Defense Directives
Saving TikTok While Protecting National Security
This Presidential Action determines that a proposed framework agreement for the divestiture of TikTok's United States operations constitutes a "qualified divestiture" under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, thereby resolving national security concerns related to foreign adversary control over the application and its user data.
The order grants the Attorney General a 120-day delay on enforcing the Act to allow this structured separation—where a new U.S.-based joint venture with less than 20% ownership by ByteDance would take control—to be finalized, while also revoking a previous related delegation order and amending the 2020 Divestment Order.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates September 19, 2025, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
The proclamation honors the service and sacrifice of American prisoners of war and those missing in action, expressing unwavering commitment to bringing home every missing service member.
It highlights past efforts to repatriate remains, particularly focusing on those from the Korean War and emphasizing continued efforts toward full accounting for those lost during past conflicts.
The President calls upon various government entities and private organizations to mark this day with appropriate ceremonies.
Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of The United States of America and the Government of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Regarding the Technology Prosperity Deal
The US and UK governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation on strategic science and technology.
The MOU focuses on accelerating AI innovation, unleashing civil nuclear energy, securing quantum advantage, and establishing foundations for frontier innovation.
It envisions joint research programs, streamlined regulatory processes, and the establishment of a ministerial-level working group to monitor progress and guide future collaborations.
The agreement emphasizes the importance of shared values and coordinated policy approaches to achieve common objectives.
Further Extending the TikTok Enforcement Delay
President Trump issued an executive order further extending the enforcement deadline of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, specifically targeting TikTok, until December 16, 2025.
The order directs the Department of Justice to refrain from enforcing the Act during this period and to issue guidance clarifying that no penalties will be pursued for past conduct.
It also asserts the federal government's exclusive authority for enforcement, preventing actions by states or private parties at this time.
The Presidential Memorandum addresses the high violent crime rate in Memphis, Tennessee, by establishing the Memphis Safe Task Force, composed of multiple federal agencies, to coordinate with state and local officials to reduce crime and restore public order.
The memorandum additionally authorizes the mobilization of Tennessee National Guard units to support law enforcement operations, utilizing strategies from prior executive orders targeting crime in the District of Columbia.
Patriot Day 2025, The 24th Anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks
President Trump's 2025 Patriot Day proclamation commemorates the 24th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
It recounts the events of that day, honoring the victims and the bravery of first responders.
The proclamation reaffirms a commitment to national security and calls upon Americans to remember the sacrifices made and the continuing need for national unity.
It designates September 11th as Patriot Day and directs the display of the U.S. flag at half-staff.
Honoring the Memory of Charlie Kirk
President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation ordering that flags be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds, military posts and naval stations, and on all federal vessels in the United States and its territories, until sunset on September 14, 2025, to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk.
The directive also included all U.S. embassies, legations, and other facilities abroad.
Restoring the United States Department of War
President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order on September 5, 2025, renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and changing the Secretary of Defense's title to Secretary of War.
The order cites the historical significance of the name and its projection of national strength.
While the order outlines steps for implementation and future legislative action for a permanent name change, this symbolic shift also presents potential challenges in legal documents, diplomacy, and public perception.