Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• American Library Association reports record 5,668 books banned from US libraries in 2025 — The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom documented 5,668 books banned from US libraries in 2025, with an additional 920 censored through access restrictions. Challenges targeted 4,235 unique titles. The report found that 92% of challenges came from pressure groups, decision-makers, or government officials—a significant increase from 72% in 2024—and that 40% of challenged materials involved LGBTQ+ people or people of color. The most-banned book was Sold by Patricia McCormick.

Supporting reports

• Smithsonian Institution rebuffs Trump's attempt to fire Kim Sajet — The Smithsonian Institution's governing board rejected former President Donald Trump's attempt to fire Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery. Trump had announced on May 30 that he had fired Sajet, accusing her of being "highly partisan" and a supporter of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), which he deemed inappropriate for her position. The Smithsonian's board asserted its independence, stating that all personnel decisions are made by the secretary with board oversight, thus maintaining its governance structure against political interference.

Supporting reports

• Department of Defense bans books from Naval Academy — The Department of Defense ordered the removal of nearly 400 books from the U.S. Naval Academy library, targeting works related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Although some books have been returned, the action reflects a broader effort to control educational content in military institutions.
• Department of Defense bans DEI-related books and instruction — The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) instructed schools to remove books and cancel activities related to gender ideology and DEI. This directive, part of compliance with executive orders, has led to legal challenges from students claiming First Amendment violations.
• Departments of Veterans Affairs and State ban pride flags — The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Department of State have banned the display of pride flags and similar symbols in employees' private offices and consular posts. This action reflects the administration's stance against LGBTQ+ visibility in government spaces.

Supporting reports

• US Navy plans to rename vessels named after civil rights icons — The US Navy is reportedly planning to rename vessels named after civil rights icons, including USNS Harvey Milk, as part of a broader DEI purge initiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Supporting reports

• US Defense Secretary Orders Renaming of USNS Harvey Milk — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the US Navy to remove the name of Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist and navy veteran, from a ship. The decision, announced during Pride month, is part of a broader initiative to align with the objectives of President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense priorities, which emphasize reestablishing a "warrior culture." The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet replenishment oiler, will be officially publicized on June 13. This move is part of a larger plan to rename other vessels named after historical icons.

Supporting reports

• Defense Department removes Jackie Robinson’s biography — The Defense Department temporarily removed Jackie Robinson’s biography from its website. This action is part of a broader pattern of altering or censoring historical content, which has implications for public memory and the integrity of historical records.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders overhaul of the Smithsonian Institution — In March 2025, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating an overhaul of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum network. This order specifically targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington DC, which Trump described as promoting "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology." The executive order is part of a broader effort by Trump to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across various levels of government and educational institutions.