What Did Donald Trump Do Today?
January 20, 2025 Recap Part 1
Editor’s note: On his first day in office, President Trump has, and continues to, issue a large number of executive orders. Due to the email length limits imposed by Substack, I’ll need to break today’s recap into parts.
In his inaugural address, President Donald Trump, who had just been sworn in for a second term, declared the beginning of a "Golden Age of America." He emphasized a vision of national renewal, restoring pride, prosperity, and freedom while reasserting American sovereignty on the global stage. Trump described his election as a mandate to reverse past betrayals and return power to the people. He highlighted key priorities, including combating government corruption and restoring justice, which he claimed were compromised by the previous administration.
Trump announced significant policy measures, such as declaring a national emergency at the southern border to halt illegal immigration and targeting criminal cartels as terrorist organizations. He outlined plans to combat inflation and high energy costs by declaring an energy emergency, repealing green energy mandates, and reviving domestic oil and gas production. Additionally, he proposed tariffs to prioritize American workers and families and introduced an "External Revenue Service" to generate revenue from foreign sources. Trump also created a "Department of Government Efficiency" to streamline federal operations and reduce waste.
On cultural and social matters, Trump reaffirmed a commitment to a merit-based society, rejected identity politics, and declared that only two genders exist. He reinstated military personnel dismissed for opposing vaccine mandates and vowed to end "social experiments" in the armed forces. He promised to uphold free speech and combat government censorship. Internationally, Trump committed to a strong military focused on defense and peace, boasting of his administration's success in securing the release of hostages in the Middle East.
Economically, Trump emphasized energy independence and innovation as cornerstones of his vision for revitalizing American manufacturing. He touted the nation’s domestic oil and gas resources as pivotal to economic growth. Trump also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and restoring Mount McKinley's original name, symbolizing a return to American heritage. He criticized the Panama Canal treaty as a betrayal of U.S. interests.
Closing his address, Trump celebrated the diverse support that led to his election and called for unity. He expressed ambitions for space exploration, including sending astronauts to Mars, as a testament to American innovation. Trump concluded by pledging to make the nation unparalleled in strength, compassion, and exceptionalism, urging Americans to embrace courage and ambition as they entered a new era of greatness.
President Trump's "America First" agenda outlines key priorities across multiple areas. To "Make America Safe Again," he plans to enforce strict border security measures, including ending Biden-era catch-and-release policies, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program, finishing the border wall, and halting asylum for illegal crossings. Deportation operations will target criminal aliens, and refugee resettlement programs will be suspended to reduce strain on community resources. Additionally, the Armed Forces will assist in border security, and cartels, such as Tren de Aragua, will be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. The Department of Justice will seek the death penalty for heinous crimes, including the murder of law enforcement officers and Americans by illegal migrants.
To "Make America Affordable and Energy Dominant Again," Trump plans to reverse climate policies, streamline regulations on energy production, and focus on domestic energy independence. He will declare an energy emergency to fast-track critical infrastructure projects and limit leasing to large wind farms. Restrictions on appliances like vehicles, dishwashers, and lightbulbs will be removed to restore consumer choice. Trump also aims to implement an "America First" trade policy, withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, and introduce emergency measures to reduce the cost of living.
The agenda also focuses on government reform under the "Drain the Swamp" initiative. Trump plans to freeze hiring for non-essential bureaucratic roles, rescind burdensome regulations, and improve accountability within government agencies. Federal employees will be required to return to in-person work, and measures will be introduced to prevent the weaponization of government against political rivals. The administration will also halt federal censorship of lawful speech and enforce document retention laws.
Finally, Trump aims to "Bring Back American Values" by affirming biological definitions of gender and countering radical gender ideologies. He plans to rename landmarks to honor America’s history appropriately and preserve national cultural values. This agenda focuses on immigration enforcement, energy independence, government accountability, and cultural conservatism.
