Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
On February 19, 2019, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to Libya, originally declared in 2011. The continuation extended emergency powers related to the Libya situation for an additional year. The action maintained existing executive authorities regarding Libya without implementing new substantive changes to policy or direct domestic programs.
On January 25, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13857, declaring that the situation in Venezuela constituted a national emergency and expanding sanctions authorities. The order expanded the ability to impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in Venezuelan affairs and increased restrictions on transactions with Venezuela. The confirmed direct impact includes expanded financial sanctions on Venezuelan individuals and entities, and restrictions on U.S. persons' ability to engage in certain transactions with Venezuela.
On January 16, 2019, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency declaration regarding terrorists who threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace process. This action extended an existing emergency declaration, maintaining presidential authorities under the National Emergencies Act related to designating and sanctioning individuals and entities posing threats to Middle East peace efforts. The continuation allowed the administration to maintain freezing of assets and travel restrictions for designated individuals under this emergency authority.
On January 15, 2019, President Trump signed Memorandum 2019-00093 delegating authorities and responsibilities under Section 1763 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. The memorandum transferred specific decision-making powers related to defense matters to designated executive branch officials. The direct impact on Americans includes potential changes to how certain defense-related decisions are made and implemented within the executive branch.
On January 15, 2019, the Trump administration signed a memorandum delegating enforcement functions under the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 and its 2018 amendments to specified federal agencies. The memorandum established which agencies would enforce sanctions and financial restrictions related to Hizballah financing. The direct impact on Americans includes potential restrictions on financial transactions, asset freezes, and enforcement actions related to entities or individuals designated under this authority.
On January 8, 2019, President Trump signed Memorandum 2019-02461 regarding the establishment of a U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. The memorandum directed the State Department to establish a consulate general in Jerusalem to serve the Palestinian population. This action created a new diplomatic presence with direct consular services for Palestinians in Jerusalem.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-00013 on December 21, 2018, taking certain actions under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The proclamation modified trade benefits and eligibility determinations for sub-Saharan African countries under AGOA. The specific countries affected and trade benefit modifications were detailed in the proclamation's operative sections.
On December 18, 2018, the Trump administration continued a national emergency declaration originally issued in 2015 regarding serious human rights abuse and corruption. The continuation extends sanctions and other measures related to the original emergency declaration. The direct impact on Americans includes potential restrictions on financial transactions with designated individuals and entities, and ongoing implementation of related executive orders.
On December 18, 2018, President Trump signed a memorandum establishing United States Space Command (SPACECOM) as a unified combatant command under the Department of Defense. The action elevated space operations to a separate command structure reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense, distinct from U.S. Strategic Command. SPACECOM became operational on December 20, 2019, creating a dedicated military command responsible for space operations, satellite communications, and space defense for the U.S. armed forces.
On December 7, 2018, President Trump signed Determination 2018-28364, which suspended limitations on the use of funds for the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem under the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. The determination allowed the State Department to proceed with embassy operations in Jerusalem without certain statutory restrictions. The direct effect was enabling the continued operation and funding of U.S. embassy functions in Jerusalem.