Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13886 on September 9, 2019, directing the modernization of sanctions authorities related to terrorism financing. The order revised existing executive authorities to combat terrorist financing and related national security threats. The order delegated authority to the Secretary of State, Secretary of Treasury, and other officials to implement expanded sanctions determinations.
President Trump signed Proclamation 9726 on September 5, 2019, designating national days of prayer and remembrance. The proclamation calls for Americans to observe prayer and remembrance on specified dates throughout the year. The proclamation has no direct regulatory effect on Americans but establishes ceremonial observances recognized by the federal government.
On August 30, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13885 establishing the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. The order created an advisory committee to coordinate federal quantum information science research and development efforts across agencies. The committee provides recommendations to the National Science and Technology Council on quantum computing policy and research priorities.
The Trump administration eliminated automatic protections for threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, requiring case-by-case determination instead of blanket coverage. Previously, species classified as threatened received the same legal protections as endangered species. This change removes safeguards for hundreds of at-risk animal and plant species and their habitats across the United States.
On August 21, 2019, the Trump administration signed Memorandum 2019-18520 directing the discharge of federal student loan debt for veterans certified as totally and permanently disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The memorandum established a process to identify eligible disabled veterans and eliminate their outstanding federal student loans. The action directly affected veterans with service-connected disabilities rated as total and permanent by the VA.
On August 14, 2019, the Trump administration issued Notice 2019-17735 continuing the national emergency declaration with respect to export control regulations. The notice extends the existing emergency authority that allows the President to regulate exports without standard Congressional trade procedures. The continuation maintains expedited export control powers affecting U.S. companies' ability to sell goods and technology internationally.
On August 5, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13884, which blocked property and interests in property of the Government of Venezuela within U.S. jurisdiction. The order expanded existing sanctions by prohibiting transactions with specified Venezuelan government entities and officials. The direct impact on Americans includes restrictions on U.S. persons and entities conducting business with designated Venezuelan targets, potential effects on Venezuelan expatriates with frozen assets, and involvement of U.S. financial institutions in compliance and enforcement of asset freezes.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-17118 on August 4, 2019, declaring a national day of mourning for the victims of mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio that occurred on August 3-4, 2019. The proclamation directed flags to be flown at half-staff and called for a moment of silence. The proclamation created no new legislation, regulations, or direct policy changes affecting Americans.
On August 1, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13883, which amended Executive Order 12851 regarding the administration of proliferation sanctions. The order modifies the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) processes and expands authority over foreign investment reviews related to proliferation concerns. The direct effect establishes new review mechanisms for foreign transactions involving sensitive technologies and materials related to weapons proliferation.
On July 31, 2019, the Trump administration designated Brazil as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) through a formal determination. This designation grants Brazil preferential status in defense trade, military cooperation, and access to certain U.S. military technologies and equipment. The practical effect on Americans includes potential increases in U.S. military exports to Brazil and closer defense partnerships, though no direct domestic policy changes result from this foreign policy designation.