Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• US Department of Justice opens civil fraud investigation into UnitedHealthcare — The US Department of Justice has initiated a civil fraud investigation into UnitedHealthcare, focusing on the company's Medicare billing practices. The investigation is examining whether UnitedHealthcare has been using patient diagnoses to unlawfully increase the monthly payments it receives through the Medicare Advantage program. This inquiry is being conducted by the Department of Justice’s civil fraud division and the Department of Health and Human Services office of the inspector general. The investigation is separate from an ongoing antitrust inquiry into the company.

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• Trump administration fires thousands of federal workers — The Trump administration has fired thousands of federal workers from agencies responsible for managing public lands, including the US Forest Service and the Department of the Interior. This action has left significant operational gaps, particularly affecting wildfire response and conservation efforts. The firings targeted employees in probationary status, many of whom had dedicated years to public service. The move has sparked concerns about the agencies' ability to manage extreme weather events and has led to fears of increased privatization of public lands. Unions and labor advocates are preparing legal challenges, and legislators are urging the administration to reverse the firings.

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• SEC dismisses lawsuit against Coinbase — On February 21, 2025, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) agreed to dismiss its lawsuit against Coinbase. The lawsuit, filed on June 6, 2023, accused Coinbase of operating as an unregistered securities broker. Armstrong stated that the agreement involved no fines or changes to Coinbase's business practices. This development follows significant political contributions by Coinbase to pro-Trump entities and personal financial benefits to Trump, raising questions about the influence of political donations on regulatory actions.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration proposes cuts to social programs — The Trump administration is discussing cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and supplemental food programs, despite these programs being crucial for many Republican voters. The administration claims these cuts are necessary to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, although no evidence has been provided to support these claims.

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• Judge clears way for USAid worker leave — A federal judge ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing it to place over 2,000 USAid workers on leave. This decision is a setback for government employee unions that are challenging the administration's actions, which they argue are aimed at dismantling the foreign aid agency. The ruling enables the administration to proceed with its plans, affecting the operations and workforce of USAid.

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• US judge blocks Trump's anti-DEI directives — A federal judge in Maryland, Adam Abelson, temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump from enforcing bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at federal agencies and businesses contracting with the federal government. The judge ruled that Trump's directives likely violate the First Amendment, as they aim to suppress speech supportive of DEI. The injunction prevents Trump and federal agencies from implementing these orders while a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore and three groups is pending.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Nat’l Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Ed. v. Trump (D. Md.) 1:25-cv-00333 — Judge Adam B. Abelson issued a memorandum opinion and granted the preliminary injunction in large part, enjoining implementation of the Termination Provision of Executive Order 14151 and of the Certification and Enforcement Threat Provisions of Executive Order 14173. The court stated that “Plaintiffs' irreparable harms include widespread chilling of unquestionably protected speech." The court also denied the preliminary injunction in part, allowing the Attorney General to prepare the report pursuant to Executive Order 14173 and to engage in an investigation.

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• January 6 defendants announce lawsuit — On February 21, 2025, several individuals pardoned for violent crimes related to the January 6 attack held a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to announce their intention to sue the Justice Department for their prosecutions. This event included prominent figures such as Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes, who were convicted for their roles in the insurrection.

