Trade Directives
Defending American Companies and Innovators From Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties
This Presidential Memorandum directs several federal agencies to take action against foreign governments imposing discriminatory taxes and regulations on American companies, particularly in the technology sector.
The administration will use tariffs and other responsive actions to mitigate harm and restore balance, considering discriminatory taxes, restrictive regulations, jeopardizing intellectual property, and undermining global competitiveness.
Agencies are tasked with investigating specific countries' practices and recommending countermeasures, aiming to prevent the transfer of funds and intellectual property to foreign governments and promote fair competition.
President Trump Announces Appointments to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
President Trump announced several appointments to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
These appointments include a new Director and Deputy Directors for state, local, and tribal governments, along with several Associate Directors and Coordinators.
The office serves as a liaison between the federal government and other levels of government, promoting communication and coordination on key administration priorities.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
- Foreign Policy
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Civil Rights
- Energy
- Environment
- Labor
- Infrastructure
- Education
- Technology
- Trade
- Justice
- Housing
- Veterans
- Agriculture
The President submitted numerous nominations for key positions across various federal departments and agencies to the Senate for confirmation.
These nominations span a wide range of portfolios, including Health and Human Services, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Education, Commerce, State, Treasury, Energy, Environmental Protection, and others.
The President also announced a withdrawal of a previously submitted nomination.
Adjusting Imports of Steel into The United States
President Trump issued a proclamation significantly increasing tariffs on aluminum imports from 10% to 25%, citing national security concerns.
The proclamation terminates previous agreements with Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and the United Kingdom allowing for exceptions to the tariffs and eliminates a process for granting import exclusions.
These actions were taken because the President determined that previous attempts to address excessive aluminum imports had not sufficiently protected the domestic aluminum industry's national security, resulting in continued high import volumes and underutilization of domestic production capacity.
Adjusting Imports of Steel into The United States
The proclamation terminates existing steel import agreements with multiple countries and implements a uniform 25% tariff on all steel imports effective March 12, 2025.
It eliminates the product exclusion process, expands derivative steel product coverage, and strengthens enforcement measures.
The changes aim to address rising import levels, global excess capacity, and perceived shortcomings in current arrangements that have prevented domestic steel industry from maintaining targeted capacity utilization rates.
Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security
This presidential order temporarily suspends enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days.
The order directs the Attorney General to review current FCPA guidelines and policies, aiming to curb what the President views as excessive and counterproductive enforcement that harms American economic competitiveness and national security.
The review will lead to updated guidelines prioritizing American interests, and the Attorney General is tasked with potentially taking remedial action regarding previous enforcement actions.
Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws
President's order mandates the federal government to cease purchasing and providing paper straws, deeming them environmentally and economically inefficient.
The order also encourages nationwide elimination of paper straw use by addressing relevant policies and collaborating with entities that penalize plastic straw use.
This is presented as a response to a perceived irrational campaign against plastic straws in favor of paper options with unanticipated negative side effects.
Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China
The President issued an amendment to the Executive Order of February 1, 2025, concerning duties on synthetic opioids from China.
This amendment replaces subsection (g) of Section 2, clarifying that duty-free *de minimis* treatment will cease upon notification from the Secretary of Commerce that adequate systems exist for efficiently collecting tariffs.
The order also contains general provisions ensuring its implementation is in line with existing laws, and clarifying that it does not create new legal rights.