Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
On May 23, 2017, the Trump administration signed a sequestration order pursuant to Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act. The order authorized automatic spending cuts across federal agencies for fiscal year 2018. The sequestration reduced discretionary spending allocations to agencies including defense, education, health, and social services.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13796 on April 29, 2017, directing the U.S. Trade Representative to identify trade agreement violations and abuses by trading partners and report findings within 90 days. The order required the USTR to analyze whether any trade agreements were being violated in ways that harmed American workers and to recommend remedies including renegotiation or withdrawal from agreements.
Executive Order 13797 was signed on April 29, 2017, establishing the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy within the Executive Office of the President. The office was directed to develop and coordinate trade and manufacturing policy across federal agencies. The confirmed effect includes the creation of a new policy coordination office reporting to the President with authority over trade negotiations and domestic manufacturing initiatives.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13794 on April 28, 2017, establishing the American Technology Council to coordinate federal information technology policy and modernization efforts. The council was tasked with developing recommendations for modernizing federal IT infrastructure, improving cybersecurity, and reducing IT spending across executive agencies. The order created a framework for federal agencies to align technology initiatives under White House coordination.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13790 on April 25, 2017, directing the Department of Agriculture to review and modify regulations affecting agricultural operations and rural communities. The order required the USDA to identify rules that impose costs on farmers and rural businesses, with an aim toward reducing regulatory burden. Confirmed effects include initiation of regulatory reviews affecting farm operations, environmental compliance requirements, and rural development programs.
On April 21, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13789 directing the Secretary of the Treasury to identify tax regulations that impose undue financial burdens on American businesses and taxpayers, and to recommend repeal or modification of such regulations. The order required a review of significant tax regulations issued after January 1, 2016, and mandated that for every new tax regulation issued, two existing tax regulations be identified for elimination. The confirmed direct effect was initiation of a formal regulatory review process by the Treasury Department that resulted in identification and proposal of specific tax regulations for repeal or revision.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13788 on April 18, 2017, directing federal agencies to strengthen enforcement of domestic content and workforce requirements in federal contracting and procurement. The order requires agencies to review and modify acquisition regulations to maximize the use of goods and services produced in the United States and to prioritize hiring of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents for federal positions. Confirmed effects include increased scrutiny of federal contracts for foreign content and implementation of hiring preferences in federal employment.
Executive Order 13786 was signed on March 31, 2017, directing the Secretary of Commerce to prepare a report on the causes of significant U.S. trade deficits with specific countries and to identify unfair trade practices. The order required the Commerce Department to submit findings and recommendations within 90 days. The confirmed direct impact was the initiation of a formal federal review process that informed subsequent trade policy decisions and tariff actions.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13785 on March 31, 2017, directing the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to investigate and enforce antidumping and countervailing duties, and to identify violations of trade and customs laws. The order established an interagency working group to coordinate enforcement efforts and recommend legal actions. The confirmed effect was increased investigations into imported goods and enforcement actions targeting foreign manufacturers and importers, resulting in additional tariffs and duties on affected products.
On March 27, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13782, revoking multiple Obama-era executive orders related to federal contracting requirements. The order eliminated mandates requiring federal contractors to disclose political donations and comply with certain labor and environmental standards as conditions of receiving federal contracts. The direct effect removed reporting requirements and compliance obligations for companies bidding on or holding federal contracts worth billions annually.