Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration proposes alternative Medicare rule for skin substitutes more favorable to industry than Biden rule — On July 14, 2025, the Trump administration announced a new proposed Medicare rule for skin substitute products that would cap payments at $806 per square inch. While lower than current charges by Extremity Care and Legacy, the new rule would not restrict coverage to scientifically proven products, unlike the Biden rule. The proposal would allow doctors to continue receiving reimbursement for products from Extremity Care and Legacy. Both the Biden and Trump rules are now delayed until January 2026.
• Trump administration proposes new Medicare skin substitute payment cap — On July 14, 2025, the Trump administration announced a proposed Medicare rule capping payments for skin substitutes at $806 per square inch. While lower than current charges by Extremity Care and competitors, the proposal does not restrict coverage to scientifically proven products and remains significantly higher than proven alternatives (e.g., $75–$195 per square inch). The skin substitute industry, represented by the Medicare Access to Skin Substitutes Coalition (MASS Coalition), opposes the cap and proposes an alternative of up to $6,277.41 per square inch plus additional payments for "innovative" products.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration orders destruction of emergency food aid — The Trump administration ordered the destruction of nearly 500 metric tons of emergency high-nutrition biscuits purchased by USAID during the Biden administration for distribution to children in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The food, costing approximately $800,000, was in storage in the United Arab Emirates. The State Department claimed providing food to Afghanistan might benefit terrorists but gave no stated reason for destroying food destined for Pakistan. The food had passed its safe use date and cannot be repurposed. Destruction will cost taxpayers $130,000.
• Trump administration orders destruction of emergency food supplies — The Trump administration ordered the destruction of nearly 500 metric tons of emergency high-nutrition biscuits intended for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan, citing concerns that providing food could benefit terrorists. This decision has raised questions about the administration's priorities and its impact on vulnerable populations.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announces voluntary dairy industry agreement to remove synthetic dyes from ice cream — Robert F Kennedy Jr, US health secretary, and FDA head Dr Marty Makary announced that over 40 ice-cream companies agreed to voluntarily remove synthetic dyes from products. Kennedy stated the administration had been pushing industry to eliminate dyes and chemicals from food since taking office five and a half months prior. The FDA simultaneously approved a new plant-based dye, "gardenia blue." Kennedy also signaled upcoming dietary guidelines that would elevate full-fat dairy products in nutritional recommendations, reversing decades of government caution about saturated fats.
• White House announces food industry commitments to remove artificial additives — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that dozens of ice cream companies representing over 90% of U.S. ice cream volume have pledged to eliminate certified artificial colors from their products. The announcement also highlighted commitments from major food manufacturers—including PepsiCo, Nestlé, General Mills, Kraft-Heinz, and others—to remove artificial dyes, synthetic colors, and other additives from their food products. The White House characterized these as deliverables on its "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court grants stay on Education Department layoff order — The Supreme Court's right-wing majority granted a stay on a lower court order blocking the Trump administration from gutting the Department of Education while litigation proceeds. Federal Judge Myong Joun had ordered reinstatement of 1,378 fired workers after nineteen states and D.C. sued to stop the layoffs. The stay permits the layoffs to continue. Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson dissented, arguing the majority enabled executive defiance of law and violated separation of powers.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Somerville Public Schools v. Trump (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10677 — The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to grant a stay of a preliminary injunction that had blocked the administration's plans to dismantle the Department of Education and fire thousands of department employees. The majority did not provide any reasoning. In dissent , Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justices Kagan and Jackson, warned that the Court's order enables the executive branch to functionally “abolish” an entire department “by executive fiat.”
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of New York v. McMahon (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10601 — The Supreme Court granted the federal government's request for a stay in the case of McMahon v. New York. This decision temporarily allows the Department of Education to proceed with a reduction in force that impacts nearly 50% of its workforce, approximately 1,378 employees. The stay was granted in a 6-3 decision, with Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissenting. The case was initially brought by twenty states and the District of Columbia, challenging the reduction in force as unlawful.
• Supreme Court Grants Stay in McMahon v. New York — The Supreme Court granted an emergency appeal from the Trump administration, allowing it to move forward with gutting the Department of Education by firing nearly half of the agency's workforce. The decision bypassed lower-court review and normal appellate procedures.
• Supreme Court grants emergency appeal allowing Department of Education workforce cuts

