Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem terminated temporary protective status (TPS) for asylum seekers from 11 countries, removing deportation protections. Hundreds of thousands of migrants are challenging the terminations at the Supreme Court, arguing the decision violates the law governing TPS protections. The ruling will directly impact vulnerable asylum seekers currently in the United States.
The Supreme Court threw out Louisiana's congressional maps and weakened the Voting Rights Act, forcing states to redraw district lines ahead of the midterm elections. This decision creates uncertainty for primary schedules and congressional representation. The ruling directly impacts voting rights and electoral fairness for millions of Americans.
On September 21, 2020, President Trump signed Executive Order 13949, which blocked property and assets of persons determined to be involved in Iran's conventional arms activities. The order authorizes the Treasury Department to identify and sanction individuals and entities involved in Iranian arms sales and transfers. The direct effect on Americans includes restrictions on U.S. persons conducting financial transactions with designated entities and potential impacts on companies engaged in trade involving sanctioned Iranian arms actors.
On September 18, 2020, the Trump administration continued the national emergency declaration with respect to persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism. The notice (2020-21059) extended the existing emergency authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The continuation maintains executive authority to regulate transactions and freeze assets related to terrorism designations without requiring new congressional approval.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13948 on September 13, 2020, directing the Department of Health and Human Services to allow Medicare to pay no more for drugs than the lowest price paid in other developed countries. The order applied to a subset of Medicare Part B drugs. As of 2021, the rule was blocked by federal courts before implementation, preventing direct Medicare price changes for most drugs covered under the order.
President Trump signed Proclamation 10114 on September 11, 2020, designating the week of September 21-27, 2020 as Minority Enterprise Development Week. The proclamation calls for recognition of minority-owned businesses and encourages support for their development. As a proclamation, it has no binding legal effect and serves as a statement recognizing the designated week.
On September 10, 2020, President Trump signed Proclamation 2020-20855 establishing Patriot Day as an annual observance on September 11. The proclamation directs flags to be flown at half-staff and calls for moment of silence and remembrance activities. The proclamation has no direct operational effect on Americans beyond ceremonial designation and federal flag protocols.
On September 10, 2020, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency declaration originally issued after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The continuation extends the emergency declaration's authorities, which enable the government to utilize emergency powers related to defense, military deployment, and executive actions without standard Congressional approval processes. The continued declaration maintains expansive executive authority in national security matters and keeps emergency-related provisions in effect.
On September 9, 2020, the Trump administration issued a determination continuing the exercise of authorities under the Trading With the Enemy Act. The determination extended existing executive powers to restrict trade and financial transactions with designated foreign entities and nations. The action maintained ongoing restrictions on Americans' ability to conduct certain commercial and financial transactions with specified countries and entities.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2020-20847 on September 9, 2020, revising United States marine scientific research policy. The proclamation modified requirements and procedures governing marine scientific research conducted in U.S. waters and by U.S. entities. The specific operational changes affected research permitting, notification requirements, and institutional review processes for marine scientists and research organizations conducting work in designated marine areas.