Trump Action Tracker

Trump Action Tracker https://trumpactiontracker.info Free and independent tracker documenting Trump-related actions using verified news sources. Showing 50 of 3,854 total actions. en-us 2026-09-04T10:10:48.000Z The Trump administration announced plans to break ground on a 250-foot (76-meter) arch in Washington, despite legal challenges and the lack of final approval from a government planning ‌authority. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-plans-break-ground-washington-arch-without-final-approval-2026-09-04/ https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-plans-break-ground-washington-arch-without-final-approval-2026-09-04/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration announced plans to break ground on a 250-foot (76-meter) arch in Washington, despite legal challenges and the lack of final approval from a government planning ‌authority. Undermining democracy Donald Trump's administration asked the Supreme Court to let it enforce a new U.S. Postal Service rule tightening the use of mail-in ballots, moving swiftly after ‌a judge temporarily blocked the regulation ahead of November's midterm elections. In an emergency request, the Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to lift Boston-based U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani's order temporarily preventing the USPS from enforcing the new rule, which it adopted following an executive order by the Republican president to restrict mail-in ballots. https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-administration-takes-mail-in-ballot-fight-us-supreme-court-2026-09-03/ https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-administration-takes-mail-in-ballot-fight-us-supreme-court-2026-09-03/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Donald Trump's administration asked the Supreme Court to let it enforce a new U.S. Postal Service rule tightening the use of mail-in ballots, moving swiftly after ‌a judge temporarily blocked the regulation ahead of November's midterm elections. In an emergency request, the Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to lift Boston-based U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani's order temporarily preventing the USPS from enforcing the new rule, which it adopted following an executive order by the Republican president to restrict mail-in ballots. Undermining democracy The former pardon attorney for the US justice department (DoJ), Elizabeth Oyer, filed a lawsuit against the department and attorney general Todd Blanche, accusing them of “unlawfully” firing her last year after she said she refused to recommend restoring actor Mel Gibson’s gun rights. In the complaint, Oyer alleges that in early 2025, while she was serving as pardon attorney, she was asked to “disregard her duties and facilitate a political favor” for Gibson based on his “relationship with President Trump”. The lawsuit alleges that Oyer was “asked to make it seem like an independent review had concluded that Mr Gibson, who was convicted of a domestic violence offense, should have his gun rights restored”. Oyer says she declined, and that “shortly after, she was fired by then deputy attorney general Todd Blanche”. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/03/pardon-attorney-liz-oyer-mel-gibson https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/03/pardon-attorney-liz-oyer-mel-gibson Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The former pardon attorney for the US justice department (DoJ), Elizabeth Oyer, filed a lawsuit against the department and attorney general Todd Blanche, accusing them of “unlawfully” firing her last year after she said she refused to recommend restoring actor Mel Gibson’s gun rights. In the complaint, Oyer alleges that in early 2025, while she was serving as pardon attorney, she was asked to “disregard her duties and facilitate a political favor” for Gibson based on his “relationship with President Trump”. The lawsuit alleges that Oyer was “asked to make it seem like an independent review had concluded that Mr Gibson, who was convicted of a domestic violence offense, should have his gun rights restored”. Oyer says she declined, and that “shortly after, she was fired by then deputy attorney general Todd Blanche”. Corruption Undermining democracy The US House of Representatives passed a Republican-backed bill that would penalize universities that participate in boycotts of Israel, or attempt to prevent students from taking part in exchange programs with the country. The measure would require that colleges and universities who participate in federal student aid programs not participate in boycotts of Israel and also mandates that institutions receiving federal funding for international study and foreign language programs certify annually that they do not impose restrictions on their students participating in programs in Israel, or on students from Israel participating in programs on their campuses. Bobby Scott, the top Democrat on the education committee, criticized the bill as unnecessary and potentially in conflict with first amendment protections of protest. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/03/israel-boycott-university-ban-bill https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/03/israel-boycott-university-ban-bill Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The US House of Representatives passed a Republican-backed bill that would penalize universities that participate in boycotts of Israel, or attempt to prevent students from taking part in exchange programs with the country. The measure would require that colleges and universities who participate in federal student aid programs not participate in boycotts of Israel and also mandates that institutions receiving federal funding for international study and foreign language programs certify annually that they do not impose restrictions on their students participating in programs in Israel, or on students from Israel participating in programs on their campuses. Bobby Scott, the top Democrat on the education committee, criticized the bill as unnecessary and potentially in conflict with first amendment protections of protest. Attacking education Suppressing dissent Vice President JD Vance plays down war with Iran, saying " I wouldn't call it a war", despite the ongoing conflict and US military operation. He further said he was “extremely skeptical” of reports from Iranian officials that a U.S. missile strike killed at least four civilians at a home in southern Iran where people were celebrating a wedding. https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6069975-vance-refuses-iran-war-label/ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6069975-vance-refuses-iran-war-label/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Vice President JD Vance plays down war with Iran, saying " I wouldn't call it a war", despite the ongoing conflict and US military operation. He further said he was “extremely skeptical” of reports from Iranian officials that a U.S. missile strike killed at least four civilians at a home in southern Iran where people were celebrating a wedding. Foreign policy