President Trump's Cabinet and Cabinet-level nominations, as presented to the Senate, include individuals from various professional backgrounds and states. For the Cabinet, the nominees are Scott Bessent of South Carolina, Secretary of the Treasury; Pamela Bondi of Florida as Attorney General; and Douglas Burgum of North Dakota, Secretary of the Interior. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon is nominated as Secretary of Labor, while Douglas Collins of Georgia is proposed Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin is the nominee for Secretary of Transportation, and Peter Hegseth of Tennessee is selected for Secretary of Defense. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of California was chosen as Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Howard Lutnick of New York was named Secretary of Commerce. Linda McMahon of Connecticut is nominated as Secretary of Education, Kristi Noem of South Dakota as Secretary of Homeland Security, Brooke Rollins of Texas as Secretary of Agriculture, Marco Rubio of Florida as Secretary of State, Eric Turner of Texas as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Christopher Wright of Colorado as Secretary of Energy.
For Cabinet-level positions, Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii was nominated as Director of National Intelligence, while Jamieson Greer of Maryland was selected as U.S. Trade Representative. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia is the nominee for Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and John Ratcliffe of Texas is chosen as Director of the CIA. Elise Stefanik of New York is nominated as the U.N. Ambassador and Representative to the General Assembly. At the same time, Russell Vought of Virginia is selected as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Finally, Lee Zeldin of New York is proposed as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
President Trump has submitted sub-cabinet nominations to the Senate, filling vacancies across key federal departments and agencies. These appointments include positions such as Assistant Secretaries, Under Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, and agency heads, often replacing resigned officials. Notable nominations include Keith Bass as Assistant Secretary of Defense, Jayanta Bhattacharya as Director of the National Institutes of Health, Harmeet Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General, Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator, Mehmet Oz as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Kashyap Patel as FBI Director. Several appointments involve roles in the Department of Defense, Agriculture, Energy, and Health, among others, aiming to strengthen leadership in critical areas of federal governance.
President Trump issued a directive designating acting officials to temporarily perform the duties of various key federal positions until permanent appointments are made. The list spans several departments and agencies, including agriculture, defense, education, health, and energy. Notable appointments include Gary Washington as Acting Secretary of Agriculture, Robert Salesses as Acting Secretary of Defense, Lisa Kenna as Acting Secretary of State, and Brian Driscoll as Acting FBI Director. This action, conducted under the Constitution's and federal law's authority (5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq.), aims to ensure the continuity of government operations in critical roles across the executive branch.
President Trump designated various individuals as chairmen and acting chairmen of key federal agencies and commissions. Notable appointments include Brendan Carr as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Mark Christie for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Andrew Ferguson for the Federal Trade Commission. Acting chair roles were assigned to Henry Kerner for the Merit Systems Protection Board, Mark Uyeda for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Andrea Lucas for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, among others. These designations span diverse areas such as energy, labor, civil rights, and finance, reflecting strategic leadership choices for federal governance.
President Trump issued a proclamation ordering the United States flag to be flown at full staff on Inauguration Day. This order applies to the White House, public buildings, military posts, naval stations, and U.S. facilities domestically and abroad.
After Inauguration Day concludes, the flag will return to half-staff in accordance with Proclamation 10876, which honors former President Jimmy Carter, until the designated 30-day mourning period ends. The proclamation is dated January 20, 2025.
President Trump signed an executive order reversing a wide range of policies and actions implemented by the previous administration, citing them as harmful, inflationary, and divisive. The order outlines a commitment to restoring what the administration describes as "common sense" governance to foster unity, fairness, safety, and prosperity. Specifically, the order criticizes the previous administration's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which it claims has corrupted federal institutions by prioritizing preferential hierarchies over merit and equality. It also highlights concerns over climate policies, immigration reforms, and economic measures, suggesting they have negatively impacted American security, resilience, and prosperity.
The executive order rescinds numerous actions related to racial equity, environmental regulations, COVID-19 response, health care affordability, LGBTQ+ protections, and voting access. Key examples include reversing orders on advancing DEI in federal agencies, tackling the climate crisis, improving pandemic preparedness, expanding Medicaid, promoting voting rights, and enhancing criminal justice accountability. In total, dozens of executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations from the 2021–2025 period are nullified, signaling a major shift in federal policy direction.
To implement these changes, federal agencies are instructed to halt the enforcement of rescinded policies immediately. The Domestic Policy Council (DPC) and the National Economic Council (NEC) are tasked with reviewing related actions and recommending further rescissions or replacements within 45 days. Similarly, the National Security Advisor (NSA) must thoroughly review national security memoranda from the prior administration and suggest changes to address perceived threats to national security and American values. The order emphasizes adherence to applicable laws and budget constraints while clarifying that it does not create enforceable legal rights or benefits.
