Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump rescinded off-road vehicle restrictions on federal lands — President Trump issued an executive order rescinding Executive Orders 11644 (1972) and 11989 (1977), which had imposed criteria for designating off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, the Secretary of War, the TVA Board, and other relevant agencies to initiate rulemakings to rescind or revise regulations implementing those prior orders. Trump's order characterizes the prior restrictions as vague, outdated, and barriers to energy production, timber harvesting, utility maintenance, and recreational access.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14408 rescinding off-road vehicle restrictions on federal lands — President Trump signed Executive Order 14408 on May 29, 2026, rescinding Executive Orders 11644 (1972) and 11989 (1977), which had established criteria for off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, the Secretary of War, the TVA Board, and other relevant agencies to initiate rulemakings to rescind or revise regulations implementing those prior orders. The administration characterizes the prior orders as imposing "vague, subjective criteria" that create "barriers to energy and timber production" and "permit delays," and states the rescission will "facilitate" greater access and "multiple use benefits."
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order rescinding federal land access restrictions — The White House published a fact sheet on May 29, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that rescinds Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which had imposed restrictions on off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs federal agencies to rescind or revise regulations implementing those prior orders. The fact sheet states the rescission will "restore balanced land management" and increase access to federal lands for recreation, energy development, timber production, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Trump rescinded off-road vehicle restrictions on federal lands via Executive Order 14408 — President Trump signed Executive Order 14408 on May 29, 2026, rescinding Executive Orders 11644 (1972) and 11989 (1977), which had restricted off-road vehicle use on federal lands to minimize environmental and wildlife impacts. The order directs federal agencies to initiate rulemakings to replace the prior regulations with a framework permitting greater access and recreational use. The administration argues the prior orders imposed vague, subjective criteria that created barriers to energy production, timber harvesting, and utility maintenance while limiting public recreation.

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• White House approves critical position pay authority for national security investment workforce — The White House issued a presidential memorandum authorizing the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, to allocate up to 400 positions with critical position pay to executive departments and agencies supporting national security investment programs. The memorandum permits basic pay rates of up to $400,000 for investment, engineering, financial, and legal professionals in critical minerals, advanced materials, and strategic supply chain roles. The order states this action is intended to enable rapid recruitment of exceptionally skilled personnel to expand U.S. capacity in critical sectors and reduce dependence on foreign sources.

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• Federal agents spray chemical agents on protesters at New Jersey ICE detention facility — On May 28, 2026, federal ICE agents deployed chemical spray and pepper balls against protesters gathered outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, where over 300 detainees were conducting a hunger and labor strike. Agents also struck protesters with batons and pushed them into oncoming traffic. According to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, six protesters were arrested. The escalation followed ICE's transfer of strike leader Martín Soto to another facility.

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• New Jersey Department of Health denied full access to Delaney Hall — The New Jersey Department of Health was denied full access to Delaney Hall detention center for inspection purposes. Governor Mikie Sherrill subsequently joined calls for the facility's immediate closure following the denial and reports of abuse.

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• DOJ opens criminal inquiry into E Jean Carroll for alleged perjury — The Trump administration's Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll, the writer who accused President Trump of sexual assault, examining whether she committed perjury in a 2022 deposition during civil lawsuits against him. Carroll had stated she received no outside financial support for her legal battles, but later disclosed that a non-profit funded by billionaire Reid Hoffman had paid some legal fees. A federal appeals court dismissed perjury claims in 2024. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has recused himself due to his prior representation of Trump in Carroll's civil case.
• DOJ launched criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll — The Justice Department launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the woman who successfully sued Donald Trump for sexual abuse and defamation. The reported focus is alleged perjury related to funding for her lawsuits against Trump. The investigation was characterized as naked retaliation and revictimization of a sexual assault survivor by the man who assaulted her, using federal law enforcement as a weapon.
• DOJ opens inquiry into Reid Hoffman entity that funded E. Jean Carroll's lawsuit against Trump — The Department of Justice, led by US Attorney Andrew Boutros (Northern District of Illinois), opened an investigation into American Future Republic, a nonprofit backed by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman that helped fund E. Jean Carroll's defamation lawsuits against Donald Trump. Carroll is not the subject but the investigation focuses on potential money-laundering conspiracy and obstruction related to her 2022 deposition in which she stated she received no outside funding, later contradicted when Hoffman's support was disclosed. The investigation follows similar DOJ actions against other liberal-aligned nonprofits.
• Department of Justice launches criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll — The Department of Justice under President Trump initiated a criminal investigation into whether E. Jean Carroll, the journalist who successfully sued Trump for defamation and sexual assault, committed perjury in her testimony. Carroll had stated she was not being paid to launch the lawsuit; the investigation centers on whether this was false, given that billionaire Reid Hoffman later paid some of her legal fees and expenses.