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• Case update — Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center v. Noem (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00418 — Plaintiffs filed a Reply reasserting their request for a TRO to prevent the government from sending more detainees to Guantánamo.
• Case update — New York et al v. Donald J. Trump (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01144 — State Attorneys General submitted an amicus brief in support of Defendants.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — American Federation of Government Employees v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00352 — Judge Nichols issued an Order and Memorandum Opinion rejecting the preliminary injunction and dissolving the TRO. His reasoning included that Plaintiffs do not face irreparable harm after a series of concessions from Deputy Administrator Marocco, and that they could pursue remedies with administrative bodies governing disputes between the federal government and civil servants.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — County of Santa Clara v. Trump, et al (N.D. Cal.) 5:25-cv-00981 — Judge Eumi Lee ruled that both parties file Orders to Show Cause to explain why this case should not be stayed pending the Ninth Circuit's decision in Washington v. Trump. The hearing on the motion for preliminary injunction was also vacated and both parties filed OSCs on Feb. 28.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Doe v. McHenry (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00286 — Plaintiffs filed a memorandum and motion for a TRO and expanded the preliminary injunction to cover all Plaintiffs in the First Amendment Complaint.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Electronic Privacy Information Center v. U.S. Office of Personnel Management (E.D. Va.) 1:25-cv-00255 — Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr. issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order converting the motion for a TRO to a motion for a preliminary injunction, and denying the motion. Judge Alston wrote, “Plaintiffs' fears of future harm are much too speculative and would require the Court to make several leaps in reasoning in order to warrant injunctive relief” based on the record before the court. The judge stated: “Although the Court is denying injunctive relief based on the current record, Plaintiffs are permitted to take necessary action to protect their rights if, in the future, they experience harm that is more concrete and immediate, including if Plaintiffs are able to provide evidence that unauthorized personnel accessed the BFS and/or EHRI systems.”
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Jones v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00401 — Plaintiff filed a motion for a TRO and preliminary injunction on an emergency basis to stop Defendants from enforcing two sections of Executive Order 14168: Section 4(a), which requires inmate segregation based on biological sex, and Section 4(c), which bars federal prisons from providing medical care that would align inmates' physical characteristics with their gender identity.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Mennonite Church USA et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security et al (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00403 — The court granted plaintiff's motion for a TRO and Preliminary Injunction, stopping the Administration from enforcing Sections 4(a) and 4(c) of Executive Order 14168 and maintaining Plaintiff's housing and medical treatment.
• Summary judgment ruling — Gwynne A. Wilcox v. Donald J. Trump et al (D.C. Cir.) 1:25-cv-00334 — Plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction enjoining Defendants from carrying out immigration enforcement activities at their places of worship absent exigent circumstances or a judicial warrant.
• — The government filed a cross-motion for summary judgment, arguing statutory restrictions protecting NLRB members unconstitutionally conflict with the President's Article II powers.

Supporting reports

• Senate passes budget for mass deportations — The U.S. Senate passed a budget resolution to fund President Trump's mass deportation plan, allocating $175 billion for border security and increasing the Pentagon budget by $150 billion. The resolution passed with a 52-48 vote, largely along party lines. This funding supports the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement agenda and reflects a significant allocation of federal resources towards deportation efforts.

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• Attorney General Bondi indicates Epstein files under review on her desk — On February 21, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News that Epstein case files were "sitting on my desk right now to review" in response to a question about whether the DOJ would release a list of Epstein's clients. Bondi later suggested she was referring to case files rather than a client list, but the statement signaled potential control over the release of materials potentially implicating the president.
• Attorney General Bondi states Epstein client list is on her desk — In February 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News Channel that the Epstein client list was "sitting on my desk right now," suggesting the administration would release it. This statement was made to MAGA audiences who had been promised transparency on Epstein files as a key campaign commitment, with senators like Marsha Blackburn supporting Kash Patel's FBI directorship partly on the expectation he would release Epstein information.

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• Supreme Court releases opinion in Hungary v. Simon (23-867) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Hungary v. Simon. Docket number(s): 23-867.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Williams v. Reed (23-191) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Williams v. Reed. Docket number(s): 23-191.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Wisconsin Bell, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Heath (23-1127) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Wisconsin Bell, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Heath. Docket number(s): 23-1127.

Supporting reports

• White House issues release claiming border enforcement has reduced migrant arrivals and shelter demand — The White House published a release titled "When There Are No Illegal Immigrants, There Is No Need for Shelters" asserting that President Trump's border enforcement has reduced daily migrant encounters in the El Paso sector from 1,500 to roughly 80, and citing reports that migrant shelters across multiple states and Mexico have closed or reduced capacity due to decreased arrivals. The release attributes these changes to Trump's "unprecedented effort to secure the homeland."

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• Trump administration claims to cut government waste — The Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have claimed to be eliminating "massive waste, fraud, and abuse" within the government. However, fact-checkers have pointed out numerous errors and exaggerations in these claims, leading to skepticism about the administration's true intentions.