Controlling information The U.S. Treasury Department ‌and Internal Revenue Service proposed new regulations that would strip schools and universities of tax-exempt status if they offer targeted support to specific racial groups. The proposal would cover admissions, educational policies, scholarships and loans, athletics and “every other school-administered or school-supported program.” It would apply to programs that consider race “for any purpose,” including mitigating past racial discrimination. https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-moves-strip-tax-exempt-status-schools-that-consider-race-2026-09-03/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-moves-strip-tax-exempt-status-schools-that-consider-race-2026-09-03/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The U.S. Treasury Department ‌and Internal Revenue Service proposed new regulations that would strip schools and universities of tax-exempt status if they offer targeted support to specific racial groups. The proposal would cover admissions, educational policies, scholarships and loans, athletics and “every other school-administered or school-supported program.” It would apply to programs that consider race “for any purpose,” including mitigating past racial discrimination. Weakening civil rights Attacking education U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr) asked his new CDC director to remove a reference to two Pennsylvania deaths from the agency’s online measles tally after he questioned whether the disease contributed to the fatalities, three sources familiar with the situation said. https://www.reuters.com/world/kennedy-asked-remove-pennsylvania-measles-death-cdc-tally-sources-say-2026-09-03/ https://www.reuters.com/world/kennedy-asked-remove-pennsylvania-measles-death-cdc-tally-sources-say-2026-09-03/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr) asked his new CDC director to remove a reference to two Pennsylvania deaths from the agency’s online measles tally after he questioned whether the disease contributed to the fatalities, three sources familiar with the situation said. Attacking science Controlling information The Trump administration, according to a new whistleblower report, was cutting corners, violating the law and fast-tracking unqualified, “improperly vetted” candidates into ICE’s ranks, part of a dangerous move that exposed the agency — and its law enforcement operations — to “grave national security risks.” Citing an “unprecedented lowering of standards,” the career ICE official said that “systemic breakdowns” had allowed applicants to receive job offers before they had passed basic fingerprint, identity or credit checks in a preliminary vetting process. Political appointees had unjustly skirted background investigations and received national security eligibility. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/us/ice-recruits-national-security-risk-whistleblower.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/us/ice-recruits-national-security-risk-whistleblower.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration, according to a new whistleblower report, was cutting corners, violating the law and fast-tracking unqualified, “improperly vetted” candidates into ICE’s ranks, part of a dangerous move that exposed the agency — and its law enforcement operations — to “grave national security risks.” Citing an “unprecedented lowering of standards,” the career ICE official said that “systemic breakdowns” had allowed applicants to receive job offers before they had passed basic fingerprint, identity or credit checks in a preliminary vetting process. Political appointees had unjustly skirted background investigations and received national security eligibility. Nationalism Undermining democracy Donald Trump has declared himself to be the “greatest” US president ever, sharing a post on social media last week which graded him above the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D Roosevelt and George Washington. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/03/greatest-president-trump-historians-disagree https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/03/greatest-president-trump-historians-disagree Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Donald Trump has declared himself to be the “greatest” US president ever, sharing a post on social media last week which graded him above the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D Roosevelt and George Washington. Controlling information Undermining democracy In an interview with CNBC, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick falsely claimed that data centers “don’t use water” despite the facilities’ significant water usage raising concerns for communities that may host them. He stated “One of my favorite things is when people talk about data centers using water. The No. 1 product in America that uses water is cattle." and further “I mean, data centers don’t use water,” he added. “This is propaganda by our adversaries to try to slow us down.” https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/6067549-lutnick-ai-data-centers-water/ https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/6067549-lutnick-ai-data-centers-water/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT In an interview with CNBC, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick falsely claimed that data centers “don’t use water” despite the facilities’ significant water usage raising concerns for communities that may host them. He stated “One of my favorite things is when people talk about data centers using water. The No. 1 product in America that uses water is cattle." and further “I mean, data centers don’t use water,” he added. “This is propaganda by our adversaries to try to slow us down.” Controlling information Trump in a social media post Friday announced the suspension on ground beef tariffs, saying it would be for 90 days and would allow up to 300,000 metric tons of product for ground beef to be imported at a 25 percent discount below market price. The day before the announcement, Trump reportedly met with Joesley Batista — who shares control of JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker — in the Oval Office, according to a Monday report from The Wall Street Journal. The Journal reported that during this meeting, Batista lobbied Trump to drop the 26 percent import tax as a solution to the rising cost of the diet staple. The report noted that Pilgrim’s Pride, the U.S.’s second-largest chicken processor and controlled by JBS, contributed $5 million to Trump’s inauguration, making it the biggest donor. https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6067644-trump-beef-tariffs-brazil-influence/ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6067644-trump-beef-tariffs-brazil-influence/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Trump in a social media post Friday announced the suspension on ground beef tariffs, saying it would be for 90 days and would allow up to 300,000 metric tons of product for ground beef to be imported at a 25 percent discount below market price. The day before the announcement, Trump reportedly met with