Economy Directives

Implementing The President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative

This Presidential Order aims to restructure the federal workforce to enhance efficiency and reduce government size. It mandates a hiring ratio of 1:4 (one new hire for every four departures), requires agencies to develop data-driven hiring plans, authorizes large-scale reductions in force, initiates rulemaking to revise suitability criteria for federal employment, and directs agencies to submit reorganization plans.

Exemptions are allowed for national security and public safety roles, and the order clarifies that it does not create any new legal rights.

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Adjusting Imports of Steel into The United States

The proclamation terminates existing steel import agreements with multiple countries and implements a uniform 25% tariff on all steel imports effective March 12, 2025.

It eliminates the product exclusion process, expands derivative steel product coverage, and strengthens enforcement measures.

The changes aim to address rising import levels, global excess capacity, and perceived shortcomings in current arrangements that have prevented domestic steel industry from maintaining targeted capacity utilization rates.

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Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security

This presidential order temporarily suspends enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days.

The order directs the Attorney General to review current FCPA guidelines and policies, aiming to curb what the President views as excessive and counterproductive enforcement that harms American economic competitiveness and national security.

The review will lead to updated guidelines prioritizing American interests, and the Attorney General is tasked with potentially taking remedial action regarding previous enforcement actions.

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Eliminating the Federal Executive Institute

Published: Tue 11th Feb 25

President's order eliminates the Federal Executive Institute, citing a need to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars and prioritize programs directly benefiting the American people.

The order directs the Office of Personnel Management to eliminate the Institute, revokes related prior executive documents, and emphasizes the Administration's policy of eliminating programs that don't serve national interests.

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Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws

President's order mandates the federal government to cease purchasing and providing paper straws, deeming them environmentally and economically inefficient.

The order also encourages nationwide elimination of paper straw use by addressing relevant policies and collaborating with entities that penalize plastic straw use.

This is presented as a response to a perceived irrational campaign against plastic straws in favor of paper options with unanticipated negative side effects.

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This presidential order establishes the White House Faith Office to empower faith-based organizations, community groups, and houses of worship in serving families and communities.

It amends several existing executive orders to reflect the new office, outlining its responsibilities which include advising the President, coordinating interagency efforts, and promoting grant opportunities for these organizations.

The order emphasizes protecting religious liberty and ensuring a level playing field for faith-based participation in federal programs.

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Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

This presidential memorandum directs executive departments and agencies to review all funding provided to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

The administration's policy is to halt funding for any NGOs deemed to undermine US national security, prosperity, or safety.

Future funding decisions will be aligned with US interests and the administration's goals, as determined by agency heads and within applicable legal frameworks.

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

The President issued an amendment to the Executive Order of February 1, 2025, concerning duties on synthetic opioids from China.

This amendment replaces subsection (g) of Section 2, clarifying that duty-free *de minimis* treatment will cease upon notification from the Secretary of Commerce that adequate systems exist for efficiently collecting tariffs.

The order also contains general provisions ensuring its implementation is in line with existing laws, and clarifying that it does not create new legal rights.

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