Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• US military allows Buckley base for ICE operations — The US military has permitted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to use facilities at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, for processing and detaining undocumented immigrants. This decision, made at the request of the Department of Homeland Security, involves setting up a temporary operations center and holding location for ICE operations. No military personnel will be involved in the operations, which will be staffed by ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies. The move has sparked concern from local representatives about the military's involvement in domestic immigration enforcement.

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• Trump DOJ fires prosecutors involved in investigations against him — The Department of Justice, under Acting Attorney General McHenry, terminated several career prosecutors who were involved in investigations of former President Trump. This action is framed as part of an effort to end the "weaponization of government" and aligns with Trump's agenda. The firings raise concerns about the independence of the DOJ and its role in upholding the rule of law.
• Trump administration fires DOJ lawyers in criminal cases — The Trump administration fired more than a dozen DOJ lawyers involved in two criminal cases against the president. This action raises concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and potential interference in legal proceedings.
• Trump justice department fires officials linked to Jack Smith — On January 27, 2025, Acting Attorney General James McHenry fired over a dozen federal prosecutors who had worked on criminal cases against Donald Trump. These prosecutors were part of Special Counsel Jack Smith's team, which had charged Trump in two cases related to mishandling classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. The firings were justified by McHenry as necessary because the prosecutors could not be trusted to implement the president's agenda. This move is part of broader personnel changes within the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
• Trump fires federal prosecutors involved in his prosecutions — On January 27, Trump’s acting attorney general fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors who were involved in the criminal prosecutions against Trump. The official stated that the acting attorney general “does not trust these officials to assist in faithfully implementing the President’s agenda.”
• White House directed firing of special counsel prosecutors — The Justice Department, following instructions from the White House, fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors involved in criminal prosecutions against Donald Trump. The firings were directed by the acting Attorney General, James McHenry, and were linked to a memo from the White House personnel office. This action has raised concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and its potential use as an extension of the White House. The prosecutors were dismissed due to their roles in prosecuting Trump, which was seen as incompatible with the president's agenda.

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• Trump issues executive order allowing ICE to enter schools and churches — Former President Donald Trump announced an executive order permitting ICE agents to enter school classrooms and churches to search for migrants. This order has sparked controversy and criticism, particularly from religious and educational institutions, as it raises concerns about the sanctity and safety of these spaces. The order is part of Trump's broader immigration enforcement strategy, which has faced opposition from various civil rights groups and religious leaders.

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• ICE begins immigration raids in Chicago — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with other federal agencies, initiated "enhanced targeted operations" in Chicago to enforce immigration laws. This action follows statements by the incoming "border czar" Tom Homan about reconsidering enforcement strategies. The raids aim to increase daily arrests significantly, with ICE field offices directed to meet specific quotas. The operations have caused concern among Chicago's undocumented population, estimated at 400,000, many of whom are staying home to avoid encounters with law enforcement.
• ICE conducts multi-agency immigration raids — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a series of coordinated raids in multiple U.S. cities, including Chicago, resulting in 956 arrests. These operations involved several law enforcement agencies and targeted individuals with criminal convictions. The raids are part of the Trump administration's broader plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. The administration has relaxed guidelines that previously restricted arrests in sensitive locations such as schools and churches. The raids have sparked legal challenges and concerns from local officials and immigrant communities.
• Trump issues executive order allowing ICE to enter schools and churches — Former President Donald Trump announced an executive order permitting ICE agents to enter school classrooms and churches to search for migrants. This order has sparked controversy and criticism, particularly from religious and educational institutions, as it raises concerns about the sanctity and safety of these spaces. The order is part of Trump's broader immigration enforcement strategy, which has faced opposition from various civil rights groups and religious leaders.
• ICE conducts immigration raids in Chicago — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with other federal agencies, conducted "enhanced targeted operations" in Chicago, targeting undocumented immigrants. The raids, which began shortly after Donald Trump took office, have caused significant fear among residents, leading to decreased school attendance and increased legal aid efforts. The operations have been criticized for affecting both individuals with and without criminal histories, and for lifting bans on raids in sensitive locations like schools and churches.

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• Trump fires 17 Inspectors General without notice — Former President Donald Trump fired 17 non-partisan, independent Inspectors General at various government agencies without providing the required 30-day notice to Congress. This action violates federal law and has been criticized as a move to eliminate oversight and accountability within the government. The firings have raised concerns about potential corruption and abuse of power in the Trump administration.
• Trump fires multiple inspectors general — President Trump informed at least 15 inspectors general across various federal departments that they were fired, including those from Defense, State, and Health and Human Services. This action follows a recent law requiring presidents to provide written reasons for such removals, raising legal concerns about the firings.
• Trump fired federal inspectors general — Donald Trump dismissed more than a dozen independent federal government watchdogs, including inspectors general at the departments of state, defense, and transportation. This action was taken without providing the required 30 days' notice or reasons to Congress, which is a violation of federal law. The dismissals are seen as an attempt to replace these officials with loyalists, raising concerns about oversight and accountability in the government.
• Trump administration fires federal watchdogs — Since January 24, 2025, President Trump has fired a dozen independent federal government watchdogs, including Gwynne Wilcox, a senior official at the National Labor Relations Board. Wilcox described her dismissal as "unprecedented and illegal." These firings are part of Trump's broader agenda to reshape the federal government by reducing its workforce and cutting spending. The removal of these watchdogs has raised concerns about the administration's commitment to oversight and accountability.
• Trump fires Inspectors General without notice — Senator Chuck Grassley reported that President Trump fired 18 Inspectors General without providing the required 30-day notice to Congress. This action violates legal norms and raises concerns about oversight and accountability within the federal government.

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• Trump pardons anti-abortion activists — Former President Donald Trump granted pardons to anti-abortion activists convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The law protects clinic staff and patients from violence and harassment. Trump's pardons affect 21 individuals, including 10 who were still in prison. This action follows calls from Senator Josh Hawley for pardons of these individuals, whom he described as unjustly persecuted by the Biden administration.
• Mike Lee introduces bill to repeal FACE Act — Senator Mike Lee introduced legislation to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, arguing it has been weaponized against pro-life activists. The FACE Act currently protects clinic staff and patients from violence and harassment. Lee's bill aims to prevent future administrations from enforcing the law.
• Trump Delegates Executive Orders to Attorney General — President Trump issued a series of executive orders and instructed the incoming attorney general to manage their implementation, indicating a desire for the Justice Department to act on his policy wishes.
• Trump shuts down federal DEI offices — Trump ordered the shutdown of all federal government offices focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and placed employees working in these programs on leave. He characterized DEI efforts as “illegal discrimination in the federal government” and directed agencies to plan for layoffs. This move is part of a broader effort to eliminate DEI initiatives from federal operations.
• Trump pardons antiabortion activists — President Trump issued pardons for nearly two dozen antiabortion activists convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. This action aligns with his administration's agenda to oppose perceived government overreach against political minorities.
• — President Trump issued pardons for nearly two dozen antiabortion activists convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which prohibits threats and obstruction against reproductive health services. The pardons align with Trump's agenda against what he describes as the weaponization of government. The timing of these pardons has raised questions among activists about their delayed announcement compared to the January 6 pardons.

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• Trump pulled security details from former officials — President Trump has removed the security details of former officials Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, who had been receiving protection due to credible assassination threats from Iran. This decision raises concerns about the safety of these individuals, given the ongoing threats against them.