Joesley Batista — who shares control of JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker — in the Oval Office, according to a Monday report from The Wall Street Journal. The Journal reported that during this meeting, Batista lobbied Trump to drop the 26 percent import tax as a solution to the rising cost of the diet staple. The report noted that Pilgrim’s Pride, the U.S.’s second-largest chicken processor and controlled by JBS, contributed $5 million to Trump’s inauguration, making it the biggest donor. Corruption Hundreds of federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security have been assigned to an intensive, weeks-long hunt for non-citizens among the nation’s registered voters despite an absence of evidence of widespread fraud, according to documents and training videos reviewed by The New York Times. The public repetition of falsehoods about election fraud has continued to sow doubt and distrust in the electoral process ahead of a charged midterm election that will determine control of Congress.The government is privately calling the effort the Unlawful Voter Initiative and is pulling agents from their normal duties, which include investigating such serious crimes as human trafficking and terrorism https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/us/politics/trump-election-voter-fraud.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/us/politics/trump-election-voter-fraud.html Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Hundreds of federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security have been assigned to an intensive, weeks-long hunt for non-citizens among the nation’s registered voters despite an absence of evidence of widespread fraud, according to documents and training videos reviewed by The New York Times. The public repetition of falsehoods about election fraud has continued to sow doubt and distrust in the electoral process ahead of a charged midterm election that will determine control of Congress.The government is privately calling the effort the Unlawful Voter Initiative and is pulling agents from their normal duties, which include investigating such serious crimes as human trafficking and terrorism Undermining democracy US prosecutors refuse to say if they secretly obtained Don Lemon’s phone records. Experts have expressed deep concerns that the practice runs afoul of the fourth amendment’s right to privacy https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/02/don-lemon-phone-records https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/02/don-lemon-phone-records Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT US prosecutors refuse to say if they secretly obtained Don Lemon’s phone records. Experts have expressed deep concerns that the practice runs afoul of the fourth amendment’s right to privacy Suppressing dissent Undermining democracy The Pentagon issued clinical guidelines for mandatory testosterone deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve service members which is to go into effect immediately. the scientific community raised concerns over the lack of evidence for this type of screening and its effectiveness, and over the potential harms of testosterone treatment https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-pentagon-issues-clinical-guidelines-troop-testosterone-screening-start-2026-09-02/ https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-pentagon-issues-clinical-guidelines-troop-testosterone-screening-start-2026-09-02/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Pentagon issued clinical guidelines for mandatory testosterone deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve service members which is to go into effect immediately. the scientific community raised concerns over the lack of evidence for this type of screening and its effectiveness, and over the potential harms of testosterone treatment Attacking science The Dept of Justice (DoJ) threatened that states could lose funding for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) welfare programs if they do not report all immigrants known to state agencies who are in the country illegally. This would constitute a major shift, forcing states to comply with Trump's immigration crackdown. https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trumps-doj-threatens-cut-aid-states-unless-they-report-migrants-without-legal-2026-09-02/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trumps-doj-threatens-cut-aid-states-unless-they-report-migrants-without-legal-2026-09-02/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Dept of Justice (DoJ) threatened that states could lose funding for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) welfare programs if they do not report all immigrants known to state agencies who are in the country illegally. This would constitute a major shift, forcing states to comply with Trump's immigration crackdown. Nationalism Weakening civil rights Suppressing dissent Undermining democracy The Trump administration has threatened to cut federal agencies' support to the Smithsonian and stated in a letter that it "cannot in good conscience continue to support the Smithsonian under current leadership by, for example, loaning artifacts for exhibits, enabling procurement processes and making ⁠discretionary grants." The letter further alleges Smithsonian may have violated anti-discrimination laws through diversity practices https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-administration-threatens-cut-federal-agencies-support-smithsonian-2026-09-03/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-administration-threatens-cut-federal-agencies-support-smithsonian-2026-09-03/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration has threatened to cut federal agencies' support to the Smithsonian and stated in a letter that it "cannot in good conscience continue to support the Smithsonian under current leadership by, for example, loaning artifacts for exhibits, enabling procurement processes and making ⁠discretionary grants." The letter further alleges Smithsonian may have violated anti-discrimination laws through diversity practices Attacking education Controlling information The Trump administration continued construction of the White House ballroom at extraordinary speed despite multiple courts finding that the project likely violates federal law, with administration lawyers acknowledging that rapid executive action can leave courts unable to stop unlawful conduct before it is completed. The strategy reflects a broader approach of implementing contested policies before judicial challenges can be resolved, potentially making later court rulings ineffective in practice. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/us/politics/trump-courts-ballroom.