Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
On March 8, 2018, President Trump signed Proclamation 9740 imposing a 10% tariff on aluminum imports into the United States, with limited exceptions for Canada and Mexico. The proclamation took effect on March 23, 2018. The tariff increased prices on aluminum and aluminum-containing products for American consumers and manufacturers, including automobiles, beverages, and construction materials.
On March 8, 2018, President Trump signed Proclamation 9705 imposing a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports, with limited exemptions for Canada and Mexico. The tariffs applied to all steel and aluminum products entering the United States from nearly all countries. American manufacturers, consumers, and industries relying on steel and aluminum imports faced increased material costs, which were passed through supply chains affecting vehicle prices, construction materials, appliances, and consumer goods.
Executive Order 13826 was signed on March 7, 2018, establishing a federal interagency council to coordinate crime prevention and criminal justice reentry efforts across federal agencies. The order directed the Department of Justice to chair the council and coordinate policies on recidivism reduction, prisoner reentry programs, and crime prevention initiatives. The confirmed direct effect was the creation of a formal structure for federal agencies to align reentry and crime prevention policies.
On March 2, 2018, the Trump administration continued the national emergency declaration with respect to Venezuela, originally issued in 2015. The notice maintains emergency authorities that allow the executive branch to impose economic sanctions and restrictions on Venezuelan government officials and entities without additional congressional approval. The continuation directly affects Americans engaged in financial transactions with Venezuela and Venezuelan entities, as it sustains existing prohibitions on U.S. persons conducting business with designated Venezuelan targets.
Executive Order 13825 was signed on March 1, 2018, amending the Manual for Courts-Martial, which governs military justice procedures and punishments. The order modified rules of evidence, procedures for military trials, and sentencing guidelines within the U.S. armed forces. The direct impact affects active-duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members subject to military courts-martial proceedings.
Executive Order 13824 was signed on February 26, 2018, establishing the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The order created a council to advise the President on sports, fitness, and nutrition initiatives and policies. The council's confirmed direct impact includes the formation of an advisory body that meets regularly to address national health and fitness priorities.
On February 22, 2018, President Trump signed Proclamation 2018-3962 continuing the national emergency declaration regarding Cuba and authorizing regulation of vessel anchorage and movement in U.S. waters. The proclamation extends restrictions on maritime traffic related to Cuba that had been in place under previous administrations. The action maintains existing vessel regulations and embargo-related controls affecting U.S. shipping and trade operations involving Cuba.
President Trump signed Proclamation 10359 on February 21, 2018, directing flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect following the death of evangelist Billy Graham on February 21, 2018. The proclamation established a period of national mourning and directed federal buildings to display flags at half-staff. This is a ceremonial action with no direct operational impact on Americans.
On February 20, 2018, President Trump signed a memorandum delegating authorities under Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. This memorandum transferred specified powers granted by Congress to executive branch officials. The delegation authorized designated officials to exercise authorities related to national defense matters without requiring additional presidential approval for each action.
On February 20, 2018, the Trump administration issued a memorandum directing the Department of Justice to apply the statutory definition of "machinegun" to bump fire stocks and similar devices that increase a semi-automatic weapon's rate of fire. The action effectively banned the sale and possession of these devices by classifying them as illegal automatic weapons under existing law. Americans who owned bump fire stocks were required to destroy them or surrender them to authorities, with a compliance deadline set for March 26, 2019.