Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
Trump administration officials terminated a federal criminal investigation into potential Clean Water Act violations by coal mining operations owned by Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV), a close presidential ally. The killed investigation had examined multistate mining operations run largely by Justice's son, removing legal jeopardy for a major Republican donor and Senate ally.
The Trump administration implemented new caps on graduate school loans through provisions in a tax and domestic policy bill signed into law. The changes limit borrowing amounts available to graduate students pursuing advanced degrees. This directly reduces access to federal student loan funding for Americans pursuing graduate education.
The Supreme Court threw out Louisiana's congressional maps and weakened the Voting Rights Act, forcing states to redraw district lines ahead of the midterm elections. This decision creates uncertainty for primary schedules and congressional representation. The ruling directly impacts voting rights and electoral fairness for millions of Americans.
On September 21, 2020, President Trump signed Executive Order 13949, which blocked property and assets of persons determined to be involved in Iran's conventional arms activities. The order authorizes the Treasury Department to identify and sanction individuals and entities involved in Iranian arms sales and transfers. The direct effect on Americans includes restrictions on U.S. persons conducting financial transactions with designated entities and potential impacts on companies engaged in trade involving sanctioned Iranian arms actors.
On September 18, 2020, the Trump administration continued the national emergency declaration with respect to persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism. The notice (2020-21059) extended the existing emergency authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The continuation maintains executive authority to regulate transactions and freeze assets related to terrorism designations without requiring new congressional approval.
On September 10, 2020, President Trump signed Proclamation 2020-20855 establishing Patriot Day as an annual observance on September 11. The proclamation directs flags to be flown at half-staff and calls for moment of silence and remembrance activities. The proclamation has no direct operational effect on Americans beyond ceremonial designation and federal flag protocols.
On September 10, 2020, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency declaration originally issued after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The continuation extends the emergency declaration's authorities, which enable the government to utilize emergency powers related to defense, military deployment, and executive actions without standard Congressional approval processes. The continued declaration maintains expansive executive authority in national security matters and keeps emergency-related provisions in effect.
On September 9, 2020, the Trump administration issued a determination continuing the exercise of authorities under the Trading With the Enemy Act. The determination extended existing executive powers to restrict trade and financial transactions with designated foreign entities and nations. The action maintained ongoing restrictions on Americans' ability to conduct certain commercial and financial transactions with specified countries and entities.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2020-20847 on September 9, 2020, revising United States marine scientific research policy. The proclamation modified requirements and procedures governing marine scientific research conducted in U.S. waters and by U.S. entities. The specific operational changes affected research permitting, notification requirements, and institutional review processes for marine scientists and research organizations conducting work in designated marine areas.
On September 4, 2020, the Trump administration signed a memorandum establishing cybersecurity principles and standards for U.S. space systems and infrastructure. The directive requires federal agencies and contractors developing space systems to implement specified security practices and report on compliance. The order affects how civilian and military space programs implement cybersecurity controls for satellites, ground stations, and related systems used by federal agencies and private contractors.