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/us/politics/trump-courts-ballroom.html Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration continued construction of the White House ballroom at extraordinary speed despite multiple courts finding that the project likely violates federal law, with administration lawyers acknowledging that rapid executive action can leave courts unable to stop unlawful conduct before it is completed. The strategy reflects a broader approach of implementing contested policies before judicial challenges can be resolved, potentially making later court rulings ineffective in practice. Undermining democracy Chevron, the only major US oil company to have maintained a presence in Venezuela through the country's nationalisation of its oil industry, announced a more than $7bn investment that will more than double its production to 600,000 barrels a day. The company has been awarded additional acreage in the Orinoco Belt and improved fiscal, commercial and legal terms, with Chevron's CEO thanking the Trump administration for facilitating the expansion https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/business/energy-environment/chevron-venezuela-oil-trump.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/business/energy-environment/chevron-venezuela-oil-trump.html Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Chevron, the only major US oil company to have maintained a presence in Venezuela through the country's nationalisation of its oil industry, announced a more than $7bn investment that will more than double its production to 600,000 barrels a day. The company has been awarded additional acreage in the Orinoco Belt and improved fiscal, commercial and legal terms, with Chevron's CEO thanking the Trump administration for facilitating the expansion Foreign policy The top Pentagon official overseeing military artificial intelligence policy, who reaped profits earlier this year of up to $24m selling his private investment in Elon Musk’s AI company, has now sold his holdings in another AI company for between $5m and $25m, according to records seen by the Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/01/top-pentagon-official-ai-stock-holdings https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/01/top-pentagon-official-ai-stock-holdings Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The top Pentagon official overseeing military artificial intelligence policy, who reaped profits earlier this year of up to $24m selling his private investment in Elon Musk’s AI company, has now sold his holdings in another AI company for between $5m and $25m, according to records seen by the Guardian. Corruption According to internal documents, the Kennedy Center is set to remove a popular outdoor sculpture, "Blue", that was targeted for elimination by Trump early on when he took over the Kennedy Center. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/01/arts/design/kennedy-center-sculpture-removal-blue.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/01/arts/design/kennedy-center-sculpture-removal-blue.html Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT According to internal documents, the Kennedy Center is set to remove a popular outdoor sculpture, "Blue", that was targeted for elimination by Trump early on when he took over the Kennedy Center. Attacking education US homeland security secretary Markwayne Mullin said that federal immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) officers could be deployed to polling sites across the country. During a press conference he said “ICE isn’t there to patrol the polling places. We’re there to enforce specific threats.” and further “The only reason why we would be at polling places is if there is a threat to that polling place or we’re serving a warrant on someone that we have been actively tracking down,” Mullin said. “ICE’s job is immigration, customs enforcement. That’s their job … if we’re serving a warrant we will be where we need to be.” Federal law prohibits military personnel or other “armed” agents from being “at any place where a general or special election is held”. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/01/trump-homeland-security-markwayne-mullin-polling https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/01/trump-homeland-security-markwayne-mullin-polling Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT US homeland security secretary Markwayne Mullin said that federal immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) officers could be deployed to polling sites across the country. During a press conference he said “ICE isn’t there to patrol the polling places. We’re there to enforce specific threats.” and further “The only reason why we would be at polling places is if there is a threat to that polling place or we’re serving a warrant on someone that we have been actively tracking down,” Mullin said. “ICE’s job is immigration, customs enforcement. That’s their job … if we’re serving a warrant we will be where we need to be.” Federal law prohibits military personnel or other “armed” agents from being “at any place where a general or special election is held”. Nationalism Suppressing dissent Undermining democracy The Justice Department (DoJ) sued Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools to block it from facilitating gender transitions for transgender students without parental involvement, arguing that the district's guidance violates federal laws protecting parents' access to children's records and requiring parental consent for certain evaluations. The lawsuit represents a new use of federal civil-rights enforcement to restrict schools' support for transgender students and impose the administration's policy on a local school district. https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-sues-kansas-school-district-aiding-transgender-students-transitions-2026-09-01/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-sues-kansas-school-district-aiding-transgender-students-transitions-2026-09-01/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Justice Department (DoJ) sued Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools to block it from facilitating gender transitions for transgender students without parental involvement, arguing that the district's guidance violates federal laws protecting parents' access to children's records and requiring parental consent for certain evaluations. The lawsuit represents a new use of federal civil-rights enforcement to restrict schools' support for transgender students and impose the administration's policy on a local school district. Weakening civil rights Attacking education Undermining democracy The State Department has drafted guidance requiring parents applying for US passports for their children to provide evidence of their own US citizenship or immigration status. The information would be used to determine whether a US-born child is entitled to citizenship under Trump's August 6 executive order, which seeks to exclude certain children from automatic birthright citizenship. The administration's earlier attempt to restrict birthright citizenship was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, while the new order is also being challenged in federal court. The proposal would therefore use the passport system to implement an executive attempt to narrow a constitutional citizenship right despite ongoing judicial