The Drift Watch

The Drift Timeline

Documented evidence of democratic erosion — as it happens.

May 8, 2025 High Impact

Trump Administration Fires Librarian of Congress, Undermining Institutional Neutrality

President Trump abruptly dismissed Dr. Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress, nearly a year before her 10-year term was set to expire. The White House did not initially provide a pub...

Media & Truth First Breach
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May 1, 2025 High Impact

Trump Executive Order Cuts Federal Funding to “Biased” Media

On May 1, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media.” The order directs all federal agencies to:Review and terminate any federal c...

Media & Truth Escalating
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April 28, 2025 High Impact

Federal Executive Order Militarizes Local Police, Overrules Community Controls

On April 28, 2025, the White House issued an executive order dramatically expanding federal power over local and state law enforcement. This order allows the Department of Justice and Department of De...

Law Enforcement & Justice Escalating
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April 22, 2025 High Impact

Federal Agencies Begin Enforcing Religious Reporting Directives Under EO 14202

Federal agencies have begun implementing directives from Executive Order 14202, signed in February, which established a task force to eliminate perceived “anti-Christian bias” in government. According...

Law Enforcement & Justice Escalating
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April 20, 2025 High Impact

Trump Draft Executive Order Proposes Sweeping Overhaul of State Department

A draft executive order obtained by multiple media outlets reveals that the Trump administration is preparing a dramatic reorganization of the U.S. State Department. Though not yet signed, the order h...

Foreign Policy Escalating
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April 17, 2025 High Impact

Trump Administration Executes Mass Layoffs at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

On April 17, 2025, the Trump administration carried out a massive workforce reduction at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), terminating over 1,400 employees — nearly 90% of the agency. T...

Law Enforcement & Justice Escalating
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April 16, 2025 High Impact

State Department Shutters Foreign Disinformation Watchdog

On April 16, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally announced the closure of the State Department’s Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (R/FIMI) office — previously known...

Media & Truth Escalating
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April 13, 2025 High Impact

Federal and State Push to Criminalize Protest Activity

In the first three months of 2025, at least 41 anti-protest bills were introduced across 22 U.S. states, with 32 of those introduced after President Trump’s inauguration. These bills primarily target...

Law Enforcement & Justice First Breach
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April 11, 2025 Moderate Impact

Trump Administration Pressures Law Firms to Support Its Agenda in Exchange for Legal Exemptions

The Trump administration struck private deals with five major law firms. In these agreements, the law firms promised to provide free legal help on lawsuits that support the administration’s goals — li...

Federal Workforce Escalating
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