Supporting reports

• House blocks release of Epstein files — Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives voted to block a Democratic effort aimed at forcing the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The amendment, proposed by Democratic members, sought to allow Congress to vote on whether the FBI's evidence, which includes various media and documents, should be made public. This decision reflects ongoing partisan divisions regarding transparency in high-profile cases.
• Republican House members block Democratic effort to release Epstein files — On July 14, 2025, Republican members of the U.S. House Rules Committee voted down a Democratic-led amendment that would have allowed Congress to vote on whether the FBI's Epstein evidence—including micro cassettes, computer hard drives, DVDs, and CDs—should be released to the public. The action blocked a procedural path to force disclosure of materials potentially relevant to the president.
• House Republicans vote down amendment to release Epstein files — House Republicans voted down an amendment introduced by Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna to force the Justice Department to release the Epstein files. The vote blocked a transparency measure despite public pressure.
• House floor vote rejected amendment to release Epstein files 211-210 — Rep. Khanna brought the amendment to release Epstein files to the House floor. The amendment was defeated 211-210, with Republicans voting to block release. The narrow margin indicated significant Democratic support and some Republican dissent, but the majority blocked transparency on the matter.
• House Rules Committee blocked amendment to release Epstein files — Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced an amendment in the Rules Committee to release the Epstein files. The amendment was rejected, with only Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) voting in favor. Seven Republicans voted to block release: Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Austin Scott (R-GA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), and Brian Jack (R-GA). Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) skipped the vote.
• House Republicans block Epstein amendments to prevent floor votes — Republican members of the House Rules Committee met with Speaker Johnson and planned to vote down Democratic amendments on the Epstein situation to prevent them from reaching the House floor, a move that exposes Republicans to criticism of protecting Epstein.
• House Republicans block Democratic motion to release Epstein files — House Republicans voted twice during the week of July 14–18 to block Democratic attempts to force public release of all Epstein-related files within 30 days. Only one Republican, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, voted in favor of the release. The votes occurred amid growing bipartisan and public pressure for transparency regarding Epstein's associates and clients.

Supporting reports

• Democratic state lawmakers denied access to detention facility despite statutory right — Democratic Florida state lawmakers filed a lawsuit Thursday after being denied entry to the "Alligator Alcatraz" facility despite their statutory right under Florida law to make unannounced visits to state and local detention facilities. State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith noted that Trump and Fox News were granted access 48 hours earlier for a promotional visit. Florida emergency management officials claimed lawmakers had no entitlement to visit because they were acting as individuals, not a legislative committee, and the facility was not under corrections department jurisdiction.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration fires 15 immigration judges — NPR reported that the Trump administration fired 15 immigration judges last week and two more on Monday, July 14, despite the GOP tax and spending bill allocating an additional $3 billion in immigration-related funding to the Justice Department, including funds to hire about 100 more immigration judges.

Supporting reports

• White House Communications Director Steven Cheung's slur use documented — White House Communications Director Steven Cheung is documented as regularly using the slur "cuck" to attack Democrats. When Governor Newsom's communications director was asked why Newsom used the same slur to describe Stephen Miller, the director confirmed they were inspired by Cheung's use of the term. The slur may also reference rumors about Miller's wife having an affair with Elon Musk.

Supporting reports

• Fox News ceased coverage of Epstein after Trump's directive — After discussing Epstein coverage extensively for days, Fox News shut down all mentions of Epstein following Trump's post demanding the base move on. Media Matters reported that as of noon ET on July 14, Fox News had zero live mentions of Epstein while maintaining 46 mentions of Biden, demonstrating coordinated suppression of coverage aligned with Trump's directive.
• Fox News and Newsmax declined to air Wall Street Journal Epstein story — Fox News host Laura Ingraham announced on air that the network would discuss a new Wall Street Journal story about Trump and Epstein but did not follow through after the commercial break. Newsmax also did not mention the story on air, indicating editorial decisions to suppress coverage of the report.

Supporting reports

• NASA announces it will not publish climate change assessments — Trump's NASA announced that it will not publish major Congress-mandated climate change assessments and reports on the agency's website, after saying earlier this month that it would do so. The decision reverses a prior commitment to transparency.

Supporting reports

• Two-thirds of DOJ Federal Programs lawyers resign — Nearly two-thirds of the lawyers in the Department of Justice's Federal Programs unit, responsible for defending Trump administration policies in court, have quit. One departing lawyer told Reuters that many joined the unit to defend constitutional systems but could not participate in "the project of tearing it down." The resignations reflect internal DOJ opposition to the administration's legal positions.