challenges. https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-birthright-curbs-may-prompt-us-passport-checks-parents-2026-09-01/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-birthright-curbs-may-prompt-us-passport-checks-parents-2026-09-01/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT The State Department has drafted guidance requiring parents applying for US passports for their children to provide evidence of their own US citizenship or immigration status. The information would be used to determine whether a US-born child is entitled to citizenship under Trump's August 6 executive order, which seeks to exclude certain children from automatic birthright citizenship. The administration's earlier attempt to restrict birthright citizenship was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, while the new order is also being challenged in federal court. The proposal would therefore use the passport system to implement an executive attempt to narrow a constitutional citizenship right despite ongoing judicial challenges. Nationalism Weakening civil rights Undermining democracy Following Trump's announcement of a US-Venezuela oil agreement, the administration disclosed that the Venezuelan authorities have granted a private company 100-year concessions over 17 oil fields containing approximately 65bn barrels of proven reserves. The US government will receive a 35% equity stake, veto rights over board appointments, guaranteed access to 20% of production at cost and first refusal over the remainder. The private partner, North American Blue Energy Partners, is controlled by Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt, who has been investigated in multiple countries over alleged money laundering. Reporting indicates that he played a significant role in negotiating the post-Maduro political and oil arrangements and maintained close contact with Trump's Venezuela envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone. US officials reportedly intervened to ease restrictions on Betancourt's movement arising from his Swiss investigation. https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/6063148-trump-administration-venezuela-oil-deal/ https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/6063148-trump-administration-venezuela-oil-deal/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Following Trump's announcement of a US-Venezuela oil agreement, the administration disclosed that the Venezuelan authorities have granted a private company 100-year concessions over 17 oil fields containing approximately 65bn barrels of proven reserves. The US government will receive a 35% equity stake, veto rights over board appointments, guaranteed access to 20% of production at cost and first refusal over the remainder. The private partner, North American Blue Energy Partners, is controlled by Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt, who has been investigated in multiple countries over alleged money laundering. Reporting indicates that he played a significant role in negotiating the post-Maduro political and oil arrangements and maintained close contact with Trump's Venezuela envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone. US officials reportedly intervened to ease restrictions on Betancourt's movement arising from his Swiss investigation. Foreign policy Corruption Donald Trump's administration asked a U.S. appeals court to lift a judge's order blocking a new ‌rule that would tighten mail-in voting requirements ahead of the November congressional elections. https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-administration-asks-us-appeals-court-lift-order-blocking-mail-in-voting-2026-09-01/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-administration-asks-us-appeals-court-lift-order-blocking-mail-in-voting-2026-09-01/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Donald Trump's administration asked a U.S. appeals court to lift a judge's order blocking a new ‌rule that would tighten mail-in voting requirements ahead of the November congressional elections. Undermining democracy Donald Trump this month announced plans to rescind a landmark rule that has protected old-growth forests in the US for 25 years. If finalized, the rollback is expected to benefit the companies that Tom Schultz, chief of the US Forest Service, represented in his previous roles as a timber industry lobbyist and executive, according to research by consumer advocacy non-profit Public Citizen. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/01/trump-roadless-rule-old-growth-forests https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/01/trump-roadless-rule-old-growth-forests Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Donald Trump this month announced plans to rescind a landmark rule that has protected old-growth forests in the US for 25 years. If finalized, the rollback is expected to benefit the companies that Tom Schultz, chief of the US Forest Service, represented in his previous roles as a timber industry lobbyist and executive, according to research by consumer advocacy non-profit Public Citizen. Corruption Attacking science House Republicans have stepped up congressional investigations of major labour unions, including the American Federation of Teachers, United Auto Workers and United Steelworkers, based largely on allegations from conservative advocacy groups that unions have improperly used members' dues for political activity. The investigations come as the Trump administration has pursued policies weakening organised labour and ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, in which unions are important Democratic constituencies. Critics argue that the investigations are politically motivated; unions already disclose their finances to the Department of Labor and deny wrongdoing. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/01/house-republicans-unions-investigation https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/01/house-republicans-unions-investigation Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT House Republicans have stepped up congressional investigations of major labour unions, including the American Federation of Teachers, United Auto Workers and United Steelworkers, based largely on allegations from conservative advocacy groups that unions have improperly used members' dues for political activity. The investigations come as the Trump administration has pursued policies weakening organised labour and ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, in which unions are important Democratic constituencies. Critics argue that the investigations are politically motivated; unions already disclose their finances to the Department of Labor and deny wrongdoing. Suppressing dissent Undermining democracy A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) official filed a whostle-blower report that alleged that the USPS is moving forward with a “secretive, rushed” effort to implement President Trump’s order exerting federal control over mail voting, despite a court order blocking those plans. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/01/us/politics/whistle-blower-voting-by-mail.