Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
On August 30, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13885 establishing the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. The order created an advisory committee to coordinate federal quantum information science research and development efforts across agencies. The committee provides recommendations to the National Science and Technology Council on quantum computing policy and research priorities.
The Trump administration eliminated automatic protections for threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, requiring case-by-case determination instead of blanket coverage. Previously, species classified as threatened received the same legal protections as endangered species. This change removes safeguards for hundreds of at-risk animal and plant species and their habitats across the United States.
On August 21, 2019, the Trump administration signed Memorandum 2019-18520 directing the discharge of federal student loan debt for veterans certified as totally and permanently disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The memorandum established a process to identify eligible disabled veterans and eliminate their outstanding federal student loans. The action directly affected veterans with service-connected disabilities rated as total and permanent by the VA.
On August 14, 2019, the Trump administration issued Notice 2019-17735 continuing the national emergency declaration with respect to export control regulations. The notice extends the existing emergency authority that allows the President to regulate exports without standard Congressional trade procedures. The continuation maintains expedited export control powers affecting U.S. companies' ability to sell goods and technology internationally.
On August 8, 2019, the Trump administration issued Presidential Determination 2019-18595 identifying countries designated as major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries for Fiscal Year 2020. This determination is required annually under the Foreign Assistance Act and serves as the basis for potential sanctions, including withholding of non-humanitarian foreign aid to designated countries that fail to take adequate steps to combat drug trafficking. The determination directly affects U.S. foreign aid eligibility for identified nations and can impact trade relationships and diplomatic engagement.
On August 5, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13884, which blocked property and interests in property of the Government of Venezuela within U.S. jurisdiction. The order expanded existing sanctions by prohibiting transactions with specified Venezuelan government entities and officials. The direct impact on Americans includes restrictions on U.S. persons and entities conducting business with designated Venezuelan targets, potential effects on Venezuelan expatriates with frozen assets, and involvement of U.S. financial institutions in compliance and enforcement of asset freezes.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-17118 on August 4, 2019, declaring a national day of mourning for the victims of mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio that occurred on August 3-4, 2019. The proclamation directed flags to be flown at half-staff and called for a moment of silence. The proclamation created no new legislation, regulations, or direct policy changes affecting Americans.
On August 1, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13883, which amended Executive Order 12851 regarding the administration of proliferation sanctions. The order modifies the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) processes and expands authority over foreign investment reviews related to proliferation concerns. The direct effect establishes new review mechanisms for foreign transactions involving sensitive technologies and materials related to weapons proliferation.
On July 31, 2019, the Trump administration designated Brazil as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) through a formal determination. This designation grants Brazil preferential status in defense trade, military cooperation, and access to certain U.S. military technologies and equipment. The practical effect on Americans includes potential increases in U.S. military exports to Brazil and closer defense partnerships, though no direct domestic policy changes result from this foreign policy designation.
President Trump signed a notice on July 30, 2019, continuing the national emergency with respect to Lebanon that had been previously declared. The continuation extends the emergency declaration, maintaining existing authorities and measures related to Lebanon. The direct impact on Americans includes potential restrictions on financial transactions, asset freezes, and visa limitations for individuals designated under the emergency authority.