Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump makes independent regulators answerable to White House — Trump signed an executive order making independent regulatory agencies – such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – accountable to the White House. Agencies will have to report new policy priorities to the executive branch for approval, which will also have a say over their budgets. The White House states the order ensures "all federal agencies are accountable to the American people, as required by the constitution." Critics argue the move clashes with mainstream interpretations of the Constitution.

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• Treasury official resigns over Musk's demands — David Lebryk, a senior Treasury Department official, resigned following Elon Musk's demands for access to sensitive payment systems. Lebryk, a non-political civil servant, had refused Musk's repeated requests for access. His resignation raises concerns about the integrity and independence of federal financial systems.
• Access granted to Treasury Department systems — Reports indicate that Marko Elez, a 25-year-old engineer with previous ties to Elon Musk's companies, has gained direct access to Treasury Department systems that manage significant government payments. This access allows him to potentially alter critical financial operations, raising concerns about the security and integrity of government payment systems. The implications of such access could affect various federal programs, including veterans' benefits and Social Security.

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• Senate Democrats boycott vote on Vought's nomination — Senate Democrats boycotted a vote to advance Russell Vought's nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget, citing his unfitness for office. Despite their absence, Republican members of the Senate budget committee proceeded with the vote, resulting in an 11-0 decision to move Vought's confirmation to the full Senate. Democrats criticized Vought's role in a recent federal grant funding freeze, which was ordered and then rescinded within days, potentially affecting programs like Head Start and Meals on Wheels.

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• Kash Patel nominated as FBI director — Kash Patel, a controversial figure known for promoting conspiracy theories, has been nominated by Donald Trump to head the FBI. His nomination has been met with approval from far-right extremists who were previously targeted by the FBI. Patel's confirmation hearing was contentious, and he is not expected to receive Democratic support. Experts warn that his leadership could lead to a reduction in efforts to confront far-right groups. The nomination is part of broader changes within the FBI, including the forced resignation of several high-ranking officials.
• Kash Patel's Senate confirmation hearing for FBI director — Kash Patel, nominated by Trump for FBI director, faced a Senate confirmation hearing where he refused to explicitly state whether he would use his position to investigate Trump's political opponents. Patel distanced himself from past statements perceived as targeting Trump's adversaries, claiming mischaracterization. Despite concerns from Democratic lawmakers about his potential misuse of FBI power, Patel maintained he would only investigate those who broke the law. His confirmation is likely, given Republican support, despite Democratic opposition.

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• Justice Department resolves Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act lawsuit against Pennsylvania township and sewage authority — The Department of Justice announced settlement of a lawsuit filed the same day against Sugar Grove Township, Pennsylvania, and the Sugar Grove Area Sewage Authority, alleging they violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act by enforcing ordinances requiring Old Order Amish residents to connect to municipal sewage (which requires electric grinder pumps) and banning privies. The proposed consent order, filed in the Western District of Pennsylvania, exempts certain Amish households from the requirements, permits privies on private property, forgives liens and fines, and mandates RLUIPA training for officials.

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• Justice Department sues to block HPE's $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks — The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division filed a complaint in the Northern District of California on January 30, 2025, seeking to block Hewlett Packard Enterprise's proposed $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks. The complaint alleges the merger would eliminate competition between the second- and third-largest enterprise wireless networking providers, reduce innovation, raise prices, and harm American businesses and institutions in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. The post-merger entity and market leader Cisco would control over 70% of the market.

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• Illinois Governor bans J6 insurrectionists from state employment — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed an order prohibiting individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection from obtaining state employment. The order aims to uphold the integrity of state employment and prevent those who participated in the insurrection from holding public positions.

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• 22 state attorneys general sue Trump over birthright order — A coalition of 22 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against an executive order issued by Trump that challenges birthright citizenship. The order is seen as unconstitutional and an attack on the 14th Amendment. The lawsuit represents a significant legal challenge to the administration's immigration policies and underscores the ongoing battle over constitutional rights.

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• Trump orders USDA to remove climate crisis websites — The Trump administration ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take down websites documenting or referencing the climate crisis. This directive affected several sites, including the United States Forest Service's Climate Change Resource Center, which provided resources and research on climate adaptation. The USDA instructed its website managers to archive or unpublish these pages, with a deadline to list mentions for further review. This move is part of broader executive orders reshaping federal policies on climate change and environmental protections.

