee of Prayer held in Washington, DC — A religious and political event called the "Rededicate 250" National Jubilee of Prayer was held in Washington, DC on May 17, 2026. Speaker Mike Johnson delivered a prayer rejecting what he characterized as "sinister ideologies" and attacks on American history and spiritual identity. Trump submitted a prerecorded message that was widely criticized for poor audio and visual quality. The event featured religious leaders including Franklin Graham and Eric Metaxas speaking on themes of national spiritual renewal and opposition to what they termed cultural degradation.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene disclosed Trump retaliation for Epstein files discharge petition — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that Trump has "come after us one by one" since she, Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, and Nancy Mace signed a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing Epstein files. Greene said the Epstein files remain unreleased and the "Epstein class remains protected." She stated she would never regret signing the petition and said she is resigning because she wants "nothing to do with a President and a Party that bows to the Epstein class."
• DOJ Focuses on Proving 2020 Election Fraud — Todd Blanche has confirmed that the Department of Justice is intensively focused on proving that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was stolen. This focus continues to fuel ongoing debates and controversies surrounding the legitimacy of the election results.
• Deputy AG Todd Blanche stated investigation into 2020 election ongoing — Todd Blanche, Trump's former criminal defense attorney now serving as Deputy Attorney General, appeared on Fox News to discuss an ongoing investigation into the 2020 election. Blanche stated "There's a ton of evidence that the 2020 election was rigged" and that the DOJ has "multiple investigations" underway. When asked if there would be a "definitive answer" as to whether the election was stolen, Blanche responded "We're looking at it and we hope to get one."
• Acting AG claims DOJ investigating 2020 election with "ton of evidence" of rigging — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche claimed on Fox News that the Justice Department is investigating the 2020 presidential election and that "there's a ton of evidence that the election was rigged," adding that the DOJ is "very focused on finding out whether the right people voted." He stated that "incredibly troubling things" the DOJ is supposedly uncovering will be made public "at some point, at the right time."

Supporting reports

• Trump Retaliates Against Republicans Over Epstein Files — Former President Trump is reportedly retaliating against Republican figures, including Thomas Massie, who advocated for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. This action suggests internal party conflicts and potential misuse of influence to suppress information.
• Trump posts social media message about Iranian surrender amid collapsed negotiations — President Trump posted a social media message containing what the source characterizes as a "delusional fantasy" about Iranian surrender while actual diplomatic negotiations with Iran were collapsing. The post represents a disconnect between Trump's public rhetoric and the deteriorating state of real diplomatic engagement with Iran.
• Trump posts violent and racist imagery on Truth Social — President Trump posted approximately 35 messages on Truth Social overnight, including AI-generated and manipulated images depicting violence against political opponents and racist stereotypes. The posts included AI-generated videos of Trump directing military action against Iran, images of political figures in violent or degrading scenarios, racist caricatures of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other inflammatory content. The posts represent a pattern of using the social media platform to disseminate violent and racist imagery targeting political opponents and Democratic leaders.

