Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
Executive Order 13895 was signed on October 22, 2019, establishing the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The order created a council to advise the President on science, technology, and innovation policy. The council convenes leading scientists, engineers, and innovators to provide recommendations on federal science and technology initiatives affecting Americans.
On August 30, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13885 establishing the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. The order created an advisory committee to coordinate federal quantum information science research and development efforts across agencies. The committee provides recommendations to the National Science and Technology Council on quantum computing policy and research priorities.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-15991 on July 19, 2019, designating July 20-21, 2019 as a national observance of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. The proclamation called for Americans to observe the anniversary and reflect on the Apollo program's achievements. The proclamation had no direct regulatory or policy impact on Americans beyond ceremonial recognition.
Executive Order 13874 was signed on June 11, 2019, directing federal agencies to modernize regulations for agricultural biotechnology products. The order reduced regulatory requirements for certain genetically modified crops by clarifying that products developed through genetic engineering would not automatically require federal approval if they could have been produced through conventional breeding. The confirmed direct effect was expedited approval timelines for biotechnology crop products entering the agricultural market.
On March 26, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13865 directing the federal government to coordinate a national strategy for protecting infrastructure and military systems against electromagnetic pulses (EMPs). The order established a task force to assess vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, communications, and energy systems, and to develop recommendations for improving resilience. The order does not directly eliminate existing protections but rather creates a coordinating framework among federal agencies for EMP preparedness.
On February 25, 2019, President Trump signed legislation establishing the United States Space Force as a new independent military branch under the Department of the Air Force. The Space Force became the first new military service branch created since the Air Force in 1947, with responsibility for organizing, training, and equipping space forces. The action created approximately 8,400 active duty positions and established a separate command structure for military space operations.
Executive Order 13859 was signed on February 11, 2019, establishing a federal strategy for artificial intelligence research and development. The order directed federal agencies to prioritize AI research funding, remove barriers to AI innovation, and enhance public-private partnerships in AI development. The order established the National AI Initiative to coordinate federal AI efforts across agencies.
On December 21, 2018, the Trump administration signed a memorandum delegating functions and authorities under Section 1238 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. The memorandum transferred specific regulatory and administrative functions to designated executive branch officials. The confirmed direct effect was to redistribute decision-making authority within the federal aviation regulatory framework among named agencies and officials.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2018-27624 on December 14, 2018, designating December 17, 2018, as Wright Brothers Day to commemorate the 115th anniversary of the first powered airplane flight. The proclamation directs flags to be displayed on federal buildings and encourages Americans to observe the day. This is a ceremonial proclamation with no direct regulatory or policy impact on Americans.
On June 18, 2018, the Trump administration established a National Space Traffic Management Policy (Document 2018-13521) to coordinate management of space objects and orbital activities. The policy designates the Department of Commerce as the lead civilian agency for space traffic coordination, replacing previous ad-hoc coordination mechanisms. The policy directly affects American space companies, satellite operators, and federal agencies by establishing new licensing and coordination requirements for commercial space activities.