Foreign Policy Directives
Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates April 20-27, 2025, as the Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust.
The proclamation honors the memory of the six million Jewish victims and many others persecuted by the Nazis, condemns the recent rise in anti-Semitism in the United States, and asserts the administration's commitment to using all legal avenues to combat anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination.
It calls on Americans to observe the period with appropriate study and commemoration.
National Park Week, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates April 19-27, 2025, as National Park Week.
The proclamation emphasizes the importance of national parks as symbols of American greatness, highlighting their historical and natural significance.
It encourages all Americans to visit and learn about these parks, connecting National Park Week to the commemoration of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and referencing past presidential actions related to park renaming and the creation of a new monument honoring American patriots.
Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities
This Presidential Action addresses the lack of transparency surrounding foreign funding in American higher education institutions.
It directs the Secretary of Education to strengthen enforcement of existing disclosure laws, reverse steps that previously hindered transparency, and ensure that compliance is a condition for receiving federal grants.
The goal is to protect national security interests, academic integrity, and the marketplace of ideas from foreign influence.
Honoring the Memory of His Holiness Pope Francis
This presidential proclamation directs that US flags be flown at half-staff to honor the memory of Pope Francis until sunset on the day of his interment.
The order applies to all public buildings and grounds domestically and all US embassies and facilities abroad.
This is a customary action displaying respect for significant global figures.
250th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord
President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring April 19, 2025, as the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which started the American Revolutionary War.
The proclamation recounts the events of those battles, highlighting the courage and sacrifice of the American minutemen, emphasizing their pivotal role in securing American independence.
It underscores the enduring significance of their actions and calls for renewed commitment to American ideals.
Extension of Hiring Freeze
This April 17, 2025, presidential memorandum extends a freeze on hiring for federal civilian employees through July 15, 2025.
The freeze applies to all executive branch agencies, barring exceptions for national security, public safety, immigration enforcement and essential services.
Future hiring must comply with a merit-based hiring plan.
Contracting to circumvent the freeze is prohibited, and agencies are instructed to use existing personnel efficiently.
The memorandum also does not affect the deadline for a plan to reduce the federal workforce.
Exceptions may be granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The freeze will remain in effect for the IRS until the Treasury Secretary determines otherwise and publishes a notice in the Federal Register.
Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific
President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation modifying the regulations of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM).
The proclamation removes the ban on commercial fishing within designated areas, asserting that existing laws adequately protect the monument's resources.
The action aims to benefit American fishermen and the US fishing industry, particularly in territories like American Samoa, by restoring access to previously restricted fishing grounds and lessening their disadvantage against foreign competitors.
The Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior are directed to publish new regulations and implement the amended policy, coordinating with the Secretary of Defense.
The proclamation maintains the freedom of the seas and protection of US Armed Forces activities within the area.
Ensuring National Security and Economic Resilience Through Section 232 Actions on Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products
President Trump's order initiates a Section 232 investigation into the national security risks posed by the United States' reliance on foreign sources for processed critical minerals and their derivative products.
The investigation will assess supply chain vulnerabilities, market distortions caused by foreign producers, and the impact on the domestic manufacturing and defense industrial bases.
Recommendations may include tariffs, import restrictions, and measures to incentivize domestic production to bolster national security and economic resilience.