Supporting reports

• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem denied FEMA response delays in Texas flood disaster — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem denied multiple media reports that she delayed FEMA search and rescue team deployment in response to a Texas flood disaster. When asked whether she approved deployment of FEMA search and rescue teams until Monday—72 hours after the flood—Noem claimed teams were deployed immediately upon request, contradicting reports that FEMA search and rescue teams did not arrive until three days after the storm. Noem also denied implementing a new policy requiring her sign-off on contracts exceeding $100,000, characterizing it as not "extra red tape," and denied that thousands of calls from flood victims to FEMA call centers went unanswered due to non-renewed contracts, calling the reports "false reporting, fake news." However, FEMA data showed that on July 7, only 15.9% of calls were answered.

Supporting reports

• DOJ drops charges against Utah doctor Michael Kirk Moore for vaccine fraud and saline substitution — US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the dismissal of charges against Dr. Michael Kirk Moore, a Utah physician accused of destroying over $28,000 in government Covid-19 vaccines and administering saline injections to children instead. Moore had been indicted in 2023 on charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States, distributing 1,937 fraudulent vaccination cards, and converting government property. Bondi stated Moore "gave his patients a choice when the federal government refused to do so." The dismissal reflects the Trump administration's embrace of vaccine skeptics and represents a reversal of Biden-era prosecution.
• AG Pam Bondi dismissed charges against Michael Kirk Moore mid-trial — Attorney General Pam Bondi dismissed charges against Michael Kirk Moore, a MAGA favorite who had been charged with discarding hundreds of COVID vaccines and distributing 2,000 fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards in exchange for cash or donations. Moore had administered saline shots to children, deceiving them into believing they were receiving the vaccine. Bondi's dismissal occurred mid-trial in an apparent attempt to divert attention from the Epstein files controversy.

Supporting reports

• Noem diverted HHS disaster funds to immigration enforcement and advertising — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spent $200 million on an advertising campaign promoting Trump's agenda and $21 million to transport approximately 400 migrants to Guantanamo Bay, many of whom were subsequently transferred out. Senator Chris Murphy warned in May 2025 that Noem was on track to violate the Anti-Deficiency Act by spending more money than Congress allocated, leaving the agency "broke by July, over two months before the end of the fiscal year." Noem justified the spending as fulfilling a mandate from voters for border security.

Supporting reports

• DOJ and FBI jointly decide to withhold further Epstein files from public release — US Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel jointly concluded a systematic review of Jeffrey Epstein materials and decided not to release further information, including a purported "client list." The memo stated no credible evidence of blackmail or basis for investigation of uncharged third parties was found. The decision triggered backlash from MAGA hardliners, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Steve Bannon, who questioned the Epstein autopsy conclusion and demanded disclosure.
• Justice Department announced no "incriminating client list" exists for Jeffrey Epstein; withheld evidence — The Department of Justice announced that deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain an "incriminating 'client list'" and stated it would not release additional evidence accumulated by investigators, including photographs and more than 10,000 videos. In February 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi had told Fox News that a list was "sitting on her desk awaiting review." The announcement reversed that position. MAGA influencers and media figures had previously demanded release of the files, claiming the Biden administration was covering up Democratic involvement. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, who had promoted the conspiracy theory, reportedly threatened to resign over Bondi's reversal.
• DOJ releases memo concluding no Epstein client list exists and death was suicide — The Department of Justice released a memo stating that a systematic review of evidence regarding convicted sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein found no incriminating client list and no credible evidence of blackmail. The memo concluded that Epstein died by suicide and that no further disclosure would be appropriate. This announcement contradicted years of claims by Trump and MAGA figures that Epstein was murdered to protect powerful men and that a client list existed naming prominent individuals involved in child trafficking.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Ro Khanna introduced amendment demanding release of full Epstein files — Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) announced that on Tuesday he would introduce an amendment to force a vote demanding the full Epstein files be released to the public. Khanna asked why the Epstein files remain hidden and who among the rich and powerful are being protected, calling for the Speaker to put every Congress member on record regarding the release.
• Sen. Jon Ossoff questioned Trump's commitment to releasing Epstein files — Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) stated at a campaign rally that it was unrealistic to expect Trump to release the Epstein files, given Trump's past association with Jeffrey Epstein and their social relationship.
• Rep. Marc Veasey introduced resolution demanding Epstein files release — Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) announced that on Monday he would introduce a resolution demanding the Trump administration release all files related to the Epstein case. Veasey stated that either Trump and his allies fueled rumors about the significance of the Epstein files to help his campaign, or something substantive is contained in the files, and called on Trump to "put up or shut up."
• Massie and Khanna launch discharge petition on Epstein files — Reps. Massie (R-KY) and Khanna (D-CA) launched a discharge petition to force a House vote on publicizing Epstein-related records, with a possible floor vote expected as soon as the following week. GOP lawmakers fear being cornered by the petition.
• Rep. Khanna reports Republican support for Epstein files release — Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) reported that efforts to secure Republican signatures on a bill to release Epstein files had secured support from Reps. Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene, bringing the total to seven Republicans.
• Rep. Van Drew cosponsors bill to release Epstein files — Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) announced he cosponsored Rep. Thomas Massie's (R-KY) bill to release the Epstein files, stating the American people deserve full transparency.
• Sen. Wyden investigates Epstein financial network — Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, has been investigating Epstein's financial network for three years. Staff members have viewed confidential files revealing large sums moved through the banking system to fuel the sex-trafficking operation. Four major banks flagged over $1.5 billion in transactions, including wire transfers for artwork purchases, fees paid by wealthy individuals, and payments to numerous women.