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• Trump blames DEI for crash — Former President Trump blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a fatal airline/helicopter crash in Washington, D.C. He speculated without evidence that the crash was caused by a woman or minority, citing a push for diversity in FAA hiring. Trump's comments have been criticized as baseless and divisive, with calls for him to focus on leadership and safety measures instead.
• Trump blames diversity hiring for crash — During a press conference, President Trump attributed the aviation disaster to diversity hiring practices, asserting that they contributed to a lack of competence among air traffic controllers.
• Trump blames predecessors for aviation disaster — President Donald Trump publicly blamed former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden for the aviation disaster, claiming their policies led to lowered standards for air traffic controllers. He stated that his administration prioritized safety, contrasting it with what he described as the Democrats' focus on politics over safety.

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• Trump orders review of FEMA — Trump ordered a review of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the disaster response agency, and suggested there is "political bias" in the agency. Trump previously criticized the agency's response to Hurricane Helene. The order states "Despite obligating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid each of the past three years, Fema has managed to leave vulnerable Americans without the resources or support they need when they need it most." A review council – which includes the secretaries of defense and homeland security, Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem – will report to Trump within 180 days.
• White House issued memorandum directing FAA and Transportation Secretary to review hiring decisions and safety protocols from prior four years — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 30, 2025, directing the Secretary of Transportation and FAA Administrator to review all hiring decisions and safety protocol changes made during the prior four years and take corrective action including replacement of individuals who do not meet qualification standards. The memorandum attributes a January 29 aircraft-helicopter collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to prior administrations' hiring practices, specifically citing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It orders a return to merit-based recruitment and a systematic assessment of hiring and safety standard deterioration.
• Trump signed executive order on aviation safety — President Trump signed an executive order on aviation safety that rolls back diversity initiatives. This action was taken following a tragic plane crash involving a mid-air collision between a commercial flight and a US military helicopter. Trump claimed, without evidence, that diversity initiatives contributed to the crash. The executive order aims to reverse changes made under the Biden administration regarding air traffic controller hiring standards, which Trump criticized as part of diversity programs.
• Trump fires TSA chief — President Trump fired Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chief David Pekoske as part of a broader effort to reshape leadership within federal transportation agencies following the air disaster.
• Trump freezes federal hiring — The Trump administration implemented a freeze on the hiring of all federal employees, including air traffic controllers, despite warnings from the Department of Transportation about staffing shortages at critical air traffic control facilities.
• Trump signs executive order on FAA staffing — President Trump signed an executive order that blames previous administrations for "problematic and likely illegal decisions" regarding staffing and diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The order emphasizes a return to "merit-based recruitment" to ensure aviation safety.
• — President Trump signed an executive order that blames previous administrations for "problematic and likely illegal decisions" that he claims minimized merit and competence in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The order emphasizes a return to "merit-based recruitment, hiring, and promotion" within the FAA.

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• Trump declassifies JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination files — Trump ordered the release of thousands of classified documents on the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. The order states "The federal government has not released to the public all of its records related to those events. Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay." Trump made this promise during the election campaign and made a similar pledge in his first term, but ultimately heeded appeals from the CIA and FBI to withhold some documents.

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• Trump signs order dismantling Department of Education — Trump signed an order that would begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education. The order attempts to circumvent the need to obtain congressional approval to formally close a federal department. Trump stated "My administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department. We're going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It's doing us no good."

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• Trump ends UNRWA funding and withdraws from UN Human Rights Council — Trump signed an executive order stopping funding for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, and withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council. Trump criticized the entire United Nations as "not being well run" and "not doing the job." In his first term, Trump cut UNRWA funding and withdrew from the UN's human rights council. The Biden administration had restored UNRWA funding and rejoined the council.

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• Trump imposes tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China — President Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% tariffs on China, effective immediately. This move marks the beginning of a global trade war, as Trump had promised higher tariffs on China during his campaign. The announcement led to a significant drop in the stock market, with the Dow closing down by 337.54 points. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed opposition to the tariffs and indicated that Canada is prepared to respond forcefully if they proceed.
• Trump closes de minimus loophole on Chinese exports — Trump signed an executive order closing "the de minimus loophole" on China. The loophole previously allowed China to export cheap goods to the US without paying taxes and import duties.
• Trump exempts USMCA goods from tariffs — Trump signed an executive order delaying tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada covered by the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). Goods imported to the United States under the USMCA will be exempted from Trump's 25% tariffs for one month until April 2. Trump stated the interim period "makes it much more favorable for our American car manufacturers."
• Trump imposes 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum — Trump announced 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, which will be enforced "without exceptions or exemptions." The action ends exemptions granted to certain countries and increases the duty rate on both metals to 25% (the duty on aluminum was previously 10%). Trump's top trade adviser Peter Navarro stated the tariffs are "about ensuring that America never has to rely on foreign nations for critical industries like steel and aluminum." The changes are not due to come into effect until March 12, raising the prospect the administration will broker deals with governments seeking reprieve.
• Trump signs executive order on auto tariffs — Trump signed an executive order watering down his sweeping tariff plan by curbing duties on foreign cars and parts, granting a reprieve to the automotive industry. Carmakers subject to a 25% tariff on imports will not be subject to other levies on steel and aluminum. US automakers are allowed to apply for tariff relief on a proportion of imported parts costs, with relief phased out over two years.