Supporting reports

• Trump intervenes in Louisiana Senate primary; Cassidy loses to Letlow in first round — Donald Trump encouraged US Representative Julia Letlow to challenge incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy and endorsed her candidacy, attacking Cassidy on social media as "disloyal" and a "terrible guy." In the May 17 primary, Letlow received 45.2% of the vote, Cassidy came third with 24.4%, advancing Letlow and state treasurer John Fleming to a June 27 runoff. Cassidy's vulnerability stemmed from his 2021 vote to convict Trump after January 6 and subsequent breaks with Trump on policy, including his opposition to Trump's surgeon general nominee.
• Sen. Bill Cassidy lost primary runoff after Trump campaign against him — Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump in the 2021 impeachment trial, failed to advance to a runoff in his reelection bid after Trump called for his ouster. Cassidy had voted to confirm RFK Jr. despite personal concerns about vaccine criticism. Trump posted that Cassidy's "disloyalty" and impeachment vote were now "a part of legend" and his political career was "OVER." Cassidy stated in his concession speech that when participating in democracy, one should not "pout," "whine," or "claim the election was stolen."
• Trump posted attack on Rep. Lauren Boebert and threatened to withdraw endorsement — Trump posted on Truth Social attacking Rep. Lauren Boebert for supporting Thomas Massie and called her a "carpetbagger" who moved districts when she could not win in her original district. Trump stated he would consider withdrawing his endorsement of Boebert if "the right person came along" to run against her. Boebert responded that she was not offended and remained committed to supporting Massie and the "America First" agenda.
• Trump posted attack on Rep. Thomas Massie before Tuesday election — Trump posted on social media attacking Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) ahead of Massie's Tuesday election, calling him "The Worst Republican Congressman in History" and urging Kentucky voters to "vote the bum out." Trump criticized Massie for voting against tax cuts, the border wall, military funding, and law enforcement. Massie responded that Trump's attacks indicated he was ahead in polls and that outside billionaires and AIPAC had funneled millions into his race.
• Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate primary runoff — After months of deliberation, Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a primary runoff against Senator John Cornyn for Cornyn's Senate seat, scheduled for the following week. Trump called Paxton "a true MAGA Warrior" and criticized Cornyn for not being "supportive of me when times were tough." Political analysts noted the endorsement could benefit the Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.
• Trump endorses Ken Paxton over John Cornyn — President Donald Trump has endorsed Ken Paxton over John Cornyn, a move that has humiliated Cornyn. This endorsement reflects Trump's influence within the Republican Party and could impact political dynamics and upcoming elections. The endorsement may also signal shifts in party loyalty and internal power struggles.
• Bill Cassidy loses Louisiana Senate primary after Trump endorsement of challenger — Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump after the January 6 insurrection, lost his Louisiana primary race after Trump backed challenger Julia Letlow. The loss reflects Trump's continued purge of Republicans who broke with him on constitutional accountability, extending the pattern of primary defeats for Trump critics across multiple states.
• Brad Raffensperger locked out of Georgia gubernatorial runoff after Trump opposition — Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Trump critic, was eliminated from the Republican gubernatorial primary. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and billionaire Rick Jackson advanced to a runoff, with the winner to face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. Raffensperger's defeat represents another primary victory for Trump over a state official who resisted pressure to overturn the 2020 election.
• Thomas Massie defeated in Kentucky Republican House primary by Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein — In Kentucky's fourth congressional district primary, seven-term congressman Thomas Massie, a Trump critic, lost to Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL recruited by Trump. The race became the most expensive House primary in history at $25.6 million in spending. Trump had campaigned aggressively against Massie, calling him a "moron" and "nut job," dispatching Super PAC operatives and holding a rally denouncing him as "disloyal." Massie had broken with Trump over military action, spending, and the Epstein Files release. Gallrein will face the general election as the overwhelming favorite in the conservative district.
• Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Republican Senate primary runoff — US President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state's Republican primary runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, calling Paxton an "America First Patriot" and "MAGA Warrior" on Truth Social. The endorsement came ahead of the May 26 runoff election. Trump criticized Cornyn for insufficient support during difficult times and for being "very late" in backing his presidential run. Paxton, a hardliner aligned with Trump's Make America Great Again movement, faces Democrat James Talarico in the general election.
• Trump-backed Ed Gallrein defeats Thomas Massie in Kentucky House primary — Republican congressman Thomas Massie lost his House seat in Kentucky's fourth district primary on Tuesday to Ed Gallrein, a farmer and former Navy SEAL backed by Donald Trump. Trump personally attacked Massie as a "moron," "nut job," and "major sleazebag," and dispatched strategists Chris LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio to lead a PAC supporting Gallrein. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also campaigned for Gallrein. Massie, a 14-year incumbent and Trump critic who led efforts to release the Epstein files and voted against Israel aid, was also targeted by pro-Israel groups spending millions against him.
• Trump intervenes in Republican primaries against incumbent senators — Trump has intervened in Republican primary elections to oppose Republican incumbents he views as insufficiently loyal to him. This pattern of intervention has exacerbated Republican frustration with the White House and contributed to the broader congressional rebellion against the slush fund and immunity agreement.
• Trump-backed candidate defeats Representative Massie in House primary — Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), who led efforts to release the Epstein files, lost his House primary to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in what was the most expensive House primary ever, with outside spending reaching $35 million. Gallrein pledged to do whatever Trump tells him to do. The race occurred in a district Trump won by 35 points in 2024, but Gallrein won by only 10 points.
• Trump-backed candidates win primaries in Georgia and Alabama — Trump-backed primary candidates won House primaries in Georgia and Alabama, continuing a pattern of Trump-endorsed challengers defeating or replacing Republican incumbents and candidates who did not demonstrate absolute loyalty to Trump.
• Trump attacked Sen. Thom Tillis over disagreements — Trump posted criticism of Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), calling him "weak and ineffective" and a "Nitpicker" for fighting against Republican Party positions and Trump personally. Trump stated he refused to endorse Tillis for another run due to "too much work and drama," after which Tillis immediately quit the race and announced his retirement. Trump characterized Tillis as screwing the Republican Party with "RINO friends."

