Foreign Policy Directives

ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING THE PRESIDENT'S "DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY"

This executive order establishes the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to improve the efficiency and productivity of the federal government.

It renames the United States Digital Service as the U.S. DOGE Service (USDS) and creates a temporary organization within it to implement the President's 18-month DOGE agenda.

Each federal agency is to form a DOGE Team to coordinate with USDS. The order prioritizes the modernization of federal software, network infrastructure, and IT systems, ensuring data integrity and interoperability, while displacing conflicting prior executive orders.

AMERICA FIRST POLICY DIRECTIVE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Published: Tue 21st Jan 25

This executive order, signed January 20, 2025, establishes an "America First" foreign policy.

It directs the Secretary of State to realign the Department of State's policies, programs, and operations to prioritize American interests.

The order includes provisions clarifying that it doesn't supersede existing legal authorities or create new legal rights.

PROTECTING THE UNITED STATES FROM FOREIGN TERRORISTS AND OTHER NATIONAL SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY THREATS

This executive order prioritizes enhancing the vetting and screening of foreign nationals entering or residing in the United States to mitigate national security risks.

It directs multiple federal agencies to strengthen screening procedures, identify countries posing high-risk profiles, and submit reports on deficiencies in vetting information.

The order also emphasizes the need for more rigorous safeguards for refugees and stateless individuals and aims to ensure that visa programs are not exploited by hostile actors.

This executive order aims to unlock Alaska's natural resource potential by reversing previous restrictions on resource development.

It directs various federal agencies to expedite permitting and leasing processes for energy and natural resource projects, prioritize Alaska's liquefied natural gas (LNG) development, and overturn specific actions taken by the previous administration that targeted resource development in Alaska.

The order also focuses on reviewing and potentially rescinding previous decisions related to land management and environmental impact statements.

PROTECTING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AGAINST INVASION

This executive order, issued on January 20, 2025, prioritizes the enforcement of immigration laws to enhance national security and public safety.

It revokes previous executive orders promoting more lenient immigration policies, sets stricter guidelines for enforcement by federal agencies, establishes nationwide Homeland Security Task Forces, and aims to curtail the provision of public benefits to those unlawfully present in the United States.

The order details measures to increase the detention of individuals facing removal, enhance the identification and deportation of unregistered aliens, and encourage voluntary departures.

The order also outlines plans to review and potentially cut funding to non-governmental organizations supporting undocumented immigrants.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Tax Deal (Global Tax Deal)

This presidential memorandum rescinds the U.S.'s commitment to the OECD Global Tax Deal, asserting that it infringes on U.S. sovereignty and negatively impacts American businesses.

It directs the Treasury Secretary and other officials to inform the OECD of this decision and to investigate foreign tax policies that disproportionately affect U.S. companies, developing protective measures in response.

The memorandum emphasizes the importance of upholding U.S. economic interests and competitiveness.

Organization of the National Security Council and Subcommittees

This presidential memorandum reorganizes the National Security Council (NSC) system to improve national security policy development and implementation.

It outlines the roles and responsibilities of the NSC, the Principals Committee, the Deputies Committee, and Policy Coordination Committees, emphasizing interagency cooperation and streamlined decision-making processes.

The memorandum also revokes prior directives, establishing this document as the governing framework for NSC operations and aiming to create a more agile and comprehensive approach to national security challenges.

REEVALUATING AND REALIGNING UNITED STATES FOREIGN AID

Published: Tue 21st Jan 25

This executive order pauses all new US foreign aid disbursements for 90 days to review current programs for efficiency and alignment with US foreign policy.

The order cites concerns that the current system is misaligned with American interests and values.

Following the review period, programs will be either continued, modified, or terminated based on the Secretary of State's recommendations, along with the Office of Management and Budget.

A waiver provision exists for specific programs.