Timeline
Tariff threat against 8 European countries over Greenland
Announced 10% tariff on all goods from 8 European countries starting February 1, 2026, escalating to 25% on June 1, 2026, until 'a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.'
Seized Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in international waters
US Coast Guard and Navy forces boarded and seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in international waters between Iceland and the UK on January 7, 2026. The tanker was carrying sanctioned oil cargo. Operation conducted based on US federal court order for sanctions violations, without Russian consent.
Captured Venezuelan president Maduro in military operation without Congressional authorization
US military forces conducted nighttime raid in Caracas on January 3, 2026, disabling Venezuelan air defenses, capturing Maduro and his wife, and transporting them to New York for prosecution. Operation conducted without Congressional authorization, UN mandate, or Venezuelan government consent.
January 2026
Seized oil tanker in international waters without clear legal basis
US forces boarded and seized the oil tanker 'Skipper' carrying approximately 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil in international waters near Venezuela on December 10, 2025. Operation conducted without Venezuelan consent and without clear UN mandate. Additional tankers (including 'Veronica') seized in subsequent operations.
December 2025
Demolished White House East Wing without proper authorization
Demolished the entire White House East Wing (built 1902, expanded 1942) starting October 20, 2025, without formal approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). The demolition included the colonnade, Family Theater, First Lady's offices, and visitor entrance. Proceeded despite legal challenges and public opposition.
October 2025
Supreme Court expands presidential power to fire independent agency heads
Supreme Court ruled on September 15, 2025 that the president has broader authority to remove heads of independent agencies (FTC, NLRB, etc.) without cause, challenging the 1935 Humphrey's Executor precedent. Decision potentially undermines independence of regulatory agencies and increases presidential control over independent oversight.
September 2025
Executive orders promoting fossil fuels and declaring energy emergency violate constitutional rights
Signed executive orders that: (1) promote coal and fossil fuel development, (2) suppress climate science and reports, (3) declare national energy emergency. Orders bypassed normal regulatory processes and Congressional oversight. Lawsuit filed by children and young adults claiming violation of constitutional rights to life and liberty due to climate impacts.
May 2025
Public confrontation with Ukrainian president Zelenskyy in Oval Office violated diplomatic protocols
During live Oval Office meeting on February 28, 2025, Trump and Vance publicly confronted Zelenskyy, accusing him of ingratitude and 'gambling with World War III.' Trump threatened to cut off US military and intelligence support if Ukraine did not agree to peace negotiations with Russia without strong security guarantees. The critical minerals agreement was not signed, joint press conference was cancelled, and Zelenskyy left without resolution. US support was temporarily suspended.
Restricted press access violating First Amendment rights
White House restricted Associated Press access to certain official spaces including Oval Office, Air Force One, and press briefings. AP alleged discriminatory treatment and violation of First Amendment press freedom. Lawsuit filed on February 21, 2025 claiming violation of constitutional rights and due process.
February 2025
Froze federal grants without Congressional authorization
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued memo M-25-13 on January 27, 2025 directing all federal departments and agencies to temporarily halt all activities related to awarding or disbursing federal financial assistance (grants, loans, etc.), except where legally or operationally impossible. The freeze was scheduled to take effect on January 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST. Multiple states and organizations filed lawsuits. Federal judge Loren AliKhan issued a preliminary injunction on January 28, 2025 blocking the freeze before it took effect, ruling it violated Congressional appropriations authority.
Mass firing of 17 Inspectors General without required Congressional notification
Fired 17+ Inspectors General from agencies including Defense, State, Energy, Interior, Agriculture, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs on January 24, 2025. Fired via email without the legally required 30-day advance notice to Congress or detailed case-specific reasons as mandated by the Inspector General Act of 1978 (amended 2022).
Executive orders removing AI safety regulations and preempting state AI laws bypass Congressional authority
Signed Executive Order 14179 on January 23, 2025 requiring federal agencies to review and potentially revoke existing AI safety and policy measures within 60 days, focusing on 'economic competitiveness' and removing 'ideological barriers.' Created national policy framework to prevent state-level AI regulations. In December 2025, signed executive order creating 'AI Litigation Task Force' to challenge state AI laws, arguing patchwork of state regulations threatens economic growth. Orders bypassed Congressional authority over technology regulation and preempted state regulatory powers.