Supporting reports

• Trump fires Joint Chiefs chair — President Trump fired Air Force General CQ Brown Jr., the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as part of a campaign to remove military leaders who support diversity and equity initiatives. This decision follows criticism from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who questioned Brown's appointment based on his race. The firing is part of broader efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the military.
• Trump fires top military officials — President Donald Trump fired Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with the head of the Navy, the vice chief of the Air Force, and top military lawyers. This move, described as a "purge," was announced via social media and replaced Brown with retired three-star general Dan Caine. The firings are part of a broader pattern of consolidating power within the executive branch.

Supporting reports

• Maine Governor Mills refused Trump's transgender athlete ban at White House governors' conference — At a White House meeting of governors on February 21, President Trump announced an executive order banning transgender student athletes from playing on girls' sports teams. When Trump asked Maine Governor Janet Mills if she would comply, Mills stated she was "complying with state and federal laws." Trump responded that "We are the federal law" and threatened to withhold all federal funding if Maine did not comply. Mills replied, "See you in court."
• Trump administration opened investigations into Maine's policies following governor's defiance — Following the February 21 exchange between Trump and Governor Mills at the White House, the Trump administration opened investigations by the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture into Maine's policies. The Department of Agriculture temporarily paused funding for the University of Maine before restoring it and clearing the university system of Title IX violations.

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• Jorge arrested at ICE check-in in Portland despite asylum case pending — Jorge, a 22-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker, reported to the ICE field office in Portland, Oregon in February for a routine check-in while awaiting a court date on his asylum case. Instead of being released as had been standard practice, he was arrested and transferred to a detention center in Tacoma, Washington. Jorge had been complying with ICE requirements for two years, had enrolled in community college, worked as an advocate, and had no criminal record. A judge later denied his bond appeal, meaning he faces detention until at least September 2025.

Supporting reports

• CPAC expels J6 defendants — CPAC Chair Matt Schlapp has been expelling January 6 defendants from the conference without providing reasons, leading to significant frustration among those affected. This action reflects ongoing tensions within conservative circles regarding the legacy and participants of the January 6 Capitol riot.
• Enrique Tarrio arrested for assault near US Capitol — Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, was arrested near the US Capitol for allegedly assaulting a woman protester. The incident occurred after a news conference Tarrio attended with Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers. Capitol police reported that Tarrio struck the protester's cellphone and arm. Tarrio had been serving a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 Capitol attack but was granted clemency by President Trump in January 2025.
• Tarrio arrested for assault — On February 21, 2025, Enrique Tarrio was arrested by Capitol Police for assault after he batted away a protester's phone during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol. This incident occurred while he and other pardoned individuals were announcing their lawsuit against the Justice Department.

Supporting reports

• Defense Secretary orders Pentagon budget cuts — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered senior leaders at the Pentagon to develop plans for cutting 8% from the defense budget annually over the next five years. This directive, if implemented, would significantly reduce U.S. military spending, potentially affecting the country's defense capabilities.

Supporting reports

• Trump freezes EV subsidies and ends battery policies — President Donald Trump froze Congressionally approved funding for electric vehicle (EV) subsidies and issued orders to end policies favoring battery-powered vehicles. This move reverses previous industrial policies aimed at promoting clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Supporting reports

• Congressman Begich claims powerlessness over budget cuts — Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) told constituents at a Fairbanks open house that he could not stop budget cuts implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk. These cuts have led to layoffs of federal employees in Alaska, affecting the state's economy. Begich, a member of the Congressional DOGE Caucus, claimed he learned about the cuts via Twitter and refused to denounce them, citing national debt concerns. He suggested constituents provide him with materials about their situations for potential action.