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• Republican leaders unite behind Paxton; attack Talarico with false and inflammatory rhetoric — Following Paxton's primary victory, Republican Senate leaders including John Barrasso, Bernie Moreno, Ted Cruz, and Tim Sheehy issued statements attacking Democratic nominee James Talarico with inflammatory language ("far-left extremist," "far-left freak," "commie"). Republican surrogates on the campaign trail made insinuations about Talarico based on a 2023 statement in which he expressed support for trans youth advocacy, with one representative asking "What kind of grown man daydreams about trans kids?" and another suggesting voters "check his hard drive."

Supporting reports

• National park entrance fees diverted to Trump D.C. renovation projects — The New York Times reported that the Trump administration has diverted at least $67 million in entrance fees paid by the American people to national parks to fund Trump's renovation projects in Washington, D.C. The diverted funds include a multi-million dollar contract to repaint the Reflecting Pool, awarded to a MAGA-connected contractor. The diversion represents a misappropriation of public funds collected for park maintenance and operations.
• National Park Service diverts $67 million in entrance fees for DC beautification — The National Park Service is using at least $67 million in park entrance fees to fund beautification projects in Washington, D.C., ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The projects were directed by Trump and include a $7 million paint job on the Reflecting Pool. The Interior Department is spending at least $95 million in total taxpayer funds on DC beautification projects, all initiated between December 2025 and April 2026. The funds come from entrance fees that would normally support park operations and maintenance nationwide.

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• First-quarter GDP revised downward to 1.6% — The U.S. first-quarter 2026 GDP was revised downward from an initial reading of 2% to 1.6%, falling below the expected range. The revision signals economic slowdown and weaker-than-anticipated growth in the opening months of the year.

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• PCE inflation reaches three-year high — The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation index, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, came in at 3.8% for April 2026, the highest level since May 2023. Core PCE inflation reached 3.3%, the highest since October 2023. The Fed's target inflation rate is approximately 2%, meaning current inflation is nearly double the target. Half of all items in the Consumer Price Index are growing at 3% or higher, indicating broad-based inflation rather than isolated price pressures.
• PCE inflation rises to 3.8%, highest in three years — Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation in the U.S. jumped to 3.8% in April 2026, the highest level in three years. Core PCE, excluding food and energy, rose to 3.3%, the highest since fall 2023. Economist Heather Long noted that 50% of items in the Consumer Price Index are growing at 3% or higher, indicating a broad-based inflation problem beyond energy shocks. Personal incomes fell in April after tax adjustment, and the savings rate plummeted to 2.6%, one of the lowest readings in 20 years outside the 2022 "revenge spend" period.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon loan of $620 million pushed through for Trump Jr.-linked company — ProPublica reported that a top White House aide intervened to expedite a $620 million Pentagon loan for a small North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr. A person involved in the transaction told ProPublica: "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The company's valuation jumped from approximately $200 million to billions following the White House intervention, indicating the loan was granted on terms favorable to Trump family interests rather than merit-based criteria.
• Pentagon awarded $620 million loan to Trump Jr.-linked startup via White House request — ProPublica reported that the Pentagon awarded a $620 million loan to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr., following a direct request from Peter Navarro, a White House adviser and friend of Trump Jr. The Pentagon and the company initially denied any political favoritism, with Trump Jr.'s spokesperson claiming he was not involved. However, interviews and DOD records show Navarro initiated the loan request, and Vulcan's was the only deal among dozens of Pentagon funding considerations that originated from a top presidential aide. Pentagon staff worked at an unusually rapid pace with minimal sleep to complete the loan in a matter of weeks after receiving the White House directive.
• Trump trade advisor pressures Pentagon to loan $620 million to company with Trump Jr. stake — Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro personally pressured the Pentagon to loan $620 million to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup in which Donald Trump Jr. holds a financial stake. The Pentagon invested $620 million in Vulcan, a rare-earth magnet company, and another $80 million in its partner ReElement. The Commerce Department provided $50 million in additional incentives, and the government took a $50 million stake in Vulcan. When Trump Jr.'s venture capital firm 1789 Capital invested in August 2025, Vulcan was valued at approximately $200 million; after government investments, the valuation jumped to around $2 billion.
• Pentagon Approves $620 Million Loan to Trump Jr. Company at White House Direction — ProPublica reported that a $620 million loan approved by the Pentagon to a company linked to Donald Trump Jr. was initiated by White House adviser Peter Navarro, with a Pentagon source stating, "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The loan was approved last year and represents a direct intervention by the White House in Pentagon contracting decisions.

