Defense Directives
Adjusting Imports of Steel into The United States
President Trump issued a proclamation significantly increasing tariffs on aluminum imports from 10% to 25%, citing national security concerns.
The proclamation terminates previous agreements with Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and the United Kingdom allowing for exceptions to the tariffs and eliminates a process for granting import exclusions.
These actions were taken because the President determined that previous attempts to address excessive aluminum imports had not sufficiently protected the domestic aluminum industry's national security, resulting in continued high import volumes and underutilization of domestic production capacity.
President Trump Announces the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board
President Donald Trump announced the appointments of a new President’s Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB).
The board, chaired by Devin Gerald Nunes, comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds intended to advise the President on national security issues and ensure the Intelligence Community aligns with the 'America First' agenda.
The appointees include Scott Glabe, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, Brad Robert Wenstrup, Wayne Berman, Reince Priebus, Robert O’Brien, Joshua Lobel, Sander R. Gerber, Katie Miller, Jeremy Katz, and Thomas Ollis Hicks, Jr.
This Presidential Order aims to restructure the federal workforce to enhance efficiency and reduce government size. It mandates a hiring ratio of 1:4 (one new hire for every four departures), requires agencies to develop data-driven hiring plans, authorizes large-scale reductions in force, initiates rulemaking to revise suitability criteria for federal employment, and directs agencies to submit reorganization plans.
Exemptions are allowed for national security and public safety roles, and the order clarifies that it does not create any new legal rights.
Adjusting Imports of Steel into The United States
The proclamation terminates existing steel import agreements with multiple countries and implements a uniform 25% tariff on all steel imports effective March 12, 2025.
It eliminates the product exclusion process, expands derivative steel product coverage, and strengthens enforcement measures.
The changes aim to address rising import levels, global excess capacity, and perceived shortcomings in current arrangements that have prevented domestic steel industry from maintaining targeted capacity utilization rates.
Protecting Second Amendment Rights
This presidential order prioritizes the protection of Second Amendment rights.
It directs the Attorney General to review federal actions from 2021-2025 that might infringe on these rights and to develop a plan to safeguard them.
The plan must encompass various federal regulations, policies, and court positions related to firearms.
Protecting Second Amendment Rights
This presidential order prioritizes the protection of Second Amendment rights.
It directs the Attorney General to review all executive actions since January 2021 that may have infringed upon these rights and develop a plan to address any identified infringements.
The review includes examining existing regulations, litigation stances, and inter-agency activities concerning firearms.
The order emphasizes the importance of the Second Amendment to liberty and security.
Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
This presidential memorandum directs executive departments and agencies to review all funding provided to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
The administration's policy is to halt funding for any NGOs deemed to undermine US national security, prosperity, or safety.
Future funding decisions will be aligned with US interests and the administration's goals, as determined by agency heads and within applicable legal frameworks.
Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court
President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order declaring a national emergency and imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The order cites the ICC's investigations targeting US and Israeli personnel as illegitimate and a threat to national security and foreign policy.
Sanctions include blocking assets, and suspending entry into the US for ICC officials and their families.
The President argues that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the US and Israel, and that its actions set a dangerous precedent.