Directives Published February 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
- 6th Feb 26 * The President terminated the 25 percent additional *ad valorem* duty imposed on products of India that was implemented under Executive Order 14329, effective February 7, 2026. View
- 6th Feb 26 * Established the 'America First Arms Transfer Strategy' to link U.S. arms exports directly to domestic defense industrial capacity building and streamline foreign military sales processes. View
- 6th Feb 26 * Directed the Attorney General to provide DHS access to Department of Justice CHRI and authorized the Secretary of Homeland Security to exchange felony conviction records with trusted foreign allies for border security and immigration vetting. View
- 6th Feb 26 * The President authorized the imposition of additional duties on imports from countries purchasing goods or services from Iran, citing a continuing national emergency. View
- 6th Feb 26 * Revoked the prohibition on commercial fishing within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, directing its management to follow Proclamation 10049. View
- 6th Feb 26 * The President temporarily increased the Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) for lean beef trimmings by 80,000 metric tons for the 2026 calendar year, allocating the entire amount to Argentina to address high consumer beef prices stemming from domestic supply shortages. View
- 4th Feb 26 The President sent the nomination of Michael McDonald to the Senate to serve as Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities. View
- 3rd Feb 26 * The President proclaimed February 2026 as National Black History Month, emphasizing the indispensable nature of Black American history to the overall American narrative. View
Modifying Duties to Address Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation
The President modifies existing national emergency trade restrictions imposed by Executive Order 14329 concerning Russia's actions against Ukraine. Based on newly received information and recommendations, the President determines that India has taken significant steps, including committing to cease importing Russian oil and agreeing to expanded defense cooperation, thus warranting the elimination of the 25 percent additional *ad valorem* duty previously placed on imports of articles of India.
This action becomes effective on February 7, 2026, and requires relevant agencies to coordinate modifications to the tariff schedule while establishing monitoring measures to ensure India does not resume Russian oil imports.
Establishing an America First Arms Transfer Strategy
This Presidential Action establishes an 'America First Arms Transfer Strategy' to leverage U.S. military equipment sales as a primary tool of foreign policy, explicitly linking arms exports to the expansion of domestic defense production capacity and technological superiority.
The order directs multiple federal agencies, including the Departments of War, State, and Commerce, to create implementation plans within strict deadlines, develop prioritized sales catalogs, streamline administrative processes like Third-Party Transfers, and enhance accountability through a new task force and public performance metrics.
Protecting the National Security and Welfare of the United States and its Citizens from Criminal Actors and Other Public Safety Threats
This Presidential Action, issued on February 6, 2026, establishes a policy to protect U.S. welfare and security by enhancing the ability of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to access Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) maintained by Federal criminal justice agencies, specifically the Department of Justice. Furthermore, the action authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to exchange CHRI concerning felony convictions with vetted foreign partners, such as Visa Waiver Program countries, on a reciprocal basis solely for border security and immigration screening purposes, ensuring all exchanges are governed by agreements that safeguard individual privacy.
Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Iran
The document is an Executive Order issued under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to address the continuing national emergency posed by the actions and policies of the Government of Iran.
It specifically institutes the authority to impose an additional ad valorem duty (a percentage tax) on imports coming from any foreign country that directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or acquires goods or services from Iran.
The order outlines specific roles for the Secretaries of Commerce and State in identifying non-compliant countries and recommending the applicable tariff rates, while affirming that existing sanctions related to Iran remain in place.
Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Atlantic
This Presidential Proclamation, dated February 6, 2026, revokes Proclamation 10287, which had prohibited commercial fishing in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, and reinstates the management conditions established by Proclamation 10049, thereby allowing regulated commercial fishing within the designated area.
The action is justified by finding that existing Federal laws, including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and others, provide adequate protection for the monument's objects of historic and scientific interest, making the commercial fishing ban unnecessary.
Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer
This proclamation, issued by the President on February 6, 2026, temporarily increases the in-quota quantity for certain beef imports, specifically lean beef trimmings, by 80,000 metric tons for the calendar year 2026.
The action is taken under Section 404 of the URAA to combat record-high ground beef prices resulting from a contracting domestic cattle herd, which was impacted by severe regional droughts, wildfire effects, and restrictions on Mexican calf imports.
The entire increased quota is specifically allocated to Argentina and will be administered in four quarterly, first-come, first-served tranches to restore supply and ensure affordable beef prices for American consumers.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
This document lists a specific nomination sent by the President to the Senate for confirmation: Michael McDonald of the District of Columbia, to serve as Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities for a four-year term, replacing Shelly C. Lowe.
National Black History Month, 2026
This Presidential Proclamation establishes February 2026 as National Black History Month, framing the celebration within the context of the Nation's 250th anniversary of independence.
The action asserts that Black history is an indispensable part of the grand American story, citing numerous historical Black American heroes who fought for liberty and equality.
Furthermore, the President connects this recognition to current efforts, including the National Garden of American Heroes and support for HBCUs, concluding with a call for the nation to observe the month with appropriate activities under the unified belief in American principles.