Foreign Policy Directives
IMPOSING TARIFFS ON COUNTRIES IMPORTING VENEZUELAN OIL
President Trump issued an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on goods imported from any country importing Venezuelan oil, effective April 2, 2025.
The order cites the ongoing national emergency related to Venezuela and the destabilizing activities of the Maduro regime and the Tren de Aragua gang as justification.
The Secretary of State, in consultation with other relevant Secretaries, will determine which countries will be subject to the tariff, which will expire one year after the country's last import of Venezuelan oil.
The order also includes provisions for administration, enforcement, and periodic reporting on its effectiveness.
GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY: A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION OF GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates March 25, 2025, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
The proclamation commemorates the 204th anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire, emphasizing the enduring historical ties and shared democratic ideals between the two nations.
It highlights the ongoing strategic partnership between the US and Greece, particularly in defense and economic collaboration, and celebrates the rich contributions of Greek Americans to American society.
Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court
This presidential memorandum directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to crack down on unethical conduct by lawyers and law firms, particularly those actions that threaten national security, homeland security, public safety, or election integrity.
The memorandum cites specific examples of misconduct, referencing the 2016 'dossier' and fraudulent asylum claims.
It mandates investigations into past conduct, sanctions for frivolous litigation, and referral of attorneys for disciplinary action, including possible security clearance reassessment and contract termination.
Rescinding Security Clearances and Access to Classified Information from Specified Individuals
This Presidential memorandum directs all executive departments and agencies to revoke security clearances and access to classified information from a list of specified individuals, including prominent political figures and public officials.
The action is justified on the grounds that granting these individuals continued access is no longer in the national interest.
The memorandum explicitly rescinds access to classified briefings and unescorted access to government facilities.
ADDRESSING REMEDIAL ACTION BY PAUL WEISS
This presidential action revokes Executive Order 14237, which addressed concerns regarding Paul Weiss LLP. The revocation follows Paul Weiss's commitment to significant policy revisions focused on promoting equality, justice, and national unity.
These changes include adopting political neutrality, expanding pro bono services, and shifting to merit-based hiring.
The action reflects the President's belief that the legal profession can play a more constructive role in society.
Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos
This executive order directs federal agencies to eliminate barriers to data access and promote information sharing to combat waste, fraud, and abuse.
It mandates that agency heads take steps to ensure designated officials have access to unclassified agency records and data, rescind guidance hindering information sharing, and provide unfettered access to data from federally funded state programs.
The order also calls for a review of classified information policies and includes provisions for implementing the order consistent with existing laws and budget limitations.
Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production
President Trump issued an executive order to significantly increase American mineral production.
The order aims to bolster national and economic security by reducing dependence on foreign mineral sources.
It directs various federal agencies to expedite permitting for mineral production projects, prioritize mineral extraction on federal lands, and leverage public and private funding to support domestic mineral companies.
The order addresses regulatory streamlining, waste disposal, and encouraging capital investment, clarifying the treatment of mine waste under the Mining Act of 1872.
Removing Discrimination and Discriminatory Equity Ideology From the Foreign Service
President Trump issued a memorandum to eliminate discrimination and what he terms “discriminatory equity ideology” from the Foreign Service. The memorandum directs the Secretary of State and other relevant Secretaries to revise hiring, promotion, and retention policies to be merit-based, prohibiting decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and the promotion of discriminatory equity ideology.
Existing criteria referencing ‘Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility’ are to be removed.
The Secretaries are tasked with investigating potential past discrimination and taking appropriate action.