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• Executive Order Revoking DEI Policies — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14173, revoking several previous executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The order mandates federal agencies to terminate discriminatory DEI practices and enforce civil-rights laws. It also directs the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to cease promoting diversity and affirmative action among federal contractors. The order aims to restore merit-based opportunities and eliminate identity-based preferences in federal and private sectors.
• Trump revokes Equal Employment Opportunity Act — President Trump signed an executive order revoking the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, which had prohibited discrimination against protected classes in employment by federal contractors since 1965. This action removes longstanding protections against employment discrimination for those working with federal contractors.
• Trump issues executive order to end DEI policies — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 21, 2025, titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." The order directs federal agencies to terminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies deemed discriminatory and illegal. It revokes several previous executive orders related to diversity and inclusion, including Executive Order 12898 and Executive Order 13583. The order also mandates federal contractors to comply with civil-rights laws and prohibits DEI practices that violate these laws. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with revising government-wide processes to eliminate DEI references.
• Trump administration targets DEI programs — On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across various sectors, including federal agencies, corporations, and educational institutions. The order claims these programs constitute "illegal discrimination" and mandates federal agencies to identify potential civil compliance investigations into organizations implementing DEI initiatives. The order suggests that DEI programs discriminate against white men, framing them as a threat to traditional American values. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI initiatives.
• President Trump signed executive order terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal government and directing enforcement against private-sector DEI practices. — On January 21, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." The order revokes four prior executive orders and one presidential memorandum related to environmental justice, federal workforce diversity, and national security workforce diversity. It directs the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to cease promoting diversity and affirmative action among federal contractors. The order requires OMB to remove DEI references from federal acquisition and contracting procedures. It directs the Attorney General to submit a 120-day report recommending enforcement actions against private-sector DEI programs, identifying up to nine potential civil compliance investigations per agency targeting corporations, nonprofits, foundations, bar associations, medical associations, and universities. The order also directs joint guidance from the Attorney General and Secretary of Education to educational institutions on compliance with the Supreme Court's Students for Fair Admissions decision.
• White House issued fact sheet on executive order terminating DEI programs in federal workforce and contracting — The White House published a fact sheet on January 22, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that the document states terminates "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) programs in the federal workforce and federal contracting. The order claims to revoke Executive Order 11246, bar the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs from workforce-balancing requirements, and direct agencies to investigate private-sector DEI practices. The fact sheet asserts the order enforces civil rights statutes and advances "colorblind equality before the law."
• Trump signs executive orders affecting healthcare access — Within his first 48 hours back in office, Donald Trump signed several executive orders that repeal Biden-era directives expanding healthcare access for lower-income and middle-class Americans. These orders are expected to impact the medical insurance coverage of approximately 20 million people, affecting aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) such as eligibility requirements and federal subsidies. The repealed orders include those aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and expanding Medicaid coverage. The actions are anticipated to create more barriers to healthcare access and increase costs for remaining insurance options.
• Trump signs executive orders ending federal DEI programs — President Donald Trump signed two executive orders targeting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs within the federal government. The first order mandates the closure of all DEIA offices and initiatives within 60 days, reversing previous executive actions by Joe Biden. The second order overturns longstanding equity policies, including those from the civil rights era. Federal employees in DEIA roles were placed on paid leave as agencies begin to dismantle these programs. The orders reflect Trump's stance against DEI, which he claims promotes discrimination against historically dominant groups.
• US State Department suspends DEI training materials — The US State Department's Foreign Service Institute has suspended access to over 1,200 training courses, including more than 2,100 items related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This action, effective January 22, 2025, follows recent executive orders and marks a significant change in the department's educational policy. The suspension includes the removal of DEI-focused courses from the department's learning platform and a freeze on new enrollments for certain courses. The review is ongoing, and some courses may not return to the catalog.
• Trump signed executive orders reversing DEI efforts — On January 23, 2025, Donald Trump signed two executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the federal government. The first order terminates DEI programs initiated under Joe Biden, while the second broadly bans DEI activities, overturning past executive orders, including one from Lyndon B. Johnson. These orders grant the Trump administration broad authority to eliminate DEI measures and require federal employees to report colleagues furthering DEI efforts. The legality of these orders may be challenged in court.
• Trump repeals Executive Order 11246 — President Donald Trump issued an executive order repealing Executive Order 11246, originally signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. This order had prohibited government contractors with contracts over $10,000 from discriminating in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Trump's repeal is part of an initiative to end what he describes as "radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing." The repeal could hinder opportunities for minorities and women in government contracting, as it removes requirements for contractors to demonstrate non-discrimination and gather workforce composition data.

Supporting reports

• Trump revokes federal contractor civil rights order — On January 21, President Donald Trump revoked an executive order that had guided federal contractor nondiscrimination policy for nearly 60 years, which was rooted in earlier civil rights efforts. This action is seen as a significant step in dismantling protections for workers and undermining the principles of equality established in previous administrations.
• Trump repeals Executive Order 11246 — President Donald Trump issued an executive order repealing Executive Order 11246, originally signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. This order had prohibited government contractors with contracts over $10,000 from discriminating in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Trump's repeal is part of an initiative to end what he describes as "radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing." The repeal could hinder opportunities for minorities and women in government contracting, as it removes requirements for contractors to demonstrate non-discrimination and gather workforce composition data.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration sued over Schedule F executive order — The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration following the reinstatement of Schedule F, an executive order that reclassifies thousands of federal workers as political hires, making them easier to fire. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, arguing that the order deprives federal workers of due process rights and wrongly applies political appointee rules to career staff. The executive order has been criticized by various labor unions as an attack on federal employees and a return to a political spoils system.

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• Trump administration eliminated "X" gender marker on federal passports and denied or revoked requests to update gender markers — Within days of returning to office on January 20, 2025, the Trump administration reversed Biden-era protections for transgender Americans by eliminating the "X" gender marker on passports that had been introduced in 2022. Requests to update gender markers were returned with instructions to "correct" them back to birth sex. Some applicants reported their passports were seized and never reissued. The Supreme Court allowed the administration to continue enforcing these rules while litigation proceeds, leaving trans people unable to obtain identification documents that reflect their identity.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14168 eliminating gender markers from federal recognition and banning trans military service. — On his first day back in office, President Trump signed Executive Order 14168 titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government." Over the subsequent ten months, the order resulted in elimination of passport gender markers, ban on trans military service with reinstatement of discharge codes, threats to youth healthcare funding, closure of the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Lifeline (which had served 1.3 million youth), transfer of trans women to men's prisons, removal of federal data on trans Americans from government websites, removal of shelter protections, and deletion of LGBTQ health pages from federal sites.
• Executive Order on Gender Definitions and Policies — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14168, mandating federal agencies to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, and rescinding previous orders that supported gender identity recognition. The order directs agencies to enforce sex-based distinctions in federal policies and documents, and prohibits federal funding for gender ideology. It also requires changes to identification documents and agency policies to reflect these definitions.
• Trump issues executive order on gender and fetal personhood — Donald Trump issued an executive order that defines gender based on biological sex at conception, incorporating language that aligns with the concept of fetal personhood. This doctrine, advocated by the anti-abortion movement, suggests that life begins at conception, granting embryos and fetuses full legal rights. The order's language has raised concerns among abortion rights supporters, as it could potentially lead to nationwide abortion bans and criminalization of the procedure. The order was issued shortly after Trump took office, signaling a possible shift in federal policy regarding reproductive rights.
• Trump issues executive order on passport sex markers — On January 20, 2025, Trump issued an executive order overturning a 33-year State Department policy allowing transgender individuals to change sex markers on passports. The order declared that "It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female," defined as "an individual's immutable biological classification" assigned "at conception." The order characterized transgender identity as "false" and "corrosive" to the country.
• Trump issues executive order on gender ideology — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government." The order mandates federal agencies to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, and to enforce sex-based rights and protections accordingly. It directs agencies to revise policies, documents, and communications to reflect this definition and prohibits the use of federal funds to promote gender ideology. The order also rescinds previous executive orders related to gender identity and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• White House issued executive order redefining sex and gender in federal policy and rescinding prior LGBTQ+ protections — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing federal policy that recognizes only two sexes (male and female) as immutable biological categories and directs all federal agencies to enforce this definition across law, policy, and identification documents. The order directs the Attorney General to reinterpret the Supreme Court's Bostock decision, rescind prior guidance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, remove gender-identity-affirming materials from federal programs, prohibit federal funding for gender-affirming care in prisons, and enforce sex-based distinctions in detention facilities and shelters. It explicitly rescinds five prior executive orders and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• Trump administration issued new federal prison guidance transferring transgender women to men's prisons and authorizing male guards to conduct pat-down searches — New federal guidance issued by the Trump administration reshaped the federal prison system by directing the transfer of transgender women into men's prisons regardless of their safety or medical needs. Male guards were authorized to conduct pat-down searches on trans women, a practice condemned by advocates and medical professionals. Those who reported threats were placed in solitary confinement labeled as "protective custody," despite isolation being known to cause psychological harm. Federal court filings describe some trans women as being at "imminent risk" of assault.
• Trump administration issued directives removing LGBTQ and race-related books from federal military-base schools — The Trump administration issued directives around "gender ideology" that reshaped education in federal military-base schools. Administrators removed hundreds of LGBTQ- and race-related books from shelves. A federal judge ordered the books restored after legal challenge. Teacher unions warned that educators now face legal and administrative risks for using a student's correct name or pronouns. Federal guidance discouraged any support for social transition, even when recommended by medical professionals.
• Trump administration issued Executive Order 14168 directing federal agencies to delete LGBTQ health pages, suicide-risk data, and trans-related terminology from government records — Executive Order 14168, signed January 20, 2025, directed federal agencies to delete LGBTQ health pages, suicide-risk data, trans-related terminology, public health guidance, federal surveys, workforce protections, and research pages from government systems. Almost overnight, web pages went dark and guidance documents disappeared. Datasets that once helped hospitals, schools, and researchers understand risk and allocate resources became inaccessible. Some pages were restored only after lawsuits forced agencies to comply with transparency requirements.
• Trump creates policy recognizing only two genders — President Donald Trump signed an executive order removing "gender ideology guidance" from federal government communication, policies, and forms. The order establishes a policy recognizing only two genders, male and female, reversing a Biden-era action on gender identity acceptance.
• White House initiates Foreign Terrorist Organization designation process for Ansar Allah (Houthis) — President Trump signed a presidential action on January 22, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to initiate a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation process for Ansar Allah (the Houthis) within 30 days, followed by formal designation within 15 days thereafter. The order cites Houthi attacks on U.S. Navy vessels, civilian infrastructure in the Middle East, commercial shipping in the Red Sea, and Israeli targets. It directs the State Department to consult with intelligence and Treasury officials, and mandates USAID to review and terminate relationships with entities that have made payments to or are controlled by Ansar Allah or have criticized counter-Houthi efforts.

