Defense Directives

Nominations Sent to the Senate

This document is a bulletin from the White House announcing several recent presidential nominations sent to the Senate for confirmation, including individuals designated for leadership positions within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB), and multiple appointments for United States District Judgeships in Arkansas, Texas, and Alaska.

250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Marine Corps

Published: Mon 10th Nov 25

This Presidential Proclamation, issued by Donald J. Trump, officially designates November 10, 2025, as the day commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps.

The President recounts the Corps' long history of valor, from the American Revolution through modern conflicts, citing key battles like Iwo Jima to illustrate their steadfast commitment.

The proclamation calls upon government officials and the American people to display the U.S. flag and hold appropriate ceremonies to express gratitude for the Marines' heritage and ongoing service as the 'shield and spear of our Republic,' while also noting the administration's significant financial commitment to modernizing the force.

Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates Consistent with the Economic and Trade Arrangement Between the United States and the People’s Republic of China

This Presidential Action formally implements the economic and trade Arrangement reached between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) following meetings in October 2025.

Citing progress on addressing non-reciprocal trade, the action continues the suspension of heightened reciprocal tariffs previously imposed on PRC imports until November 10, 2026.

The President justifies this extension by citing commitments from the PRC to cease retaliatory actions, ease export controls on critical minerals, and exponentially increase purchases of U.S. agricultural goods, all intended to remedy the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257.

Modifying Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China

The document announces a modification to presidential actions taken under a national emergency concerning the synthetic opioid supply chain originating from the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Citing PRC commitments to halt the shipment of specific fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States and control exports globally, the President reduces the additional ad valorem duty on targeted PRC goods from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective November 10, 2025.

The order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement these changes in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and mandates ongoing monitoring of the PRC's compliance, reserving the right to modify the order if commitments are not met.

Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Mineral Security

This Presidential Proclamation, issued by President Donald J. Trump, grants a two-year exemption from the compliance deadlines of a new Environmental Protection Agency rule, known as the Copper Rule, for certain primary copper smelters.

The action is justified by asserting that copper is a critical material for national security and that the new emissions standards impose severe burdens because the required emissions-control technology is either not commercially viable or cost-effective. By extending the deadlines, the Proclamation aims to preserve the Nation's limited domestic smelting capacity and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains during this two-year period.

Nomination Sent to the Senate

This document details a series of recent presidential actions, primarily focused on sending nominations for federal positions to the Senate for confirmation, along with a supplemental list of two nominations that have been formally withdrawn from Senate consideration.

The nominations span various governmental levels, including appointments for U.S. District Judges in Louisiana, U.S. Marshals and Attorneys across several states, an Assistant Secretary of Defense, an Ambassador to Cyprus, an Assistant Secretary of State, the Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Transportation, and the Coordinator for Counterterrorism.

The withdrawals include candidates for Under Secretary of Defense and an Assistant Secretary position within the Department of Education.

National Energy Dominance Month, 2025

The document is a Presidential Proclamation issued by Donald J. Trump, the 47th President, declaring October 2025 as National Energy Dominance Month, which serves to formally recommit the administration to policies emphasizing maximum domestic production of oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals.

The President frames this through the lens of energy security being national security, contrasting current actions—such as lifting energy restrictions, reviving the coal industry, and opening new drilling sites—with policies of the previous administration, which are characterized as a "War on Coal" and an "energy emergency."

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2025

This Presidential Proclamation officially designates October 2025 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, underscoring the Administration's dedication to strengthening national cybersecurity against foreign and criminal cyber threats.

The document references prior actions, including an Executive Order aimed at securing federal software development and adopting encryption, and highlights support for legislation protecting children online. It concludes by urging all citizens, companies, and institutions to participate in cybersecurity education and take personal protective measures like using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.