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/01/us/politics/whistle-blower-voting-by-mail.html Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) official filed a whostle-blower report that alleged that the USPS is moving forward with a “secretive, rushed” effort to implement President Trump’s order exerting federal control over mail voting, despite a court order blocking those plans. Undermining democracy Donald Trump has suggested he is reconsidering US support for Britain’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, in a move likely to strain the “special relationship” between Washington and London https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/31/trump-uk-sovereignty-falkland-islands https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/31/trump-uk-sovereignty-falkland-islands Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Donald Trump has suggested he is reconsidering US support for Britain’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, in a move likely to strain the “special relationship” between Washington and London Foreign policy Donald Trump's administration is planning to spend $4 million to bolster right-wing media in ‌Europe, part of a package of at least $25 million for civil society groups working on conservative causes in the region https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/trump-plans-4-million-right-wing-media-europe-sources-say-2026-08-31/ https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/trump-plans-4-million-right-wing-media-europe-sources-say-2026-08-31/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Donald Trump's administration is planning to spend $4 million to bolster right-wing media in ‌Europe, part of a package of at least $25 million for civil society groups working on conservative causes in the region Foreign policy Undermining democracy Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and ‌ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, made racist comments attacking Democratic socialist Angie Nixon and other prominent Black U.S. politicians. "Angie Nixon is a ghetto, black, communist," Loomer said on X. Three days earlier Loomer cast Nixon, U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley, former U.S. Representative Cori Bush and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson - all of whom are Black women - as "ghetto, entitled, race-obsessed, destructive black BITCHES who are completely unfit for the power they hold." https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-ally-laura-loomer-faces-criticism-over-racist-comments-against-black-women-2026-08-31/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-ally-laura-loomer-faces-criticism-over-racist-comments-against-black-women-2026-08-31/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and ‌ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, made racist comments attacking Democratic socialist Angie Nixon and other prominent Black U.S. politicians. "Angie Nixon is a ghetto, black, communist," Loomer said on X. Three days earlier Loomer cast Nixon, U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley, former U.S. Representative Cori Bush and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson - all of whom are Black women - as "ghetto, entitled, race-obsessed, destructive black BITCHES who are completely unfit for the power they hold." Nationalism Suppressing dissent The Trump administration will soon announce sharply lower vehicle fuel-economy standards, reversing a push by the prior administration to force automakers to build more fuel-efficient vehicles, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ‌said https://www.reuters.com/world/us-announce-sharply-lower-vehicle-fuel-economy-requirements-2026-08-31/ https://www.reuters.com/world/us-announce-sharply-lower-vehicle-fuel-economy-requirements-2026-08-31/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration will soon announce sharply lower vehicle fuel-economy standards, reversing a push by the prior administration to force automakers to build more fuel-efficient vehicles, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ‌said Attacking science Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned after months of conflict with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Driscoll reportedly raised concerns directly with President Trump about Hegseth’s removal, sidelining and blocking of senior military leaders, arguing that the purge was undermining Army readiness and its ability to modernise. His departure leaves the Army without several key Senate-confirmed senior leaders and follows a wider purge of military leadership under Hegseth https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/31/army-secretary-dan-driscoll-resigns https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/31/army-secretary-dan-driscoll-resigns Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned after months of conflict with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Driscoll reportedly raised concerns directly with President Trump about Hegseth’s removal, sidelining and blocking of senior military leaders, arguing that the purge was undermining Army readiness and its ability to modernise. His departure leaves the Army without several key Senate-confirmed senior leaders and follows a wider purge of military leadership under Hegseth Hollowing state Undermining democracy Trump in a Truth Social post called an Obama appointed judge, who oversees the case of the Kennedy Center renaming and refurbishment " highly conflicted". U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper had ruled that the building cannot be renamed and ordered Trump's name to be removed after it had been added by the administration. https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6060525-donald-trump-kennedy-center-renovation-case-judge-criticism/ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6060525-donald-trump-kennedy-center-renovation-case-judge-criticism/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Trump in a Truth Social post called an Obama appointed judge, who oversees the case of the Kennedy Center renaming and refurbishment " highly conflicted". U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper had ruled that the building cannot be renamed and ordered Trump's name to be removed after it had been added by the administration. Undermining democracy Vice President JD Vance attacked Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed “very, very evil” at a campaign rally near Detroit https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/us/politics/vance-el-sayed-michigan-speech.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/us/politics/vance-el-sayed-michigan-speech.html Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Vice President JD Vance attacked Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed “very, very evil” at a campaign rally near Detroit Suppressing dissent Erica Schwartz, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ordered agency officials to challenge two measles deaths reported by Pennsylvania, shunning the agency’s normal procedure of accepting data shared by states and amplifying comments made by her boss, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It is highly unusual for the CDC to do this as it normally collaboratates with state health departments. