Trump Tyranny Tracker: Day 148
June 16, 2025
📆 Trump Tyranny Tracker: June 16
Welcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker, where I’m breaking down the key news from the day alongside ongoing developments as Trump and his regime move swiftly to consolidate power, undermine democracy, and dismantle civil rights and freedoms.
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🔥 In Corruption News
Trump Organization unveils mobile phone service
What Happened: Trump’s sons unveiled Trump Mobile, a new phone service offering gold-colored smartphones and a $47-a-month plan, run by a company licensing the Trump name. The phones are marketed as “U.S.-made,” though experts doubt the feasibility, citing a lack of supply chain clarity.
Why It Matters: This expands Trump’s self-enrichment while in office and opens the door to surveillance or influence over users. With control of a phone service, Trump could access call data and weaponize federal agencies against competitors. It’s another corrupt step in turning the presidency into a profit center.
Source: Washington PostThe Trumps Promote a New Crypto Venture: Bitcoin Mining
What Happened: Eric and Donald Trump Jr. launched American Bitcoin, a mining firm they claim will benefit from their father’s pro-crypto, low-cost energy policies. The company controls millions in Bitcoin and plans to go public, while relying on Chinese mining hardware despite Trump’s previous tariff threats.
Why It Matters: The venture tightens the Trump family’s grip on industries influenced by White House policy. It shows how Trump’s tariff threats and deregulation aren’t just political moves—they’re business strategies that will funnel money back into his pocket.
Source: New York Times🛡️ In Power Consolidation News
Justice Department’s early moves on voting and elections signal a shift from its traditional role
What Happened: The DOJ launched investigations and legal actions in states like North Carolina, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Colorado, focusing on voter registration records and technical election procedures, while quietly dropping key voting rights cases and seeing longtime civil rights attorneys depart.
Why It Matters: This marks a stark shift from protecting ballot access to pursuing conspiracies, signaling a weaponization of the DOJ to cast doubt on elections and lay the groundwork to challenge unfavorable results in 2026 and 2028.
Source: Associated Press‘Golden Share’ in U.S. Steel Gives Trump Extraordinary Control
What Happened: To secure Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel, Trump forced the creation of a “golden share” that gives the president permanent veto power over key decisions like outsourcing, plant closures, and board appointments—marking an unprecedented federal stake in a private company.
Why It Matters: This breaks with U.S. free-market tradition and mirrors practices in authoritarian regimes like Russia and China, where state control over companies is routine. The deal sets a dangerous precedent for future foreign investment and expands presidential power over the private sector.
Source: New York TimesTrump Promises Expanded Immigration Crackdown After ‘No Kings’ Protests
What Happened: In response to nationwide "No Kings" protests, Trump vowed to escalate mass deportations in Democratic-led cities like Los Angeles and New York. Despite ICE being $1 billion over budget, Trump pledged to redirect federal funds if Congress blocks his immigration spending bill.
Why It Matters: Trump is turning federal law enforcement into a political weapon, punishing blue cities while protecting allies. His embrace of far-right extremist language like “remigration” and calls for mass deportation shows how authoritarian ideology is now driving state policy.
Source: The Guardian⚖️ In Weaponization of Institutions News
‘Extremely disturbing and unethical’: new rules allow VA doctors to refuse to treat Democrats, unmarried veterans
What Happened: Following a Trump executive order, new VA rules allow doctors and staff to deny care based on marital status or political affiliation. Protections for political party, national origin, and union activity were stripped from staff and patient bylaws.
Why It Matters: This paves the way for political interference in veteran healthcare, enabling discrimination and threatening access to critical services for those who served.
Source: The GuardianTrump directs immigration authorities to prioritize deportations in Democratic-run cities
What Happened: Trump ordered ICE to prioritize deportations in Democratic-run cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, claiming they are “power centers” for “illegal voting and welfare fraud.” The directive follows large-scale anti-ICE protests and contradicts his earlier pause on workplace raids after industry backlash.
Why It Matters: Trump’s mass raids in Democratic cities mark an authoritarian use of federal power to punish political enemies, inflame division, and destabilize democratic institutions—while trampling on state sovereignty.
