Economy Directives
Review of Proposed United States Steel Corporation Acquisition
President Biden issued a memorandum ordering the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to conduct a thorough review of Nippon Steel's proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel.
This action, based on concerns about potential national security risks, mandates a de novo review by CFIUS, which must submit a recommendation within 45 days on whether proposed mitigation measures are sufficient.
The President's order builds upon a prior prohibition of the acquisition and reserves the right to take further action if deemed necessary.
Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits
President Trump declared a national emergency due to substantial and persistent US goods trade deficits, citing a lack of reciprocity in trade relationships, unfair trade practices by other countries and the negative impacts on US economic and national security.
The President issued an executive order imposing an initial 10% ad valorem duty on all imports, with higher duties for specific countries based on their trade practices.
The order included provisions for exceptions, modification based on later developments and reporting requirements to Congress.
This action aims to restore balance in global trade and strengthen domestic production.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
The White House announced a series of nominations sent to the Senate for confirmation.
These nominations cover various key positions across several departments and agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Army, Navy, Veterans Affairs, Labor, and Commerce, as well as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The nominees include individuals slated for Assistant Secretary roles, Chief Financial Officer positions, Inspector General, United States Attorney roles for various districts, and other critical leadership positions.
This presidential order aims to curb unfair practices within the live concert and entertainment industries.
It addresses ticket scalping and price gouging, directing the Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission to enforce existing competition laws and the Better Online Tickets Sales Act.
The order also mandates price transparency in the ticket-buying process and requires a report within 180 days on the actions taken and necessary recommendations regarding future regulations or legislation.
Establishing the United States Investment Accelerator
President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order establishing the United States Investment Accelerator within the Department of Commerce.
This office will streamline regulatory processes for investments exceeding $1 billion, aiming to attract significant domestic and foreign investment and stimulate economic growth.
The Accelerator will work with various agencies and state governments to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and foster collaborations with national labs.
The order emphasizes the need to modernize investment processes to improve the U.S. economic competitiveness.
Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs
- Foreign Policy
- Healthcare
- Economy
- Defense
- Energy
- Environment
- Labor
- Homeland
- Science
- Technology
- Trade
- Justice
- Veterans
- Agriculture
President Trump's March 27, 2025 executive order excludes numerous federal agencies and subdivisions from the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.
The order claims this exclusion is necessary for national security reasons, impacting intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.
It amends Executive Order 12171 and delegates authority to the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Transportation to make further exclusions.
The order also requires a review of agencies not currently excluded and mandates changes to related employee assignments and grievance processes.
Excluded agencies and subdivisions primarily serve roles within the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Homeland Security, Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, as well as several independent agencies.
Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Autombile Parts Into the United States
President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation in March 2025 imposing a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and certain auto parts.
The action, justified under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, aims to address national security concerns stemming from vulnerabilities in domestic automotive supply chains and perceived unfair trade practices by foreign competitors.
The proclamation cites the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption of supply chains, the decline in domestic automobile manufacturing, and the rise of foreign automotive industries supported by subsidies and aggressive industrial policies.
While the proclamation offers provisions for USMCA-qualifying vehicles and for a process to modify the tariffs, it represents a significant intervention in the automotive market, with potential economic and geopolitical implications.
Protecting America’s Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
This executive order addresses the significant financial fraud and improper payments within the Federal Government, aiming to protect taxpayer funds and enhance transparency.
The order directs the Department of the Treasury to implement stricter payment verification procedures, consolidate core financial systems across agencies, and reduce the number of Non-Treasury Disbursing Offices (NTDOs).
Detailed steps are outlined for agencies to comply, including submitting compliance plans and transitioning to Treasury-managed disbursing systems.
Progress reports are required to ensure implementation.