Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
On July 17, 2020, the Trump administration issued Determination 2020-16622 continuing U.S. drug interdiction assistance to the Government of Colombia. The determination authorized ongoing military and law enforcement aid focused on counter-narcotics operations. The direct effect was the continuation of funding and operational support for Colombian drug enforcement efforts targeting narcotics trafficking to the United States.
President Trump signed Proclamation 10035 on July 17, 2020, designating the week of July 19-25, 2020 as Captive Nations Week. The proclamation calls for recognizing nations under authoritarian control and reaffirming U.S. commitment to their freedom. The proclamation has no direct regulatory impact on Americans but establishes an official week of recognition.
On July 14, 2020, President Trump signed Executive Order 13936 directing the Secretary of State to begin the process of eliminating Hong Kong's special trade status under U.S. law. The order suspended Hong Kong's preferential trade treatment, including exemptions from tariffs applied to mainland China. The direct effect was the application of higher tariffs to Hong Kong imports beginning September 25, 2020, increasing costs for U.S. importers and businesses sourcing goods from Hong Kong.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13935 on July 9, 2020, establishing the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative to coordinate federal policy on Hispanic American economic advancement. The order directed federal agencies to develop programs and policies focused on Hispanic business development, workforce training, and educational opportunities. The confirmed direct impact includes the creation of an interagency task force and requirement that federal agencies report on initiatives affecting Hispanic American economic outcomes.
On July 7, 2020, President Trump signed a memorandum delegating authority under the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act of 2018. The memorandum transferred decision-making power over development financing and investment decisions to the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This expanded the DFC's operational authority to approve and execute development projects without certain prior consultations or restrictions.
Executive Order 13934 was signed on July 3, 2020. The order directs federal agencies to inventory and protect monuments and memorials on federal property, and establishes a council to coordinate the building or rebuilding of monuments to American heroes. The order requires agencies to prevent the removal or alteration of such monuments without presidential approval.
The Trump administration imposed new sanctions on an Iranian currency exchange house and 19 vessels as part of its campaign to increase economic pressure on Iran. The action targets financial infrastructure supporting the Iranian regime and aims to force Tehran to capitulate to U.S. conditions. The sanctions restrict Iran's access to international financial systems and maritime commerce.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2020-14598 on June 30, 2020, designating July 2020 as Pledge to America's Workers Month. The proclamation called attention to private sector workforce development commitments and vocational training initiatives. The proclamation had no direct regulatory effect on Americans but served as a formal designation recognizing employer pledges to expand job training programs.
On June 29, 2020, President Trump signed Proclamation 10448 under authority of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act. The proclamation authorized the President to take certain actions regarding tariffs, trade remedies, and implementation of USMCA provisions. The confirmed direct impact included potential modifications to tariff schedules and trade enforcement mechanisms affecting imported goods and cross-border commerce.
On June 29, 2020, President Trump signed an amendment to Proclamation 10052, expanding restrictions on entry to the United States to include six additional countries: Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Eritrea, Nigeria, and Tanzania, citing security concerns. The proclamation suspended the entry of nationals from these countries for 90 days. The amendment directly affected citizens and visa applicants from these nations who faced suspension of nonimmigrant visas and certain immigrant visa processing.