Timeline of the second Trump presidency (2026 Q1)

The following is a timeline of the second presidency of Donald Trump during the first quarter of 2026, from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026. To navigate between quarters, see timeline of the Donald Trump presidencies.

Date	Events	Photos/videos
Thursday January 1
Friday January 2	President Trump signs an executive order saying that if Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, the United States of America will come to their rescue.[1]
Saturday January 3	President Trump orders airstrikes in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, and the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the First Lady Cilia Flores are captured by American forces.[2]
Sunday January 4	President Trump warns that Colombia President Gustavo Petro could face US action and appeared to make similar comments about Cuba.[3]
Monday January 5	A person is arrested on trespassing and vandalism charges, after attempting to damage Vice President Vance's home in Ohio.[4] DHS officials claim on social media that a reservation for employees was refused by Hilton Hotels due to refusal to allow ICE or immigration officials to stay on property.[5] The HHS (US Department of Health and Human Services) announces the reduction in the amount of shots recommended for every child in an overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule.[6][7]
Tuesday January 6	President Trump ally Lindsey Halligan is ordered by a federal judge to explain her continued use of the title of the US Attorney General for the Eastern District of Virginia.[8] The Trump administration announces the pause in federal child care and family assistance funds to five Democratic states; California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York.[9] Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirms President Trump's desire to acquire Greenland stating that it was a vital national security priority for the US.[10] The White House launches a website praising President Trump for his handling of the January 6 attack, blamed Democratic law makers for altering the narrative, and commended the pardoning of participants.[11]
Wednesday January 7	The US military seizes an oil tanker, that had been sanctioned in 2024, off the coast of Iceland.[12] Minneapolis woman Renée Good is killed when an ICE agent shot her in the face.[13][14] Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announce new federal dietary guidelines.[15] President Trump announces that the United States 'shall withdraw' from the IPCC and 65 other international institutions.[16] President Trump requests reimbursement in more than $6 million in legal fees connected to the Georgia case about potentially interfering in 2020 presidential election.[17]
Thursday January 8	The US Senate advances a bipartisan resolution to block President Trump from using military force within or against Venezuela without prior approval from Congress.[18] Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Vice President JD Vance brief members of the media. Homeland Security secretary Krisit Noem orders new restrictions on congressional visits to immigration detention facilities, forcing them to seek a weeks advance of prior notice before conducting oversight visits.[19]
Friday January 9	Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announces the suspension of federal benefit program funding to Minnesota over alleged fraud allegations.[20]
Saturday January 10	Representatives Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig and Kelly Morrision are denied entry to the Whipple federal building in Minneapolis, after updated restrictions by Homeland Security secretary Noem.[19]
Sunday January 11
Monday January 12	Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announces the integration of Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok into Pentagon networks.[21] Anthony Tata, the Pentagon's undersecretary for personnel and readiness issues a letter in response to queries from a coalition of lawmakers. The letter clarified that the military condemned any hazing or bullying, which appear to be counter to what DOD secretary Pete Hegseth had said earlier in September 2025.[22]
Tuesday January 13	The Department of Health and Human Services announces large cuts to mental health and addiction programs. After widespread backlash the grant funding was restored the next day.[23] President Trump tours a Ford manufacturing plant in Dearborn, Michigan and spoke at Motorcity Casino in Detroit to promote US manufacturing and the US job market.[24] While touring the factory President Trump was filmed cursing at and flipping off a worker who had referenced prior sexual assault allegations against Trump.[25] In a televised interview, President Trump threatens Iranian authorities with retaliatory action by the US military if they execute anti-government protestors.[26] DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announces the end of Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals. Those with TPS will be ordered to leave the US by March 17 per DHS.[27] Senator Mark Kelly announces his lawsuit against DOD secretary Pete Hegseth, claiming that the Pentagon attempted to illegally demote him in retaliation of comments made by Kelly about the Trump administration.[28]
Wednesday January 14	A DHS spokesperson announces that ICE had shot and injured a man in Minneapolis.[29] Democratic Representative Robin Kelly fills articles of impeachment against DHS secretary Kristi Noem, following the killing of Renée Good.[30] The State Department announces the suspension of immigrant VISA processing for 75 countries including Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt and Somalia.[31] The House Oversight Committee announces intent to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress after their failure to appear for a scheduled deposition about Jeffrey Epstein.[32] Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt attend a closed door meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.[33]
