Timeline
Sent text to Norwegian prime minister linking Greenland ambitions to Nobel Peace Prize snub
Sent text message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on January 18, 2026, linking his desire for complete control over Greenland to the fact that he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump said he no longer feels 'an obligation to think purely of peace' because of the snub. The message was made public and created diplomatic tensions. Critics argued the message was inappropriate and linked territorial ambitions to personal grievances. The message raised concerns about diplomatic professionalism.
Threatened CBS with lawsuit if interview was edited
White House press secretary threatened on January 18, 2026, that the administration would sue CBS 'ass off' if a Trump interview was edited. The threat was made during a press briefing and created concerns about press freedom and intimidation of media. Critics argued the threat violated First Amendment rights and constituted intimidation of journalists. The threat created fear and uncertainty among media organizations. No concrete action was taken, but the threat raised concerns about press freedom.
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.'
Announced 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran without Congressional authorization
Announced 25% tariff on all goods from 8 European countries (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, UK) that continue trading with Iran, effective immediately. The tariff was announced without Congressional authorization or proper trade policy process. European leaders condemned the move as violating international trade rules and WTO obligations. The announcement created uncertainty in international markets and raised concerns about trade war escalation.
DOJ launched investigation into Minnesota governor and mayor after ICE protests
DOJ launched criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey on January 17, 2026, following protests after ICE agents shot and killed Renee Nicole Good. Investigation focused on whether local leaders obstructed immigration enforcement. Critics argued the investigation was politically motivated retaliation for opposing federal intervention and Insurrection Act threat. Questions raised about use of DOJ for political purposes.
Created Gaza Board of Peace for reconstruction and temporary governance
Announced creation of Gaza Board of Peace on January 16, 2026, a seven-member commission including Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga to oversee reconstruction and temporary governance in Gaza. The board was created without proper Congressional authorization or international consultation. Critics called it contradictory to his hard foreign policy elsewhere and raised concerns about governance without Palestinian representation. The board raised questions about U.S. role in Gaza governance and reconstruction.
Threatened to invoke Insurrection Act in Minnesota to suppress ICE protests
Threatened to invoke Insurrection Act on January 15, 2026 to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty soldiers in Minneapolis to suppress protests against ICE operations. Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey strongly opposed federal intervention. The threat came after ICE agents shot and killed Renée Good and wounded Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis during an immigration operation, sparking public protests. The Insurrection Act allows president to deploy military forces domestically, but its use against local protests raises constitutional questions.
Suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries without proper justification
State Department suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries starting January 21, 2026, citing concerns about 'public charge' status. Non-immigrant visas (tourists, students, business travelers) continued to be processed but with stricter screening requirements. Critics argued the suspension disproportionately affected Muslim-majority and majority-minority countries. A Cato Institute study from February 2025 showed immigrants per capita do not receive more government assistance than native-born Americans, contradicting the administration's justification.
Terminated Temporary Protected Status for Somalis and threatened denaturalization
Terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis on January 14, 2026, and threatened to revoke citizenship of naturalized immigrants if they committed fraud, saying they be quickly deported. The termination affected thousands of Somali immigrants. The threat of denaturalization was made without proper legal basis or due process. Critics argued the termination and threats violated due process rights and constitutional protections. The actions created fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities.
Threatened Federal Reserve independence and launched investigation into Jerome Powell
Publicly criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in speech at Detroit Economic Club on January 13, 2026, accusing him of failing to lower interest rates quickly enough. Administration threatened criminal charges and issued subpoenas against Fed officials. Launched investigation into Powell and Fed operations, attempting to gain control over monetary policy decisions. These actions undermined the traditional independence of the Federal Reserve from political interference.
Threatened Federal Reserve independence and Chair Jerome Powell
Publicly threatened Federal Reserve independence and Chair Jerome Powell, suggesting Powell should be removed or that the Fed should be brought under greater presidential control. The threats were made during public statements and social media posts. Critics warned the threats undermined central bank independence and affects monetary policy. No concrete action was taken, but the threats raised concerns about Fed independence.
Threatened Iran with military intervention for protest suppression
Threatened 'very strong action' against Iran on January 13, 2026, if the Iranian regime executed protesters during anti-government protests. The threat was made during public statements and implied possible military intervention. Trump said the U.S. was 'locked and loaded' and that 'help is on the way' for Iranian protesters. Critics argued the threats violated international law and escalate into military conflict. The threats created uncertainty about U.S. military intervention in Iran.
Threatened Supreme Court with chaos if tariffs are rejected
Threatened the Supreme Court on January 13, 2026, warning of 'complete chaos' if the Court rejects his global tariffs imposed under national economic emergency powers. The threat was made during public statements. Critics argued the threat violated separation of powers and constituted intimidation of the judiciary. The threat raised concerns about judicial independence and rule of law. No concrete action was taken, but the threat created uncertainty about judicial independence.
Fired U.S. Attorney in Virginia after conflicts over illegal appointment
Fired Robert K. McBride as First Assistant U.S. Attorney in Eastern District of Virginia on January 12, 2026, after conflicts with Lindsey Halligan, whose appointment had earlier been ruled unlawful by a federal judge. The firing raised questions about prosecutorial independence and political interference in DOJ. Critics argued the firing was politically motivated retaliation. Legal experts warned this undermined prosecutorial independence and DOJ integrity.