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• Trump administration signed Executive Order 14183 banning most transgender people from military service and discharging those already serving — Executive Order 14183, signed on January 20, 2025, banned most transgender people from enlisting in the military and began discharging those already serving. The order cut off gender-affirming medical care in the military health system, required service members to use facilities tied to birth sex regardless of lived identity or safety, and introduced discharge codes that can shadow service members for life, appearing in background checks and job applications.
• Trump plans rollback of transgender rights — Donald Trump has vowed to institute a sweeping rollback of transgender rights on his first day in office. This includes reinstating a military ban on transgender individuals and barring transgender women from competing in women's sports. Additionally, he plans to convene an FDA panel to investigate alleged links between hormone treatments and behavioral issues.

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• Presidential Memorandum on Hiring Freeze — President issued a memorandum ordering a freeze on hiring Federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective January 20, 2025. The freeze excludes military personnel and positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety. The Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with other agencies, is tasked with developing a plan to reduce the workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition within 90 days. The memorandum remains in effect for the IRS until further notice.
• White House issued memorandum freezing federal civilian hiring — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, imposing a freeze on hiring of federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective immediately. The freeze prohibits filling vacant positions as of noon on January 20, 2025, and creating new positions, with exceptions for military personnel, immigration enforcement, national security, public safety roles, and Social Security, Medicare, and Veterans benefits. The Director of OMB, in consultation with OPM and the USDS, must submit a workforce reduction plan within 90 days; upon issuance, the freeze expires government-wide except for the IRS, where it remains until the Treasury Secretary determines lifting it serves the national interest.

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• Regulatory Freeze Pending Review — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum ordering a regulatory freeze pending review. This directive requires all executive departments and agencies to halt proposing or issuing new rules until reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed by the President. The memorandum also mandates the withdrawal of rules sent to the Office of the Federal Register but not yet published, and considers postponing the effective date of published rules for 60 days for further review. The Office of Management and Budget Director is tasked with overseeing the implementation of this memorandum.
• White House issued presidential memorandum imposing regulatory freeze pending review — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive departments and agencies to halt the proposal or issuance of any rule until reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed after noon that day. The order requires withdrawal of rules sent to the Federal Register but not yet published, and directs agencies to postpone for 60 days the effective date of published rules or rules not yet in effect, pending review of factual, legal, and policy questions. The OMB Director may exempt rules addressing emergencies or statutory/judicial deadlines.

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• White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum reorganizing NSC structure and governance — The White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-1 on January 20, 2025, reorganizing the National Security Council and its subordinate committees. The memorandum establishes a unified NSC staff serving both national security and homeland security functions, designates new NSC members (including the Attorney General, Secretary of Interior, White House Chief of Staff, and National Security Advisor), clarifies the roles of the National Security Advisor and Homeland Security Advisor, and restructures the Principals Committee and Deputies Committee with new decision-making and dispute-resolution procedures. The memorandum supersedes all prior NSC organizational directives, including National Security Memorandum–2 of February 4, 2021.
• Trump designates acting cabinet and cabinet-level officials — President Trump issued a presidential action designating 31 individuals to serve as acting heads of cabinet departments and cabinet-level agencies, effective immediately, pending Senate confirmation of permanent appointees. The designations invoke 5 U.S.C. § 3345 et seq. (the Federal Vacancies Reform Act). Acting positions include Secretary of State (Lisa Kenna), Attorney General (James McHenry), Secretary of Defense (Robert Salesses), and heads of EPA, CIA, FBI, and other major agencies.
• Trump designates chairmen and acting chairmen across federal agencies — President Trump issued a presidential action on January 20, 2025, designating chairmen and acting chairmen for 15 federal agencies and commissions, including the FCC (Brendan Carr), FERC (Mark Christie), FTC (Andrew Ferguson), NLRB (Marvin Kaplan), NRC (David Wright), SEC (Mark Uyeda, acting), EEOC (Andrea Lucas, acting), FDIC (Travis Hill, acting), NCUA (Kyle Hauptman), USCCR (Peter Kirsanow), Farm Credit Administration (Jeffrey Hall), Surface Transportation Board (Patrick Fuchs), and Federal Maritime Commission (Louis Sola).
• Trump sends cabinet and cabinet-level nominations to Senate — President Trump sent nominations to the Senate for 23 cabinet and cabinet-level positions on January 20, 2025. The nominations include Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary, Pamela Bondi for Attorney General, Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, Peter Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, and 18 other positions spanning domestic and international agencies. The Senate must confirm each nominee.
• White House announces sub-cabinet nominations to Senate — The White House issued a formal nominations announcement to the Senate on January 20, 2025, naming 47 individuals for sub-cabinet positions across federal agencies. The list includes nominees for Deputy Secretaries, Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, agency heads, and other senior executive roles, replacing officials who resigned or whose terms expired. Positions span Defense, Treasury, State, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Justice, Veterans Affairs, and other departments.
• White House transmits 13 nominations to Senate for sub-cabinet positions — The White House transmitted 13 nominations to the Senate on January 22, 2025, for deputy secretaries, under secretaries, and other sub-cabinet roles across multiple agencies including Agriculture, Transportation, Energy, EPA, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Interior, Education, SBA, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The nominees are identified by name, home state, and the position sought, with most replacing officials who resigned.