Thursday January 15	President Trump threatens using the Insurrection Act on Truth Social in response to ongoing protest in Minneapolis after the killing of Renée Good by ICE.[34] Vice President Vance breaks a voting tie to block a Senate bill aiming to curb President Trump's military action in Venezuela.[35] The US Coast Guard seized a sixth sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, the tanker reportedly had ties to Venezuela.[36] Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Trump during their private meeting at the White House.[37]
Friday January 16
Saturday January 17	Hands off Greenland protests occurrs in cities across Greenland and Denmark, in response to Trump's continued threats to annex Greenland.[38]
Sunday January 18
Monday January 19
Tuesday January 20	US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained a 5-year-old child with an active immigration case in Columbia Heights in Minneapolis, causing wide spread public and political outrage.[39]
Wednesday January 21	President Trump arrives in Davos, Switzerland to attend the 2026 Davos World Economic Forum (WEF).[40] Trump spoke in favor of 'negotiations on the acquisition of Greenland' proposed by himself, but ruled out the use of military force. His speech was harsh in criticising NATO and Europe.[41][42] The Department of Education pulled back from its prior attempts to enforce a sweeping anti-DEI Dear Colleague letter that had been issued in early 2025. The letter had referenced the Supreme Court case of Students for Fair Admissions v Harvard.[43]
Thursday January 22	Vice President Vance delivers remarks in Toledo, Ohio, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.[44] An AI image is posted by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to social media, showing himself and "Coalie" a lump of coal with mining garb and giant eyes to promote Trumps American Energy Dominance Agenda.[45]
Friday January 23	President Trump withdraws 'Board of Peace' invitation for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney had previously given a highly acclaimed speech at the WEF in Davos.[46] Vice President Vance announces that the US would stop funding for any organization working on diversity and transgender issues abroad.[47] The Pentagon issues a National Defense Strategy that told US allies to take control of their own security and was the first updated document since 2022.[48]
Saturday January 24	Minneapolis man Alex Pretti is killed by United States Border Patrol agents amid widespread protests against a federal immigration crackdown. His is the third death during federal immigration efforts in Minneapolis in three weeks.[49] President Trump posts to Truth Social an AI-generated image of himself walking with a penguin through a snowy mountain landscape. The penguin was shown holding an American flag, with the Greenland flag planted in the landscape. The Department of Defense also posted a similar version of the image.[50] President Trump announces that the US would impose new tariffs on several European countries, unless a deal was reached for the purchase of Greenland.[51] The White House holds a private screening of the Amazon Melania documentary as a private 70 person, VIP black tie event in the East Room of the White House.[52]
Sunday January 25	A federal funding package is declared to be up in the air, as Senate Democrats announced their refusal to vote in approval for it if the funding includes appropriates for the Department of Homeland Security which oversees ICE after the shooting of Alex Pretti.[53] Defense secretary Pete Hegseth posts a "How To" graphic on social media, with the graphic reading "1. Don’t be here illegally. 2. Don’t attack I.C.E. officers. 3. Obey federal and state laws".[54]
Monday January 26	President Trump announces that Border Czar Tom Homan would be dispatched to Minnesota. He later posted in a separate Truth Social post that he and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had spoken over the phone.[55] President Trump and Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, and her aid Corey Lweandowski held a two hour meeting at the White House at Noems request.[56] The Treasury Department cancels multiple contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton consulting firm, after a contractor with the firm leaked confidential IRS information.[57] A recording of Senator Ted Cruz appears to show Cruz criticizing Tucker Carlson, Vice President Vance and President Trump and their policies.[58] Chief US District Judge Patrick Schiltz orders acting ICE director Todd Lyons to appear in court in reference to the case of Juan Tobay Robles. Tobay Robles had been denied a bond hearing or otherwise released from detention within seven days of a prior order.[59] Customs & Border Protection commander-at-large Greg Bovino is slated to return to El Centro, California to resume duties as chief of that sector, after his temporary position ended.[60] A statement from ICE and from the president of the Lombardy region Attilio Fontana announces the inclusion of ICE agents in support roles for the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service, and as body guards for Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The announcement drew wide spread outrage and concern due to the brutal and violent immigration crackdowns by ICE agents recently.[61][62] FBI director Kash Patel announced an investigation into the Signal group texts Minnesota resident use to share information about immigration raids and ICE movements.[63]
