Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
On January 8, 2019, President Trump signed Memorandum 2019-02461 regarding the establishment of a U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. The memorandum directed the State Department to establish a consulate general in Jerusalem to serve the Palestinian population. This action created a new diplomatic presence with direct consular services for Palestinians in Jerusalem.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-00049 on December 31, 2018, designating January 2019 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The proclamation calls for national awareness and recognition of efforts to combat slavery and human trafficking. The proclamation itself does not create new policy or direct enforcement mechanisms; it is a ceremonial declaration that encourages public recognition of anti-trafficking initiatives.
On December 28, 2018, President Trump signed Executive Order 13856, which adjusted rates of pay for federal employees and members of the uniformed services effective January 2019. The order implemented a 1.9 percent pay raise for most federal civilian employees and a 2.6 percent raise for military personnel. The order directly affected approximately 2.1 million federal employees and 1.3 million active-duty service members through adjusted salary schedules.
On December 21, 2018, the Trump administration signed a memorandum delegating functions and authorities under Section 1238 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. The memorandum transferred specific regulatory and administrative functions to designated executive branch officials. The confirmed direct effect was to redistribute decision-making authority within the federal aviation regulatory framework among named agencies and officials.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-00013 on December 21, 2018, taking certain actions under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The proclamation modified trade benefits and eligibility determinations for sub-Saharan African countries under AGOA. The specific countries affected and trade benefit modifications were detailed in the proclamation's operative sections.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13855 on December 21, 2018, directing federal agencies to actively manage forests, rangelands, and other federal lands to reduce wildfire risk. The order established procedures for increased timber harvesting, vegetation management, and prescribed burns on federal lands. Implementation occurred through updated Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management protocols affecting land management practices on approximately 640 million acres of federal land.
On December 18, 2018, the Trump administration continued a national emergency declaration originally issued in 2015 regarding serious human rights abuse and corruption. The continuation extends sanctions and other measures related to the original emergency declaration. The direct impact on Americans includes potential restrictions on financial transactions with designated individuals and entities, and ongoing implementation of related executive orders.
On December 18, 2018, President Trump signed a memorandum establishing United States Space Command (SPACECOM) as a unified combatant command under the Department of Defense. The action elevated space operations to a separate command structure reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense, distinct from U.S. Strategic Command. SPACECOM became operational on December 20, 2019, creating a dedicated military command responsible for space operations, satellite communications, and space defense for the U.S. armed forces.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2018-27624 on December 14, 2018, designating December 17, 2018, as Wright Brothers Day to commemorate the 115th anniversary of the first powered airplane flight. The proclamation directs flags to be displayed on federal buildings and encourages Americans to observe the day. This is a ceremonial proclamation with no direct regulatory or policy impact on Americans.
Executive Order 13853 was signed on December 12, 2018, establishing the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to coordinate federal investment and economic development in distressed communities. The order created a council chaired by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to identify and direct federal resources to economically disadvantaged areas. The council's activities affected federal grant allocation processes and interagency coordination for community development initiatives.