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• Trump expands Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency — Trump signed an order expanding the power of Elon Musk's so-called "department of government efficiency." The order calls for a "transformation" in federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans by requiring a centralized payment system to be monitored by Musk's team. The order states it "commences a transformation in Federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans to ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public."

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• Trump signs executive order targeting pro-Palestinian activists — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at "combating antisemitism" by directing federal agencies to explore ways to deport pro-Palestinian activists, including students with visas, who have engaged in protests. The order instructs agencies to identify civil and criminal authorities that could be used to deport resident aliens found to have broken the law during protests. It also mandates the Department of Justice to investigate pro-Hamas graffiti and intimidation incidents, particularly on college campuses. Agencies are required to provide recommendations to the White House within 60 days.
• Trump signs executive order on deporting international students — President Trump signed an executive order seeking to deport international students who participated in pro-Palestinian campus protests. This order targets students based on their political activities, raising concerns about free speech and academic freedom.

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• Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14188 on January 29, 2025, to combat anti-Semitism in the United States. The order reaffirms a previous executive order and directs federal agencies to identify legal tools to address anti-Semitic harassment and violence, particularly in educational institutions. Agencies are required to report on civil and criminal actions related to anti-Semitism, and the Attorney General is encouraged to use civil-rights enforcement authorities to combat such discrimination.
• Trump Issues Executive Order to Combat Anti-Semitism — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 29, 2025, titled "Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism." This order reaffirms Executive Order 13899 and introduces further measures to address anti-Semitic harassment, particularly in educational institutions. It mandates executive departments and agencies to report on civil and criminal authorities that can be used to combat anti-Semitism and requires the Attorney General and Secretary of Education to analyze related court cases and Title VI complaints. The order aims to enhance the enforcement of civil rights laws to protect Jewish students and address the rise in anti-Semitic incidents following the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
• Trump signed executive order reaffirming and expanding anti-Semitism enforcement measures on campuses — President Trump signed an executive order on January 29, 2025, reaffirming Executive Order 13899 (issued in 2019) and directing additional measures to combat anti-Semitism, particularly on college and university campuses. The order directs all executive departments and agencies to submit reports within 60 days identifying civil and criminal authorities available to combat anti-Semitism, and to inventory pending administrative complaints and court cases against institutions of higher education alleging civil-rights violations related to post-October 7, 2023 campus anti-Semitism. The order encourages the Attorney General to employ civil-rights enforcement authorities and directs the Secretaries of State, Education, and Homeland Security to recommend ways institutions can monitor and report activities by foreign students and staff relevant to grounds for inadmissibility.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order to combat anti-Semitism — The White House published a fact sheet on January 30, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to combat anti-Semitism. The order directs all federal executive departments and agencies to review and report within sixty days on criminal and civil authorities available for fighting anti-Semitism. The fact sheet states the Department of Justice will take immediate action to investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism, and the order demands removal of resident aliens who violate laws. The document frames these measures as responses to pro-Hamas protests and vandalism on campuses since October 7, 2023.

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• Quaker groups sue over ICE church entry order — Several Quaker groups have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a new DHS order allowing ICE agents to enter churches to arrest suspected migrants. The lawsuit claims this order violates their First Amendment rights to freedom of religion, as it disrupts their ability to practice their faith without government interference.

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• GS Foods Group settles False Claims Act liability for small business contracting violations — GS Foods Group Inc., a California food distributor, agreed to pay $949,696.90 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that its subsidiaries bid on federal contracts reserved for small businesses between October 2018 and March 2024, despite GS Foods not qualifying as a small business due to corporate affiliations. The contracts involved supplying food to Federal Bureau of Prisons and Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities. The Justice Department acknowledged GS Foods' timely self-disclosure, cooperation with investigation, and remedial measures including establishment of a Chief Compliance Officer and ethics training.

