Veterans Directives
National Foster Care Month, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's May 7, 2025 proclamation designates May 2025 as National Foster Care Month.
The proclamation acknowledges the vital role foster families play in providing care for over 360,000 children annually and emphasizes the importance of supporting these families and children.
It also highlights the Family First Prevention Services Act, aimed at keeping families together through evidence-based interventions.
The President's call to action encourages all Americans to find ways to support children and youth in foster care and to recognize the contributions of foster parents.
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates May 3-4, 2025, as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
The proclamation honors the lives and sacrifices of firefighters who died in the line of duty, acknowledging their bravery and the profound loss felt by their families and communities.
The flag of the United States is to be flown at half-staff on May 4th in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, as per Public Law 107-51.
The proclamation emphasizes the heroism and dedication of firefighters, highlighting specific examples, and expresses gratitude for the profession.
National Volunteer Week, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates April 20-26, 2025, as National Volunteer Week.
The proclamation praises the vital role of volunteers in American communities, highlighting their selfless service in various sectors such as soup kitchens, schools, and hospitals.
It encourages all Americans to participate in volunteer activities and to integrate service into their daily lives.
Extension of Hiring Freeze
This April 17, 2025, presidential memorandum extends a freeze on hiring for federal civilian employees through July 15, 2025.
The freeze applies to all executive branch agencies, barring exceptions for national security, public safety, immigration enforcement and essential services.
Future hiring must comply with a merit-based hiring plan.
Contracting to circumvent the freeze is prohibited, and agencies are instructed to use existing personnel efficiently.
The memorandum also does not affect the deadline for a plan to reduce the federal workforce.
Exceptions may be granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The freeze will remain in effect for the IRS until the Treasury Secretary determines otherwise and publishes a notice in the Federal Register.
Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits
This presidential memorandum tackles the issue of illegal aliens obtaining Social Security Act benefits.
It directs several agencies, including the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, to implement measures to ensure only eligible individuals receive benefits.
Key actions include promulgating guidance to prevent improper payments, strengthening fraud prosecution efforts via Special Assistant United States Attorneys, and improving data management to identify deceased beneficiaries.
The memorandum emphasizes compliance with applicable law and the importance of preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump proclaimed April 9, 2025, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.
The proclamation honors the sacrifices of American service members who were prisoners of war, emphasizing the importance of caring for veterans and expressing the nation's gratitude for their service. It also includes remarks regarding the president's commitment to ending veteran homelessness and restoring peace through strength.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
The White House announced a series of nominations sent to the Senate for confirmation.
These nominations cover various key positions across several departments and agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Army, Navy, Veterans Affairs, Labor, and Commerce, as well as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The nominees include individuals slated for Assistant Secretary roles, Chief Financial Officer positions, Inspector General, United States Attorney roles for various districts, and other critical leadership positions.
Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs
- Foreign Policy
- Healthcare
- Economy
- Defense
- Energy
- Environment
- Labor
- Homeland
- Science
- Technology
- Trade
- Justice
- Veterans
- Agriculture
President Trump's March 27, 2025 executive order excludes numerous federal agencies and subdivisions from the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.
The order claims this exclusion is necessary for national security reasons, impacting intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.
It amends Executive Order 12171 and delegates authority to the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Transportation to make further exclusions.
The order also requires a review of agencies not currently excluded and mandates changes to related employee assignments and grievance processes.
Excluded agencies and subdivisions primarily serve roles within the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Homeland Security, Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, as well as several independent agencies.