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• America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14150, directing the Secretary of State to align the Department of State's policies and operations with an "America First" foreign policy. This directive emphasizes prioritizing American interests in foreign policy decisions. The order specifies that it should not affect existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights against the U.S. government.
• Establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14158, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency to modernize federal technology and software. The order renames the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service and creates a temporary organization to advance the President's 18-month DOGE agenda. The initiative aims to improve government-wide software, network infrastructure, and IT systems, promoting interoperability and data integrity.
• Executive Order 14154 Revokes Climate and Energy Regulations — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14154, titled "Unleashing American Energy," which revokes multiple previous executive orders related to climate and energy policies. The order aims to promote energy exploration and production on federal lands, eliminate the electric vehicle mandate, and streamline the permitting process for energy projects. It also disbands the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases and terminates the American Climate Corps.
• Executive Order Designating Cartels as Terrorist Organizations — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14157, designating certain international cartels and organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This order aims to address the national security threat posed by these entities, which are involved in violence and illegal activities across the U.S. southern border. The order mandates the Secretary of State, in consultation with other federal officials, to recommend designations under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
• Executive Order Ending DEI Programs — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14151 on January 20, 2025, directing the termination of all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The order mandates the Office of Management and Budget, along with other federal agencies, to eliminate DEI-related positions, programs, and policies within 60 days. The order aims to align federal employment practices with a policy of equal dignity and respect, excluding DEI considerations.
• Executive Order on Federal Hiring Reform — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14170 on January 20, 2025, reforming the federal hiring process to emphasize merit and efficiency. The order mandates a Federal Hiring Plan to recruit highly skilled individuals committed to American ideals, while preventing hiring based on race, sex, or religion. It aims to reduce hiring time, improve candidate communication, and integrate modern technology in recruitment. The Office of Personnel Management will establish performance metrics and consult with stakeholders to ensure reform success.
• Executive Order on Free Speech and Censorship — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14149 on January 20, 2025, aimed at restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship. The order prohibits federal entities from engaging in activities that abridge free speech and mandates an investigation into past government censorship. The Attorney General is tasked with reporting findings and recommending remedial actions. This order emphasizes the protection of constitutionally protected speech and seeks to correct past misconduct related to censorship.
• Executive Order on Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14172, directing the reinstatement of the name "Mount McKinley" and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The order mandates the Secretary of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System and work with relevant entities to implement these changes. The order aims to honor American heritage and contributions by renaming national landmarks.
• Executive Order Restores Accountability in Federal Workforce — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14171, reinstating Executive Order 13957, which creates Schedule F in the excepted service. This order aims to enhance accountability for policy-influencing positions within the federal workforce by allowing easier removal of employees for poor performance or misconduct. It revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected federal workforce rights, and mandates amendments to civil service regulations to align with the reinstated policies.
• Executive Order to Develop Alaska's Resources — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14153 on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to maximize the development of Alaska's natural resources. The order mandates rescinding restrictions on resource development, expediting permits, and prioritizing liquefied natural gas projects. It aims to enhance economic and national security by utilizing Alaska's energy, mineral, timber, and seafood resources. The order also calls for reviewing and potentially reversing previous regulations that hinder resource development in Alaska.
• Executive Order to End Federal Weaponization — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14147 on January 20, 2025, directing the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to review past federal enforcement and intelligence activities for misconduct. The order aims to address alleged weaponization of federal agencies against political opponents by the previous administration. Reports with recommendations for remedial actions are to be submitted to the President.
• President Trump rescinds multiple executive orders — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14148, revoking numerous executive orders from the previous administration. These include orders related to racial equity, COVID-19 response, climate change, and immigration policies. The revocations aim to reverse policies deemed harmful and restore what the administration describes as common sense to federal governance. The order mandates agency heads to cease implementation of the revoked orders and requires reviews of related actions for potential rescission or amendment.
• Presidential memorandum issued to resolve security clearance backlog — President issued a memorandum to address the backlog of security clearances for Executive Office of the President personnel. The White House Counsel is directed to grant interim Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearances for up to six months to affected personnel, allowing them access to necessary facilities and technology.
• Presidential memorandum mandates return to in-person work — President issued a memorandum directing heads of executive departments and agencies to end remote work arrangements and require employees to return to in-person work at their duty stations. Exemptions may be made as necessary by department and agency heads. The memorandum is to be implemented in accordance with applicable law.
• Presidential Memorandum on Accountability for Senior Executives — President issued a memorandum to enhance accountability among Career Senior Executive Service (SES) officials. The directive mandates the Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget to issue SES Performance Plans. Agency heads are instructed to reassess and realign SES members, reconstitute Executive Resources Boards, and enforce performance evaluations. The memorandum emphasizes the President's authority to remove SES officials who fail to meet performance standards or violate duties.
• Presidential memorandum on America First Trade Policy — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum establishing the America First Trade Policy. This policy directs various departments to investigate trade deficits, unfair trade practices, and currency manipulation. It also mandates reviews of trade agreements, including the USMCA, and assesses economic relations with China. The memorandum aims to enhance national security and benefit American workers and businesses by recommending tariffs and other measures.
• Presidential memorandum on emergency price relief — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum directing executive departments and agencies to deliver emergency price relief to American families. The memorandum aims to lower housing costs, reduce healthcare expenses, and eliminate climate policies that increase food and fuel costs. The Assistant to the President for Economic Policy is tasked with reporting on the implementation status within 30 days and every 30 days thereafter.
• Presidential Memorandum on Federal Civic Architecture — President issued a memorandum directing the General Services Administration (GSA) to propose recommendations for ensuring federal buildings reflect civic identity and classical architectural heritage. The GSA must consult with relevant officials and submit recommendations within 60 days. The memorandum emphasizes community input and potential revisions to architectural guidelines.
• Presidential Memorandum on Hiring Freeze — President issued a memorandum ordering a freeze on hiring Federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective January 20, 2025. The freeze excludes military personnel and positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety. The Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with other agencies, is tasked with developing a plan to reduce the workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition within 90 days. The memorandum remains in effect for the IRS until further notice.
• Presidential memorandum to redirect water in California — The President issued a memorandum directing the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to restart efforts to redirect water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Southern California. This action aims to address water shortages exacerbated by recent wildfires. The memorandum requires a progress report within 90 days on the implementation of these policies.
• Presidential Proclamation on Flag Display for Inauguration Day — President issued a proclamation mandating that the U.S. flag be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day at all federal buildings, military posts, and U.S. facilities worldwide. This order applies to all future Inauguration Days, honoring the significance of the event. The flag will return to half-staff after Inauguration Day in memory of former President Carter, as previously directed.
• Regulatory Freeze Pending Review — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum ordering a regulatory freeze pending review. This directive requires all executive departments and agencies to halt proposing or issuing new rules until reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed by the President. The memorandum also mandates the withdrawal of rules sent to the Office of the Federal Register but not yet published, and considers postponing the effective date of published rules for 60 days for further review. The Office of Management and Budget Director is tasked with overseeing the implementation of this memorandum.
• Trump rescinds 78 Biden-era orders — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order rescinding 78 orders and actions from the Biden administration. This sweeping action was part of Trump's first day in office, aimed at reversing policies related to the cost of living, censorship, and what he described as the "weaponisation of the government against the adversaries of the previous administration." The rescission of these orders marks a significant shift in policy direction.
• Trump signed 92 executive orders in 2025 — In the first 100 days of his presidency in 2025, Donald Trump signed 92 executive orders, marking the highest number of executive orders signed by a president in this timeframe for decades. These orders covered a wide range of policy areas, including civil service, immigration, education, health, taxes, tariffs, aid, and foreign policy. The rapid pace and breadth of these orders indicate a significant shift in U.S. policy under Trump's administration.
• Trump signs executive orders — On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed several executive orders during a public event, including one that withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. These orders were characterized as retaliatory actions against perceived wrongs and were met with approval from his supporters.
• America First Policy Directive To The Secretary Of State — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "America First Policy Directive To The Secretary Of State." This directive mandates the Secretary of State to align the Department of State's policies, programs, personnel, and operations with an "America First" foreign policy. The order emphasizes prioritizing American interests in foreign policy decisions. It is one of 26 executive orders issued by Trump on his first day in office during his second term.
• Executive Order Reforming Federal Hiring Process — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and software, aiming to enhance governmental efficiency and productivity. The order reorganizes the United States Digital Service into the United States DOGE Service, which will operate within the Executive Office of the President. It mandates the creation of DOGE Teams in each federal agency to implement the DOGE agenda, focusing on software modernization and data interoperability. The initiative includes a temporary organization to advance the agenda, set to terminate on July 4, 2026.