President Trump issued an executive order on "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship," emphasizing the importance of protecting First Amendment rights and preventing government interference in free speech. It condemns the prior administration for suppressing speech on online platforms by pressuring social media companies to censor content under the guise of addressing "misinformation." The order outlines a policy to safeguard constitutionally protected speech, ensure no government entity engages in unconstitutional censorship, prohibit taxpayer resources from being used for such purposes, and address past government misconduct related to speech suppression. It directs the Attorney General to investigate prior federal actions and provide recommendations for corrective measures. The order reaffirms the commitment to upholding free speech while ensuring implementation remains consistent with existing laws and resource availability.
President Trump’s executive order, "Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government," outlines measures to address alleged misuse of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies under the previous administration. It claims these agencies engaged in politically motivated investigations, prosecutions, and enforcement actions targeting political opponents and individuals exercising constitutional rights, including parents protesting at school board meetings. The order criticizes perceived double standards in law enforcement, contrasting actions taken against January 6 participants with leniency toward BLM-related cases.
The policy aims to identify and rectify past misconduct while preventing future misuse of federal authority. In consultation with agency heads, the Attorney General is tasked with reviewing enforcement activities over the last four years, identifying misconduct, and recommending corrective actions. Agencies such as the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Federal Trade Commission will be included in the review. Similarly, the Director of National Intelligence will examine the Intelligence Community’s actions during the same period and report findings to the President.
To ensure transparency, the order mandates adherence to document-retention policies, with noncompliance referred to the Attorney General. While the order is designed to promote accountability, it explicitly does not override existing legal authority or create enforceable rights for individuals or entities. Implementation will be consistent with applicable laws and budgetary constraints. Issued on January 20, 2025, the order seeks to restore trust in federal agencies by addressing past politicization and preventing future abuse.
President Trump issued a memorandum directing all executive branch departments and agencies to end remote work arrangements and require employees to return to full-time, in-person work at their designated duty stations. Department and agency heads may grant exemptions as necessary. Implementation of this directive must comply with applicable laws.
President Trump issued an executive order implementing a regulatory freeze to allow for a comprehensive review of rules by officials appointed under the new administration. The order prohibits executive departments and agencies from proposing or issuing new rules until they are reviewed and approved by an agency head appointed or designated by the President. Emergency or urgent rules may be exempted at the discretion of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director. Rules already submitted to the Office of the Federal Register but not yet published must be withdrawn for review, while the effective dates of published or issued rules not yet in effect should be postponed for 60 days to allow for a detailed examination of their legal, factual, and policy implications. During this delay, agencies are encouraged to open comment periods for public feedback and reevaluate pending petitions as necessary.
The freeze applies broadly, covering traditional rules, guidance documents, and agency statements establishing general policies or interpretations. Following the 60-day review, rules that do not raise significant issues may proceed, while those with substantial concerns require further consultation with the OMB Director. The OMB Director oversees the implementation of this order, including reviewing regulatory actions and information collections under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The order also allows for potential modifications if preexisting actions conflict with its objectives. Lastly, the OMB Director is directed to publish the memorandum in the Federal Register and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
President Trump issued an executive order enacting a federal hiring freeze across the executive branch, effective January 20, 2025. The freeze prohibits filling vacant civilian positions or creating new roles, with exceptions for military personnel, positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, public safety, and the administration of Social Security, Medicare, and Veterans’ benefits. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may grant further exemptions. Within 90 days, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in collaboration with OPM, must develop a plan to reduce the federal workforce through efficiency and attrition. The freeze will expire upon the plan’s issuance, except for the IRS, where it will remain until deemed unnecessary by the Secretary of the Treasury. The memorandum prohibits contracting to bypass the freeze and permits the reallocation of existing personnel to prioritize essential services and national security. It excludes presidential and Senate-confirmed appointments, certain non-career positions, and appointments governed by existing laws or collective bargaining agreements.
