Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13787 on March 31, 2017, establishing the order of succession for the Department of Justice. The order designates the line of succession for the Attorney General position and other DOJ leadership roles in the event of a vacancy or incapacity. This order directly affects the federal chain of command at DOJ and determines who assumes leadership authority in specified circumstances.
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 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.
Executive Order 13784 was signed on March 29, 2017, establishing a commission to study federal drug addiction and opioid crisis response policies. The commission was tasked with reviewing existing federal programs, identifying gaps, and making recommendations to the President. The order created a temporary advisory body; it did not directly change drug policy, funding, or treatment access but initiated a review process that informed subsequent administration proposals on opioid response.
On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13783, directing the EPA to review and rescind the Clean Power Plan, an Obama-era regulation limiting carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal and natural gas power plants. The order eliminated the requirement for states to meet specific emissions reduction targets by 2030. The direct effect was that coal-fired power plants faced fewer regulatory constraints on greenhouse gas emissions, and states were no longer bound by federal emissions reduction timelines.
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.
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.
On March 19, 2017, President Trump signed a memorandum delegating authority under the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. The memorandum authorized the Secretary of Defense to exercise specified powers granted by Congress under the NDAA. This delegation allowed the Department of Defense to execute statutory authorities without requiring additional presidential approval for certain defense-related actions.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13781 on March 13, 2017, directing the Office of Management and Budget to develop a plan to reorganize executive branch agencies and eliminate redundant functions. The order created a task force to review federal agencies and submit reorganization recommendations within 120 days. The order did not immediately eliminate agencies but initiated a review process that would inform potential future restructuring proposals.