Defense Directives

Adjustments of Certain Rates of Pay

Published: Thu 18th Dec 25

This Presidential Action document formally establishes the new rates of basic pay and salaries for various statutory federal pay systems, including the General Schedule, Foreign Service Schedule, and certain Department of Veterans Affairs schedules, as well as setting salaries for the Senior Executive Service and high-ranking officials like the Vice President and members of Congress.

The action directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to implement locality-based comparability payments and assess an additional pay increase for federal civilian law enforcement personnel, with most schedules taking effect starting January 1, 2026, and superseding the previous Executive Order 14132.

ENSURING AMERICAN SPACE SUPERIORITY

This Presidential Action establishes comprehensive policy priorities to assert United States superiority in space, focusing on four key areas: leading exploration through a return to the Moon by 2028 and establishing a permanent lunar outpost by 2030; securing national and economic security interests against space threats; fostering a robust commercial space economy projected to attract $50 billion in new investment by 2028; and developing advanced capabilities, including deploying lunar nuclear power by 2030.

The order outlines specific implementation timelines, assigns coordination roles to various White House offices and agency heads, mandates significant reforms to NASA and Commerce acquisition processes, and supersedes prior related directives, including the revocation of Executive Order 14056.

Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States

This Presidential Proclamation, building upon Executive Order 14161 and Proclamation 10949, continues and modifies restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals from specific countries deemed to have deficient screening, vetting, and information-sharing capabilities that pose national security and public safety risks.

The President finds that unrestricted entry from these nations is detrimental to U.S. interests, citing issues like unreliable civil documentation, widespread corruption, cooperation failures (such as refusing to accept repatriated nationals), and high visa overstay rates.

The proclamation fully suspends entry for nationals of 19 countries (12 continuing from previous action and 7 new additions) and partially suspends or modifies restrictions for 4 others, while also suspending entry for individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority, and it narrows exceptions, particularly for family-based immigrant visas.

DESIGNATING FENTANYL AS A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION

A Presidential Action formally designates illicit fentanyl and its core precursor chemicals as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) based on their lethal nature, the national security threat posed by the cartels manufacturing them, and the potential for weaponization.

The order directs relevant executive departments, including Justice, State, Treasury, Defense, and Homeland Security, to take immediate and appropriate actions to implement this designation, involving enhanced investigations, prosecutions, financial sanctions, military support for domestic enforcement, and intelligence gathering using WMD counter-proliferation frameworks.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2025

This Presidential Proclamation officially designates December 7, 2025, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, honoring the 2,403 Americans killed in the unprovoked Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, which thrust the United States into World War II. The President reflects on the courage of the "Greatest Generation," emphasizes the enduring, strong alliance with Japan today, and encourages all Americans to observe the day with reverence, including flying the U.S. flag at half-staff to remember those patriots who died defending the homeland.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2025

President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation establishing December 7, 2025, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, commemorating the 84th anniversary of the unprovoked 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan that drew the United States into World War II. The document reflects on the sacrifice of the 'Greatest Generation,' acknowledges the current strong alliance with Japan, and calls upon all Americans and Federal agencies to observe the solemn day with appropriate ceremonies and to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff.

Honoring the Memory of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, West Virginia Army National Guard

Published: Thu 4th Dec 25

The document is a Presidential Proclamation ordering that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff at the White House, all public buildings, military posts, naval stations, and embassies until sunset on December 4, 2025.

This action is taken as a mark of respect for the memory of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia Army National Guard.

America 250: Presidential Message on the Anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine

This document, framed as a presidential message related to the anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, reaffirms the U.S. commitment to sovereignty in the Western Hemisphere, introducing a "Trump Corollary" that asserts American control over the destiny of the hemisphere, free from foreign or globalist institutions.

The administration highlights achievements such as restoring privileged Panama Canal access, bolstering maritime dominance, disrupting international supply chain practices, halting drug flows from Mexico, securing the southern border against illegal immigration, dismantling narco-terrorist networks, and securing new trade deals with several Central and South American nations as evidence of this vigorous, America-first approach to hemispheric leadership and security.