Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
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.
President Trump signed a notice on July 30, 2019, continuing the national emergency with respect to Lebanon that had been previously declared. The continuation extends the emergency declaration, maintaining existing authorities and measures related to Lebanon. The direct impact on Americans includes potential restrictions on financial transactions, asset freezes, and visa limitations for individuals designated under the emergency authority.
On July 26, 2019, President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-16558 establishing July 27 as Korean War Veterans Armistice Day to commemorate the armistice signed on July 27, 1953. The proclamation designates an annual day of recognition for Korean War veterans and calls for appropriate ceremonies and observances. The direct effect is the establishment of an annual commemorative day recognized by the federal government.
On July 26, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13882, blocking property and suspending entry of certain persons contributing to the situation in Mali. The order authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to block assets within U.S. jurisdiction of designated individuals and entities, and the Secretary of State to deny visa issuance and revoke visas for targeted persons. The confirmed direct effect is that designated individuals and entities cannot access U.S. financial systems or property, and designated individuals are barred from entering the United States.
On July 26, 2019, President Trump signed Memorandum 2019-16497 directing U.S. trade representatives to challenge countries claiming developing-nation status at the World Trade Organization, particularly China and India. The memorandum instructed officials to refuse special trade concessions granted to developing countries for nations with large economies or high export volumes. The direct impact on Americans included potential changes to tariff treatment on imported goods and shifts in U.S. trade negotiation strategy, though implementation effects varied by sector and trading partner response.
On July 22, 2019, the Trump administration continued the national emergency declaration regarding transnational criminal organizations, originally declared in 2011. The continuation extends the emergency declaration's legal authority, allowing the government to maintain related enforcement operations and resource allocation under emergency powers. This declaration has been used to justify various law enforcement and border security operations.
On July 22, 2019, the Trump administration issued a Presidential Determination under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, invoking authority to prioritize contracts and allocate materials for national defense purposes. The determination authorized expedited procurement and allocation of specified materials and resources deemed necessary for defense production. The confirmed direct effect was to grant the administration power to direct industrial production priorities and contract awards in sectors related to national defense.
On July 19, 2019, the Trump administration issued Determination 2019-16862 to continue U.S. drug interdiction assistance to the Government of Colombia. The determination authorized ongoing financial and operational support for Colombian counter-narcotics efforts. The confirmed direct impact includes sustained funding for joint U.S.-Colombian drug enforcement operations targeting trafficking organizations.