Tuesday January 27	Representative Ilhan Omar is attacked during a town hall in Minneapolis, where a man charged at her and appeared to spray her with an unknown liquid. The man was arrested and booked on suspicion of third degree assault.[64] The United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Germany and Canada, issues travel advisories for their citizens who may be traveling to the United States. The alerts highlighted concerns about safety, extreme weather, and political unrest.[65] The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that an ICE agent had attempted to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis causing the activation of emergency protocols.[66]
Wednesday January 28	President Trump urges Iran to make a deal on nuclear weapons on Truth Social, following up that if a deal is not reached the next attack on Iran would be worse.[67] Nicki Minaj, a legal permanent resident of the United States, posts a image of a physical Trump Gold Card to social media after pledging hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Trump accounts program.[68] Chief US District Judge Patrick Schiltz states that ICE had violated nearly 100 court orders stemming from Operation Metro Surge and the organization had violated multiple judicial directives in one month.[69] The FBI seizes original 2020 voting records, absentee ballots, tabulator tapes from voting machines, and 2020 voter rolls from Fulton County, Georgia. The seized material was allegedly "constitutes evidence of the commission of a criminal offense" per the warrant.[70] President Trump posts a series of discredited conspiracy theories about the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections, including that Italian military satellites had been used to hack US voting machines to flip votes in the 2020 elections.[71]
Thursday January 29	The Senate begins to vote on funding bills, in an effort to stave off another government shutdown, as funding for the Department of Homeland Security and ICE highlighted as major concerns.[72][73] President Trump, his sons Eric and Don Jr, and the Trump Organization sue the IRS and the US Treasury Department over alleged leaks of confidential tax information, seeking at least $10 billion in damages.[74]
Friday January 30	The Department of Justice releases additional documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, which included tens of thousands of material including photos, videos, court records, FBI & DOJ documents and others.[75][76] President Trump signs an executive order launching the Freedom 250 Grand Prix an IndyCar street race through the capitol in August 2026.[77] US Border Patrol Commander at Large Gregory Bovino is asked to leave a Las Vegas bar over safety concerns for the bars patrons.[78]
Saturday January 31	A partial government shutdown occurrs after the Senate passed a funding package, but still missing the approval of the House.[79] Country wide protests and strikes are held to oppose the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti as well as the continued operations of ICE.[80]

Date	Events	Photos/videos
Sunday February 1	Liam Conejo Ramos and his father are released by ICE from custody after US District Judge Fred Biery directed for the two to be released the day before.[81] House Speaker Mike Johnson states that the House would be able to vote and end the partial government shutdown by Tuesday February 3.[82] Airport travelers without a Real ID may be charged a $45 transaction fee per updated regulations from the Transportation Security Administration.[83] Update regulations for SNAP benefits begin, under President Trumps July 2025 mega bill with the upper age limit for work requirements being raised and exemptions for those with dependents were also changed.[84] President Trump announces plans to close the Kennedy Center for two years beginning July 4, 2026 for two years of renovations. The announcement drew criticism included from President Kennedy's grandson Jack Schlossberg.[85]
Monday February 2	The National Immigration Law Center and five other legal organizations files suit against Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department against a VISA ban against about 75 countries.[86] It was reported that the Department of Homeland Security and ICE purchased a large warehouse in Berks County, Pennsylvania, reportedly to use along with more than 20 other locations to use a immigration detention centers.[87] President Trump states that Republicans should nationalize elections and take them over from the states, and continued to make comments about potential voter fraud.[88] The United States and India announce that they reached a trade deal and would immediately begin to lower tariffs on each others goods.[89] President Trump formally launches “Project Vault,” a $12 billion U.S. strategic critical-minerals reserve to stockpile rare earths and battery metals, aiming to shield American industry from China-linked supply shocks.[90][91]
Tuesday February 3	President Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House.[92] Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran resigns his position as chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisors.[93] HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr announces the launching of the Safety Through Recovery, Engagement and Evidence Based Treatment and Supports (STREETS) substance abuse initiative to support health care and treatment of addicts.[94]
Wednesday February 4	Border Czar Tom Homan states that the Trump administration would draw down 700 federal law enforcement officers from Minnesota, with around 2,000 federal agents remaining in the state.[95] Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks at the House Financial Services Committee hearing with sharp exchanges seen over fiscal policy, business dealing of the Trump family, and other concerns.[96] President Trump speaks with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas about immigration, Joe Rogan, the economy and upcoming projects.[97] DSH Secretary Kristi Noem visits the border wall in Nogales, Arizona to present Border Patrol agents with awards in a ceremony.[98] A federal judge rules that President Trump waited "too long" after the Supreme Courts decision on presidential immunity to attempt to move his criminal hush money case from New York to federal court.[99]
