Publication | Executive Actions Monitor

    Executive Actions Affecting Defense

    2025 Presidential Actions
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    These executive order (EO) summaries are based on a cursory review; our lawyers and policy professionals continue to analyze these documents, and the directives they contain. Among other things, some of the directed actions may present significant constitutional questions that could be litigated and subsequently overturned or blocked.


    April 9, 2025

    Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base

    An EO directing the Secretary of Defense to revise the acquisition process, including through the elimination of unnecessary tasks, reducing duplicative approvals and reviewing the Major Defense Acquisition Program guidelines. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    April 9, 2025

    Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance

    An EO directing relevant officials to take a range of actions to strengthen the domestic maritime sector – including developing a Maritime Action Plan, establishing a Maritime Security Trust Fund, reviewing additional authorities to increase investment and instructing the Office of the US Trade Representative to consider imposing duties on ship-to-shore cranes and cargo handling equipment imported from China. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    April 9, 2025

    Reforming Foreign Defense Sales to Improve Speed and Accountability

    An EO directing the Secretaries of State and Defense to begin a process of increasing transparency and speed in the sale of military equipment to foreign nations. Actions include the development of a priority list of trading partners and military end-items, and to reevaluate the United States Munitions List to focus solely on the most sensitive and sophisticated technologies. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    January 29, 2025

    Expanding Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to Full Capacity

    An EO directing the expansion of the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the US, and to address attendant immigration enforcement needs.
     
    January 27, 2025

    The Iron Dome for America

    An EO directing the Secretary of Defense to develop a reference architecture, capabilities-based requirements and an implementation plan for the next-generation missile defense shield. It also requires a review of theater missile defense posture and initiatives to identify ways in which the US, as well as its allies and partners, can enhance missile defense technology development, capabilities, operations and cooperation. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    January 27, 2025

    Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness

    An EO providing that it is the policy of the US government to “establish high standards for troop readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity, and integrity.” It further states that the medical, surgical and mental health considerations associated with gender dysphoria, as well as changes in pronoun usage, are inconsistent with this policy. The EO directs the Secretary of Defense to update medical standards for military service and issue additional directives to align with this policy. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    January 27, 2025

    Restoring America’s Fighting Force

    An EO directing the abolishment of all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices within the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with regard to the US Coast Guard. It also directs DOD to undertake an internal review and report on actions taken in pursuit of DEI initiatives. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    January 27, 2025

    Reinstating Service Members Discharged Under the Military’s COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

    An EO making reinstatement and full back-pay available to all members of the military who were discharged solely for refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    January 22, 2025

    Designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

    An EO designating Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    January 20, 2025

    Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats

    An EO enhancing the vetting and screening processes for foreign nationals seeking entry into the US to prevent individuals who pose security threats, including terrorists and those who espouse hostile ideologies, from exploiting immigration laws. It directs federal agencies to implement stricter measures, assess visa programs and recommend actions to safeguard national security and public safety while ensuring the assimilation of lawful immigrants into American society.