Supporting reports

• Steve Bannon called for special counsel on Epstein case — Steve Bannon, speaking from the stage at the Turning Point USA conference, stated that Epstein is a key that unlocks many things including individuals, institutions, intelligence institutions, and foreign governments. While expressing support for AG Pam Bondi, Bannon called for a special counsel to be named to take over the Epstein case. When asked by NBC how his defense of Bondi went over with the crowd, Bannon reported that audience sentiment during live shows at the conference was running 100% against Bondi remaining as AG, stating "I've never seen anything like it."
• MAGA podcaster Jack Posobiec called for Jan. 6-style investigation of Epstein clients — MAGA podcaster Jack Posobiec, speaking from the stage at the Turning Point USA conference, stated that he will not rest until a full Jan. 6 committee-style investigation is conducted on the Epstein files, with every single client involved having an FBI agent at their door going after them the same way agents went after Jan. 6 participants.

Supporting reports

• Appeal filed — Pedro Vasquez Perdomo v. Markwayne Mullin (C.D. Cal.) 2:25-cv-05605 — Defendants appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit (No. 25-4312 ).
• Summary judgment ruling — CASA, Inc. v. Noem (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-01484 — Plaintiff filed a notice of interlocutory appeal from Judge Chuang's denial of Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment to the Fourth Circuit (Case No. 25-1792 ).
• Case update — Amica Center for Immigrant Rights et al. v. U.S. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00298 — Plaintiffs filed an appeal with the D.C. Circuit.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — King County v. Turner (W.D. Wash.) 2:25-cv-00814 — Plaintiffs filed their third preliminary injunction motion and proposed order , requesting that the court extend the relief previously granted to new jurisdictions, barring HHS from applying unlawful conditions at any stage of the grant-making process, and barring HUD from doing the same as to all grant programs.
• Stay motion decided — CASA, Inc. v. Noem (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-01484 — Judge Chuang denied Plaintiffs' motion to stay the court's July 10 order and opinion pending appeal. However, on the same day, the Fourth Circuit granted an administrative stay, pausing the TPS termination for Afghanistan until July 21.
• Stay motion decided — J.A.V. v. Trump (S.D. Tex.) 1:25-cv-00072 — The Fifth Circuit granted Defendants' unopposed motion to stay the proceedings.
• Federal appeals court temporarily blocks Temporary Protected Status termination for Afghans — A federal appeals court temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for nearly 12,000 Afghans living in the US on the same day their work permits and deportation protections were set to expire. The stay prevents immediate loss of legal status.
• Federal judge blocks refugee ban enforcement — A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from using the president's June proclamation banning people from 12 countries to prohibit 80 refugees who have already been vetted from entering the US. The judge noted that the order "expressly states" that it does not limit efforts to seek refugee status.
• Trump administration appeals racial profiling ruling — The Trump administration filed an appeal to overturn a federal judge's ruling that blocks the Department of Homeland Security from arresting people based on factors related to racial profiling, such as race, accent, and type of work. The ruling applies only to Los Angeles and surrounding areas and was issued following discriminatory ICE raids in California.
• Case update — D.B.U. v. Trump (D. Colo.) 1:25-cv-01163 — The Tenth Circuit held the appeal in abeyance pending the outcome of W.M.M. v. Trump (No. 25-10534) in the Fifth Circuit.
• Case update — Democracy Forward Foundation v. Department of Education (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00940 — Democracy Forward and DOE filed a joint status report which indicates that DOE identified 4, 492 potentially responsive records and that the parties are working together to narrow the scope of the search.
• Notice of appeal filed — State of Colorado v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00121 — Defendants filed a notice of appeal to the First Circuit as to Judge Mary S. McElroy's May 16 preliminary injunction .
• Notice of appeal filed — W.J.C.C. v. Trump (W.D. Pa.) 3:25-cv-00153 — Defendants filed a notice of appeal to the Third Circuit from Judge Haines's June 18 preliminary-injunction order.
• Summary judgment ruling — Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association v. Trump (E.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01464 — Judge Cogan granted voluntary dismissals of Plaintiffs' other claims as moot and granted summary judgment on remaining claims reflected in the July 1 ruling.
• Summary judgment ruling — National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association v. Kennedy (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01265 — Judge Ana C. Reyes held a pre-motion conference and established a briefing schedule for summary judgment.
• Appeal filed — M.A.P.S. v. Garite (W.D. Tex.) 3:25-cv-00171 — The administration appealed Judge Briones' June 9 final judgment order to the Fifth Circuit (Case No. 25-50580 ).
• Case update — Association for Education Finance and Policy Inc. v. McMahon (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00999 — Plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint . In this amended complaint, Plaintiffs removed two IES termination-specific counts for the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) 2024 and a count of termination of access to use data, while limiting all but one of the remaining counts to a specific plaintiff.
• Cases consolidated — A.S.R. v. Trump (W.D. Pa.) 3:25-cv-00113 — The Third Circuit consolidated this appeal, for scheduling purposes, with W.J.C.C. v. Trump, No. 25- 2332 , which-like this case-is before Judge Stephanie Haines in the district court, No. 3:25-cv-00153 .
• Cases consolidated — W.J.C.C. v. Trump (W.D. Pa.) 3:25-cv-00153 — The Third Circuit consolidated this appeal, for scheduling purposes, with A.S.R. v. President United States of America , No. 25-2311 , which-like this case-is before Judge Stephanie Haines in the district court, No. 3:25-cv-00113 .
• Motion denied — New York Immigration Coalition v. Donald J. Trump et al. (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01309 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint to bring the case as a class action on behalf of all persons born in the United States on or after Feb. 19 who have been or will be denied citizenship under the EO being challenged. Plaintiffs also added a new legal claim, arguing that Defendants violated the Administrative Procedure Act by acting contrary to the Constitution.