Source: CBS News and BloombergInside DOGE’s Chaotic Takeover of Social Security
What Happened: A New York Times investigation reveals that Musk’s unauthorized DOGE team spread false fraud claims at the Social Security Administration to justify mass firings and gain access to Americans’ data. Backed by Trump, they ignored court orders, forced leadership changes, and politicized operations.
Why It Matters: Musk and Trump used disinformation to destabilize a key agency serving 74 million Americans. The episode shows how DOGE is being weaponized to dismantle public institutions and seize control of federal data systems.
Source: New York TimesThe High-Flying Escalation of CBP’s Predator Drone Flights Over LA
What Happened: U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed it is flying Predator B military drones over Los Angeles alongside 700 Marines and 4,000 federalized National Guard troops, aiding ICE and federal law enforcement during mass protests—without state consent.
Why It Matters: Trump’s use of war-zone surveillance tech on U.S. soil signals a dangerous escalation in domestic militarization, erodes civil liberties, and lays the groundwork for a police and surveillance state.
Source: WIRED📢 In Media Suppression and Authoritarian Tactics News
UN Rights Chief Warns U.S. Against Using Military on Anti-Trump Protesters
What Happened: UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged U.S. authorities to respect peaceful protest rights and avoid deploying military force during mass demonstrations against Trump’s actions. His remarks came during a broad address to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Why It Matters: The warning follows reports of militarized crackdowns on dissent. Türk’s statement highlights rising international alarm over U.S. civil liberties violations.
Source: ReutersPress Groups Sue L.A. Over Police Violence Against Journalists at ICE Protests
What Happened: The Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup sued LAPD and federal agencies, alleging journalists covering anti-ICE protests were assaulted and intimidated. At least 36 incidents detail reporters being shot, shoved, detained, and targeted despite visible press credentials.
Why It Matters: This highlights the erosion of press freedom amid Trump’s militarized immigration crackdown. Escalating violence against journalists threatens transparency, accountability, and core democratic rights.
Source: NPRThe Rise of Political Violence and Targeting of Lawmakers in the U.S.
What Happened: Two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota were shot in targeted attacks. Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed; Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were wounded. The shooter, impersonating a police officer, left a manifesto naming more targets.
Why It Matters: This attack is a stark escalation in America’s growing political violence crisis—fueled by dangerous rhetoric from Trump and other politicians targeting their opponents. With threats against officials doubling since January 6, experts warn the U.S. is entering its most dangerous era of political violence since the 1970s.
Source: TIME🛑 In Human and Civil Rights Abuses News
Justice Department Moves to Dismiss Naval Academy Affirmative Action Lawsuit
What Happened: The U.S. Justice Department asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit over race-conscious admissions at the Naval Academy after the school dropped the policy under Trump’s directive. Both the DOJ and the suing group agreed that the case is now moot.
Why It Matters: This marks the end of affirmative action at U.S. military academies. Civil rights advocates warn it will slash diversity in officer ranks and entrench inequality in military leadership.
Source: ReutersEmails Reveal Casual Surveillance Alliance Between ICE and Local Oregon Police
What Happened: Internal emails reveal Oregon police analysts offered surveillance assistance to federal agents, including ICE, through an informal “Southern Oregon Analyst Group.” They shared license plate data, social media tactics, and surveillance tools—bypassing legal oversight and violating state sanctuary laws.
Why It Matters: The revelations show how local police are acting as surveillance proxies for federal agencies, undermining civil liberties and enabling mass monitoring of protests and immigrants. These informal networks exploit state protections, creating loopholes ripe for abuse.
Source: 404 MediaICE Raids Spark Protests, Fear, and Family Separations Across Los Angeles
What Happened: A surge of aggressive ICE raids in Los Angeles, including arrests at routine check-ins, triggered mass protests, curfews, and the first-ever deployment of U.S. troops to the city. Dozens of immigrant families were detained or separated, fueling nationwide demonstrations.
Why It Matters: The raids reveal the devastating impact of Trump’s immigration crackdown—tearing apart families and targeting longtime residents. With military force used against protestors and ICE operating in secrecy, civil liberties and public trust are under siege. Cruelty is the point.
