Directives Published May 2025

Presidential directives and executive orders issued by the White House in May 2025.

Summary

  • 30th May 25 The President issued a sequestration order for Fiscal Year 2026, implementing automatic spending cuts in accordance with the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act. View
  • 27th May 25 The President proclaimed May 28, 2025, as the 101st Anniversary of the United States Border Patrol, celebrating the agency's service and highlighting significant border security achievements under his administration. View
  • 25th May 25 President Trump proclaimed May 18-24, 2025, as World Trade Week, emphasizing an 'America First' approach to trade and highlighting efforts to protect American workers. View
  • 25th May 25 A presidential proclamation was issued designating Memorial Day 2025 as a day of prayer for permanent peace, observing a National Moment of Remembrance, and requesting flags be flown at half-staff. View
  • 25th May 25 President Trump proclaimed May 2025 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, emphasizing the importance of public health and well-being, and highlighting previous efforts to support and protect children's and women's sports participation. View
  • 23rd May 25 The President issued an executive order directing the accelerated development, deployment, and export of advanced nuclear reactor technologies to enhance national security, improve critical infrastructure resilience and promote American technological leadership in the field. View
  • 23rd May 25 The executive order initiated reforms at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, streamlining reactor licensing, revising radiation limits, and reorganizing the commission structure to increase domestic nuclear energy production. View
  • 23rd May 25 The President issued an executive order to reform nuclear reactor testing at the Department of Energy, streamlining the approval process, reforming environmental reviews, and establishing a pilot program for reactor construction. View
  • 23rd May 25 The presidential actions directed multiple federal agencies to develop plans for revitalizing the domestic nuclear fuel cycle, expand the nuclear energy workforce, and fund new and upgraded nuclear power plant projects. View
  • 23rd May 25 The executive order established guidelines for "Gold Standard Science" across federal agencies, promoting transparency and reproducibility in scientific research and decision-making. View
  • 22nd May 25 President Trump proclaimed May 22, 2025 as National Maritime Day, recognizing the U.S. Merchant Marine’s contributions to national defense and the economy. View
  • 20th May 25 President Trump signed the 'TAKE IT DOWN' Act (S. 146) into law, criminalizing the distribution of nonconsensual intimate visual depictions and requiring online platforms to remove such content. View
  • 16th May 25 The President proclaimed the third Saturday of May as Armed Forces Day, superseded a previous proclamation, and encouraged public acknowledgment of military service. View
  • 16th May 25 President Trump proclaimed May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. View
  • 16th May 25 The President proclaimed May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating Jewish American contributions and condemning anti-Semitism. View
  • 12th May 25 The President modified reciprocal tariff rates on Chinese goods, suspending certain tariffs for 90 days while imposing a 10% ad valorem rate on others. View
  • 12th May 25 The President proclaimed May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week, and called on Americans to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies. View
  • 12th May 25 The order directed federal agencies to implement most-favored-nation pricing for prescription drugs, addressing global price discrimination and seeking lower drug costs for American patients. View
  • 9th May 25 The president rescinded water conservation requirements for several appliances and washing machines, directed a clarification of a state regulation waiver, and initiated a process for Congress to consider further legislative changes. View
  • 9th May 25 The President established a National Center for Warrior Independence for homeless veterans, redirected funding, and initiated reforms to improve veteran care and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs. View
  • 9th May 25 The President directed federal agencies to expedite efforts to prevent the spread of invasive carp into the Great Lakes, prioritizing the Brandon Road Interbasin Project and streamlining permitting processes. View
  • 9th May 25 The President ordered a review of publication fees and mandated reports on publication times at the Office of the Federal Register, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce costs. View
  • 9th May 25 President Trump proclaimed May 9, 2025, as Military Spouse Day, recognizing the significant contributions and sacrifices of military spouses. View
  • 9th May 25 President Trump proclaimed May 11, 2025, as Mother's Day, acknowledging the contributions of mothers to families and the nation. View
  • 9th May 25 The President issued an executive order to address overcriminalization in federal regulations by requiring agencies to report on criminal offenses, promote regulatory transparency, and establish guidelines for criminal referrals. View
  • 9th May 25 Project Homecoming was established, offering financial incentives for illegal alien departure along with increased immigration enforcement. View
  • 7th May 25 President Trump proclaimed May 2025 as National Foster Care Month, recognizing the contributions of foster families and encouraging support for children in foster care. View
  • 7th May 25 A presidential proclamation was issued designating May 8, 2025, as Victory Day for World War II, commemorating the Allied victory and honoring the fallen. View
  • 5th May 25 The President ordered the streamlining of regulations to increase domestic pharmaceutical production, improve supply chain resilience, and expedite the approval process for new manufacturing facilities. View
  • 5th May 25 The President ordered a halt to federal funding of dangerous gain-of-function research conducted by foreign entities, revised key policies to enhance oversight, and implemented a strategy for managing risks associated with non-federally funded research. View
  • 5th May 25 A proclamation was issued designating May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. View
  • 5th May 25 A Presidential Proclamation declared May 4-10, 2025, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week to raise awareness and encourage preparedness for hurricanes. View
  • 5th May 25 President Trump proclaimed May 2025 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. View
  • 2nd May 25 President Trump proclaimed May 1, 2025, as Loyalty Day and Law Day, U.S.A., emphasizing the rule of law and American principles. View
  • 2nd May 25 The President issued a proclamation declaring May 1, 2025, as a National Day of Prayer, encouraging Americans to observe this day with prayer and reflection. View
  • 2nd May 25 A presidential proclamation designated May 3-4, 2025, as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend and ordered the US flag to be flown at half-staff on May 4th in honor of the fallen. View
  • 2nd May 25 Federal funding for NPR and PBS was ended via presidential order due to concerns about biased news coverage. View
  • 1st May 25 The executive order established the Religious Liberty Commission to study religious freedom in the US and advise on protective measures, with a report due by July 4, 2026. View