• Executive Order: Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at reforming the federal hiring process to emphasize merit and efficiency. The order mandates the development of a Federal Hiring Plan within 120 days, focusing on recruiting highly skilled individuals committed to American ideals and the Constitution. It prohibits hiring based on race, sex, or religion and seeks to reduce the time-to-hire to under 80 days. The plan also includes modernizing recruitment technology and improving communication with candidates.
• Trump designates cartels as terrorist organizations — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness." This order directs the reinstatement of the name "Mount McKinley" for North America's highest peak, reversing a 2015 decision by the Obama administration. It also mandates the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The order requires the Secretary of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System and work with relevant entities to implement these changes. The order aims to honor American historical figures and promote national heritage.
• Trump ends federal DEI programs — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order designating certain international cartels and other organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This order aims to address the national security threat posed by these groups, which are involved in activities such as drug trafficking and violence across the U.S. southern border. The order mandates the Secretary of State, in consultation with other federal officials, to recommend designations under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The order also declares a national emergency to address these threats.
• Trump issues executive order on federal workforce accountability — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, to terminate all federal programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The order directs the Office of Management and Budget, the Attorney General, and the Office of Personnel Management to coordinate the cessation of DEI programs across federal agencies. It mandates the termination of DEI offices, positions, and related initiatives, and requires agencies to report on DEI-related expenditures and positions. The order aims to eliminate what it describes as discriminatory practices and restore a focus on merit-based employment.
• Trump issues executive order on gender ideology — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce." This order reinstates and amends Executive Order 13957, originally issued in 2020, which created Schedule F in the excepted service. The order aims to enhance accountability among federal employees in policy-influencing positions by reinstating the prior administration's policy with modifications. It also revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected the federal workforce, and mandates changes to civil service regulations to align with the new order.
• Trump issues executive order to end federal censorship — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government." The order mandates federal agencies to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, and to enforce sex-based rights and protections accordingly. It directs agencies to revise policies, documents, and communications to reflect this definition and prohibits the use of federal funds to promote gender ideology. The order also rescinds previous executive orders related to gender identity and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• Trump issues executive order to end federal government weaponization — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship." The order aims to secure the right of Americans to engage in constitutionally protected speech without government interference. It prohibits federal departments and agencies from using resources to abridge free speech and mandates an investigation into past government actions that may have suppressed speech. The Attorney General is tasked with reporting findings and recommending remedial actions.
• Trump Issues Executive Order to Unleash Alaska's Resource Potential — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, aimed at ending the perceived weaponization of the federal government by the previous administration. The order directs the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to review the activities of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies over the past four years. They are tasked with identifying instances of misconduct and recommending remedial actions. The order emphasizes accountability for actions that allegedly targeted political opponents and were inconsistent with constitutional and legal standards.
• Trump Issues Executive Order to Unleash American Energy — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, aimed at maximizing the development of Alaska's natural resources. The order directs federal agencies to rescind or amend regulations that hinder resource development in Alaska, particularly on federal and state lands. It emphasizes the importance of developing Alaska's liquified natural gas (LNG) potential and includes specific actions for the Department of the Interior and other agencies to facilitate resource extraction and infrastructure development. The order seeks to reverse restrictions from the previous administration and enhance national economic and energy security.
• Trump issues executive order to withdraw from Paris Agreement — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Unleashing American Energy." The order aims to promote energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters, establish the U.S. as a leading producer of non-fuel minerals, and eliminate regulatory barriers to consumer choice in vehicles and appliances. It revokes several previous executive orders related to climate change and environmental regulations, and mandates a review of agency actions that may burden domestic energy development. The order also calls for expedited permitting processes and prioritizes national security in energy policy.
• Trump rescinds multiple executive orders from previous administration — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements," directing the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The order mandates the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to submit formal notification of withdrawal and cease any financial commitments related to the agreement. The order emphasizes prioritizing American economic interests in international environmental agreements and revokes the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan.
• Trump Withdraws U.S. from World Health Organization — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions," which revoked several executive orders from the previous administration. These included orders related to racial equity, COVID-19 response, climate change, and gender identity discrimination, among others. The order aims to reverse policies deemed by Trump as inflationary, illegal, and radical, and to restore what he describes as common sense to the federal government. The order mandates agency heads to cease implementation of the revoked orders and requires reviews of related actions for further rescission or amendment.
• President Trump signed executive order reinstating Schedule F civil service exemption with amendments — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The order revokes a previous retraction of the withdrawal notice and halts U.S. funding and personnel support to the WHO. It also mandates the Secretary of State to inform the United Nations and WHO leadership of the withdrawal. The order cites the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial contributions as reasons for the withdrawal.
• Signed Executive Order 14154 revoking climate and environmental protections and redirecting energy policy toward fossil fuel development — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, reinstating and amending Executive Order 13957 (Schedule F), which creates a new "Schedule Policy/Career" category in the excepted service for federal employees in policy-influencing positions. The order removes civil service protections and adverse action procedures for these employees, allowing their dismissal without the procedural safeguards that apply to competitive service employees. The order revokes Executive Order 14003 and directs the Office of Personnel Management to rescind regulations protecting civil service merit principles.
• Trump signed executive order rescinding 78 prior executive orders and memoranda from the Biden administration — The White House signed Executive Order 14154 on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to review and suspend regulations that burden fossil fuel development, revoke 12 prior executive orders on climate and environmental protection, terminate the American Climate Corps, pause disbursement of Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds, expedite permitting for energy projects, disband the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases, and eliminate the "social cost of carbon" from regulatory decisions. The order directs agencies to eliminate EV subsidies and mandates, streamline NEPA review, and prioritize mineral extraction on federal lands.
• White House issued executive order directing review of federal law enforcement and intelligence activities over prior four years — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, rescinding 78 executive orders and presidential memoranda issued between January 20, 2021, and January 14, 2025. The order states the prior administration "embedded deeply unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices" including DEI initiatives, border policies, and climate regulations. The order directs agency heads to end DEI implementation and instructs the Directors of the Domestic Policy Council and National Economic Council to review remaining actions and recommend additional rescissions within 45 days. The National Security Advisor is directed to review all National Security Memoranda from the prior administration and recommend rescissions within 45 days.
• White House issued executive order redefining sex and gender in federal policy and rescinding prior LGBTQ+ protections — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government" on January 20, 2025. The order directs the Attorney General to review enforcement activities across federal departments and agencies over the preceding four years and identify instances of alleged misconduct, and directs the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a parallel review of Intelligence Community activities. Both officials are instructed to submit reports with recommendations for remedial actions. The order asserts the prior administration engaged in "weaponization" of law enforcement and intelligence against political opponents.
• White House issued executive order reforming federal hiring process — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing federal policy that recognizes only two sexes (male and female) as immutable biological categories and directs all federal agencies to enforce this definition across law, policy, and identification documents. The order directs the Attorney General to reinterpret the Supreme Court's Bostock decision, rescind prior guidance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, remove gender-identity-affirming materials from federal programs, prohibit federal funding for gender-affirming care in prisons, and enforce sex-based distinctions in detention facilities and shelters. It explicitly rescinds five prior executive orders and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• White House issued memorandum freezing federal civilian hiring — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the development of a Federal Hiring Plan within 120 days. The order states that current federal hiring practices are "broken, insular, and outdated" and claims they improperly prioritize factors such as "equity" and "gender identity." The order directs the plan to prioritize recruitment based on commitment to constitutional values and efficiency, prevent hiring based on race, sex, or religion, implement technical assessments, reduce time-to-hire to under 80 days, and improve candidate communication. It also requires specific agency plans for Senior Executive Service positions in named Cabinet agencies and other entities.
• White House issued presidential memorandum directing emergency price relief measures — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, imposing a freeze on hiring of federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective immediately. The freeze prohibits filling vacant positions as of noon on January 20, 2025, and creating new positions, with exceptions for military personnel, immigration enforcement, national security, public safety roles, and Social Security, Medicare, and Veterans benefits. The Director of OMB, in consultation with OPM and the USDS, must submit a workforce reduction plan within 90 days; upon issuance, the freeze expires government-wide except for the IRS, where it remains until the Treasury Secretary determines lifting it serves the national interest.