Source: CNNICE Arrests of Migrants With No Criminal History Surging Under Trump
What Happened: A Guardian analysis reveals an 807% increase in arrests of immigrants with no criminal record since Trump’s return to office, contradicting his claims that ICE is only targeting “criminals.” Internal memos show ICE agents are being pushed to hit mass arrest quotas—sweeping up bystanders and asylum seekers at court, while overcrowded detention facilities reach record levels.
Why It Matters: The data exposes Trump’s deceptive narrative and signals a dangerous escalation of mass deportation tactics, criminalizing undocumented status and overwhelming the immigration system with no regard for human rights, due process, or public safety priorities.
Source: The GuardianThe Army Was the Only Life She Knew. Trump’s Trans Ban Cast Her Out.
What Happened: Maj. Erica Vandal, a decorated transgender Army officer and combat veteran, was expelled after the Supreme Court upheld Trump’s ban on trans service members. Vandal had served for 14 years and was in line for battalion command before the reversal of Obama-era protections.
Why It Matters: Her removal reflects the impact of Trump’s anti-trans policies—purging qualified troops based on identity, not ability. It’s part of a broader attack on LGBTQ+ rights.
Source: New York TimesTrump weighs adding 36 countries to travel ban, memo says
What Happened: Trump is weighing a ban on entry from 36 additional countries, citing weak passport systems, terrorism concerns, and deportation noncompliance. A State Department cable signed by Marco Rubio gives these nations 60 days to meet U.S. demands or face restrictions on entry.
Why It Matters: This dramatic expansion echoes Trump’s first-term travel ban, targeting mostly African and low-income nations. Critics warn it enshrines discrimination into immigration policy and uses national security as a pretext for sweeping xenophobic measures.
Source: ReutersReport: New Hampshire Could Ban Funding for Programs for Disabled People
What Happened: New Hampshire’s GOP-led Senate added language to the state budget that could ban public funding for programs supporting disabled people, casting it as part of an anti-DEI push.
Why It Matters: Disability advocates warn this would slash vital services, inclusion efforts, and education programs, jeopardizing funding for schools that promote neurodiversity or support disabled students. The move signals how Trump’s anti-DEI agenda is expanding to target disability rights.
Source: Mother Jones“A Direct Attack on Women”: Lawmakers Demand Labor Secretary Preserve the Women’s Bureau
What Happened: Democratic lawmakers are urging Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to stop Trump’s plan to shut down the 105-year-old Women’s Bureau, following revelations that grants supporting women in trades were already cut by Musk.
Why It Matters: The bureau, once central to advancing women’s labor rights, has been gutted—losing half its staff and freezing programs. Lawmakers call it “a direct attack on women,” warning it could undo decades of progress on gender equity in the workforce.
Source: Mother Jones📉 Government Services Disruption and Collapse Watch
CDC official in charge of Covid data resigns ahead of vaccine meeting
What Happened: Dr. Fiona Havers, who led CDC surveillance on Covid and RSV hospitalizations, resigned ahead of a key vaccine meeting, citing concerns that data would no longer be used with scientific rigor. Her departure follows RFK Jr.’s purging of the CDC’s entire vaccine advisory panel and appointment of vaccine skeptics.
Why It Matters: Havers’ resignation exposes the CDC’s collapse into political control, with vaccine policy now shaped by ideology, not science. Experts warn this endangers public trust and risks deadly outbreaks.
Source: The GuardianFired members say Kennedy's vaccine panel shake-up weakens US immunization program
What Happened: RFK Jr. fired all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel and replaced them with eight new appointees, some of whom oppose vaccines. The ousted members say the abrupt overhaul, along with CDC staff cuts, endangers public access to lifesaving immunizations.
Why It Matters: Kennedy is dismantling decades of vaccine progress, politicizing public health, and fueling distrust in immunization. His actions risk deadly disease outbreaks and show how anti-science extremism is now federal policy.
Source: Reuters‘No Way to Invest in a Career Here’: Trump’s Crackdown Fuels Academic Exodus
What Happened: Faced with federal research cuts, anti-science policies, and political repression under Trump, young academics and international scholars are fleeing the U.S. for safer, better-funded institutions abroad. Visa suspensions, grant revocations, ICE targeting, and censorship have sparked a growing exodus.
Why It Matters: The U.S. is hemorrhaging talent once drawn by its academic freedom, resulting in long-term damage to science, innovation, and global leadership. Trump’s war on research is triggering a historic brain drain.
