Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
On October 11, 2019, the Trump administration signed three memoranda (13836, 13837, and 13839) directing changes to paid leave policies for federal employees and federal contractors. These memoranda modified accrual and use of paid leave benefits within federal agencies and for contractors. The confirmed direct impact included alterations to leave policies that affected federal workforce compensation and benefits administration.
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 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 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.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13881 on July 15, 2019, directing federal agencies to maximize procurement of American-made goods, products, and materials in government contracting. The order required agencies to revise procurement policies and preferences to prioritize domestic products and set goals for American-made purchases. The confirmed effect includes changes to federal contracting practices that increased evaluation criteria favoring domestic suppliers in government purchasing decisions.
On June 10, 2019, President Trump issued a Presidential Determination pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, invoking authority to prioritize contracts and allocate resources deemed necessary for national defense. The determination's specific purpose and affected industries were not publicly disclosed in detail. The action granted the administration expanded authority to direct private sector production and resource allocation without competitive bidding requirements.
On May 31, 2019, President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-9986 modifying the list of countries eligible for preferential trade benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program established by the Trade Act of 1974. The proclamation removed certain countries from the beneficiary list, ending their eligibility for duty-free trade access to U.S. markets. This directly affected import tariffs on goods from affected countries, increasing costs for American importers and potentially raising prices on consumer goods sourced from those nations.
On May 19, 2019, President Trump signed Proclamation 9980, adjusting imports of steel into the United States by modifying tariff rates and establishing quota systems on steel products. The proclamation modified the 25% steel tariffs previously imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, creating exemptions and quota allocations for certain countries and steel categories. The confirmed direct impact included increased costs for American manufacturers using steel, price increases for steel-dependent consumer goods including automobiles and appliances, and trade disputes with multiple countries resulting in retaliatory tariffs on American agricultural and manufactured exports.
On May 19, 2019, President Trump signed Proclamation 9899, imposing a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports. The proclamation applied to most countries except Canada and Mexico, citing national security concerns under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The tariff increased costs for manufacturers using imported aluminum and affected consumer prices for aluminum-containing products including beverages, automobiles, and construction materials.
On May 17, 2019, President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-10774 imposing tariffs on imported automobiles and automobile parts under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The proclamation authorized the President to adjust imports of these products, implementing tariff increases on foreign-manufactured vehicles and components. The action increased costs for American consumers purchasing vehicles and raised prices on auto parts, while affecting U.S. manufacturers reliant on imported components.