• White House issued presidential memorandum imposing regulatory freeze pending review — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive departments and agencies to deliver emergency price relief and increase worker prosperity. The memorandum attributes inflation to Biden-era policies, regulatory burden, and energy restrictions. It orders agencies to lower housing costs, reduce healthcare administrative expenses, eliminate appliance requirements, create employment, and eliminate climate policies affecting food and fuel costs. The Assistant to the President for Economic Policy is directed to report on implementation every 30 days.
• White House issues America First Policy Directive to Secretary of State — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive departments and agencies to halt the proposal or issuance of any rule until reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed after noon that day. The order requires withdrawal of rules sent to the Federal Register but not yet published, and directs agencies to postpone for 60 days the effective date of published rules or rules not yet in effect, pending review of factual, legal, and policy questions. The OMB Director may exempt rules addressing emergencies or statutory/judicial deadlines.
• White House issues executive order renaming Mount McKinley and Gulf of Mexico — The White House issued a presidential directive on January 20, 2025, instructing the Secretary of State to align the Department of State's policies, programs, personnel, and operations with an "America First foreign policy" that prioritizes American interests. The order directs the Secretary to issue guidance "as soon as practicable" to implement this reorientation. The directive contains standard boilerplate provisions preserving existing agency authority and requiring consistency with applicable law.
• White House issues memorandum directing GSA to recommend federal architecture policy — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the restoration of the name "Mount McKinley" to North America's highest peak (renamed Denali in 2015) and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The order directs the Secretary of the Interior to update federal geographic naming systems within 30 days and instructs agency heads to review and potentially replace appointees to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to align with the stated policy of honoring "visionary and patriotic Americans."
• White House issues memorandum requiring federal employees to return to full-time in-person work — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing the Administrator of the General Services Administration to submit recommendations within 60 days on advancing a policy that federal public buildings should be "visually identifiable as civic buildings" and respect "regional, traditional, and classical architectural heritage." The memorandum requires the GSA to consider revisions to the Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture and procedures for community input. It also mandates that the GSA notify the White House at least 30 days before approving any new federal building design that diverges from this policy.
• White House issues presidential memorandum withdrawing all Outer Continental Shelf areas from offshore wind leasing and imposing moratorium on federal wind permitting — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive branch department and agency heads to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their duty stations on a full-time basis. The memorandum permits department and agency heads to make exemptions they deem necessary and states it shall be implemented consistent with applicable law.
• White House signed executive order directing reversal of Alaska resource development restrictions and expedited permitting for energy and mineral projects — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing the withdrawal of all areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from offshore wind energy leasing, effective January 21, 2025, pending revocation. The memorandum also imposes a temporary cessation of new or renewed federal approvals, permits, leases, and loans for onshore and offshore wind projects pending a comprehensive review. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to place a moratorium on activities under the Lava Ridge Wind Project Record of Decision and to assess environmental and cost impacts of defunct windmills.
• White House signed executive order establishing Department of Government Efficiency — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to rescind, revoke, or amend regulations and policies restricting resource development in Alaska implemented between January 2021 and January 2025. The order mandates expedited permitting for energy, mineral, timber, and seafood development on federal and state lands; prioritizes liquefied natural gas infrastructure; withdraws protections in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; places temporary moratoriums on recent environmental reviews; and directs the Secretary of the Interior to reinstate prior oil and gas leasing decisions and rescind conservation rules in the National Petroleum Reserve and national forests.
• White House signed executive order on free speech and federal censorship — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and software. The order renames the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service, establishes a USDS Administrator reporting to the White House Chief of Staff, and creates a temporary organization set to terminate July 4, 2026. Each federal agency must establish DOGE Teams of at least four employees within 30 days. The order directs USDS to conduct a Software Modernization Initiative and grants USDS full access to unclassified agency records and IT systems.
• White House signed executive order terminating federal DEI programs and positions — President Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship" on January 20, 2025. The order asserts that the previous administration censored Americans' speech by pressuring social media companies to moderate or deplatform content, and directs all federal departments and agencies to cease any conduct that would "unconstitutionally abridge" free speech. It instructs the Attorney General to investigate federal censorship activities over the prior four years and submit recommendations for remedial action.
• — President Trump signed an executive order directing the termination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and related programs across the federal government. The order instructs the Office of Management and Budget, Attorney General, and Office of Personnel Management to coordinate the elimination of DEI offices, positions, equity action plans, and related mandates within 60 days. Agencies must report on existing DEI expenditures and assess operational impacts. The order states that federal employment practices shall reward "individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work" and shall not consider DEI factors.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Border Security — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14165 on January 20, 2025, directing the deployment of physical barriers and personnel to secure the U.S. southern border. The order mandates the resumption of the Migrant Protection Protocols, adjustments to parole policies, and prioritization of prosecuting border-related offenses. It aims to deter illegal immigration and enhance border security through various measures, including international cooperation and DNA identification requirements.
• National emergency declared at southern border — President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border of the United States, citing threats from cartels, criminal gangs, and illicit narcotics. The proclamation authorizes the use of the Armed Forces to support the Department of Homeland Security in securing the border, including constructing additional physical barriers and deploying personnel. The proclamation revokes a previous termination of the emergency and requires reports on actions taken and conditions at the border.
• President Trump declares a national energy emergency — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14156, declaring a national energy emergency. The order directs federal agencies to use emergency authorities to enhance domestic energy production, transportation, and infrastructure. It aims to address high energy prices and vulnerabilities in energy supply, particularly in the Northeast and West Coast regions. The order invokes the National Emergencies Act and the Defense Production Act to expedite energy-related projects and infrastructure improvements.
• Presidential Proclamation on Border Security — President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring an ongoing invasion at the southern border of the United States. The proclamation suspends the entry of aliens involved in this invasion and imposes restrictions on their access to immigration provisions. The President directed the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, to take actions necessary to repel and remove aliens engaged in the invasion.
• Trump declares national border emergency — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border. This order allows for the deployment of US troops to the southern border to assist the Department of Homeland Security in controlling immigration. The declaration is part of a series of executive orders aimed at cracking down on immigration and unauthorized border crossings, despite a recent decrease in such crossings. The move has sparked controversy and is expected to face legal challenges.
• Trump declares national emergency at southern border — President Trump signed a national emergency declaration concerning the southern border, framing foreigners as national security threats. This declaration is part of a series of executive orders aimed at restricting immigration and increasing border security. The emergency declaration allows for the use of military resources to enforce border control and aims to achieve "complete operational control" of the border, defined as zero unlawful entries.
• Trump declares national energy emergency — On his first day back in office, Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency, allowing his administration to expedite permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure. This declaration is part of a broader agenda to increase oil and gas production, including lifting restrictions on drilling in Alaska and resuming liquefied natural gas exports. The move is expected to face legal challenges due to questions about the legitimacy of the emergency. The declaration aims to boost national security and job creation by increasing natural resource production.
• Trump declares national energy emergency to bypass environmental permitting rules — On his first day back in office (January 2025), Trump declared a national "energy emergency" to accelerate permitting for oil and gas projects and override environmental regulations. The declaration claimed to address a purported energy crisis, though the U.S. produces more oil and gas than any other nation. Fifteen Democratic state attorneys general sued to halt the declaration, arguing it unlawfully bypassed normal permitting procedures and endangered natural resources and drinking water standards.
• Trump declared emergency at southern border and requested Insurrection Act advice — When Trump declared an emergency at the southern border on January 20, he ordered the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to advise him whether they thought it necessary to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act. That act allows a president during times of civil unrest to use the military against U.S. citizens. The article notes that this action, combined with the administration's apparent willingness to deport people without due process, has raised alarm among Americans about the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act.
• Executive Order Clarifying Military's Role in Border Protection — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order clarifying the military's role in protecting the territorial integrity of the United States. The order directs the Secretary of Defense to revise the Unified Command Plan, assigning the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) the mission to secure the borders against unlawful mass migration, narcotics trafficking, and other criminal activities. The order emphasizes the military's role in maintaining national sovereignty and security along the borders, citing a national emergency at the southern border.
• Trump Declares National Energy Emergency — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring a national energy emergency. The order directs federal agencies to utilize emergency authorities to enhance the identification, leasing, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy resources. It emphasizes the need for a reliable and diversified energy supply to support national security and economic stability. The order also calls for expedited infrastructure projects and emergency regulations to address energy supply issues, particularly in the Northeast and West Coast regions of the United States.
• Trump issues executive order to secure U.S. borders — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Securing Our Borders." The order mandates the construction of physical barriers and deployment of personnel along the southern border to achieve complete operational control. It also calls for the resumption of the Migrant Protection Protocols, adjustments to parole policies, and increased cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The order aims to deter illegal immigration, prioritize the prosecution of border-related offenses, and enhance international cooperation to secure the border.