Source: The Guardian🌐 Imperial and Geopolitical Watch
Trump to Leave G7 Early to Monitor Israel-Iran Crisis
What Happened: Trump is leaving the G7 summit early to oversee the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, warning Iranians to evacuate Tehran and pushing for urgent talks.
Why It Matters: Calling for the evacuation of Tehran—a city of 10 million—and broadcasting war threats on his social media platform is reckless and dangerous. His push to cast Putin as a mediator, despite Russia’s ongoing genocidal invasion of Ukraine, further isolates the U.S. and undermines global trust.
Source: CNN🌍 Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch
Trump Renews Embrace of Putin Amid Rift With Allies
What Happened: At the G7 summit, Trump opened by defending Russia’s 2014 expulsion from the group, falsely blaming Obama and Trudeau (who wasn’t PM at the time), and absurdly claiming Russia wouldn’t have invaded Ukraine if it hadn’t been kicked out—despite being expelled for invading Ukraine. He called for Putin’s return, claimed Putin only speaks to him, criticized Ukraine’s president, downplayed European sanctions, and suggested Putin could mediate the Middle East conflict.
Why It Matters: Trump acts as a lobbyist for Russia, using every opportunity to normalize Putin on the global stage—even as Russia wages a genocidal war in Ukraine. His G7 remarks further isolate the U.S., undermine NATO cohesion, and reiterate a dangerous alignment with authoritarian power over democratic alliances.
Source: New York TimesTrump disbands group focused on pressuring Russia
What Happened: Trump quietly disbanded a high-level interagency working group tasked with developing strategies to pressure Russia into talks with Ukraine. The group, formed earlier in 2025, lost momentum after Trump showed little interest in confronting the Kremlin and purged the National Security Council team working on Ukraine policy.
Why It Matters: The move shows that Trump’s goal was to force Ukraine’s surrender while shoring up loyalty to Putin. Disbanding the Russia pressure group weakens NATO unity, erodes U.S. deterrence, and emboldens Moscow.
Source: ReutersTired of military aid delays, Ukraine has designed its own ballistic missile — and it’s already in mass-production
What Happened: Ukraine has begun mass production of its domestically developed short-range ballistic missile, the Sapsan, after successful combat testing. With a range of at least 300 kilometers and a warhead exceeding 480 kilograms, it marks a major leap in Ukraine's independent defense capability amid inconsistent Western military support.
Why It Matters: This marks a major step in Ukraine’s military self-reliance—filling the gap left by delayed Western aid. As the first European country since the Cold War to produce conventional ballistic missiles, Ukraine is outpacing its allies and reshaping the war on its own terms.
Source: Kyiv Independent💵 In Trump Economic Downturn News
Trump’s ‘revenge tax’ could threaten foreign investment into US, analysts say
What Happened: Trump’s bill includes section 899, which would impose escalating taxes on entities from countries with “unfair” tax policies targeting U.S. companies. The tax could reach 20% and target jurisdictions with digital services and diverted profits taxes.
Why It Matters: Analysts warn it could deter foreign investment and push companies to move listings to the U.S. It may also undermine the dollar’s safe-haven status and provoke global tax disputes.
Source: The GuardianTrump’s Trade and Tax Policies Start to Stall U.S. Battery Boom
What Happened: Battery companies are halting or scaling back U.S. projects due to Trump’s China tariffs and GOP efforts to block tax credits tied to Chinese technology. Factories in Michigan, South Carolina, and Washington are pausing construction or redirecting production overseas.
Why It Matters: The shift threatens to stall America’s battery boom, undermine EV manufacturing, and slow climate innovation. Experts warn the policies could cripple U.S. competitiveness in a sector still reliant on Chinese supply chains.
Source: New York Times👊🏼 In Resistance News
7/17- Next National Day of Action
Check out the link for other local events…
Source: 50501Harvard Wins Temporary Extension Blocking Trump’s Ban on International Students
What Happened: A federal judge extended a temporary order blocking Trump’s proclamation that bars foreign students from attending Harvard, citing potential First Amendment violations and harm to the university. The ruling comes amid broader attacks by Trump, including frozen funding and revoked certifications.
