Foreign Policy Directives
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump proclaimed April 9, 2025, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.
The proclamation honors the sacrifices of American service members who were prisoners of war, emphasizing the importance of caring for veterans and expressing the nation's gratitude for their service. It also includes remarks regarding the president's commitment to ending veteran homelessness and restoring peace through strength.
Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China
President Trump issued an executive order amending reciprocal tariffs and increasing duties on low-value imports from China.
This action, justified as a response to China's retaliatory tariffs imposed on US exports following the implementation of Executive Order 14257, modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to increase tariffs from 34% to 84% on specified goods.
Additionally, the order increases the ad valorem rate of duty and per-item duty on certain goods to prevent tariff circumvention.
Protecting American Energy From State Overreach
This executive order directs the Attorney General to identify and challenge state and local laws deemed to unduly burden domestic energy production.
It cites concerns over national and economic security, federalism, and interstate commerce, arguing that these state-level policies inflate energy costs and contradict the administration's goal of energy dominance.
The order prioritizes addressing policies related to ‘climate change’ or ‘environmental, social, and governance’ initiatives.
The Attorney General is tasked with taking legal action and reporting back to the President within 60 days.
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.
Extending the TikTok Enforcement Delay
This Presidential Action extends the enforcement delay of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, specifically targeting TikTok, until June 19, 2025.
The Department of Justice is instructed to take no enforcement action during this period and to issue guidance clarifying that no violations occurred during the delay.
The order emphasizes the Attorney General's exclusive authority to enforce the Act, preventing state or private actions.
Furthermore, it clarifies that the order does not create any new legal rights.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The proclamation stresses the importance of protecting children, condemning child abuse and neglect, and emphasizing the role of strong families.
It also explicitly denounces what it characterizes as harmful gender ideology impacting children's well-being.
The President calls on all Americans to support efforts promoting children's safety and development.
Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports
This presidential action amends previous orders to address the synthetic opioid crisis fueled by imports from China.
It eliminates the duty-free de minimis exemption for certain products from China, imposing either a 30% ad valorem or tiered specific duty on items valued under $800, depending on the method chosen by the transporter and enforced by the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The order requires carriers to remit duties to CBP and mandates a 90-day report assessing the action's impact on American industries.
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.