Active
TERM 2
February 2025 · 563 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The Pentagon appointed Elias Irizarry, convicted for his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection, to a sensitive counter-terrorism position within the Department of Defense that manages highly classified military operations. The appointment overrode internal security concerns and established precedent for placing individuals with insurrection involvement in national security roles. The action raises alarm among Pentagon officials and ethics experts regarding security clearance standards and vetting procedures for sensitive defense positions.
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TERM 2
February 2025 · 565 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The Department of Justice removed press releases related to January 6 Capitol attack prosecutions from its website, justifying the deletion as clearing 'partisan propaganda.' This action follows Trump's mass pardons of nearly all Jan. 6 defendants and represents a systematic effort to erase the federal government's official record of charges and convictions related to the attack on Congress.
Active
TERM 2
February 7, 2025 · 571 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
On February 7, 2025, the Trump administration signed Executive Order 14205 establishing a White House Faith Office. The office coordinates federal engagement with religious and faith-based organizations. The confirmed direct impact includes creation of a new White House office structure focused on faith-based policy coordination.
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TERM 2
January 29 2025 · 580 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The Senate confirmed Robert Cekada as ATF director with bipartisan support. Shortly after confirmation, Cekada announced plans to roll back nearly three dozen Biden-era firearms regulations through notices of final and proposed rulemaking. These actions will loosen federal gun control measures affecting Americans' access to firearms and regulatory compliance.
Active
TERM 1
January 29, 2025 · 580 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
President Trump signed Executive Order 14189 on January 29, 2025, directing federal agencies to coordinate planning and resources for the United States' 250th anniversary celebration in 2026. The order establishes a framework for commemorative events, activities, and initiatives across federal, state, and local levels. The confirmed direct impact includes federal funding allocation and agency coordination for anniversary-related programming.
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TERM 2
January 2025 · 581 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed a memo ordering the IRS to permanently cease any examination of President Trump's prior tax returns and to release all pending claims against Trump, his family, and his businesses. The directive prevents the agency from pursuing tax audits or enforcement actions against the president and his financial interests, effectively shielding him from federal tax scrutiny.
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TERM 2
January 28 2025 · 581 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The State Department officially terminated approximately 200 foreign service members as part of a reduction in force (RIF), contributing to over 1,300 layoffs at the agency within the past year. The Trump administration frames these layoffs as part of an 'historic' reorganization of the State Department. The action directly impacts career diplomats and reduces the federal workforce dedicated to foreign affairs.
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TERM 2
January 2025 · 584 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General in a mostly party-line vote after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his nomination. Blanche, a former Trump lawyer, now leads the Department of Justice with broad authority over federal law enforcement and prosecution. The confirmation gives Trump significant control over the nation's chief law enforcement officer during his second term.
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TERM 2
January 2025 · 585 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The Department of Defense terminated the editor-in-chief, publisher, and at least one reporter at Stars and Stripes, a historically independent military news outlet. The firings represent Pentagon efforts to reshape coverage at the outlet and restrict editorial independence within the armed forces' media operations. Military personnel and the public lose access to independent journalism on defense and military affairs.
Active
TERM 2
January 2025 · 585 days ago
🗳️ Democracy
The FBI terminated five analysts, including supervisory personnel, who were involved in creating a 2023 memo assessing potential threats from Catholic 'violent extremists.' The firings are part of a broader personnel purge led by Trump-appointed FBI Director Kash Patel and signal intensifying pressure on intelligence agencies to remove career officials deemed insufficiently loyal to the administration.