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/health/measles-deaths-pennsylvania-schwartz-kennedy-shapiro.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/health/measles-deaths-pennsylvania-schwartz-kennedy-shapiro.html Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Erica Schwartz, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ordered agency officials to challenge two measles deaths reported by Pennsylvania, shunning the agency’s normal procedure of accepting data shared by states and amplifying comments made by her boss, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It is highly unusual for the CDC to do this as it normally collaboratates with state health departments. Attacking science Controlling information Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced he was shutting down 110-plus driving schools that gave licenses to drivers who failed English language proficiency (ELP) tests. Back in April 2025, following an Executive Order from Trump which required ELP for truck drivers, the Dept of Transport (DoT) issued new guidance to rescind the Obama administration’s removal of ELP requirements for commercial vehicle drivers. https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/6061278-dot-shuts-driving-schools/ https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/6061278-dot-shuts-driving-schools/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced he was shutting down 110-plus driving schools that gave licenses to drivers who failed English language proficiency (ELP) tests. Back in April 2025, following an Executive Order from Trump which required ELP for truck drivers, the Dept of Transport (DoT) issued new guidance to rescind the Obama administration’s removal of ELP requirements for commercial vehicle drivers. Nationalism The Trump administration is shuttering research projects key to the federal government’s fight against cyclospora, the foodborne parasite sickening thousands of Americans this summer. Two US Department of Agriculture (USDA) research projects studying cyclospora (a foodborne parasite that caused a major outbreak this summer) were defunded by Congress earlier this year and are now being shut down by the Trum administration . https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/30/usda-cyclospora-research-projects-01055989 https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/30/usda-cyclospora-research-projects-01055989 Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration is shuttering research projects key to the federal government’s fight against cyclospora, the foodborne parasite sickening thousands of Americans this summer. Two US Department of Agriculture (USDA) research projects studying cyclospora (a foodborne parasite that caused a major outbreak this summer) were defunded by Congress earlier this year and are now being shut down by the Trum administration . Attacking science Hollowing state U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday that NBC's Kristen Welker will be reported to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for "rebuke or punishment," after he said ‌she reported the Republican president had mixed results in his endorsement of candidates. "Kristen Welker, the Unpopular 'Hostess' of the once great Meet the Press, now considered Meet the Fake Press, just stated that Donald Trump has 'mixed results' on his Endorsements of Candidates, when the recent WINS of Darline Graham and Mike Mazzei, ⁠stand at 100% for the U.S. Senate, and 98% for the U.S. House," Trump wrote. https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/trump-says-nbcs-welker-will-be-reported-fcc-2026-08-30/ https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/trump-says-nbcs-welker-will-be-reported-fcc-2026-08-30/ Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday that NBC's Kristen Welker will be reported to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for "rebuke or punishment," after he said ‌she reported the Republican president had mixed results in his endorsement of candidates. "Kristen Welker, the Unpopular 'Hostess' of the once great Meet the Press, now considered Meet the Fake Press, just stated that Donald Trump has 'mixed results' on his Endorsements of Candidates, when the recent WINS of Darline Graham and Mike Mazzei, ⁠stand at 100% for the U.S. Senate, and 98% for the U.S. House," Trump wrote. Controlling information Suppressing dissent The Trump administration deported protected migrants to third countries where they had no ties, including an Afghan man whose family had supported the US military and who had been granted withholding of removal because an immigration judge found he faced a credible risk of persecution. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/29/us/afghans-deported-us-central-african-republic.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/29/us/afghans-deported-us-central-african-republic.html Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration deported protected migrants to third countries where they had no ties, including an Afghan man whose family had supported the US military and who had been granted withholding of removal because an immigration judge found he faced a credible risk of persecution. Nationalism Undermining democracy The Trump administration has been deploying an obscure legal maneuver to try to obtain private information on journalists, non-profits and unions, raising alarm over a power the government has asserted without judicial oversight https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/29/trump-dhs-1509-summons-records-journalists-nonprofits https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/29/trump-dhs-1509-summons-records-journalists-nonprofits Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration has been deploying an obscure legal maneuver to try to obtain private information on journalists, non-profits and unions, raising alarm over a power the government has asserted without judicial oversight Weakening civil rights Suppressing dissent Undermining democracy Evidence filed in a Colorado case reveals how Immigration (ICE) officers are arresting people without a warrant, which is illegal unless ICE determines the person is a flight risk. The evidence suggests that the arrested people were not flight risks, with US citizen children and owners of US businesses. https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cod.248071/gov.uscourts.cod.248071.132.0.pdf https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cod.248071/gov.uscourts.cod.248071.132.0.pdf Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Evidence filed in a Colorado case reveals how Immigration (ICE) officers are arresting people without a warrant, which is illegal unless ICE determines the person is a flight risk. The evidence suggests that the arrested people were not flight risks, with US citizen children and owners of US businesses. Nationalism Undermining democracy In a social media post, Trump claimed the US had secured majority US control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves following the US removal of President Nicolás Maduro, with the agreement brokered by Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth; the terms and beneficiaries of the deal remain undisclosed. