Technology Directives

HOLDING FORMER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE FOR ELECTION INTERFERENCE AND IMPROPER DISCLOSURE<br>OF SENSITIVE GOVERNMENTAL INFORMATION

This executive order revokes the security clearances of 50 former intelligence officials for allegedly coordinating with the Biden campaign to discredit the Hunter Biden laptop story during the 2020 election.

It also revokes the security clearance of former National Security Advisor John Bolton for publishing a memoir containing sensitive information.

The order establishes a policy against partisan political activity within the Intelligence Community and improper disclosure of classified information, and directs the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report on further inappropriate activity and recommendations for prevention.

APPLICATION OF PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED APPLICATIONS ACT TO TIKTOK

This executive order temporarily suspends enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act's restrictions on TikTok for 75 days.

The order cites national security concerns and the Act's unfortunate timing, which became effective a day before the new President's inauguration.

The President aims to assess national security implications, explore solutions, and prevent an immediate shutdown of the platform while safeguarding US interests, utilizing the 75-day period to achieve these goals.

This presidential memorandum institutes a temporary freeze on new federal regulations and initiates a review process for existing and pending rules.

All executive departments and agencies must halt rule-making until appointed heads review and approve them.

Rules already submitted but not published are withdrawn for review, published rules are subject to a 60-day postponement, and the Office of Management and Budget oversees the entire process.

Any actions contradicting this memorandum may be addressed via modification or extension.

RESTORING FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND ENDING FEDERAL CENSORSHIP

This executive order aims to restore freedom of speech by prohibiting federal government censorship and investigating past actions that allegedly violated free speech rights.

It declares a policy to protect free speech, directs investigations and corrective actions regarding past censorship, and clarifies that no federal resources may be used for unconstitutional speech restrictions.

The order also includes provisions to avoid interfering with existing agency authority, dependent on existing appropriations and creating no new legal rights or benefits.

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 Designates Chairmen and Acting Chairmen

On January 20, 2025, President Trump announced the designation of numerous chairmen and acting chairmen for various federal commissions and boards.

The appointments cover a wide range of agencies, including those responsible for communications, energy, labor, finance, and transportation, signaling a significant reshuffling of leadership across 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.

President Trump nominated numerous individuals to fill sub-cabinet level positions across various federal agencies.

The nominations encompass leadership roles in departments including Defense, Health and Human Services, Justice, Homeland Security, Treasury, Agriculture, Energy, and others.

The announcement details the nominees' names, states of residence, and the specific positions for which they are being nominated, which then require Senate confirmation.