On Jan. 20, 2025, Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States. After taking the oath of office, President Trump began signing executive orders pardoning Jan. 6 defendants, implementing Schedule F to reclassify civil servants as political appointees, dismantling executive agencies like USAID, freezing federal funding and more. Many of his executive actions have faced legal challenges.
On this page you will find real-time updates of the litigation, Lawfare's weekly livestream series, documents related to the actions, Lawfare's four trackers which follow the legal challenges to administration actions, and analysis of President Trump's executive actions and the litigation challenging them. Use the buttons below to navigate the page.
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Find real time updates of Lawfare’s coverage of the Trump administration’s legal challenges, on Bluesky or below:
Every week, Lawfare Editor in Chief Benjamin Wittes sits down with Lawfare contributors for "The Trials of the Trump Administration," a live discussion on the legal challenges to President Trump's executive actions.
Lawfare Analysis
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Justice Dept Memo Calls for Investigations of State and Local Officials
The new policy directs department attorneys to investigate and potentially prosecute those officials who refuse to enforce Trump’s hard-line immigration enforcement policies. -
Trump Releases Memorandum on ‘America First Trade Policy’
The memo calls for a reassessment of trade agreements and recommendations to “defend” U.S. economic and national security. -
Trump Directs State Department to Recommend Cartels for Terrorism Designation
The order also directs the attorney general and secretary of homeland security to “make operational preparations” to implement any decision the president may make “to invoke the Alien Enemies Act.” -
Trump Issues Proclamation on ‘Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion’
The proclamation exercises both statutory authority alongside broad new assertions of constitutional authority to implement new restrictions on immigration. -
An Emerging Road Map for Trump’s Use of the Military to Combat Immigration
Trump’s executive orders reveal the range of legal theories (some uncontroversial, others quite radical) that may be used to justify military deployments to combat immigration. -
Lawfare Live: President Trump's Executive Orders
On Jan. 23 at 4 pm ET the Lawfare team will discuss the national security and foreign policy EOs. -
Trump Issues Executive Order on ‘Realigning’ Foreign Aid
Trump ordered a 90-day pause in foreign aid programs pending review of their efficiency and consistency with U.S. foreign policy. -
Trump Signs Order Initiating U.S. Withdrawal from WHO
The order directs the State Department and other government actors to begin the process of withdrawal from the World Health Organization. -
Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order Faces Immediate Challenges
Four suits filed in federal court this week mark an initial effort by states and advocacy groups to block the order.