• Appeal filed — Slaughter and Bedoya v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00909 — Judge Alikhan granted a summary judgment and permanent injunction, ordering the administration to reinstate former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter to her previous role. Citing Supreme Court precedent , the court found the administration's termination of Ms. Slaughter violated the FTC Act's removal protections. However, the court dismissed a parallel claim by former Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya as moot, noting he had voluntarily resigned. The administration filed a motion to stay the decision pending appeal, and appealed the permanent injunction to the D.C. Circuit (Case No. 25-5261 ).
• Case update — American Federation of Teachers v. U.S. Department of Education (D. Md.) 1:25-cv-00628 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint , which addresses the ED's notification of Certification to state education agencies (SEAs). Plaintiffs add three additional claims for relief specific to this Certification, including an additional First Amendment (Free Speech and Free Association) claim, an additional Fifth Amendment (Due Process Vagueness) claim, and an additional APA 5 U.S.C. § 706(2) (arbitrary and capricious) claim. Plaintiffs also request that their prayer for relief be extended to the Certification and request a permanent injunction against implementation of this Certification and actions taken on the basis of the aforementioned interpretation of Title VI.
• Case update — Mahdawi v. Trump (D. Vt.) 2:25-cv-00389 — Judge Crawford removed the remaining travel restrictions and permitted Mahdawi to travel throughout the United States for lawful purposes while maintaining Vermont as his primary residence and attending all required court proceedings. The court noted that Mahdawi had complied with the release orders, that there was no indication he presented a flight risk or danger, and that his proposed political speaking engagements did not justify restricting his movement.
• Dismissal entered — Doe v. Collins (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00760 — Plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the action.
• Motion to dismiss decided — American Bar Association v. U.S. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01263 — Judge Cooper granted Defendants' motion to dismiss, thereby terminating the case.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — California v. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-12019 — Plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction and an accompanying memorandum of law in support.
• Stay motion decided — Pedro Vasquez Perdomo v. Markwayne Mullin (C.D. Cal.) 2:25-cv-05605 — The district court denied the administration's motion to stay the temporary restraining order pending appeal, which restricts the administration from engaging in indiscriminate immigration stops in the Los Angeles area and denying detainees access to lawyers. The court rejected the administration's argument that the TRO causes irreparable harm and creates a chilling effect on enforcing immigration law, because “[c]omplying with the law does not impose harm” and the TRO is sufficiently clear that it would not cause confusion.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Pallek v. Rollins (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01650 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in which they added an allegation of arbitrary and capricious actions taken by USDA through the proposal to create a new system of records (the June SORN). On that same day, Plaintiffs filed a motion for an emergency temporary restraining order on that same day, requesting that the court temporarily block Defendants from accessing SNAP applicant and recipient information from state governments or third-party processors.
• Appeal filed — Southern Education Foundation v. United States Department of Education (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01079 — Defendants appealed Judge Friedman's preliminary injunction order to the D.C. Circuit (Case No. 25-5262 ).
• Motion denied — Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Kennedy (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10814 — The First Circuit denied the Defendant's request for a stay of the district court's order.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Board of Education for the Silver Consolidated Schools v. McMahon (D.N.M.) 2:25-cv-00586 — Judge Thompson denied a motion of preliminary injunction from the Board of Education for the Silver Consolidated Schools and dismissed their lawsuit, which seeks to restore the grant terminated by the administration. The court noted the lawsuit is a contractual claim and belongs in the Court of Federal Claims, and even though “the grant seems like a worthwhile expenditure of taxpayer funds” and seems to be lawful under relevant laws, “there isn't jurisdiction in this Court for these claims.”
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Los Angeles Press Club v. Kristi Noem (C.D. Cal.) 2:25-cv-05563 — Plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction, seeking to enjoin Defendants' allegedly excessive use of force and asserting they would suffer irreparable harm absent court protection.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Smith v. Trump (D. Me.) 1:25-cv-00158 — Judge Nancy Torresen granted Plaintiffs' preliminary injunction motion, thereby enjoining Defendants from imposing civil or criminal penalties under the EO and the IEEPA.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of California v. Trump (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10810 — Judge Casper issued an amended preliminary injunction following the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. CASA limiting the use of nationwide injunctions. The amended order continues to block federal agents from enforcing key aspects of the election Executive Order in Plaintiff States, but no longer applies to all States. The amended order also continues to block federal officials from engaging in national enforcement actions that cannot be limited to non-Plaintiff States, such as updating the federal postcard application for all uniformed and overseas voters.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of New York v. Kennedy (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00196 — Judge DuBose denied Defendants' motion to vacate the preliminary injunction.
• Stay motion decided — American Public Health Association v. National Institutes of Health (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10787 — The First Circuit denied Defendants' motion to stay Judge Young's order.

