Defense Directives

WITHDRAWING THE UNITED STATES FROM THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Published: Tue 21st Jan 25

This executive order directs the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The order cites the WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its lack of reform, and its susceptibility to political influence as justifications.

Specific actions include halting funding, recalling personnel, finding alternative partners, and revising the US Global Health Security Strategy.

The order also revokes previous presidential actions related to reversing the initial withdrawal decision.

APPLICATION OF PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED APPLICATIONS ACT TO TIKTOK

This executive order temporarily suspends enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act's restrictions on TikTok for 75 days.

The order cites national security concerns and the Act's unfortunate timing, which became effective a day before the new President's inauguration.

The President aims to assess national security implications, explore solutions, and prevent an immediate shutdown of the platform while safeguarding US interests, utilizing the 75-day period to achieve these goals.

President [President's Name] issued an executive order enacting a hiring freeze for federal civilian employees, effective January 20, 2025.

Exemptions apply to national security, public safety, and essential services like Social Security, Medicare, and Veterans' benefits.

The Office of Management and Budget must submit a plan to reduce the federal workforce's size within 90 days, at which point the freeze will expire for most agencies, barring the IRS. Contracting to circumvent the freeze is prohibited.

FLYING THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES AT FULL-STAFF ON INAUGURATION DAY

Published: Mon 20th Jan 25

This presidential proclamation orders the display of the US flag at full-staff on all future Inauguration Days in honor of the event and the nation.

On January 20, 2025, it mandated immediate full-staff display at all federal buildings, military installations, US embassies, and facilities worldwide, followed by a return to half-staff later in the day as per Proclamation 10876 to mourn the passing of President Carter.

President Trump issued a directive appointing acting cabinet secretaries and other high-level officials across numerous federal agencies.

The appointees are temporarily filling their positions until permanent replacements are selected, with the directive citing 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. as legal justification.

The directive lists numerous individuals and their assigned acting roles, ensuring continuity in government operations.

President Trump nominated numerous individuals to fill sub-cabinet level positions across various federal agencies.

The nominations encompass leadership roles in departments including Defense, Health and Human Services, Justice, Homeland Security, Treasury, Agriculture, Energy, and others.

The announcement details the nominees' names, states of residence, and the specific positions for which they are being nominated, which then require Senate confirmation.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump announced his nominations for numerous cabinet positions and key leadership roles within his administration.

The announcement lists nominees for positions such as Secretary of the Treasury, Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, and numerous other cabinet-level roles, initiating the process of Senate confirmation for these individuals.