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/28/trump-venezuela-oil-agreement https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/28/trump-venezuela-oil-agreement Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT In a social media post, Trump claimed the US had secured majority US control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves following the US removal of President Nicolás Maduro, with the agreement brokered by Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth; the terms and beneficiaries of the deal remain undisclosed. Foreign policy National Park Service issued a report supporting Trump’s proposed 250-foot memorial arch despite acknowledging that it would adversely affect the historic character and sightlines of dozens of Washington landmarks https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/28/trump-arch-sightlines-washington-dc https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/28/trump-arch-sightlines-washington-dc Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT National Park Service issued a report supporting Trump’s proposed 250-foot memorial arch despite acknowledging that it would adversely affect the historic character and sightlines of dozens of Washington landmarks Corruption Attacking education The Trump administration continued operating Camp East Montana despite repeated failures in medical and mental-health care, including delayed treatment of emergencies, inadequate medical facilities and three detainee deaths within six weeks. https://www.propublica.org/article/911-calls-camp-east-montana-texas-detention https://www.propublica.org/article/911-calls-camp-east-montana-texas-detention Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration continued operating Camp East Montana despite repeated failures in medical and mental-health care, including delayed treatment of emergencies, inadequate medical facilities and three detainee deaths within six weeks. Nationalism Weakening civil rights Two election monitors from the Justice Department tried to interview voters and examine voting machines at polling places during Wyoming’s primaries last week, local officials said, drawing pushback from the state’s Republican governor. “It was aggressive, unexpected, disruptive — certainly didn’t seem to show respect for the state,” Gov. Mark Gordon of Wyoming said in an interview on Thursday. “We’re going to get to the bottom of it as best we can.” The Justice Department often monitors polling sites during elections. But the visits to Wyoming came amid President Trump’s ongoing fixation with finding evidence of fraud and vote tampering. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/28/us/politics/wyoming-governor-objects-to-very-odd-doj-election-monitoring.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/28/us/politics/wyoming-governor-objects-to-very-odd-doj-election-monitoring.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Two election monitors from the Justice Department tried to interview voters and examine voting machines at polling places during Wyoming’s primaries last week, local officials said, drawing pushback from the state’s Republican governor. “It was aggressive, unexpected, disruptive — certainly didn’t seem to show respect for the state,” Gov. Mark Gordon of Wyoming said in an interview on Thursday. “We’re going to get to the bottom of it as best we can.” The Justice Department often monitors polling sites during elections. But the visits to Wyoming came amid President Trump’s ongoing fixation with finding evidence of fraud and vote tampering. Undermining democracy The Trump administration appealed a freeze on President Trump’s plan to restrict mail-in voting, teeing up another series of legal decisions about whether the U.S. Postal Service can make changes to how ballots are handled ahead of the midterm elections. The administration’s appeal came less than a day after a federal judge in Massachusetts found that a Postal Service rule published last week was likely unconstitutional and exceeded the agency’s authority. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/28/us/politics/trump-appeal-mail-ballot.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/28/us/politics/trump-appeal-mail-ballot.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Trump administration appealed a freeze on President Trump’s plan to restrict mail-in voting, teeing up another series of legal decisions about whether the U.S. Postal Service can make changes to how ballots are handled ahead of the midterm elections. The administration’s appeal came less than a day after a federal judge in Massachusetts found that a Postal Service rule published last week was likely unconstitutional and exceeded the agency’s authority. Undermining democracy RFK Jr. reshapes federal autism research by replacing established experts on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee with advisers aligned with his views and promoting a research agenda that shifts federal funding towards poorly supported and fringe treatments and away from established scientific approaches. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/aug/28/rfk-jr-autism-research https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/aug/28/rfk-jr-autism-research Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT RFK Jr. reshapes federal autism research by replacing established experts on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee with advisers aligned with his views and promoting a research agenda that shifts federal funding towards poorly supported and fringe treatments and away from established scientific approaches. Attacking science Trump administration official Michael Boren allegedly intervened to divert disproportionate federal firefighting resources to a wildfire near his private Idaho ranch, prompting calls for an investigation into misuse of public resources and conflicts of interest. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/28/trump-official-inquiry-diverted-wildfire-resources https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/28/trump-official-inquiry-diverted-wildfire-resources Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Trump administration official Michael Boren allegedly intervened to divert disproportionate federal firefighting resources to a wildfire near his private Idaho ranch, prompting calls for an investigation into misuse of public resources and conflicts of interest. Corruption Vaccine misinformation spreads as Health Secretary RFK Jr (Kennedy Jr) suggests two measles deaths were ‘fabricated’ https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/28/vaccine-misinformation-rfk-jr-measles-deaths-pennsylvania https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/28/vaccine-misinformation-rfk-jr-measles-deaths-pennsylvania Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Vaccine misinformation spreads as Health Secretary RFK Jr (Kennedy Jr) suggests two measles deaths were ‘fabricated’ Attacking science Controlling information