Supporting reports

• MAGA influencer Evan Kilgore expressed betrayal over Epstein handling — MAGA influencer Evan Kilgore stated "I feel totally betrayed" in response to Trump's handling of the Epstein files controversy.
• Alex Jones criticized Trump's Epstein suppression strategy — Alex Jones stated that Trump's handling of the Epstein files has put the Trump administration into a "mega-massive crisis." Jones criticized Trump's press conference statements telling people not to ask questions about Epstein, characterizing this as triggering the Streisand Effect and describing the strategy as "insane."
• Author Michael Wolff described Trump's long Epstein relationship — Author Michael Wolff told Meidas that Trump has gotten away with literally everything, and that Trump's long relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has been hidden in plain sight, waved away, swept under the rug, and ignored. Wolff recounted that when he visited Mar-a-Lago for an interview, Trump's aides asked for a rough outline of topics and told him that if he asked about Epstein, Trump would stop the interview and he would get nothing.
• Elon Musk criticized Trump's Epstein post as "worst post ever made" — Elon Musk responded to Trump's Truth Social post defending AG Bondi by calling it "in the running for worst post ever made." Musk criticized Trump for mentioning "Epstein" half a dozen times while telling everyone to stop talking about Epstein, and called for the files to be released as promised. Musk stated that if thousands of children were abused and the government has videos of the abusers, none of the abusers should remain uncharged.
• MAGA podcaster Benny Johnson broke with Trump over Epstein post — MAGA podcaster Benny Johnson, who has consistently backed Trump for years, broke with Trump over his Epstein post. Johnson stated that Trump has acknowledged the Epstein files exist and that there is something substantive in them, but claims they were written by his enemies and therefore will not be released, questioning what kind of system allows thousands of children to be abused while the government possesses evidence.
• Megyn Kelly criticized Bondi's Epstein handling and media avoidance — Megyn Kelly posted on X that while it may be a relief for AG Pam Bondi to hear the president is still in her corner, huge swaths of the Republican Party are not. Kelly stated that Bondi repeatedly misled on Epstein and did not have the courage to explain herself, and has become camera shy with no questions allowed. Kelly's post received 1.9 million views and 52,000 likes in 24 hours.
• Right-wing podcaster Nick Fuentes declared "MAGA is dead" — Right-wing podcaster and white nationalist leader Nick Fuentes responded to Trump's Epstein post by stating that Trump is now claiming the Epstein files are a Democratic hoax, and declared "MAGA is dead."
• Flynn urges Trump to address Epstein allegations — Mike Flynn, former national security advisor, urged Trump to address the unanswered questions surrounding Epstein, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding child abuse by elites. Flynn's comments reflect ongoing concerns within the MAGA movement about the administration's response to the Epstein case.
• MAGA influencers call for Bondi's firing — Following the DOJ's announcement regarding Epstein, MAGA influencers began calling for the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi, expressing dissatisfaction with her handling of the situation. This reflects a growing rift within the MAGA movement regarding the administration's transparency and accountability.
• Mike Flynn calls on Trump to address Epstein questions — Mike Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor, posted on social media calling on President Trump to address the "massive number of unanswered questions about Epstein, especially the ABUSE OF CHILDREN BY ELITES." Flynn stated that if the administration does not address these questions, "moving forward on so many other monumental challenges our nation is facing becomes much harder" and concluded that "We cannot allow pedophiles to get away" regardless of their elite status.
• Turning Point USA conference attendees boo Trump administration's Epstein handling — Over the weekend, attendees at a conference held by the right-wing Turning Point USA booed the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein case, signaling grassroots disapproval of the administration's reversal on releasing the files.
• Elon Musk amplifies calls to release Epstein files — After Trump's Saturday post attempting to downplay the Epstein issue, Elon Musk wrote to his 222 million followers on X: "Seriously. He said 'Epstein' half a dozen times while telling everyone to stop talking about Epstein. Just release the files as promised." Musk used his control of the X platform to amplify criticism of Trump's handling of the Epstein files.