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.
Withdrew from UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
United States withdrew from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on January 7, 2026, the climate treaty that has been in effect since 1992. The withdrawal marked a complete reversal of U.S. climate commitments and international cooperation. The withdrawal was announced without proper Congressional consultation or approval. International leaders condemned the withdrawal as undermining global climate efforts. The move isolated the U.S. from international climate cooperation.
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
DOJ failed to comply with Epstein Files Transparency Act deadline, blocking transparency
Department of Justice failed to meet the December 19, 2025 deadline mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Only approximately 12,285 documents (125,575 pages) were released, representing less than 1% of the estimated 2-5 million documents. DOJ claimed documents required extensive review and redaction by 400+ attorneys. DOJ refused requests from bipartisan lawmakers (Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie) for a special master to oversee compliance. Many released documents were heavily redacted or completely blacked out, undermining transparency goals.
Renamed Kennedy Center to Trump-Kennedy Center without Congressional authorization
On December 18, 2025, the board of trustees voted unanimously to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to 'The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.' The name change was implemented immediately with new signage and branding. Critics argue the board lacks legal authority to change the name without Congressional approval, as the center was established by federal law as a memorial to John F. Kennedy. The board also changed bylaws in May 2025 to exclude ex officio members (including Congressional members) from voting, facilitating the unanimous vote.
Classified fentanyl as weapon of mass destruction via executive order
Signed executive order on December 15, 2025 classifying fentanyl as a 'weapon of mass destruction.' This was Trump's 221st executive order of his second term, more than in his first term. The classification escalated rhetoric around drug policy and raised questions about appropriate use of WMD classification. Critics argued the classification was inappropriate and creates risk of misuse of emergency powers or military resources.
Executive order targeting Susman Godfrey law firm for challenging administration
Signed Executive Order 14263 on December 15, 2025, targeting the law firm Susman Godfrey LLP for challenging administration policies. The order froze security clearances for firm attorneys, restricted access to federal buildings, and threatened termination of government contracts. Critics argued the order violated First Amendment rights and constituted retaliation against attorneys for legal challenges. The order created fear and uncertainty among attorneys representing clients against the administration.
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
Threatened to arrest or execute Democratic lawmakers for urging refusal of illegal orders
Threatened to arrest or execute Democratic lawmakers on November 20, 2025 for sharing videos urging military members to refuse illegal orders. Trump called the lawmakers' actions 'seditious behavior' and said they should be 'prosecuted' or 'hanged.' The threats were made during public statements. Critics argued the threats violated First Amendment rights and constituted intimidation of political opponents. No concrete action was taken, but the threats created fear and uncertainty.
Attacked female journalists with sexist and demeaning language
Attacked female journalists with sexist and demeaning language during press interactions in November 2025. Called Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey 'piggy' when she asked about Epstein files, called another journalist 'a terrible person,' and described New York Times reporter Katie Rogers as 'ugly, both inside and out.' The attacks violated norms of presidential conduct and raised concerns about intimidation of journalists. Media organizations and journalist groups condemned the attacks as sexist and unprofessional.
Launched investigation into Senator Slotkin for sharing illegal orders video
Launched investigation into Senator Elissa Slotkin and others on November 18, 2025, after they shared videos urging military members to refuse illegal orders. The investigation was described as potentially 'seditious' and creates risk of criminal charges. Critics argued the investigation violated First Amendment rights and constituted retaliation against political opponents. Senator Slotkin received bomb threats following the investigation announcement. The investigation created fear and uncertainty among lawmakers.
FBI searched Washington Post reporter's home over classified documents
FBI agents searched the home of Washington Post reporter on November 15, 2025, seeking classified documents related to national security reporting. The search was conducted with a warrant, but critics argued it violated press freedom protections and has a chilling effect on investigative journalism. The search raised questions about the balance between national security and press freedom. Press freedom organizations condemned the search as intimidation of journalists.
Threatened to cut federal funding to California over transgender athletes
Threatened on November 15, 2025, to cut federal funding to California after Governor Gavin Newsom defended transgender athletes in women's sports competitions. Trump called it 'deeply unfair' and threatened to stop federal money flow to California. The threat was made during public statements. Critics argued the threat violated federalism principles and exceeded executive authority. The threat created uncertainty for California and raised concerns about federalism. No concrete action was taken, but the threat raised concerns about federal-state relationships.
Cut Social Security Administration staffing by 6,500 employees undermining services
SSA lost approximately 6,500 employees through staffing cuts and attrition in 2025, representing significant reduction in workforce. Regional offices were reduced, front offices closed, and wait times increased dramatically. The cuts affected services for elderly, disabled, and vulnerable populations who depend on Social Security benefits. Critics argued the cuts were politically motivated and undermined essential government services.
November 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.
Shared AI-generated video dumping feces on protesters
Shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social on October 18, 2025, showing a 'King Trump' fighter jet dropping brown liquid (resembling feces) on protesters during 'No Kings' protests, including liberal influencer Harry Sisson, with 'Danger Zone' music. The video was widely condemned as inappropriate, dehumanizing, and offensive. Critics argued the video violated norms of presidential conduct and incite violence. The video created public outrage and raised concerns about use of AI for harassment.