Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
Executive Order 13829 was signed on April 12, 2018, establishing a task force to review the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of the United States Postal Service. The task force was directed to examine USPS rates, workforce costs, and service delivery models, with a report due within 120 days. The order created a mechanism for federal review of postal operations that had not previously existed through executive action.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13828 on April 10, 2018, directing federal agencies to review welfare and public benefit programs and propose changes to strengthen work requirements and time limits. The order required the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Agriculture, and Secretary of Commerce to recommend modifications to SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and housing assistance programs within 90 days. Implementation effects included subsequent state waivers expanding work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid, resulting in reduced benefits access for certain populations.
On March 22, 2018, President Trump signed Proclamation 9705 imposing tariffs of 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports, with some country-specific exceptions. The tariffs applied to most countries importing these metals into the United States. The immediate effect increased prices for steel and aluminum products for American manufacturers and consumers, affecting construction materials, vehicles, appliances, and other goods containing these metals.
On March 22, 2018, President Trump signed a memorandum directing the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate China's laws, policies, practices, and actions related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The investigation resulted in findings of unfair Chinese practices and led to the implementation of tariffs on Chinese goods beginning July 2018. American consumers and businesses faced increased costs on thousands of imported products, including electronics, machinery, and consumer goods.
On March 22, 2018, President Trump signed Proclamation 10017 imposing a 25% tariff on aluminum imports into the United States under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The proclamation took effect on March 23, 2018, and increased prices on aluminum-containing products for American consumers and manufacturers, including automobiles, beverage cans, construction materials, and appliances. The tariff remained in effect through Trump's first term and into subsequent administrations with limited modifications.
On March 12, 2018, President Trump signed an order prohibiting Broadcom Limited's proposed $117 billion acquisition of Qualcomm Incorporated, citing national security concerns related to 5G technology leadership. The order effectively terminated the proposed merger. The action prevented the consolidation of two major U.S. semiconductor companies and kept Qualcomm operating as an independent entity.
On March 8, 2018, President Trump signed Proclamation 9740 imposing a 10% tariff on aluminum imports into the United States, with limited exceptions for Canada and Mexico. The proclamation took effect on March 23, 2018. The tariff increased prices on aluminum and aluminum-containing products for American consumers and manufacturers, including automobiles, beverages, and construction materials.
On March 8, 2018, President Trump signed Proclamation 9705 imposing a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports, with limited exemptions for Canada and Mexico. The tariffs applied to all steel and aluminum products entering the United States from nearly all countries. American manufacturers, consumers, and industries relying on steel and aluminum imports faced increased material costs, which were passed through supply chains affecting vehicle prices, construction materials, appliances, and consumer goods.
On February 12, 2018, the Trump administration issued a sequestration order pursuant to Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, implementing automatic spending cuts across federal agencies. The order reduced discretionary spending across defense and non-defense programs to comply with budget caps set by the 2011 Budget Control Act. The sequestration reduced federal agency budgets, affecting programs and services dependent on appropriated funds across multiple departments.
On January 23, 2018, President Trump issued Proclamation 9693 imposing tariffs on imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules. The proclamation established a four-year tariff schedule beginning at 30% for cells and 30% for modules, declining annually. The tariff increased costs for solar installations across the United States, affecting residential and commercial solar projects and raising electricity costs in some regions.