Supporting reports

• DOJ and FBI jointly decide to withhold further Epstein files from public release — US Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel jointly concluded a systematic review of Jeffrey Epstein materials and decided not to release further information, including a purported "client list." The memo stated no credible evidence of blackmail or basis for investigation of uncharged third parties was found. The decision triggered backlash from MAGA hardliners, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Steve Bannon, who questioned the Epstein autopsy conclusion and demanded disclosure.
• Justice Department announced no "incriminating client list" exists for Jeffrey Epstein; withheld evidence — The Department of Justice announced that deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain an "incriminating 'client list'" and stated it would not release additional evidence accumulated by investigators, including photographs and more than 10,000 videos. In February 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi had told Fox News that a list was "sitting on her desk awaiting review." The announcement reversed that position. MAGA influencers and media figures had previously demanded release of the files, claiming the Biden administration was covering up Democratic involvement. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, who had promoted the conspiracy theory, reportedly threatened to resign over Bondi's reversal.

Supporting reports

• White House issues promotional release on Sunday show appearances by administration officials — The White House published a promotional release on July 13, 2025, compiling statements made by administration officials on Sunday television programs. The release features remarks by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on FEMA deployment to Texas flooding and immigration enforcement; Border Czar Tom Homan on ICE operations and sanctuary cities; and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on tariff revenue, trade policy, and copper production. The document frames these as evidence the administration is "putting Americans first."
• White House issues promotional release featuring Home Depot co-founder's endorsement of Trump — The White House published a promotional release on July 15, 2025, titled "ICYMI: Home Depot Co-Founder Now 'Sold on Trump.'" The release consists entirely of curated quotes from Ken Langone's CNBC interview in which he expresses support for President Trump's economic policies, tariffs, and foreign policy. The document contains no new executive action, policy announcement, or official directive—only promotional framing of a private citizen's favorable commentary.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming inflation control under Trump administration — The White House published a fact sheet asserting that inflation remains "right on target" under President Trump. The document claims core inflation has beaten or matched expectations every month since Trump took office, cites June Consumer Price Index data showing annualized inflation below year-earlier pace, reports core inflation at 2.1% (described as levels not seen since the first Trump administration), and states real wages for production workers are up 1.3% over the prior year. The fact sheet attributes price declines in vehicles, airfares, and energy to Trump policies and includes supportive commentary from financial media figures.
• White House issues release on AI investment announcements — The White House issued a release announcing over $90 billion in AI and energy investments in Pennsylvania, including $25 billion from Google, $25 billion from Blackstone, and $6 billion from CoreWeave for data centers and infrastructure. The announcement was made at an "Energy and Innovation Summit" attended by tech and energy leaders, administration officials, and lawmakers. The release characterizes these investments as evidence of U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.
• White House issues release on Trump's announcement of $92 billion in AI and energy investments in Pennsylvania — The White House published a release on July 16, 2025, promoting President Trump's announcement of a $92 billion commitment to AI and energy infrastructure initiatives during a visit to Pennsylvania. The release includes statements from executives at Blackstone, Google, FirstEnergy, Westinghouse, and CoreWeave affirming their support and planned investments. The document cites Pennsylvania newspaper coverage characterizing the announcement as historic and bipartisan.

