Directives Published January 2026

Directive Watch is your source for clear, concise explanation of Presidential directives and executive orders issued by the White House.

We break down the technical legal jargon of each directive, explaining in plain language what it means and its potential impact.

Summary

  • 30th Jan 26 * The President ordered the establishment of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., directing federal agencies to designate a route and expedite necessary permits and approvals for the race celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. View
  • 29th Jan 26 * A national emergency concerning threats from the Government of Cuba was declared, authorizing the imposition of discretionary tariffs on products originating from countries supplying oil to Cuba. View
  • 29th Jan 26 * Established the White House Great American Recovery Initiative co-chaired by HHS and the Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery to coordinate the federal response to the addiction crisis, mandate evidence-based treatment protocols across agencies, and foster a culture of recovery. View
  • 29th Jan 26 * The President proclaimed 2026 as the Year of Celebration and Rededication to honor the 250th anniversary of American independence, urging nationwide patriotic observance and educational efforts. View
  • 28th Jan 26 * The President proclaimed January 25 through January 31, 2026, as National School Choice Week, reiterating commitments to parental control over education, expanded tax credits for scholarships, and realignment of federal education policy. View
  • 27th Jan 26 * The President issued an order directing FEMA and the SBA to preempt state and local permitting hurdles impeding post-wildfire rebuilding in Los Angeles and mandated audits of prior grant funds to ensure swift recovery. View
  • 24th Jan 26 * The President continued the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council until March 25, 2026, and designated the Secretary of Homeland Security to execute Presidential functions under the Federal Advisory Committee Act concerning the Council. View
  • 21st Jan 26 * Presidential authority was used to mandate federal agencies to restrict the sale of single-family homes to large institutional investors and review anti-competitive practices to increase homeownership opportunities for American families. View
  • 21st Jan 26 * The President proclaimed January 20, 2026, as the National Day of Patriotic Devotion to mark one year in office and celebrate the restoration of national sovereignty, safety, and prosperity. View
  • 19th Jan 26 * The President proclaimed January 19, 2026, as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, urging citizens to engage in acts of service. View
  • 16th Jan 26 * The President proclaimed January 16, 2026, as Religious Freedom Day, encouraging national observance and reaffirming commitments to religious liberty rooted in the Nation's founding principles. View
  • 14th Jan 26 * The President imposed a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on specific imported semiconductors and semiconductor equipment based on a Section 232 national security review, while simultaneously directing trade negotiations to adjust import dependency. View
  • 14th Jan 26 * Established a second emergency board, appointed by the President, to investigate unresolved labor disputes between the Long Island Rail Road Company and several labor unions. * Directed the Board to select the most reasonable final settlement offer between the parties within a specified timeframe under RLA Section 9A(g). * Ordered the parties to maintain existing working conditions until 60 days after the Board submitted its report. View
  • 14th Jan 26 * The President directed joint negotiations between the Secretary of Commerce and the USTR to adjust imports of Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products (PCMDPs) after determining current import volumes threatened national security under Section 232. View
  • 13th Jan 26 * The President nominated numerous individuals for posts including agency leadership, ambassadorships, U.S. Attorney positions, and Federal Maritime Commissioner roles, requiring Senate confirmation. View
  • 10th Jan 26 * The President declared a national emergency and ordered the preservation of Financial Government Deposit Funds belonging to Venezuela from judicial attachment pursuant to presidential authority under IEEPA and NEA. View
  • 7th Jan 26 * The President directed executive departments and agencies to initiate immediate withdrawal from numerous international organizations and specific UN entities based on a prior review concluding they are contrary to U.S. interests. View
  • 7th Jan 26 The President issued an order directing the Secretary of War to review defense contractors, immediately prohibiting stock buybacks and dividends for underperforming firms until necessary production capacities and priorities are met, and mandating future contract enforcement mechanisms. View
  • 5th Jan 26 * The administration submitted numerous nominations for U.S. Attorneys and U.S. District Judges to the Senate for confirmation. View
  • 2nd Jan 26 * A Presidential Order prohibited HieFo Corporation, controlled by a Chinese citizen, from retaining its acquisition of EMCORE Corporation assets, mandating divestment under CFIUS jurisdiction due to national security findings. View

Celebrating American Greatness with American Motor Racing

This Presidential Action establishes the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an INDYCAR street race to be held in Washington, D.C., near the National Mall, in celebration of America's 250th birthday.

The directive mandates that the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation quickly designate a suitable route, expedite all required permits and approvals—potentially classifying the event as a 'special event'—and coordinate road maintenance.

Furthermore, the Secretaries are tasked with facilitating appropriate aerial photography while ensuring government facility security, with all associated publication costs assigned to the Department of the Interior.

Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba

The President declared a national emergency, citing the Government of Cuba's alignment with hostile entities like Russia and Iran, hosting foreign intelligence facilities, supporting transnational terrorist groups, and perpetrating human rights abuses against its populace.

Based on this determination, which invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the order establishes a mechanism to impose additional *ad valorem* tariffs on goods imported from any foreign country that directly or indirectly sells or provides oil to Cuba, with implementation and monitoring delegated primarily to the Secretaries of Commerce and State.

Addressing Addiction through the Great American Recovery Initiative

This Presidential Action establishes the White House Great American Recovery Initiative (Initiative) to elevate and coordinate the national response to the addiction crisis, which affects 16.8 percent of the population and costs the United States hundreds of billions annually.

The Initiative will be co-chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery, comprising numerous cabinet-level officials and agency heads.

Its goals include coordinating federal programs, increasing public awareness of addiction as a chronic disease, advising agencies on integrating prevention, treatment, and recovery support across various systems (healthcare, criminal justice, housing), and consulting with state and community partners to advance a national effort toward recovery.

Year of Celebration and Rededication, 2026

Published: Thu 29th Jan 26

The President issued a Proclamation designating the year 2026 as the "Year of Celebration and Rededication" to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, tracing the nation's ideals back to the Declaration of Independence and citing historical figures and religious devotion as foundational elements.

The President calls upon all Americans, including homes, schools, businesses, and the military, to observe the year with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities focused on celebrating American history, teaching succeeding generations about the nation's heroes, and renewing dedication to liberty and justice.

National School Choice Week, 2026

Published: Wed 28th Jan 26

This Presidential Proclamation designates January 25 through January 31, 2026, as National School Choice Week, asserting the principle that parents, not bureaucrats, have the right to determine their children's education.

The document outlines the administration's efforts to expand school choice, citing the signing of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' to create a nationwide education tax credit program accessible to taxpayers supporting scholarship organizations and expanding 529 account use for K-12 education.

Furthermore, it details executive actions supporting state scholarship programs, directing the Secretary of Education to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education, and committing to replacing "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" agendas with merit-based instruction.

Addressing State and Local Failures to Rebuild Los Angeles After Wildfire Disasters

This Presidential Action asserts that state and local governments in California failed to manage the aftermath of devastating Los Angeles wildfires, causing significant delays in rebuilding despite extensive federal debris removal and financial aid allocation.

The order mandates immediate and decisive federal action to circumvent these perceived state and local bureaucratic obstacles, primarily directing the Secretary of Homeland Security (via FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to consider regulations that preempt local permitting processes and replace them with federal self-certification requirements for builders, all while expediting federal reviews under environmental and preservation laws and requiring accountability audits of prior federal grant usage.

Continuance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council

Published: Sat 24th Jan 26

This Presidential Action continues the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, which was initially established by Executive Order 14180, until March 25, 2026.

The order delegates the President's functions related to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as they apply to the Council, to the Secretary of Homeland Security to perform in accordance with GSA guidelines.

The action, effective January 24, 2026, also includes standard provisions regarding statutory authority, funding availability, and assurances that the order does not create new enforceable legal rights.

Stopping Wall Street from Competing with Main Street Homebuyers

This Presidential Action, issued under the authority vested in the President, aims to stop large Wall Street institutional investors from outcompeting American families for single-family homes, citing high inflation and interest rates as barriers to the American dream of homeownership.

The order directs several federal agencies, including the Departments of the Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs, to issue guidance preventing the facilitated purchase or disposal of single-family homes to large institutional investors, promoting sales instead to owner-occupants.

Furthermore, it mandates reviews for anti-competitive effects in local markets and calls for legislative recommendations to codify this policy permanently.

National Day of Patriotic Devotion, 2026

President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation designating January 20, 2026, as the National Day of Patriotic Devotion, marking the first anniversary of his inauguration and celebrating the administration's achievements in areas including border security, economic revival through deregulation and tax cuts, strengthening the military, and restoring perceived national values and American strength on the world stage.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2026

Published: Mon 19th Jan 26

This Presidential Proclamation officially designates January 19, 2026, as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s role in advancing liberty and equal justice under the law.

The President reaffirms commitment to the principles Dr. King advocated—that rights are endowed by God—and encourages all Americans to commemorate the holiday through acts of service to their communities and the Nation.

Religious Freedom Day, 2026

Published: Fri 16th Jan 26

This Presidential Proclamation, issued on January 16, 2026, formally designates that date as Religious Freedom Day, commemorating the enduring American commitment to the God-given right to practice faith freely without fear.