Fighting Overcriminalization in Federal Regulations

Published: Fri 9th May 25

This executive order aims to curb overcriminalization in federal regulations.

It addresses concerns about the excessive number and complexity of regulations, many carrying potential criminal penalties, by requiring agencies to review and report on existing criminal regulatory offenses, clarifying mens rea requirements in future rulemaking, and establishing guidelines for agency referrals to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution.

Exemptions exist for immigration laws and national security matters.

Establishing Project Homecoming

President Trump's proclamation establishes Project Homecoming, a program offering financial incentives – an "exit bonus" – to illegal aliens who voluntarily leave the U.S. The program aims to alleviate financial burdens on taxpayers, restore national sovereignty, and reduce crime. It directs the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to create streamlined departure processes, including subsidized flights.

Additionally, it mandates a significant increase in immigration enforcement and removal operations to address those who do not voluntarily depart.

National Foster Care Month, 2025

President Donald J. Trump's May 7, 2025 proclamation designates May 2025 as National Foster Care Month.

The proclamation acknowledges the vital role foster families play in providing care for over 360,000 children annually and emphasizes the importance of supporting these families and children.

It also highlights the Family First Prevention Services Act, aimed at keeping families together through evidence-based interventions.

The President's call to action encourages all Americans to find ways to support children and youth in foster care and to recognize the contributions of foster parents.

Vcitory Day for World War II, 2025

Published: Wed 7th May 25

President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring May 8, 2025, as Victory Day for World War II. The proclamation commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, paying tribute to the sacrifices of American servicemen and women who fought against Nazi Germany and its allies.

It emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace through strength and expresses renewed commitment to safeguarding the nation's freedom and security.

Regulatory Relief to Promote Domestic Production of Critical Medicines

President Trump issued an executive order aiming to bolster domestic pharmaceutical production by streamlining relevant regulations.

The order directs the FDA, EPA, and the Army Corps of Engineers to review and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for new and expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

This also includes measures to improve the inspection of foreign pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and coordinate environmental permits.

The goal is to increase both the speed and domestic capacity of pharmaceutical product creation, enhance national security, and improve medicine affordability.

Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research

President Trump issued an executive order addressing concerns about dangerous gain-of-function research on biological agents.

The order mandates an immediate end to federal funding of such research conducted by foreign entities in countries lacking adequate oversight.

It also directs the revision of existing policies to strengthen oversight, increase accountability, and improve public transparency.

Further, the order outlines strategies to manage risks associated with non-federally funded research and implement strong enforcement mechanisms, including potential penalties for non-compliance.

National Small Business Week, 2025

Published: Mon 5th May 25

President Donald J. Trump's proclamation declares May 4-10, 2025, as National Small Business Week.

The proclamation emphasizes the vital contribution of small businesses to the U.S. economy, job creation, and innovation.

While acknowledging recent challenges faced by small businesses, it highlights the administration's efforts to address issues like unfair trade practices and burdensome regulations through initiatives such as the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative. The proclamation serves as a recognition of small business owners and entrepreneurs.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2025

Published: Mon 5th May 25

President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates May 4-10, 2025, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

The proclamation highlights the devastating consequences of hurricanes, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and family evacuation plans.

Trump calls upon citizens in hurricane-prone areas to take action to protect themselves and their property, and he highlights the role of local officials in disaster response, referencing his support for their involvement in resilience and preparedness efforts.