Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
President Trump signed Proclamation 9912 on April 12, 2019, designating April 14, 2019 as Pan American Day and the week of April 14-20, 2019 as Pan American Week. The proclamation calls for the observance and celebration of the cultures, histories, and achievements of the countries of the Americas. This is an annual ceremonial proclamation with no direct policy or regulatory effect on Americans.
On April 10, 2019, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to Somalia, originally declared in 1992. The continuation extended the emergency declaration and its associated powers for an additional year. The declaration allows the federal government to maintain specified authorities related to Somalia, including sanctions and restrictions on financial transactions.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13867 on April 10, 2019, directing expedited issuance of permits for facilities and land transportation crossings at U.S. international boundaries. The order streamlined the permitting process for border crossing infrastructure by reducing review timelines and consolidating agency approvals. The confirmed direct effect was acceleration of permit decisions for ports of entry and border infrastructure projects that would have otherwise followed standard multi-year review procedures.
On April 10, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13868 titled 'Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth.' The order directed federal agencies to expedite permitting timelines for energy infrastructure projects, including pipelines, electrical transmission lines, and related facilities, by reducing review periods and coordinating agency actions. The confirmed effect was acceleration of federal approval processes for energy projects, reducing the time required for environmental reviews and agency sign-offs on designated energy infrastructure.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-07525 on April 8, 2019, designating a national day of recognition for former prisoners of war. The proclamation directs federal recognition and observance of former POWs. The direct impact on Americans is symbolic recognition through federal proclamation; it does not create new legal rights, benefits, or programs.
On April 1, 2019, the Trump administration continued the national emergency declaration with respect to South Sudan, originally established in 2014. The notice extended the emergency declaration, which authorizes the government to respond to the humanitarian and security crisis in South Sudan under emergency powers. This continuation allows the administration to maintain certain executive authorities related to South Sudan policy without requiring new congressional action.
On April 1, 2019, the Trump administration issued a memorandum delaying submission of the Small Business Report required under the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. The memorandum postponed the deadline for submitting analysis on trade policy impacts to small businesses. The confirmed effect was a delay in congressional receipt of data on how trade actions affected small business operations and employment.
On April 1, 2019, President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-06953 designating April 2, 2019 as World Autism Awareness Day. The proclamation recognized autism awareness and called for national observance of the day. As a proclamation, it carries no regulatory force and does not create new policy, programs, or funding.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-06810 on March 29, 2019, designating April 2019 as Second Chance Month. The proclamation recognizes individuals with criminal records who have rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, and encourages employers, nonprofits, and government agencies to hire formerly incarcerated people. The proclamation has no direct regulatory effect but serves as official acknowledgment and encouragement for private and public sector hiring of individuals with criminal backgrounds.
On March 29, 2019, the Trump administration signed an order authorizing TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. to construct, connect, operate, and maintain pipeline facilities at the international boundary between the United States and Canada. The order granted the company permission to proceed with building the cross-border pipeline infrastructure. The pipeline began transporting crude oil from Canada through the U.S. in 2020, affecting oil supply chains and environmental conditions in states along the route, particularly in Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.