Justice Directives

U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, 2025

Published: Sun 9th Mar 25

President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates March 9, 2025, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.

The proclamation affirms the administration's unwavering commitment to bringing home all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas.

It highlights the successful release of 13 Americans since the President took office, while acknowledging the continued fight for the release of those still held.

The proclamation urges the American people to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and calls for the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag to fly at the White House.

Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The President issued an order to revise the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

The order addresses concerns regarding the prior administration's misuse of taxpayer funds through the PSLF program and the program's role in subsidizing organizations involved in illegal activities, from immigration violations and terrorism support to child abuse and property damage.

The Secretary of Education is tasked with revising the program's definition of "public service" to explicitly exclude organizations engaging in such activities.

Establishing The White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026

This presidential order establishes the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, chaired by the President and vice-chaired by the Vice President.

The Task Force's purpose is to coordinate federal efforts to prepare for and execute the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leveraging the event's potential for economic growth and tourism.

The Task Force will comprise numerous cabinet secretaries and White House advisors, and will be administratively housed within the Department of Homeland Security.

The order outlines the Task Force's responsibilities, reporting requirements, and termination date (December 31, 2026, unless extended).

Establishment of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile

This presidential order establishes a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a United States Digital Asset Stockpile. The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve will manage Bitcoin acquired through forfeited assets, while the Digital Asset Stockpile will handle other digital assets.

The Treasury Department is tasked with creating offices to manage these reserves.

Strategies for acquiring additional Bitcoin will be developed, but acquiring additional stockpile assets beyond seized assets requires further action.

Agencies must provide an accounting of their digital assets, and the order emphasizes responsible stewardship, legal compliance, and protection for victims of crime.

Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP

President Trump issued an executive order addressing alleged misconduct by the law firm Perkins Coie LLP. The order directs a review of security clearances held by Perkins Coie employees, mandates the cessation of government contracts with the firm and entities doing business with it, and initiates investigations into allegations of racial discrimination.

The order aims to protect national security, ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds, and uphold the principles of equal opportunity and fair elections.

Honoring Jocelyn Nungaray

President Trump issued an executive order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge.

This action commemorates Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl murdered in Houston, whose death the order links to the prior administration's immigration policies.

The order directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the renaming within 30 days, using existing legal authority.

It contains standard clauses regarding non-impairment of existing agency authorities and budgetary considerations, and disclaims the creation of any new legal rights or benefits.

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.

Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative

This executive order mandates a transformation of federal spending, aiming for increased transparency and accountability.

It directs all agencies to implement centralized technological systems for tracking payments and justifications, conduct comprehensive reviews of existing contracts and grants to reduce spending, and freeze agency credit cards (with exceptions).

The order prioritizes the review of funds disbursed to educational institutions and foreign entities and establishes reporting requirements to the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.