Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
Executive Order 13859 was signed on February 11, 2019, establishing a federal strategy for artificial intelligence research and development. The order directed federal agencies to prioritize AI research funding, remove barriers to AI innovation, and enhance public-private partnerships in AI development. The order established the National AI Initiative to coordinate federal AI efforts across agencies.
On February 7, 2019, President Trump signed Proclamation 9823 declaring a national emergency regarding migration at the southern border. The proclamation authorized the use of military funds for border wall construction without congressional appropriation. The confirmed direct impact included $3.6 billion in Department of Defense funds redirected to barrier construction projects along the U.S.-Mexico border.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-01482 on January 31, 2019, designating February 2019 as American Heart Month. The proclamation calls for increased awareness of cardiovascular disease and encourages Americans to learn about heart health risks and prevention. The proclamation has no direct regulatory effect on Americans but serves as an official government recognition of the month for public health awareness purposes.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13858 on January 31, 2019, directing federal agencies to maximize domestic content requirements and Buy-American preferences in infrastructure projects funded by federal dollars. The order requires agencies to increase the percentage of American-made materials and products in federally-funded infrastructure construction and to waive certain exemptions to Buy-American rules. Direct effects include altered procurement standards for infrastructure projects receiving federal funding, potentially increasing costs and timelines for projects while prioritizing domestic suppliers and manufacturers.
On January 25, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13857, declaring that the situation in Venezuela constituted a national emergency and expanding sanctions authorities. The order expanded the ability to impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in Venezuelan affairs and increased restrictions on transactions with Venezuela. The confirmed direct impact includes expanded financial sanctions on Venezuelan individuals and entities, and restrictions on U.S. persons' ability to engage in certain transactions with Venezuela.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-00220 on January 18, 2019, designating the week of January 27 through February 2, 2019 as National School Choice Week. The proclamation directs federal recognition of school choice initiatives and encourages participation in related observances. The proclamation itself carries no regulatory force and does not alter educational policy, funding, or school operations.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-00221 on January 18, 2019, establishing an annual National Sanctity of Human Life Day. The proclamation directs federal observance of the day and calls for reflection on the value of human life. As a proclamation, it has no binding legal effect on policy or law; it is a symbolic statement that does not change regulations, funding, or legal rights.
On January 16, 2019, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency declaration regarding terrorists who threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace process. This action extended an existing emergency declaration, maintaining presidential authorities under the National Emergencies Act related to designating and sanctioning individuals and entities posing threats to Middle East peace efforts. The continuation allowed the administration to maintain freezing of assets and travel restrictions for designated individuals under this emergency authority.
On January 16, 2019, President Trump signed a Presidential Determination invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, which authorizes the President to require private companies to prioritize and allocate materials, services, and facilities to support national defense. This determination established authority to compel domestic production and supply chains for defense-related materials. The confirmed effect was to expand executive power to direct industrial production capacity toward defense priorities without requiring immediate Congressional approval of specific orders.
On January 16, 2019, the Trump administration issued Presidential Determination 2019-00098 pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, authorizing the president to require prioritization and allocation of materials, services, and facilities for national defense purposes. The determination delegates authority to federal agencies to designate specific industrial resources as essential to defense and national security. The confirmed direct impact includes potential prioritization orders placed on American manufacturers and suppliers affecting production schedules and resource allocation across designated industries.