Thursday February 5	It is announced that Vice President Vance's top lawyer Sean Cooksey had left his position to enter into the private sector. Cooksey was instrumental in the TikTok deal and forming the Justice Departments Division for National Fraud Enforcement.[100] The US Census Bureau test survey for the 2030 census included a question about whether the respondent is a US citizen, something that is not supposed to be included and has not been asked in over 75 years.[101] President Trump posts a third party created video on Truth Social, raising conspiracy theories that he had won the 2020 election and included an image of former President and First Lady Obama as apes, drawing outrage.[102]
Friday February 6	Vice President Vance and Second Lady Vance attended the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony where they were booed and jeered at when they appeared on the big screen. Viewers in the United States reportedly were shown the Vice President and Second lady without the boos while all other international broadcasters did.[103][104] Talks between representatives of the United States and Iran were held in Geneva to discuss the terms for Tehran's nuclear program to be updated to follow UN nuclear weapons standards.[105]
Saturday February 7	Federal Judge JP Boulee unsealed court filings related to the FBI's seizure of hundred of thousands of ballots in Fulton County, Georgia relating to the 2020 presidential election. Boulee also issued an order that the Justice Department must file publicly the federal prosecutors arguments to have the search warrant issued originally.[106]
Sunday February 8	President Trump responded to US Olympic skier Hunter Hess on Truth Social, after Hess stated he had mixed emotions representing the United States due to "things going on back home." Trump called Hess a "loser" and suggested he should not have tried out for the team.[107] President Trump hosted a Super Bowl watch party for GOP lawmakers at Mar-a-Largo. During the game, Trump posted on Truth Social to criticize the halftime performance by Bad Bunny.[108] Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth kicked off the Turning Points USA All-American Halftime Show by a video message referencing the support of his department for the show and the US's 250th anniversary.[109]
Monday February 9	Ghislaine Maxwell, refused to answer questions at a closed-door congressional deposition after evoking the fifth amendment as Maxwell has a habeas petition pending attempting to over turn her conviction.[110] Her attorney David Oscar Markus, issued a statement that Maxwell was prepared to speak if Trump granted her clemency, and that both Trump and Clinton were "innocent of any wrongdoing".[111] President Trump threatened to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe International bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario via Truth Social over a range of issues.[112] The Trump administration proposed a updated regulation that would impact federal workers fired through a Reduction in Force, as it would strip power of an independent border that reviews challenges from fired workers.[113] The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report detailing the countries budget. The report showed in the first third of fiscal year 2026 the government was operating at a deficit and borrowed $696 billion USD with total national debt more than $38.5 trillion USD.[114]
Tuesday February 10	Vice President Vance's social media account posted and then deleted a post commemorating the massacres of Armenians as a "genocide" contradicting the stance of US ally Turkey. Vance was on a two day trip to Armenia and visited the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan during the trip.[115]
Wednesday February 11	Attorney General Pam Bondi testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee about ongoing controversies such as, the Jeffrey Epstein file releases, investigation into President Trump's political rivals and foes, and the handling of the ICE shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.[116] Judges in Northern District of New York announced that they had appointed and sworn in Donald Kinsella after the former acting US Attorney General for the district had been found unlawfully serving. Shortly after the announcement Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared to fire Kinsella via social media.[117] The House passed the SAVE America Act, 218 to 213. The bill would have sweeping changes to voting regulations by requiring proof of citizenship at voter registration, a national photo ID requirement to vote and significantly curtail mail-in-voting.[118] Public opinion polling agency Gallup announced that they would discontinue tracking presidential approval ratings after more than eight decades of doing so.[119] President Trump threatened that "any Republican" who voted against tariff measures would "seriously suffer the consequences come Election time" on Truth Social, shortly after six Republicans voted against proposed tariffs against Canada.[120] Vice President Vance told CNN reporters that Olympians should try to bring their countries together and to do that is "...not to show up in a foreign country and attack the president of the United States, but it's to play your sport and represent the country well."[121]