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• RFK Jr testifies in Senate confirmation hearing — Robert F Kennedy Jr, nominated by Donald Trump for the position of health secretary, testified in a US Senate confirmation hearing. During the hearing, Kennedy faced scrutiny over his changed stance on abortion, having previously identified as "pro-choice" but now aligning with Trump's view that "every abortion is a tragedy." Kennedy pledged to investigate the safety of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions, despite its established safety record. His testimony highlighted a significant shift in his position on reproductive rights, raising questions about his consistency and commitment to women's reproductive freedom.
• RFK Jr's Senate confirmation hearing for health secretary — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a contentious Senate confirmation hearing for his nomination as health secretary. During the hearing, Democrats challenged Kennedy on his past statements regarding vaccines, accusing him of spreading misinformation. Kennedy defended his position, stating he supports certain vaccines but believes none are universally safe and effective. The hearing highlighted concerns over Kennedy's controversial views on public health issues, including vaccines, which have put him at odds with mainstream medical consensus. Despite the opposition, Kennedy's confirmation vote is scheduled for the following week.
• RFK Jr's Senate confirmation hearing for HHS Secretary — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services. Senators from both parties pressed him on his past statements regarding vaccines, particularly his claims linking vaccines to autism, which contradict established scientific consensus. Despite the scrutiny, Kennedy avoided giving clear answers, leading to frustration among committee members. His nomination has sparked significant opposition from medical professionals and Nobel laureates concerned about his controversial views on vaccines.
• RFK Jr promises to resign from anti-vaccine roles if confirmed — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated for Secretary of Health and Human Services, has promised to resign from his roles at Children's Health Defense and other consultancies if confirmed. This move comes as he faces scrutiny for his past anti-vaccine rhetoric and activities. His confirmation hearings are set to take place amid concerns from public health experts about his potential influence on vaccine policies. Kennedy's past involvement in anti-vaccine activism has been financially lucrative, raising concerns about his ability to impartially oversee vaccine-related matters as HHS Secretary.
• RFK Jr faces Senate confirmation challenges — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced difficult Senate confirmation hearings for a cabinet position, with past controversial statements about vaccines and science being scrutinized. Senators questioned his suitability for the role, given his history of promoting misinformation and conspiracy theories.
• Senate Finance Committee holds confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — The Senate Finance Committee conducted confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Services. His nomination has faced significant opposition due to his controversial views on vaccines and lack of relevant experience, with over 18,000 physicians signing a letter against his confirmation.

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• Ex-senator Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery — Former US Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison by US District Judge Sidney Stein in New York City for his 2024 conviction on bribery charges. Menendez was found guilty of accepting bribes, including gold bars, in exchange for political favors for Egypt and New Jersey businessmen. The sentencing follows his conviction on 16 felony charges, including bribery and fraud. Menendez, who served nearly 19 years in the Senate, resigned last August after his conviction. He plans to appeal the sentence.

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• Disability Rights Oregon sues Grants Pass over camping regulations — Disability Rights Oregon has filed a lawsuit against the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, accusing it of violating state law by enforcing camping regulations that are not "objectively reasonable." The lawsuit claims that the city's limited and inaccessible shelter options, particularly for people with disabilities, leave many unhoused individuals without legal options for survival. The suit follows a Supreme Court ruling that allowed cities to ban outdoor sleeping and fine individuals, even when shelter beds are insufficient. The lawsuit seeks to block the city from enforcing its current camping rules.

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• Trump signs the Laken Riley Act into law — President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, which grants ICE the authority to detain and deport undocumented immigrants arrested for minor charges, such as shoplifting, even if they have not been convicted. This law significantly expands ICE's powers and could lead to increased deportations based on minor infractions, raising concerns about due process and civil liberties for immigrants.
• Became Law: Laken Riley Act — The Laken Riley Act was enacted, becoming Public Law No: 119-1, which signifies its official adoption and implementation. This law may impact relevant policy areas as defined by its provisions.
• Trump signs Laken Riley Act into law — On January 29, 2025, Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, marking a significant legislative achievement for his administration's immigration agenda. The law mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes and allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government if they believe their states have been harmed by its failure to enforce immigration laws. The act is named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant. The legislation has faced criticism from immigration rights advocates for expanding mandatory detention.
• President Trump signed S.5 (Laken Riley Act) into law — On January 29, 2025, President Trump signed S.5, the "Laken Riley Act," into law. The statute requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes. The White House announcement provides no additional detail on implementation, scope, or effective date.

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• FCC opens investigation into NPR and PBS — FCC Chair Brendan Carr opened an investigation into NPR and PBS to determine if they have been violating federal law by airing commercials. This investigation could impact public broadcasting and its funding model.
• FCC requests unedited transcript from CBS News — The FCC sent a request to CBS News for the unedited transcript of its '60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris. This request is part of an investigation into potential violations of federal law by the network.