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• OMB proposes rule placing federal research grants under political appointee control — On May 29, 2026, OMB Director Russ Vought proposed a rule that would place all federal research and discretionary grants under the control of political appointees rather than scientific experts. The rule would prohibit grants that "promote anti-American values" and require awards to "demonstrably advance the president's policy priorities." Stand Up for Science estimates nearly half of approximately 10,000 NIH-funded clinical trials could be discontinued, including over 1,000 cancer trials, pediatric studies, and trials addressing veterans' health, suicide, heart disease, and diabetes. The public comment period closes July 13, 2026.
• Trump administration proposed merit-based federal research grant system be replaced with political appointee approval — On May 29, 2026, the Trump administration proposed dramatic changes to federal research grant awards. Rather than continuing the merit-based system established through rigorous peer review, grants would be awarded based on approval by political appointees. The Office of Management and Budget, directed by Christian nationalist Russell Vought, would control grant allocation. The proposal limits foreign collaboration and allows the OMB to revoke grants deemed to fail "program goals, Federal agency priorities, or the national interest."
• Russell Vought proposes political control over research grants — Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget and co-author of Project 2025, proposed on May 28 that political appointees in his office should have final say over research grants, including those for the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other governmental science agencies. The proposal aims to root out what it characterizes as a "woke" policy agenda and would also require approval by political appointees for international research collaboration.

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• Alabama appeals federal court's map ruling to Supreme Court — Alabama's state leadership has filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the federal district court's decision blocking the 2023 congressional map. The appeal seeks to overturn the lower court's finding of intentional racial discrimination and would allow the state to eliminate the second majority-Black congressional district. The appeal signals Alabama's refusal to accept the court's determination of unlawful vote dilution.
• Federal court blocks Alabama's 2023 congressional map for intentional racial discrimination — A federal district court ruled that Alabama's 2023 congressional map was tainted by intentional race-based discrimination against Black voters, violating the 14th Amendment and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The court ordered Alabama to continue using the court-ordered map from the 2024 election cycle, which resulted in the election of Rep. Shomari Figures in the new congressional District 2. Alabama has appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court, seeking to eliminate the second majority-Black district.

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• Trump refiles $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein letter story — Donald Trump's legal team refiled a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, and reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joe Palazzolo over a July 2025 article alleging Trump sent a "bawdy" letter to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. A Florida judge had dismissed the original case in April without prejudice, finding Trump's team had not adequately demonstrated actual malice. The amended complaint, seven pages longer, reiterates that no authentic letter exists and claims the Journal published despite knowing the story was false or with serious doubts.
• Trump refiles $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal — Trump refiled a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over its publication of an article describing a card allegedly from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. Trump claims the article damaged his reputation and that the card is fake, though it originated from Epstein's estate and was later provided by the estate to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles had dismissed the original lawsuit last month, finding Trump came "nowhere close" to establishing actual malice, but permitted amendment and refiling.

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• Department of Justice argued for unlimited presidential firing power — Karen Lesperance, a lawyer for the Department of Justice, told Judge Jesse Furman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York that the government's position is that the President has the power to fire anyone, even if doing so for political reasons. The statement was made in the case of Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. When Judge Furman asked whether there were any limits to presidential firing power—such as whether the President could fire people to create an "all-white executive branch" or "all-Black" executive branch—Lesperance avoided answering the question. Comey's lawyer characterized the Justice Department's position as a "novel and breathtaking theory about the scope of" presidential power.