The document traces this right from the Mayflower settlers and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom—a precursor to the First Amendment—to the current administration's efforts to strengthen faith in the public square through initiatives like the White House Faith Office. The proclamation concludes by urging all Americans to honor the day by gathering at places of worship to praise the blessings of liberty.

ADJUSTING IMPORTS OF SEMICONDUCTORS, SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT, AND THEIR DERIVATIVE PRODUCTS INTO THE UNITED STATES

This Presidential Proclamation, issued under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, addresses the finding that imports of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and their derivatives threaten U.S. national security due to insufficient domestic production capacity.

The President adopts a two-phase plan, beginning with directing negotiations with foreign jurisdictions while immediately imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on a narrow category of advanced computing chips unless the importation supports U.S. technology supply chain buildout or domestic manufacturing.

The proclamation aims to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains essential for defense and critical infrastructure development.

Establishing a Second Emergency Board to Investigate Disputes Between the Long Island Rail Road Company and Certain of its Employees Represented by Certain Labor Organizations

Published: Wed 14th Jan 26

This Presidential Action establishes a second emergency board, effective January 16, 2026, to investigate ongoing and unresolved labor disputes between the Long Island Rail Road Company and five specific labor organizations, pursuant to Section 9A of the Railway Labor Act (RLA).

The order mandates that the parties submit final settlement offers within 30 days of the Board's creation, after which the Board must select the most reasonable offer.

Furthermore, it requires all parties to maintain existing employment conditions until 60 days following the Board's report submission to the President.

Adjusting Imports of Processed Critical Minerals and Their Derivative Products into the United States

This Presidential Proclamation announces a finding, based on a report from the Secretary of Commerce under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, that imports of Processed Critical Minerals and their Derivative Products (PCMDPs) threaten U.S. national security due to excessive foreign reliance, supply chain insecurity, and domestic production decline. The President concurs with the finding and directs the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to jointly negotiate agreements with trading partners to adjust these imports, specifying that if satisfactory agreements are not reached within 180 days, alternative remedies like tariffs or minimum import prices may be considered.

This document provides a compilation of numerous individuals nominated by the President to various high-level federal positions, including roles within executive departments, independent agencies, ambassadorships, and U.S. Attorney offices.

The listings specify the nominee's name, their proposed role, the agency or location, and often denote whether the appointment is to fill an expired term, a vacancy, or a newly created position, detailing the necessary Senate confirmation required for these appointments to take effect.

Safeguarding Venezuelan Oil Revenue for the Good of the American and Venezuelan People

This Presidential Action, issued under the authority granted by IEEPA and the NEA, declares a national emergency to safeguard "Foreign Government Deposit Funds" held by the U.S. Treasury on behalf of the Government of Venezuela from attachment or other judicial processes.

The President finds that allowing such process would materially harm U.S. national security and foreign policy by interfering with stability efforts in Venezuela and stemming threats like illegal immigration and narcotics flow.

The order directs the Secretary of the Treasury to hold these funds solely in a custodial capacity, under the direction of the Secretary of State, for public or diplomatic purposes, expressly overriding any previous executive orders affecting these specific funds.

Withdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States

This Presidential Memorandum directs all executive departments and agencies to immediately begin the process of withdrawing the United States from membership, participation in, or funding for a long list of specific non-UN and United Nations organizations, and related bodies.

This directive stems from the Secretary of State's review, completed under Executive Order 14199, which identified these groups as contrary to the interests of the United States, with the Secretary of State tasked to provide further implementation guidance.

Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting

Published: Wed 7th Jan 26

This Presidential Action, issued by the authority vested in the President, aims to revitalize the defense industrial base by compelling major defense contractors to prioritize warfighter capability and readiness over investor returns.

The action immediately prohibits underperforming contractors from issuing stock buybacks or dividends until they meet required standards for timely and quality production.

It directs the Secretary of War to review and identify non-compliant contractors, mandate remediation plans, enforce stricter contract provisions regarding executive compensation and production metrics, and consult on trade advocacy consequences, while also prompting the SEC to review stock buyback regulations.

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Published: Mon 5th Jan 26

This document, categorized under Presidential Actions, lists several nominations sent to the Senate for confirmation, primarily consisting of appointments for United States Attorneys for various districts and nominations for United States District Judges across several states.

Regarding the Acquisition of Certain Assets of Emcore Corporation by Hiefo Corporation

The document is a Presidential Order issued under the authority of the Defense Production Act, prohibiting HieFo Corporation, which is controlled by a citizen of the People's Republic of China, from retaining its acquisition of EMCORE Corporation's digital chip assets, deemed a threat to U.S. national security.

The order mandates that HieFo must divest all interests and rights in the acquired assets within 180 days under the supervision and verification of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), while immediately restricting access to the assets and related technical information until the divestment is complete.