Source: ReutersAmerican Bar Association sues to block Trump's attacks on law firms
What Happened: The American Bar Association filed a federal lawsuit accusing Trump of targeting law firms with executive orders that revoked security clearances and restricted government access based on past clients and legal work. The ABA argues these actions violate constitutional protections and chill legal advocacy.
Source: ReutersJudge Rules Trump’s NIH Grant Cuts Illegal
What Happened: A federal judge ruled that Trump’s termination of NIH research grants tied to diversity and LGBTQ topics was “void and illegal,” accusing it of racial and anti-LGBTQ discrimination. Judge William Young, a Reagan appointee, reinstated over $1 billion in grants and said he may expand the order further.
Source: NBC NewsWatchdog Finds Trump Broke Law by Withholding Library Funds
What Happened: The Government Accountability Office ruled that Trump illegally withheld funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, violating anti-impoundment laws meant to stop presidents from overriding congressional spending decisions.
Source: New York Times📊 By the Numbers
7/17 — Next nationwide National Day of Action
807% — Increase in ICE arrests of non-criminal immigrants since Trump’s return
74 million — Americans served by Social Security Administration targeted by Musk’s unauthorized DOGE
36 — Countries Trump is considering adding to travel ban
4,000 — National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles without state consent
105 — Years the Women’s Bureau existed before Trump’s plan to shut it down
14 — Years Maj. Erica Vandal served before being expelled under Trump’s trans ban
20% — Potential “revenge tax” on entities from countries with “unfair” tax policies
300 km+ — Range of Ukraine’s new domestically produced Sapsan ballistic missile
36+ — Verified assaults on journalists covering anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles
1 billion+ — NIH research grant funding reinstated after court blocked Trump’s cuts
20% — U.S. farmworkers currently in the H-2A visa program
🔎 What to Watch Next
Trump is laying the groundwork to go after Social Security and Medicare — How soon before seniors and disabled Americans feel the full impact?
Trump’s purge of public institutions is accelerating — Which vital agencies will unauthorized DOGE dismantle next under the guise of “efficiency”?
Trump is a lobbyist for Russia — Will Congress stop U.S. foreign policy from becoming a tool to whitewash Russian genocide and war crimes?
The DOJ is abandoning its voting rights mission — Will courts intervene to secure the 2026 and 2028 elections?
The shutdown of the Women’s Bureau is just the beginning — Will Trump eliminate other offices protecting marginalized groups?
Trump is rewriting vaccine policy through Kennedy’s purges — How deadly could the collapse of immunization infrastructure become?
Trump is expanding the travel ban again — How many families will be separated, and which communities will be targeted next?
💡 Key Takeaways
Trump’s Economic Warfare — His erratic tariff policies are pushing the U.S. into a recession or worse and destabilizing global markets. Prices are already spiking, and manufacturers warn of supply chain disruptions.
Public Institutions Under Siege — From Social Security to the CDC, Trump is politicizing and purging agencies to consolidate control and dismantle democratic governance.
Surveillance State Rising — Military drones over Los Angeles, Predator tech turned inward, and DOGE’s unauthorized data grabs signal a dangerous shift toward surveillance.
Weaponizing the Presidency for Profit — Trump Mobile and crypto mining ventures show how Trump continues monetizing executive power while shaping federal policy to enrich himself and his family.
Authoritarian Use of Federal Power — Targeting Democratic cities with mass raids, deportations, and service cutbacks reveals how Trump is weaponizing institutions to punish opponents and override state sovereignty.
🚨 Call to Action
Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianism—see something, say something.
Defend Press Freedom: Support independent journalism by subscribing to and sharing reporting that challenges Trump’s power grab.
Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump and Musk’s unchecked power and Trump’s war on oversight.
Protest: Join local and national demonstrations against Trump’s authoritarian overreach, purges, and attacks on civil rights.
Attend Town Halls: Confront lawmakers and demand answers about government purges, deregulation, and threats to constitutional rights.
Stay Vigilant: Watch for court rulings, executive overreach, and attempts to rewrite the Constitution. Document everything.
Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.
Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.
Thanks for reading the Trump Tyranny Tracker. Stay tuned for more updates.
I have called on Iran for regime change. They can help us. Trump needs to go. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/iran-2-weeks?r=3m1bs
I drew Trump on bluesky recently. Careful NSFW nudity