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• Department of Justice sues four states over undercover license plate policies — The Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Maine, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts on May 28, 2026, challenging state policies that deny confidential license plates to federal law enforcement agents. The DOJ alleged the policies are unconstitutional, threaten agent safety, and undermine federal operations including immigration enforcement. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the policies are discriminatory and obstructionist. The Civil Division was instructed to identify additional state and local laws impeding federal operations.

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• Cases consolidated — Doe v. Noem (S.D.N.Y.) 1:26-cv-02103 — Judge Ho stayed the consolidated cases, finding good cause for a partial stay pending the Supreme Court's resolution of two other TPS cases, Trump v. Miot , No. 25-1084 and Noem v. Dahlia Doe , No. 25-1083. Briefing on class certification is exempted from the stay and its previously scheduled deadlines remain in place, and the parties must file a joint status letter within three days of the Supreme Court's decision.
• Cases consolidated — Doe v. Noem (S.D.N.Y.) 1:26-cv-02280

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• Complaint filed — Gill v. United States Department of Justice — Allison M. Gill, a former Department of Veterans Affairs employee, filed a complaint in the Southern District of California challenging the DOJ's establishment of the "Anti-Weaponization Fund," created by settlement of Trump v. IRS on May 18, 2026. The Fund, authorized to distribute $1.776 billion from the Judgment Fund to individuals claiming harm from "Lawfare" or "Weaponization," was established without notice-and-comment rulemaking. Gill alleges the Fund Establishment Order and DOJ Notice violate the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to publish notice in the Federal Register or afford interested parties an opportunity to comment. She seeks declaration of APA violation, vacatur of the orders, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief barring implementation pending APA-compliant rulemaking, and temporary relief to prevent depletion of the Fund's corpus.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court releases opinion in Fernandez v. United States (24-556) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Fernandez v. United States. Docket number(s): 24-556.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Flowers Foods, Inc. v. Brock (24-935) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Flowers Foods, Inc. v. Brock. Docket number(s): 24-935.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Pitchford v. Cain (24-7351) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Pitchford v. Cain. Docket number(s): 24-7351.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Rutherford v. United States (24-820) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Rutherford v. United States. Docket number(s): 24-820.

Supporting reports

• Became Law: Medal of Sacrifice Act — Congress enacted the Medal of Sacrifice Act (Public Law 119-94) on May 28, 2026. The legislation establishes or modifies protocols for awarding the Medal of Sacrifice, likely recognizing military personnel or civilians who made extraordinary sacrifices in service. The enactment reflects legislative action to formalize honors and recognition within the federal honors system.
• Became Law: Capitol Police Retirement Age Amendment — Congress enacted Public Law 119-95, amending chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, United States Code to authorize an increase in the retirement age for members of the Capitol Police. The measure passed both chambers and was signed into law, modifying federal retirement provisions specific to the Capitol Police workforce.

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• DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin denies hunger strike and abuse allegations on Fox News — DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin appeared on Fox News on May 28, 2026, and denied the hunger strike and abuse allegations at Delaney Hall, characterizing the protests as "political theater." Mullin claimed ICE was "providing them a safe place to stay, and food, and a place to sleep" and "going above and beyond" by offering a convenience store.

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• Sharyn Alfonsi departed 60 Minutes over editorial independence — Sharyn Alfonsi, along with Tanya Simon, Draggan Mihailovich, and Cecilia Vega, departed from 60 Minutes as part of changes implemented by new leadership. Before her departure became official, Alfonsi released a statement refusing to sanitize a factually accurate report on CECOT, stating that network leadership chose to penalize her for maintaining editorial integrity. She stated the wall between editorial independence and corporate interest is being "methodically torn down" and urged colleagues to hold the line.

