Foreign Policy Directives
Amendment to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border
President Trump issued an executive order amending previous tariffs on Canadian goods.
The action modifies the duties imposed on certain Canadian automotive parts and potash to mitigate potential disruptions to the U.S. automotive sector and its workforce.
The amendment clarifies the goods excluded from increased tariffs and schedules a reduction in potash duties from 25 percent to 10 percent, effective March 7th, 2025.
The order emphasizes that it does not create any legally enforceable rights.
Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China
This presidential action amends a previous executive order to further increase tariffs on Chinese goods to 20 percent.
The rationale is the People's Republic of China's (PRC) failure to effectively curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
The President invoked existing legal authority to escalate these economic sanctions, aiming to pressure the PRC to take stronger measures against the opioid crisis.
Amendment to Duties to Address the Situation at our Southern Border
President's March 2, 2025, order amends Executive Order 14194, revising section 2(g) to specifically address duty-free treatment for goods.
The amendment clarifies that duty-free treatment will end for covered articles once the Secretary of Commerce confirms efficient tariff revenue collection systems are in place.
The order also includes general provisions, specifying that it doesn't override existing legal authorities or budgetary processes and doesn't create any new legal rights.
Amendment to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs across our Northern Border
The Presidential Actions document amends Executive Order 14193, which addresses illicit drug flow across the US-Canada border.
The amendment revises section 2(h), modifying duty-free de minimis treatment for certain articles under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
This treatment ends once the Secretary of Commerce confirms adequate systems for processing and collecting tariffs are established.
The order clarifies that it does not impact existing department authorities or budgetary functions and creates no new legal entitlements.
Designating English as the Official Language of The United States
This Presidential order designates English as the official language of the United States.
The order cites the historical use of English in foundational American documents, argues that a common language strengthens national unity and facilitates government operations, and encourages English language acquisition among immigrants.
The order also revokes Executive Order 13166 concerning services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency while stipulating that agencies may continue providing multilingual services as needed.
Suspension of Security Clearances and Evaluation of Government Contracts
The President directed the Attorney General and other executive department heads to immediately suspend active security clearances held by Peter Koski and Covington & Burling LLP employees who assisted Special Counsel Jack Smith, pending a review of their involvement in the alleged weaponization of the judicial process.
The order also mandates a review of all government contracts with Covington & Burling LLP, with agencies instructed to align funding decisions with the President's priorities and the interests of the U.S. citizens.
The actions are justified by Executive Order 14147, and the memorandum explicitly states it does not create any legally enforceable rights.
President Trump Takes Decisive Action to Deliver Relief to Kentucky
President Donald J. Trump declared a major disaster in Kentucky following severe storms and flooding.
This action makes federal funding available to individuals, households, and government entities for recovery efforts.
The declaration follows an earlier emergency declaration, highlighting a rapid response to the crisis and support from state and federal officials.
America First Investment Policy
The Presidential memorandum establishes an "America First" investment policy aimed at bolstering US national and economic security.
It prioritizes investments from allies while significantly restricting those from adversaries, particularly China, focusing on sectors like technology, infrastructure, and critical resources.
The policy utilizes existing mechanisms like CFIUS and explores new legal tools, including potential sanctions, to counter adversary acquisition of sensitive US assets.
Expedited review processes for allied investments and stricter oversight of adversary investments are key components.
The memorandum also initiates reviews of existing tax treaties and financial regulations to further protect US interests and direct investment toward domestic growth.