President Trump issued a memorandum addressing what he described as a historic inflation crisis caused by the Biden Administration's policies. He attributed rising costs for American families to excessive government spending, burdensome regulations, and policies that weakened American energy and production. He highlighted the impact of these measures on fuel, food, housing, medical care, and utilities, emphasizing that energy-related regulatory demands have driven up transportation and manufacturing costs. Trump also criticized mandates favoring electric vehicles, arguing that they led to higher prices for gas-powered vehicles to subsidize electric alternatives.
Housing costs were another focus, with Trump citing analysis that regulatory requirements alone account for 25% of the cost of constructing new homes. He claimed these policies, combined with other regulatory burdens, have cost the average American household $50,000 under the Biden Administration, in contrast to an $11,000 reduction during his first term. Trump directed executive departments to deliver emergency price relief to address these issues. This includes lowering housing costs, expanding housing supply, reducing healthcare expenses by eliminating unnecessary administrative costs and removing requirements that increase appliance prices. He also emphasized creating employment opportunities to draw workers back into the labor force and repealing climate policies that raise food and fuel costs.
To ensure accountability, Trump mandated regular progress reports every 30 days to track the implementation of these measures. He framed this effort as essential to restoring purchasing power, reducing costs, and improving the quality of life for American families.
President Trump issued an executive order emphasizing America’s economic priorities in international environmental agreements. The order asserts that the U.S. has achieved significant economic growth and environmental improvements through policies that do not burden the private sector. It criticizes international agreements like the Paris Accord for failing to align with American values and for channeling taxpayer funds to countries that may not merit such support. The order directs the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and similar commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, halting associated financial obligations and rescinding the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan. Federal agencies are instructed to prioritize economic efficiency, fiscal restraint, and American prosperity in global energy negotiations while revoking policies tied to international climate finance initiatives. The directive underscores putting American interests first, with all actions aligned to existing laws and resource availability.
President Trump issued an executive order granting pardons and commutations to individuals involved in the events at or near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, describing it as an effort to end a "grave national injustice" and promote reconciliation. The order commutes the sentences of 15 individuals, including members of groups such as the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, to time served as of January 20, 2025. Additionally, a full, complete, and unconditional pardon is granted to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to the events of that day.
To implement the directive, the Attorney General is instructed to issue certificates of pardon and ensure the immediate release of incarcerated individuals convicted of these offenses. Furthermore, the Attorney General is directed to pursue the dismissal of all pending indictments for conduct related to January 6, 2021. The Bureau of Prisons is tasked with carrying out these instructions promptly. The proclamation takes effect immediately.
President Trump issued an executive order addressing the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act pertaining to TikTok, a platform owned by China-based ByteDance Ltd. The Act, aimed at restricting foreign adversary-controlled apps in the U.S. for national security reasons, took effect on January 19, 2025, a day before the new administration assumed office. The President raised concerns about the abrupt implementation, which limits the administration’s ability to review security implications and negotiate a resolution to prevent TikTok’s shutdown, affecting its 170 million U.S. users. To facilitate this review, the Attorney General was ordered to delay enforcement of the Act for 75 days, ensuring no penalties for noncompliance during this period. The Attorney General will also issue guidance to clarify compliance expectations and preserve federal enforcement authority, preventing actions by states or private entities. The order maintains the authority of other federal agencies but does not create enforceable rights against the U.S. government.
President Trump issued an executive order targeting government accountability for what he claimed was election interference and improper handling of sensitive information. The order highlights actions by 51 former intelligence officials during the 2020 Presidential campaign who, in coordination with the Biden campaign, discredited reporting on Hunter Biden’s abandoned laptop by suggesting it was Russian disinformation. This letter, reviewed by CIA officials, allegedly undermined public trust in the Intelligence Community. Additionally, the order criticizes former National Security Advisor John Bolton for publishing a memoir containing sensitive information. To address these breaches, the order revokes the security clearances of the involved officials and mandates a review to prevent future misuse of intelligence for political purposes. It also directs the submission of a report detailing any further inappropriate activities within 90 days. The order emphasizes the need to protect national security, maintain the impartiality of intelligence, and prevent the exploitation of classified information for personal or political gain.
