Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
President Trump signed Proclamation 10029 on July 24, 2020, establishing the Korean War Veterans Armistice Day to be observed annually on July 27. The proclamation designates a day for Americans to honor Korean War veterans and those who died in the conflict. The proclamation creates an annual observance but does not establish a federal holiday.
On July 23, 2020, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to Mali, originally declared in 2017. The continuation extended the emergency declaration, which authorizes the executive branch to take emergency actions related to the situation in Mali without standard congressional appropriations procedures. The direct impact on Americans includes potential deployment of military resources and authorization for emergency spending related to Mali operations without requiring separate congressional approval.
On July 22, 2020, the Trump administration continued the national emergency declaration with respect to transnational criminal organizations, originally declared in 2011. The continuation extended the emergency powers and authorities related to addressing transnational criminal organizations. The confirmed effect was the continuation of emergency-related authorities that federal agencies use in their operations against designated transnational criminal organizations.
On July 17, 2020, the Trump administration issued Determination 2020-16622 continuing U.S. drug interdiction assistance to the Government of Colombia. The determination authorized ongoing military and law enforcement aid focused on counter-narcotics operations. The direct effect was the continuation of funding and operational support for Colombian drug enforcement efforts targeting narcotics trafficking to the United States.
President Trump signed Proclamation 10035 on July 17, 2020, designating the week of July 19-25, 2020 as Captive Nations Week. The proclamation calls for recognizing nations under authoritarian control and reaffirming U.S. commitment to their freedom. The proclamation has no direct regulatory impact on Americans but establishes an official week of recognition.
On July 14, 2020, President Trump signed Executive Order 13936 directing the Secretary of State to begin the process of eliminating Hong Kong's special trade status under U.S. law. The order suspended Hong Kong's preferential trade treatment, including exemptions from tariffs applied to mainland China. The direct effect was the application of higher tariffs to Hong Kong imports beginning September 25, 2020, increasing costs for U.S. importers and businesses sourcing goods from Hong Kong.
On July 7, 2020, President Trump signed a memorandum delegating authority under the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act of 2018. The memorandum transferred decision-making power over development financing and investment decisions to the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This expanded the DFC's operational authority to approve and execute development projects without certain prior consultations or restrictions.
On June 24, 2020, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to the Western Balkans, originally declared in 1995. The continuation extends the emergency status, which authorizes specific executive authorities related to the region. The direct impact on Americans includes potential restrictions on travel, trade, or financial transactions involving designated entities in the Western Balkans region, though the scope of practical domestic effect remains limited.
On June 17, 2020, the Trump administration signed Notice 2020-13450 continuing the national emergency declaration with respect to North Korea. The notice extended the emergency declaration that had been in place since 2008, maintaining existing restrictions on transactions with North Korea and related sanctions authorities. The continuation preserves current trade restrictions and financial controls affecting American businesses and individuals conducting any transactions involving North Korean entities or individuals.
On June 11, 2020, President Trump signed a notice continuing the national emergency declared with respect to actions and policies of certain members of the government of Belarus and other persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Belarus. The continuation extends the existing emergency declaration, maintaining sanctions and restrictions related to Belarus. The direct impact on Americans includes potential restrictions on financial transactions with designated Belarusian entities and individuals, and limitations on certain imports from Belarus.