Defense Directives

Organization of the National Security Council and Subcommittees

This presidential memorandum reorganizes the National Security Council (NSC) system to improve national security policy development and implementation.

It outlines the roles and responsibilities of the NSC, the Principals Committee, the Deputies Committee, and Policy Coordination Committees, emphasizing interagency cooperation and streamlined decision-making processes.

The memorandum also revokes prior directives, establishing this document as the governing framework for NSC operations and aiming to create a more agile and comprehensive approach to national security challenges.

DECLARING A NATIONAL ENERGY EMERGENCY

President declares a national energy emergency due to inadequate domestic energy supply and infrastructure, jeopardizing national security and economic prosperity.

The executive order directs federal agencies to utilize emergency authorities to increase domestic energy production, expedite infrastructure projects, and streamline permitting processes, especially in the Northeast and West Coast regions.

It also mandates interagency coordination and reporting to expedite approvals under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, while considering impacts on environmental protection.

SECURING OUR BORDERS

This executive order outlines a comprehensive strategy to bolster national border security.

It mandates the construction of physical barriers, increases personnel deployment, implements stricter detention policies, reinstates the Migrant Protection Protocols, and overhauls parole processes.

The order aims to address illegal immigration and related security threats by deterring crossings and facilitating the swift removal of those apprehended.

International cooperation and improved identification technologies are also prioritized.

UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY

President's executive order, "Unleashing American Energy," aims to boost domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign sources.

The order directs federal agencies to review and revise regulations hindering energy exploration and development, particularly targeting oil, natural gas, coal, and critical minerals.

It revokes several previous executive orders focused on climate change and environmental protection and expedites permitting processes for energy projects.

The stated goals are to lower energy costs, create jobs, enhance national security, and restore the nation's economic competitiveness.

CLARIFYING THE MILITARY'S ROLE IN PROTECTING THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF THE UNITED STATES

This executive order directs the US military to prioritize securing the nation's borders.

It declares a national emergency at the southern border due to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, and tasks the Secretary of Defense with revising the Unified Command Plan to assign USNORTHCOM the mission of sealing the borders and maintaining sovereignty.

The order also mandates additions to contingency planning guidance to ensure long-term border security.

Memorandum to Resolve the Backlog of Security Clearances for Executive Office of the President<br>Personnel

Published: Tue 21st Jan 25

This presidential memorandum addresses a backlog of security clearances for Executive Office of the President personnel.

It directs the White House Counsel to immediately grant interim Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearances to specified individuals for up to six months, granting them access to necessary facilities and technology.

The White House Counsel also has the authority to add to or revoke clearances from this list.

DECLARING A NATIONAL EMERGENCY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES

President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border of the United States, citing an invasion by cartels, criminal gangs, and terrorists, resulting in widespread chaos and violence.

The declaration authorizes the military to assist the Department of Homeland Security in securing the border.

The action includes the deployment of military personnel, construction of additional physical barriers, the use of unmanned aerial systems, and revisions of security policies and strategies.

The proclamation also revokes a previous order that terminated an emergency at the southern border and redirected funds.

HOLDING FORMER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE FOR ELECTION INTERFERENCE AND IMPROPER DISCLOSURE<br>OF SENSITIVE GOVERNMENTAL INFORMATION

This executive order revokes the security clearances of 50 former intelligence officials for allegedly coordinating with the Biden campaign to discredit the Hunter Biden laptop story during the 2020 election.

It also revokes the security clearance of former National Security Advisor John Bolton for publishing a memoir containing sensitive information.

The order establishes a policy against partisan political activity within the Intelligence Community and improper disclosure of classified information, and directs the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report on further inappropriate activity and recommendations for prevention.