Supporting reports

• Democracy Forward files lawsuit against DOGE for Labor data access — Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit to block the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Department of Labor data. The lawsuit, representing a coalition of federal unions, argues that DOGE's actions threaten employee privacy and agency integrity. An agreement was reached to block DOGE's access until a court ruling is made.
• Public Citizen files lawsuit against DOGE for Education data access — Public Citizen filed a lawsuit to prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Department of Education data. The lawsuit claims that DOGE's access to student loans and financial aid data violates federal laws, including the Administrative Procedures Act and the Privacy Act. The lawsuit highlights the potential privacy breach affecting millions of individuals.
• Public Citizen files lawsuit to block DOGE's Treasury data access — Public Citizen filed a lawsuit on behalf of federal unions and a nonprofit organization to prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury data. The lawsuit claims that DOGE's actions violate privacy rights and federal law. The Department of Justice agreed to restrict DOGE's access to the data, except for two special employees with limited access.

Supporting reports

• Federal judges block DOGE from accessing Treasury data — At least two federal judges have blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive data from the Department of the Treasury. This action follows a lawsuit filed by Public Citizen on behalf of federal unions and a nonprofit organization, which argued that DOGE's access to such information would violate privacy rights. The Department of Justice agreed to restrict DOGE's access to Treasury data, except for two special employees who were granted limited access. One of these employees resigned after past racist social media posts were discovered.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — New York et al v. Donald J. Trump (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01144 — Judge Vargas granted a limited preliminary injunction, enjoining the Treasury Department from granting access to DOGE-affiliated individuals to any payment record, payment systems, or any other data systems maintained by the Treasury Department containing personally identifiable information and/or confidential financial information of payees. The court noted that “a real possibility exists that sensitive information has already been shared outside of the Treasury Department, in potential violation of federal law.” The court ordered the Treasury Department to submit a report by March 24 including several forms of information and certifications including “the vetting and security clearances processes that members of the Treasury DOGE Team have undergone;” ”setting forth the legal authority pursuant to which each DOGE Team member was employed by or detailed to the Treasury Department;” and “explaining the reporting chains that govern the relationship between the DOGE Team members, USDS/DOGE, and Treasury leadership.”

Supporting reports

• Department of Justice announces removal of constitutional protections for administrative law judges — The Department of Justice, through Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle, announced on February 20, 2025, that it has determined multiple layers of removal restrictions protecting administrative law judges (ALJs) are unconstitutional. The department stated it is removing these protections to restore "constitutional accountability" and ensure Executive Branch officials answer to the President. The announcement invokes Supreme Court precedent but does not specify which case or provide legal analysis.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel confirmed as FBI director — The US Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the new FBI director with a narrow 51-49 vote. Patel's confirmation was contentious due to concerns about his potential use of the position to pursue political opponents of Donald Trump. The vote reflects the divisive nature of his nomination and the polarized political climate.
• US Senate confirms Kash Patel as FBI director — The US Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the new FBI director with a narrow 51-49 vote. Patel, a key ally of former President Donald Trump, has been criticized for his perceived alignment with Trump's political agenda and his refusal to commit to keeping the FBI independent from partisan politics. His confirmation raises concerns about the potential politicization of the FBI, as Patel has previously expressed views that align with Trump's vision of a unitary executive. The confirmation reflects the contentious nature of his nomination and the divided opinions in the Senate.
• Republican senators confirm Kash Patel as FBI director — On February 20, 2025, the Senate voted 51-49 to confirm Kash Patel as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The confirmation saw all but two Republican senators supporting Patel, who has previously labeled numerous officials as part of a "deep state." His confirmation raises concerns about potential political targeting within the FBI.
• Senate confirms Kash Patel as FBI director — The Senate narrowly confirmed Kash Patel, an election denier and Trump ally, as FBI director for a 10-year term. Patel has expressed intentions to target US media organizations, raising concerns about the politicization of the FBI and threats to press freedom.

Supporting reports

• King calls for constitutional protection — During his remarks on February 20, 2025, Senator Angus King urged Congress to respond to what he described as the most serious assault on the Constitution in U.S. history. He called for immediate action to protect the constitutional structure and the rights of the American people.
• King warns against Trump's power grab — On February 20, 2025, Senator Angus King warned that Trump's attempts to alter laws by refusing to fund them, known as impoundment, are unconstitutional. He emphasized the need for Congress to uphold its responsibilities to protect the Constitution and prevent the concentration of power in the presidency.