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• South Carolina Republicans propose redistricting to dismantle James Clyburn's congressional district — South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster called a special legislative session to consider a proposal to redraw the state's sixth congressional district, currently represented by Democrat James Clyburn, the state's only Black Democratic congressman since 1897. The effort follows Trump's urging of Republican lawmakers to redismantle the district after the U.S. Supreme Court gutted key protections in the Voting Rights Act. An earlier redistricting effort stalled on Tuesday, but the special session began Friday. Clyburn characterized the plan as "Jim Crow 2.0" and vowed to run regardless.

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• "Prevention through deterrence" border policy pushes migrants into remote desert terrain — Veteran borderlands volunteers describe a long-standing federal border enforcement strategy known as "prevention through deterrence," which deliberately makes border crossing extremely difficult by forcing migrants away from ports of entry into remote, dangerous desert regions. Volunteers call this policy "deterrence through death." The strategy has intensified with deployment of concertina wire and other barriers, pushing migrants into wilder terrain where heat exposure and dehydration are more likely to be fatal.

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• Border Patrol agents instructed to vandalize water stations left for migrants in desert — Former border patrol agent Jenn Budd, now an immigrant rights activist, alleges that border patrol agents are trained in the field to vandalize water jugs left in the desert by humanitarian organizations like Humane Borders. Budd claims this policy is framed as preventing illegal border crossing. Border Patrol responded by stating agents carry water and supplies to assist people in distress, and reiterated that "the border is closed."

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• Six deaths from heat exposure in sealed railway car near Laredo, Texas — Six people, aged 14 to 56 from Mexico and Honduras, were found dead inside a sealed Union Pacific railway car near Laredo, Texas. Medical examination indicates at least one died from hyperthermia (extreme heat exposure); the same cause is likely for all six. Investigators believe the group boarded the train near Del Rio and became trapped during transit. The deaths occur as immigration advocates warn of an approaching dangerous summer season for border crossers facing lethal temperatures.

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• Governor Polis commutes sentence of election denier Tina Peters — Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted the prison sentence of Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk convicted of tampering with voting machines following the 2020 presidential election. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold condemned the move as a "gross injustice" and "demoralizing" to election officials, warning it sets a "dangerous precedent" for future elections. Trump had repeatedly called for the commutation, and Polis was later censured by Colorado Democrats for his decision.

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• National voting rights mobilization "All Roads Lead to the South" scheduled — A national voting rights mobilization titled "All Roads Lead to the South," led by Black Voters Matter and a coalition of more than 90 civil rights, faith, labor, and community organizations, is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. The day begins with a prayer gathering at 9:00 a.m. CT at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, followed by a national rally at 1:00 p.m. CT at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery. Solidarity events are being organized across the country. Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King is expected to participate. The mobilization will launch a sustained summer of organizing including voter mobilization, civic education, economic pressure, legal advocacy, and direct action.
• National voting-rights mobilization announced for May 16 — A national voting-rights mobilization titled "All Roads Lead to the South" was announced for Saturday, May 16, 2026, led by Black Voters Matter and a coalition of more than 90 civil rights, faith, labor, and community organizations. Anchor events are scheduled in Alabama, with solidarity actions invited nationwide. The mobilization responds to the Supreme Court's weakening of Voting Rights Act Section 2 and rapid state-level redistricting efforts targeting Black representation.
• Thousands of Americans and eighteen members of Congress gathered in Selma and Montgomery to mobilize for voting rights protection — On May 16, 2026, thousands of Americans, including eighteen members of Congress, traveled to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama to call for action to protect voting rights in response to the Supreme Court's recent decision. Speakers, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, framed the moment as a defense of democracy itself and warned that gerrymandering efforts to dilute Black and marginalized voting power had awakened a grassroots movement. Pastor Kenneth Sharpton Glasgow emphasized that the issue transcended partisan politics.
• Thousands gather in Selma and Montgomery to advocate for voting rights — On May 16, 2026, thousands of Americans, including eighteen members of Congress, gathered in Selma and Montgomery to advocate for the protection of voting rights in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling. Speakers emphasized the importance of representation for marginalized communities and the need to resist efforts to gerrymander electoral districts. The event aimed to mobilize public support for voting rights and highlight the ongoing struggle for equality in the electoral process.

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• Ground Beef Price Surge and Tariff Executive Order — The price of ground beef in the U.S. is nearing $7 per pound, prompting the White House to consider an executive order on beef tariffs. This economic measure aims to address rising food costs and stabilize the domestic market amid inflationary pressures.

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• Long Island Rail Road workers strike, shutting down North America's largest commuter rail system — Unionized workers at the Long Island Rail Road, representing five unions and approximately half the workforce, walked off the job on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., halting operations of North America's largest commuter rail system. The strike followed months of contract negotiations over wages and health care premiums. The Trump administration had attempted to broker a deal, but negotiations stalled. The MTA offered limited shuttle bus service as a contingency. Roughly 250,000 daily riders faced service disruption.