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• Artists withdrew from Trump America 250 anniversary concert — Artists booked for Trump's America 250 anniversary concert withdrew after learning the event was backed by Trump. Young MC, known for the song "Bust a Move," stated clearly he was never told about the political involvement and is not performing. The withdrawals indicate artists' refusal to participate in events they perceive as political propaganda.
• Multiple artists withdraw from Trump's Great American State Fair — Several artists announced they would not perform at Trump's "Great American State Fair" scheduled for June 25–July 10 on the National Mall after learning the event was politically affiliated despite organizers' claims of non-partisanship. Young MC stated he was never informed of political involvement and withdrew. Morris Day and The Time, Milli Vanilli, and The Commodores all declined to perform, with The Commodores stating they "choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party." Martina McBride withdrew after discovering the event was "misleading" about its non-partisan nature. Only Vanilla Ice confirmed attendance among the announced performers.
• Multiple artists withdrew from Trump's Freedom 250 concert citing misleading nonpartisan description — Multiple musical artists withdrew from Trump's Freedom 250 concert on May 29, 2026, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and the Time, and the Commodores. Each cited the same reason: they were told the event was nonpartisan but discovered it had political involvement. McBride stated she was "presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading." Michaels said it was described as "a celebration of our country through music." Young MC said artists were "never told about any political involvement." The Commodores stated their music has "always been their voice" and they choose not to affiliate publicly with any single political party.
• Multiple artists canceled performances at Trump's 250th birthday event — More than a dozen artists announced cancellations of performances scheduled for President Trump's 250th birthday celebration event in Washington, D.C., scheduled for next month. Bret Michaels stated the event had evolved into something "much more divisive" than the celebration of country and veterans he had agreed to. By late May, only three performers remained committed: C+C Music Factory, Flo Rida, and Vanilla Ice. Kennedy Center Director Ric Grenell responded to artist Martina McBride's withdrawal by calling her a "woke lefty."

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• White House proposes legislation to place Trump's image on new $250 currency bill — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced at a White House press conference that the administration is pushing Congress to approve legislation permitting a living person—Donald Trump—to appear on a new $250 bill, ostensibly to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. The proposal would require changing a federal law enacted in 1866 that prohibits any living person from appearing on U.S. currency. Bessent stated the treasury has already begun preparing prototypes. House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, immediately opposed the measure, calling it a "hard no."
• Trump administration pushed to place Trump's face on $250 bill — The Washington Post reported that Trump's political appointees pressured the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a proposed $250 bill featuring Trump's portrait. Federal law has prohibited living people from appearing on U.S. currency since 1866, and a $250 denomination does not exist and would require an act of Congress. The bureau's director informed the appointees the proposal was illegal and would take years to implement. The director was subsequently reassigned and effectively demoted, and the political appointee who led the push became the acting director.

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• DHS Secretary Mullin floated removing customs agents from sanctuary city airports — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin floated the idea of pulling customs agents from airports in sanctuary cities, which would effectively end international travel to those cities. Senator Jim Banks called the proposal a good idea. The proposal was characterized as based on a false assumption that airlines would divert all international flights from major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco to red state airports.
• DHS Secretary Mullin threatens to withdraw Customs agents from sanctuary-city airports — DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced he has White House approval to remove U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from international airports in sanctuary cities that refuse to assist ICE with deportations. The threat targets major hubs including New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Mullin stated on Fox that if CBP officers are withdrawn to support ICE operations, international flights would be unable to process passengers, effectively preventing entry to the U.S. The announcement follows police refusal to clear protesters outside a New Jersey DHS detention facility.
• Sen. Jim Banks endorses airport withdrawal threat as pressure on sanctuary cities — Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) appeared on Fox News to support DHS Secretary Mullin's plan to withdraw Customs officers from sanctuary-city airports. Banks characterized the threat as a legitimate tool to "crack down on what these sanctuary mayors have created" and framed it as benefiting Republican red states that "play by the rules." The statement reflects Republican leadership alignment with the coercive federal action against Democratic-led cities.
• Markwayne Mullin proposed removing customs processing from sanctuary airports — Representative Markwayne Mullin has been "obsessed" with the idea of pulling customs processing from airports in sanctuary jurisdictions as a punitive measure, according to CNN reporting. However, the travel industry has pushed back hard against the proposal, and the White House has not signed off on it. The proposal would be difficult to implement because airline routes are set far in advance and many busy airports lack extra capacity.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration pushed to place Trump's face on $250 bill — The Washington Post reported that Trump's political appointees pressured the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a proposed $250 bill featuring Trump's portrait. Federal law has prohibited living people from appearing on U.S. currency since 1866, and a $250 denomination does not exist and would require an act of Congress. The bureau's director informed the appointees the proposal was illegal and would take years to implement. The director was subsequently reassigned and effectively demoted, and the political appointee who led the push became the acting director.