Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13796 on April 29, 2017, directing the U.S. Trade Representative to identify trade agreement violations and abuses by trading partners and report findings within 90 days. The order required the USTR to analyze whether any trade agreements were being violated in ways that harmed American workers and to recommend remedies including renegotiation or withdrawal from agreements.
Executive Order 13797 was signed on April 29, 2017, establishing the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy within the Executive Office of the President. The office was directed to develop and coordinate trade and manufacturing policy across federal agencies. The confirmed effect includes the creation of a new policy coordination office reporting to the President with authority over trade negotiations and domestic manufacturing initiatives.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13794 on April 28, 2017, establishing the American Technology Council to coordinate federal information technology policy and modernization efforts. The council was tasked with developing recommendations for modernizing federal IT infrastructure, improving cybersecurity, and reducing IT spending across executive agencies. The order created a framework for federal agencies to align technology initiatives under White House coordination.
Executive Order 13793 was signed on April 27, 2017. The order directed the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish procedures for removing or reassigning VA employees for performance or misconduct issues and to strengthen whistleblower protections for VA employees reporting wrongdoing. The order resulted in VA implementing new disciplinary procedures and whistleblower safeguards for federal employees within the department.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13790 on April 25, 2017, directing the Department of Agriculture to review and modify regulations affecting agricultural operations and rural communities. The order required the USDA to identify rules that impose costs on farmers and rural businesses, with an aim toward reducing regulatory burden. Confirmed effects include initiation of regulatory reviews affecting farm operations, environmental compliance requirements, and rural development programs.
On April 21, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13789 directing the Secretary of the Treasury to identify tax regulations that impose undue financial burdens on American businesses and taxpayers, and to recommend repeal or modification of such regulations. The order required a review of significant tax regulations issued after January 1, 2016, and mandated that for every new tax regulation issued, two existing tax regulations be identified for elimination. The confirmed direct effect was initiation of a formal regulatory review process by the Treasury Department that resulted in identification and proposal of specific tax regulations for repeal or revision.
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.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2017-05780 on April 7, 2017, establishing an annual National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. The proclamation designates a day to honor and recognize Americans who were prisoners of war. The proclamation does not create binding law but expresses official recognition of former prisoners of war.
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.