President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border of the United States, citing threats from cartels, criminal gangs, terrorists, human traffickers, smugglers, and the influx of illicit drugs. He emphasized that these issues have caused chaos, crime, and drug-related deaths, endangering American lives and sovereignty. To address this, Trump invoked his constitutional authority, directing the deployment of the Armed Forces to assist the Department of Homeland Security in securing the border. The proclamation calls for constructing additional physical barriers, deploying military resources, and revising policies to prevent unauthorized entry. It also mandates reports on actions taken and the conditions at the border, potentially considering further measures like invoking the Insurrection Act. The order revokes a prior proclamation terminating the border emergency and emphasizes adherence to applicable laws and funding constraints.
President Trump issued a memorandum addressing the backlog of security clearances for personnel in the Executive Office of the President (EOP), a situation he attributed to the Biden Administration's inefficiencies. The delay in processing clearances has rendered affected employees unable to access the White House complex, infrastructure, and technology, hindering their ability to perform their duties. To resolve this, the President authorized the White House Counsel to grant interim Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearances for up to six months to identified personnel. These individuals will be granted immediate access to facilities and technology necessary for their roles. The White House Counsel has the authority to supplement the list of personnel or revoke interim clearances as needed. The memorandum specifies that it does not create enforceable legal rights or benefits against the U.S. government.
President Trump issued a memorandum outlining the "America First Trade Policy," emphasizing national economic and security interests. The policy aims to promote American workers, businesses, and economic growth while addressing trade imbalances and unfair practices. Key initiatives include investigating trade deficits, potential tariffs, and currency manipulation and reviewing existing trade agreements and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The memorandum also addresses U.S. economic relations with China, focusing on intellectual property, tariffs, and trade practices. It highlights the need for enhanced export controls, protection against counterfeit goods, and industrial and manufacturing security assessment. Specific agencies were directed to conduct investigations and deliver coordinated reports by April 2025 to inform further actions. The memorandum stresses adherence to legal frameworks and national security considerations.
President Trump issued an executive order emphasizing the military's role in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United States, particularly along its borders. The order highlights the Armed Forces' historical role in defending against invasions, unlawful border crossings, and transnational crimes. Citing a national emergency at the southern border due to mass migration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, the order directs the Secretary of Defense to revise the Unified Command Plan within ten days, assigning U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) the mission to secure borders and counter these threats. It mandates the development of contingency and campaign plans to ensure steady-state border security and continuous assessments of defense options. The order underscores the priority of using military resources for border protection while adhering to legal and budgetary constraints, ensuring its implementation creates no new enforceable rights.
President Trump’s executive order, titled Unleashing American Energy, prioritizes energy independence and economic growth by reducing regulatory burdens on domestic energy production and consumption. The order emphasizes expanding energy exploration on federal lands and waters, advancing the U.S. as a global leader in energy and mineral production, and promoting consumer choice by removing mandates favoring electric vehicles and specific appliances. It revokes several executive orders tied to climate policies and the Green New Deal, disbanding associated programs while redirecting resources to projects aligned with the order’s goals. Agencies are directed to streamline permitting processes, eliminate delays, and ensure regulations are grounded in law. The order also discontinues using social cost metrics for greenhouse gases and emphasizes the national security implications of energy and mineral independence. Additionally, it seeks to enhance U.S. competitiveness in critical mineral mining and processing, accelerate domestic geologic mapping, and address unfair foreign trade practices.
President Trump issued an executive order to realign the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), citing a surge in migration that has placed significant pressure on cities and communities across the country. The order suspends refugee admissions effective January 27, 2025, until a determination is made that their entry aligns with U.S. interests. The policy emphasizes prioritizing public safety, national security, and resource allocation for American citizens. It also calls for increased involvement of state and local governments in refugee placement decisions. Exceptions to the suspension are allowed on a case-by-case basis if deemed in the national interest. The order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to review existing laws and propose ways to enhance local jurisdiction involvement. Additionally, it revokes a 2021 executive order on rebuilding refugee programs. Periodic reviews will assess when the program may resume in alignment with national priorities.