Thursday February 12	The Justice Department Antitrust chief Abigail Slater announced her departure from the position via social media, with her temporary replacement named as Omeed Assefi.[122] Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he disapproved of the Justice Department surveilling all lawmakers who visit the agency to review the unredacted Epstein files.[123] President Trump pardoned five former NFL players, Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and the late Billy Cannon of crimes. The men were found guilty of crimes such as perjury, drug trafficking, and counterfeiting.[124] DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited the Otay Mesa detention facility and spoke in front of a display of boxes reportedly containing seized illicit drugs at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Noem was joined by US Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, San Diego County Assistant Sheriff Ken Jones and CBP Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane Sabatino.[125]
Friday February 13	A report released by the Democratic chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated that the Trump administration had currently spent more than $30 million to deport migrants from the US, with some costing $1 million a piece.[126] Two golfers sued President Trump and his administration in an attempt to stop the planned take over and redevelopment of the capitols public golf course. The Interior Department had terminated the lease for the course in December 2025, with Trump suggesting converting the course to host major championships and international competition in February 2026.[127] The Justice Department sued Harvard University for allegedly failing to comply with the departments investigation into admissions decisions, in a follow up investigation from the Supreme Court case of Students for Fair Admissions v Harvard.[128] The Department of Education announced the opening of a Title IX investigation into the Puyallup School District and its handling of a complaint made regarding a transgender student.[129] The Department of Education announced an investigation into the Louisiana Board of Regents and its efforts to have 60% of adults in the state holding a college degree or other credential. The department has raised claims that the objectives for Black and Hispanic students are discriminatory compared to other races.[130] It was reported that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and top advisor Corey Lewandowski fired a US Coast Guard pilot after Noem's blanket went missing during a switch to a second plane. The pilot was rehired after it was discovered that no one else was qualified to fly the pair back.[131]
Saturday February 14	A partial government shutdown began after Congressional Democrats and President Trumps team failed to reach a deal that would continue funding for the DHS through September 2026.[132] Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at the Munich Security Conference stating that "the United States and Europe belong together", pivoting from Vice President Vance's more combative tone in 2025.[133]
Sunday February 15	President Trump's trade and manufacturing adviser Peter Navarro stated that the White House may force data center builders to absorb their costs during Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures.[134]
Monday February 16	Federal judge Cynthia Rufe ruled that the Trump administration must restore slavery-related exhibits at the national park site of former President George Washington's home in Philadelphia. The displays had been removed in January 2026, and included information about Washingtons slaves including Ona Judge who escaped from slavery.[135] Former US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton accused President Trump and the Justice Department of orchestrating a "cover-up" of the Jeffrey Epstein files and that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton had nothing to hide.[136] Democrats sent a counter offer on immigration enforcement and funding for DHS in an attempt to end the ongoing partial government shutdown.[137]
Tuesday February 17	Tricia McLaughlin, the spokesperson for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced her intent to leave the position.[138] Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth invited pastor Douglas Wilson, a radical Christian nationalist, to lead the audience in the Pentagon's auditorium in Christian prayer service.[139][140]
Wednesday February 18	The Trump administration paid the remaining portion of the Gateway rail tunnel project with additional funding to allow for construction to continue. This occurred after a federal judge ordered Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and President Trump to do so.[141] A directive memo was included in federal court fillings and instructed ICE to detain refugees who entered the US lawfully but have not obtained a permanent resident card a year after their admission.[142] California and about a dozen other states sued the federal government to force the payout of grants previously approved by Congress for clean energy projects.[143]
Thursday February 19	President Trump announced at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting that nine members had pledged $7 billion towards a Gaza relief package and five countries; Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania had pledged to deploy troops as part of internal stabilization.[144] President Trump announced that he would decide whether to launch military strikes against Iran within the next 10 days during the inaugural Board of Peace meeting.[145]
Friday February 20
Saturday February 21
Sunday February 22
Monday February 23
Tuesday February 24
Wednesday February 25
Thursday February 26
Friday February 27
Saturday February 28

• First 100 days of the second Trump presidency – Period from January to April 2025
• List of executive actions by Donald Trump
• Lists of presidential trips made by Donald Trump (international trips)
• Second presidential transition of Donald Trump – Transfer of presidential power from Joe Biden to Donald Trump
• Timeline of the 2024 United States presidential election