Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
The Trump administration eased sanctions on Venezuela's state-run financial system to boost the country's economy. Venezuela's government-run bank and financial institutions can now legally use U.S. currency, directly receive oil sales revenue, and reenter the U.S.-controlled global financial system. This action aims to stabilize Venezuela's damaged economy amid public worker protests.
On May 16, 2017, President Trump signed a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq, originally declared in 2003. The continuation extends the emergency declaration, which authorizes the government to maintain certain powers related to Iraq operations. This action allows the administration to continue invoking emergency authorities for Iraq-related activities without requiring new congressional approval.
On May 9, 2017, President Trump signed a notice continuing the national emergency declaration with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria, originally declared in 2011. The continuation extends existing emergency powers and sanctions related to Syria policy. The declaration allows the executive branch to maintain restrictions on Syrian government transactions and assets under International Emergency Economic Powers Act authority.
On May 8, 2017, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to Yemen, originally declared in 2015. The continuation extends the emergency declaration that authorizes specific executive powers related to Yemen policy. This maintains the legal framework for executive actions concerning Yemen without requiring new Congressional authorization.
On April 12, 2017, President Trump signed a memorandum delegating authority under the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act to executive branch officials. The memorandum transferred specific powers granted by Congress to the Secretary of Defense and other agency heads to execute provisions of the NDAA. The delegation allowed these officials to exercise statutory authorities without requiring direct presidential action on routine defense matters.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2017-05678 on April 7, 2017, designating April 14, 2017 as Pan American Day and the week of April 10-16, 2017 as Pan American Week. The proclamation calls for the observance of these dates to recognize the achievements and contributions of the countries of the Western Hemisphere. This is an annual proclamation with no direct regulatory impact on Americans.
On April 6, 2017, the Trump administration continued the national emergency declaration with respect to Somalia, originally declared in 1992. The notice extends the emergency powers and measures associated with the ongoing Somalia situation. The continuation maintains existing sanctions, restrictions on financial transactions, and travel limitations related to Somalia.
On April 4, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order reorganizing the structure and membership of the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council, along with their subcommittees. The order modified which cabinet officials and advisors hold permanent or regular seats on these councils, changed reporting structures, and established new subcommittees for policy coordination. The direct impact on Americans included changes to how national security policy is developed and coordinated across federal agencies.
On March 29, 2017, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency declaration regarding significant malicious cyber-enabled activities against U.S. infrastructure and institutions, originally declared in 2015. The continuation extends the emergency powers and authorizations under the national emergency framework, allowing the federal government to maintain enhanced authorities for responding to cyber threats. The direct impact on Americans includes potential expanded government monitoring and response capabilities related to cybersecurity incidents affecting critical infrastructure.
On March 22, 2017, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency declaration with respect to South Sudan, originally declared under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The continuation extended the existing emergency designation and associated restrictions. This maintains authority for potential economic sanctions and travel restrictions related to South Sudan.