Supporting reports

• Hundreds of detainees without criminal charges held at "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration facility in Florida Everglades — The Trump administration's "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility in Ochopee, Florida holds hundreds of immigrants with no criminal records or charges, according to disclosures following a Democratic lawmakers' visit on Saturday. The Miami Herald obtained a list of 700 detainees showing at least 250 had committed only civil immigration violations. Authorities refused to release the full detainee list. Conditions include three exposed toilets per 32-person cage, inadequate water access, and excessive heat. Federal agencies claim the facility is state-run, contradicting public statements by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump about federal funding.
• Detained immigrants at "Alligator Alcatraz" reported inhumane conditions — CBS News reported that immigrants who are detained at the new facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades have said conditions there are inhumane, including only being served one meal a day that had maggots in it, no water to take a shower, and a lack of access to healthcare.
• Rep. Wasserman Schultz documents inhumane conditions at immigration detention facility — Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz conducted an oversight tour of "Alligator Alcatraz," a new immigration detention facility, and reported that detainees are "living in cages" with 32 people per cage and only three toilets per cage. She noted that the sink is attached to the toilet unit, forcing detainees to obtain drinking water and brush teeth where they defecate.
• Miami Herald reports 250+ detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have no criminal record — The Miami Herald reported that more than 250 people detained at "Alligator Alcatraz" have no criminal record, contradicting official claims that the facility would be reserved for the "worst of the worst." The finding suggests the facility is being used to detain individuals without serious criminal histories.

Supporting reports

• Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara remains in ICE custody despite bond order — AP reported that Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara is still in ICE custody despite a judge ordering his release on bond last week. Guevara, who was arrested last month while covering the "No Kings" protest, continues to face deportation proceedings.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration detaining immigrants from 26 countries at Guantanamo Bay — CBS News reported that the Trump administration is currently detaining dozens of immigrants from 26 countries and six continents at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, including immigrants from Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Russia, the UK, and Vietnam.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces 30% tariff on EU and Mexico goods effective August 1 — On Saturday, July 12, 2025, President Trump announced via Truth Social that goods imported from the European Union and Mexico will face a 30% US tariff rate starting August 1, 2025. The announcement shocked European capitals, as the European Commission and US trade representative Jamieson Greer had spent months negotiating a deal they believed was acceptable, involving a 10% tariff. EU trade ministers scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday to consider retaliatory measures worth €21 billion.
• Trump maintains 10% universal tariff on UK goods with limited negotiation scope — Lord Mandelson, British ambassador to the US, stated that the 10% universal tariff on most UK goods imported into the US is likely "here to stay," though he indicated there is "scope" for negotiations in specific sectors such as technology. The comments reflect acceptance of Trump's tariff regime while acknowledging limited room for bilateral adjustment. A separate 25% tariff on British steel remains subject to further negotiation.
• EU leader Ursula von der Leyen announced retaliatory countermeasures against U.S. tariffs — EU leader Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union is prepared to implement countermeasures in response to Trump's 30% tariffs, which take effect August 1. Von der Leyen stated that the EU and other American trading partners are forging closer ties and laying groundwork for a global trading system that revolves less around the United States.
• Trump announced 30% tariffs on the European Union — Trump announced 30% tariffs on the European Union in a form letter released over the weekend. The tariffs are set to take effect on August 1. EU leader Ursula von der Leyen responded by stating the EU is prepared to retaliate with countermeasures and is seeking to create new trade alliances around the world while excluding the United States, signaling a shift away from U.S.-centered global trade.