Defense Directives

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2025

Published: Wed 9th Apr 25

President Donald J. Trump proclaimed April 9, 2025, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.

The proclamation honors the sacrifices of American service members who were prisoners of war, emphasizing the importance of caring for veterans and expressing the nation's gratitude for their service. It also includes remarks regarding the president's commitment to ending veteran homelessness and restoring peace through strength.

Rregulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Energy

President Trump issued a proclamation exempting certain coal-fired power plants from compliance with stricter emission standards for two years.

The rationale cited is that the required technology is not yet commercially available, and that forcing compliance would jeopardize the nation's energy security, the viability of the coal sector, and national security itself.

The exemption postpones enforcement until technologies become viable, maintaining existing emission standards during this period.

Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid

This executive order addresses the strain on the US electric grid caused by increased energy demand.

It aims to strengthen grid reliability, resilience, and security.

Key actions include streamlining processes for issuing orders under the Federal Power Act, developing a standardized methodology for analyzing reserve margins, and establishing protocols to retain critical generation resources.

The order emphasizes utilizing all available power generation resources to meet growing demand and prevent grid failure.

Review of Proposed United States Steel Corporation Acquisition

President Biden issued a memorandum ordering the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to conduct a thorough review of Nippon Steel's proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel.

This action, based on concerns about potential national security risks, mandates a de novo review by CFIUS, which must submit a recommendation within 45 days on whether proposed mitigation measures are sufficient.

The President's order builds upon a prior prohibition of the acquisition and reserves the right to take further action if deemed necessary.

Extending the TikTok Enforcement Delay

This Presidential Action extends the enforcement delay of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, specifically targeting TikTok, until June 19, 2025.

The Department of Justice is instructed to take no enforcement action during this period and to issue guidance clarifying that no violations occurred during the delay.

The order emphasizes the Attorney General's exclusive authority to enforce the Act, preventing state or private actions.

Furthermore, it clarifies that the order does not create any new legal rights.

Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits

President Trump declared a national emergency due to substantial and persistent US goods trade deficits, citing a lack of reciprocity in trade relationships, unfair trade practices by other countries and the negative impacts on US economic and national security.

The President issued an executive order imposing an initial 10% ad valorem duty on all imports, with higher duties for specific countries based on their trade practices.

The order included provisions for exceptions, modification based on later developments and reporting requirements to Congress.

This action aims to restore balance in global trade and strengthen domestic production.

The White House announced a series of nominations sent to the Senate for confirmation.

These nominations cover various key positions across several departments and agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Army, Navy, Veterans Affairs, Labor, and Commerce, as well as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The nominees include individuals slated for Assistant Secretary roles, Chief Financial Officer positions, Inspector General, United States Attorney roles for various districts, and other critical leadership positions.

President Trump's March 27, 2025 executive order excludes numerous federal agencies and subdivisions from the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.

The order claims this exclusion is necessary for national security reasons, impacting intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.

It amends Executive Order 12171 and delegates authority to the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Transportation to make further exclusions.

The order also requires a review of agencies not currently excluded and mandates changes to related employee assignments and grievance processes.

Excluded agencies and subdivisions primarily serve roles within the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Homeland Security, Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, as well as several independent agencies.