• President Trump declared a national energy emergency under the National Emergencies Act — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, declaring a national energy emergency. The order directs federal agencies to use all available lawful authorities—including emergency powers under the Defense Production Act and eminent domain—to accelerate energy identification, leasing, production, transportation, refining, and generation on federal lands. It instructs agencies to expedite infrastructure projects, invoke emergency permitting under the Clean Water Act, and apply emergency consultation procedures under the Endangered Species Act to facilitate energy development. The order establishes quarterly convening of the Endangered Species Act Committee to review exemption applications and identify regulatory obstacles to energy infrastructure.
• Trump declares national emergency at southern border and invokes military deployment authority — President Trump issued a proclamation declaring a national emergency at the southern border, invoking the National Emergencies Act and directing the Secretary of Defense to deploy Armed Forces units, including the Ready Reserve and National Guard, to support Department of Homeland Security operations. The proclamation authorizes construction of additional physical barriers, directs waiver of FAA and FCC regulations for unmanned systems within 5 miles of the border, and requires revision of use-of-force policies. It revokes the prior emergency termination proclamation and directs reports within 30 and 90 days, the latter to include recommendations on invoking the Insurrection Act.
• Trump issued proclamation declaring southern border "invasion" and suspending entry of migrants — President Trump signed a proclamation on January 20, 2025, declaring the southern border situation an "invasion" under Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution. The proclamation suspends physical entry of aliens "engaged in the invasion" across the southern border, restricts their access to asylum provisions (Section 208 of the INA), and directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to "repel, repatriate, or remove" such aliens. The order applies to aliens who fail to provide medical, criminal history, or background information before entry. Trump asserts inherent constitutional authority to take these actions independent of statutory immigration law.
• Trump declared national emergency at southern border — On January 20, 2025, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, allowing federal funds to be used to build a border wall without Congressional approval. This declaration is part of Trump's ongoing efforts to enhance border security and control immigration. The move bypasses legislative oversight and has sparked legal and political challenges.
• Executive Order on Military's Role in Border Protection — On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order declaring an emergency at the southern US border along with several immigration-related policies. Trump stated in his inauguration speech "All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came." The declaration paves the way to send US troops to the border and fulfills campaign promises for hardline immigration policies. Immigrant communities have braced for Trump's promised "largest deportation program in American history."
• White House signed executive order assigning military border enforcement mission to USNORTHCOM — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14167, clarifying the military's role in protecting U.S. territorial integrity. The order directs the Secretary of Defense to revise the Unified Command Plan, assigning USNORTHCOM the mission to secure borders against unlawful migration and criminal activities. The order emphasizes the military's role in maintaining national sovereignty and security along the southern border.
• Trump declares national emergency at US-Mexico border — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Defense to revise the Unified Command Plan within 10 days to assign U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) a mission to "seal the borders" and repel what the order characterizes as "forms of invasion" including unlawful mass migration, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling. The order also directs USNORTHCOM to develop contingency and campaign plans for steady-state southern border security operations.
• Trump plans to declare border emergency — President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern US border. This action is part of a series of hardline immigration policies, including plans to deploy US troops to the border and initiate mass deportations.
• President Trump signs executive order declaring national emergency at southern border — President Trump declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, citing the need to halt illegal entry and return undocumented migrants. This declaration is part of a broader immigration crackdown and includes designating criminal cartels as "foreign terrorist organizations." The move is expected to lead to increased military presence at the border.
• Trump to deploy troops to US-Mexico border — President Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency, allowing his administration to fast-track permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure. This declaration is part of a broader effort to roll back climate policies and promote fossil fuel production. The order is likely to face legal challenges due to its environmental implications.
• Trump sends troops to southern border — Donald Trump plans to declare a national emergency at the US border, using Title 42 to trigger public health emergency powers similar to those used during the Covid pandemic. This declaration aims to prevent migrants from entering or staying in the country. However, this approach faces a significant hurdle as only the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can declare such emergencies.
• Department of Defense orders military personnel to the border — President Trump signed an executive order on January 22, 2025, invoking the National Emergencies Act regarding the southern border. The order directs the Secretary of Defense to deploy additional Armed Forces and National Guard personnel to the border, and instructs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to complete the border wall and expand air mission flexibility. The fact sheet characterizes the action as a response to what it claims are record illegal immigration encounters and associated harms.
• Trump declares national emergency at the southern border — The Pentagon is preparing to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border as part of President Donald Trump's new immigration enforcement strategy. This move is part of a series of executive actions targeting immigration, including the suspension of the refugee resettlement program. The deployment, authorized by acting defense secretary Robert Salesses, will add to the 2,500 army reserve and national guard soldiers already supporting federal law enforcement at the border. The exact role of the troops remains unclear, but the deployment marks a significant militarization of the border.
• Trump deploys military to southern border — The Trump administration deployed 1,000 soldiers and 500 Marines to the southern U.S. border. The Marines were redirected from California, where they were on standby for wildfire threats. This deployment is being treated as a military operation, with troops armed and prepared for engagement. The move comes despite border crossings being at their lowest in over four years.
• — The Department of Defense announced the deployment of 1,500 active-duty military personnel to the southern border, joining an existing contingent of 2,500 troops. This deployment is part of Trump's directive to make homeland security a core mission of the agency, which includes providing support for deportations.
• — President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, despite lower border crossings compared to previous years. He directed the Defense Department and Homeland Security to consider invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow military deployment to suppress domestic unrest. This declaration follows his push to eliminate a bipartisan immigration measure aimed at expediting asylum hearings.
• — Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses announced the deployment of 1,500 active-duty military personnel to the southern border of the United States, joining 2,500 already present. This action follows Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the border and raises concerns about the militarization of domestic issues.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order revokes security clearances for election interference — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14152, revoking security clearances of 51 former intelligence officials and John R. Bolton for election interference and improper disclosure of sensitive information. The order aims to prevent the Intelligence Community from engaging in partisan politics and influencing U.S. elections. The Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the CIA Director, is tasked with implementing the revocations and reporting additional inappropriate activities within 90 days.
• Trump strips security clearances — On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order intending to strip security clearances from 51 individuals he accused of election interference related to Hunter Biden’s laptop. This action raises concerns about the politicization of security clearances.
• Trump issues executive order revoking security clearances — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order revoking the security clearances of 50 former intelligence officials, including John R. Bolton, for their alleged involvement in election interference and improper disclosure of sensitive information. The order claims these individuals engaged in misleading political coordination with the Biden campaign during the 2020 election and improperly disclosed classified information. The Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the CIA Director, is tasked with implementing the revocations and reporting on any additional inappropriate activities within 90 days.
• White House signed executive order revoking security clearances of 50 named former officials — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the revocation of active security clearances held by 50 named former government officials and intelligence professionals. The order states that these individuals signed a 2020 letter regarding reporting on President Biden's son's laptop, which the order characterizes as "misleading and inappropriate political coordination" with the Biden campaign. The order also directs revocation of clearances for John Bolton, citing his memoir publication. The Director of National Intelligence is instructed to submit a report within 90 days on additional conduct and disciplinary recommendations.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order to End Federal Weaponization — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14147 on January 20, 2025, directing the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to review past federal enforcement and intelligence activities for misconduct. The order aims to address alleged weaponization of federal agencies against political opponents by the previous administration. Reports with recommendations for remedial actions are to be submitted to the President.
• Trump signs executive orders for DOJ investigations — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed two executive orders directing the attorney general to conduct investigations into the Biden administration. These orders aim to address what Trump describes as the "weaponization of the federal government" and "government censorship of speech." The investigations are to be conducted by the Department of Justice, with findings reported to a political appointee at the White House. This move is seen as an effort to use the DOJ's power to pursue Trump's personal grievances against the previous administration.
• Trump issues orders for DOJ and ODNI investigations — President Trump issued two executive orders on January 20, 2025, allowing the Department of Justice and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to conduct broad investigations into alleged "censorship of free speech" and "weaponization of the federal government" by the Biden administration. These orders are seen as politically motivated and could lead to further polarization and misuse of federal resources.
• Trump removes DOJ officials — On January 21, 2025, President Trump removed and reassigned several top career officials in the Justice Department's national security and criminal divisions. This action is part of a broader effort to reshape the department and has raised concerns about the independence and integrity of the DOJ.
• Trump suggests prosecution of Biden — President Trump suggested on January 22, 2025, that former President Biden could face prosecution, stating, "The funny thing, maybe the sad thing, is he didn’t give himself a pardon." This statement has raised concerns about the potential for politically motivated prosecutions and the erosion of norms regarding the treatment of former presidents.