President Trump issued an executive order emphasizing the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment regarding birthright citizenship, clarifying that citizenship is not automatically granted to all individuals born in the United States. It specifies that children born in the U.S. to mothers who are unlawfully present, or lawfully present temporarily (e.g., on tourist or student visas), and whose fathers are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, are not entitled to U.S. citizenship. This policy, effective for individuals born 30 days after the order’s issuance, directs federal agencies to ensure compliance and prohibits recognizing citizenship documents for individuals falling within these categories. The order includes definitions and safeguards to align its implementation with existing laws while excluding it from creating enforceable legal rights.
President Trump issued an executive order titled "Securing Our Borders," outlining measures to address illegal immigration and enhance border security. The order identifies an influx of unauthorized individuals, including potential threats such as criminals and drug traffickers, as a critical issue undermining national sovereignty and public safety. It establishes policies to construct physical barriers, deploy personnel, and enforce immigration laws, including detaining and promptly removing illegal entrants. The order directs the resumption of Migrant Protection Protocols, the termination of parole programs facilitating inadmissible entries, and strict compliance with DNA and identification procedures. Additional provisions emphasize international cooperation and prioritization of prosecuting border-related crimes. Departments are tasked with providing recommendations for further action to protect national security. The order asserts adherence to existing legal and budgetary frameworks and specifies it does not create enforceable legal rights for individuals.
President Trump issued a memorandum titled "Putting People over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern California," directing the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to prioritize water rerouting from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to benefit the people of Southern California. This action revives efforts from his first term, which aimed to enhance California's water infrastructure by redirecting rainwater and snowmelt from Northern California to Central and Southern regions. Trump criticized the halting of these plans under California’s Governor, citing a lawsuit allegedly filed to protect the Delta smelt and other fish species, which he argues led to wasteful water flow into the Pacific Ocean. Emphasizing the urgency created by recent destructive wildfires in Southern California, the memorandum calls for immediate implementation of the plan to ensure a reliable water supply. The Secretaries are instructed to report progress and future recommendations within 90 days.
President Trump issued an executive order emphasizing the restoration and enforcement of capital punishment to deter and punish the most heinous crimes. The order criticizes opposition from judges and politicians, including President Biden, who commuted the sentences of federal death row inmates and implemented a moratorium on executions. It reaffirms the administration's commitment to executing death penalties for crimes like murder of law enforcement officers and capital crimes by undocumented immigrants. The order directs the Attorney General to pursue capital punishment actively, ensure states have the means for lethal injection, and challenge Supreme Court rulings limiting the death penalty. It also calls for prioritizing public safety, addressing violent crime, and ensuring the confinement of commuted offenders aligns with the gravity of their crimes. The administration aims to preserve the death penalty as a tool for justice and public protection.
President Trump has issued an executive order to enhance accountability in policy-influencing positions within the federal workforce. Citing Article II of the Constitution, the order underscores the President's authority to manage the executive branch and ensure effective implementation of federal laws. The directive highlights deficiencies in accountability, with surveys showing that many supervisors lack confidence in addressing poor performance or misconduct among civil service employees. The order reinstates and amends Executive Order 13957, creating the “Policy/Career” schedule to streamline the process for designating and managing positions with policy-making responsibilities. These amendments emphasize that employees in these roles must faithfully execute administration policies, irrespective of personal or political support, with failure to comply constituting grounds for dismissal. Additionally, the order revokes a prior policy that protected the federal workforce from certain disciplinary revisions, mandates regulatory changes to support this new approach, and calls for recommendations on further positions to be included in the Policy/Career schedule. The order aims to restore professionalism and responsiveness in the civil service, ensuring alignment with executive leadership priorities.
President Trump issued an executive order formally withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of reforms, and susceptibility to political influence from member states. The order criticizes the disproportionate financial contributions by the U.S. compared to nations like China, which has a significantly larger population but contributes much less. The directive revokes previous actions to re-engage with the WHO, halts U.S. funding and personnel support for the organization, and calls for identifying alternative partners to fulfill health-related functions. It also requires establishing domestic mechanisms to safeguard public health and biosecurity. Additionally, the Secretary of State is instructed to notify the United Nations and WHO leadership of the withdrawal and suspend negotiations on global health agreements, emphasizing that such agreements will not bind the U.S. This order underscores a shift in U.S. global health policy and leadership priorities.
I appreciate all your work … hard to transfer from President Biden, whom I admired, to President Trump, whom I do not admire.
Hard to read, but very informative.