Science Directives

Next-Generation Missile Defense Shield

This Presidential order directs the creation and implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the United States.

It mandates the development of a comprehensive plan within 60 days, including space-based interceptors and non-kinetic capabilities, to counter advanced missile threats.

The order also emphasizes international collaboration on missile defense and ensures that this initiative is consistent with existing laws and budget considerations.

Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence

The Presidential Action, dated January 23, 2025, seeks to advance U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence by revoking previous directives that were barriers to innovation.

It establishes policies prioritizing AI development free from bias, mandates an action plan within 180 days, and outlines immediate review and amendments to prior orders and regulations to align with the new policy goals.

President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

In January 2025, the President established the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to promote American leadership in scientific and technological innovation.

Addressing the urgency to maintain global dominance in transformative technologies, the order emphasizes creating a diverse advisory body that advises on policy and provides strategic oversight in science, technology, education, and innovation.

On January 22, 2025, the President transmitted a series of nominations to the Senate for key positions across multiple federal agencies.

These nominations include individuals for Under Secretary roles in Agriculture, Deputy Secretary positions in Transportation, Energy, and Veterans Affairs, as well as other senior leadership roles within agencies such as the Small Business Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Treasury, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Interior, and Education.

The purpose is to fill vacancies in various government agencies.

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.

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.

This executive order, issued January 20, 2025, revokes numerous executive orders and actions from the preceding administration.

The order cites concerns about the previous administration's policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); border security; and climate change, deeming them unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical.

The order directs several agencies and officials to review and rescind affected policies and actions, initiating a broader effort to restore what is described as common sense to the federal government.

President Trump issued a directive appointing acting cabinet secretaries and other high-level officials across numerous federal agencies.

The appointees are temporarily filling their positions until permanent replacements are selected, with the directive citing 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. as legal justification.

The directive lists numerous individuals and their assigned acting roles, ensuring continuity in government operations.