Supporting reports

• Trump cancels asylum appointment system — On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration canceled the CBP One app, an online system that allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments with border agents. This cancellation left many asylum seekers stranded and without access to the process.
• Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses Statement on DOD Actions Responding to President Trump's Executive Order on Securing our Border — The Department of War published a release on 2025-01-22 through its releases channel. The department's own account of it reads: "Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses issued a statement on DOD actions responding to President Trump's executive order on securing the border."
• Satellite Transition Impacts Some AFN Customers in the Pacific — The Department of War published a release on 2025-01-22 through its releases channel. The department's own account of it reads: "An upcoming satellite change for the four-channel AFN TV programming package will impact some audience members in the Pacific who use a satellite dish and decoder to get their AFN service."
• Trump to deploy troops to US-Mexico border — The Pentagon is preparing to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border as part of President Donald Trump's new immigration enforcement strategy. This move is part of a series of executive actions targeting immigration, including the suspension of the refugee resettlement program. The deployment, authorized by acting defense secretary Robert Salesses, will add to the 2,500 army reserve and national guard soldiers already supporting federal law enforcement at the border. The exact role of the troops remains unclear, but the deployment marks a significant militarization of the border.
• Trump sends troops to southern border — The Trump administration deployed 1,000 soldiers and 500 Marines to the southern U.S. border. The Marines were redirected from California, where they were on standby for wildfire threats. This deployment is being treated as a military operation, with troops armed and prepared for engagement. The move comes despite border crossings being at their lowest in over four years.
• Background Briefing on DOD Actions Responding to President Trump's Executive Order on Securing our Border — The Department of War published a transcript on 2025-01-23 through its transcripts channel. The department's own account of it reads: "A senior defense official and a senior military official conducted a background briefing on the Department of Defense deployment to the southwest border."
• Department of Defense orders military personnel to the border — The Department of Defense announced the deployment of 1,500 active-duty military personnel to the southern border, joining an existing contingent of 2,500 troops. This deployment is part of Trump's directive to make homeland security a core mission of the agency, which includes providing support for deportations.
• Trump deploys military to southern border — Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses announced the deployment of 1,500 active-duty military personnel to the southern border of the United States, joining 2,500 already present. This action follows Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the border and raises concerns about the militarization of domestic issues.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order Restores Accountability in Federal Workforce — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14171, reinstating Executive Order 13957, which creates Schedule F in the excepted service. This order aims to enhance accountability for policy-influencing positions within the federal workforce by allowing easier removal of employees for poor performance or misconduct. It revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected federal workforce rights, and mandates amendments to civil service regulations to align with the reinstated policies.
• Presidential Memorandum on Accountability for Senior Executives — President issued a memorandum to enhance accountability among Career Senior Executive Service (SES) officials. The directive mandates the Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget to issue SES Performance Plans. Agency heads are instructed to reassess and realign SES members, reconstitute Executive Resources Boards, and enforce performance evaluations. The memorandum emphasizes the President's authority to remove SES officials who fail to meet performance standards or violate duties.
• Presidential Memorandum on Hiring Freeze — President issued a memorandum ordering a freeze on hiring Federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective January 20, 2025. The freeze excludes military personnel and positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety. The Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with other agencies, is tasked with developing a plan to reduce the workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition within 90 days. The memorandum remains in effect for the IRS until further notice.
• Trump removes protections for career employees — President Donald Trump initiated a process to remove protections for career employees within the executive branch, aiming to dismiss officials perceived as part of the "deep state" or insufficiently loyal to him. This action is part of a broader effort to reshape the executive branch and consolidate power by eliminating perceived opposition within the federal workforce. The move signals a significant shift in the treatment of civil service employees under Trump's administration.
• Trump issues executive order on federal workforce accountability — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce." This order reinstates and amends Executive Order 13957, originally issued in 2020, which created Schedule F in the excepted service. The order aims to enhance accountability among federal employees in policy-influencing positions by reinstating the prior administration's policy with modifications. It also revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected the federal workforce, and mandates changes to civil service regulations to align with the new order.
• President Trump signed executive order reinstating Schedule F civil service exemption with amendments — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, reinstating and amending Executive Order 13957 (Schedule F), which creates a new "Schedule Policy/Career" category in the excepted service for federal employees in policy-influencing positions. The order removes civil service protections and adverse action procedures for these employees, allowing their dismissal without the procedural safeguards that apply to competitive service employees. The order revokes Executive Order 14003 and directs the Office of Personnel Management to rescind regulations protecting civil service merit principles.
• White House issued memorandum on Senior Executive Service accountability and presidential removal authority — The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing executive agencies to restore accountability for career Senior Executive Service (SES) officials. The memorandum asserts that SES officials must serve at the pleasure of the President and directs the Office of Personnel Management to issue new performance plans within 30 days, requires agency heads to reassign SES members to align with the administration's agenda, instructs agencies to reconstitute performance review boards with noncareer officials as majority members, and authorizes immediate removal of SES officials deemed inconsistent with administration priorities.
• Trump reimplements Schedule F — President Trump reimplemented Schedule F on January 20, 2025, allowing him to potentially purge around 50,000 career civil servants from the federal government. This action revives a controversial policy from his first term aimed at increasing political control over the civil service. Critics argue it undermines the independence and effectiveness of federal agencies.
• Trump reclassified federal employees as political hires — On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order reclassifying thousands of federal employees as political hires, making it much easier for them to be fired. The order reinstates "Schedule F," an executive order Trump signed in his first term seeking to reclassify tens of thousands of federal workers. Biden had rescinded the order. Key Trump aides have called for mass government firings as part of an attack on the "administrative" or "deep" state, a core part of Project 2025.
• Trump plans to revive Schedule F executive order — Donald Trump plans to revive his Schedule F executive order from 2020, which would reclassify tens of thousands of federal employees as political appointees, making them easier to dismiss. This move could dramatically reshape the federal workforce and faces likely legal opposition.
• Trump reclassifies federal employees — President Donald Trump signed an executive order reclassifying thousands of federal employees as political hires, making it easier to fire them. This action reinstates "Schedule F," a policy from Trump's first term, and is part of an effort to target the "deep state" by allowing for mass firings of civil servants deemed politically unreliable.
• Trump administration sued over Schedule F executive order — The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration following the reinstatement of Schedule F, an executive order that reclassifies thousands of federal workers as political hires, making them easier to fire. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, arguing that the order deprives federal workers of due process rights and wrongly applies political appointee rules to career staff. The executive order has been criticized by various labor unions as an attack on federal employees and a return to a political spoils system.
• State Department replaces consular affairs leadership with ideological allies on January 21, 2025 — On the morning of January 21, 2025, the White House immediately removed deputy assistant secretaries from the Bureau of Consular Affairs and replaced them with ideological allies, primarily members of the Ben Franklin Fellowship. This rapid replacement of career diplomats with ideologically vetted personnel was designed to prevent the "deep state" from thwarting administration immigration plans. Most senior members now managing visa policy are BFF members committed to border security and immigration restriction.
• Trump sidelines NSC aides — On January 22, 2025, President Trump sidelined about 160 career employee National Security Council aides. This action is part of a broader effort to consolidate control over national security policy and has raised concerns about the loss of experienced personnel and the impact on national security decision-making.

Supporting reports

• White House signed executive order establishing Department of Government Efficiency — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and software. The order renames the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service, establishes a USDS Administrator reporting to the White House Chief of Staff, and creates a temporary organization set to terminate July 4, 2026. Each federal agency must establish DOGE Teams of at least four employees within 30 days. The order directs USDS to conduct a Software Modernization Initiative and grants USDS full access to unclassified agency records and IT systems.
• Lawsuit filed against Trump's 'Doge' program — A lawsuit was filed against the 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) program, initiated by Donald Trump and led by Elon Musk, shortly after Trump's swearing-in. The lawsuit, filed by the public interest law firm National Security Counselors, claims that Doge violates federal transparency rules. It argues that Doge should be considered a federal advisory committee, which requires balanced representation, record-keeping, and public access to meetings. The program, which aims to cut government programs and jobs, has reportedly hired staff working from Musk's SpaceX offices.
• Elon Musk given office in West Wing — Elon Musk has reportedly secured an office in the West Wing of the White House, following negotiations with Donald Trump. This development suggests a close relationship between Musk and the Trump administration, raising questions about the influence of private sector leaders on government policy and operations.