Publication | Executive Actions Monitor

    Executive Actions Affecting
    Foreign Policy

    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.


    February 12, 2025

    One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations

    An EO directing the Secretary of State to reform the Foreign Service and the administration of foreign relations to ensure faithful and effective implementation of the President’s foreign policy agenda. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    February 10, 2025

    Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security

    An EO directing the Attorney General to review and update the guidelines and policies governing investigations and enforcement actions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) within a 180-day period. During this period, no new FCPA investigations shall be initiated, except under approved exceptions. The Attorney General may extend the review for an additional 180 days if deemed necessary. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    February 7, 2025

    Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa

    An EO halting foreign aid and assistance to South Africa in response to alleged human rights violations. It further directs the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize humanitarian relief for Afrikaners, including admission and resettlement through the US Refugee Admissions Program. A fact sheet on the EO can be found on the White House website.
     
    February 6, 2025

    Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court

    An EO declaring a national emergency in response to actions by the International Criminal Court (ICC) aimed at investigating, arresting, detaining or prosecuting US citizens, lawful residents, and nationals of US allies. The EO imposes various sanctions on individuals associated with the ICC, among other measures.
     
    February 5, 2025

    Withdrawing the United States From and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations and Reviewing United States Support to All International Organizations

    An EO withdrawing the US from the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (UNHRC), directing a review of US membership of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and prohibiting federal funding for the UNHRC and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The EO further requires a review of all international intergovernmental organizations of which the US is a member.
     
    February 4, 2025

    National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-2

    A memorandum directing relevant agency heads to apply maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the imposition and full enforcement of sanctions, to counter its malign influence and eliminate its nuclear weapon capabilities. A fact sheet on the memorandum 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

    America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State

    An EO directing the Department of State to align its policies, programs and operations with an “America First” foreign policy.
     
    January 20, 2025

    Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid

    An EO ordering a 90-day pause to evaluate whether US foreign assistance serves the national interest and directing foreign aid agencies to review all assistance programs. It permits a resumption of aid prior to the end of the pause if a review is conducted, and the program approved. It also grants the Secretary of State the authority to waive the pause for specific programs.
     
    January 20, 2025

    The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Global Tax Deal (Global Tax Deal)

    A memorandum directing the Secretary of the Treasury and the Permanent Representative of the US to the OECD to communicate to the OECD that the OECD Global Tax Deal has no force or effect in the US absent future congressional action. The memorandum also directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the US Trade Representative to report on certain foreign tax policies that negatively impact US companies, as well as foreign noncompliance with US tax treaties.
     
    January 20, 2025

    Withdrawing the United States From the World Health Organization

    An EO directing the withdrawal of the US from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing its mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, excessive financial demands and political influence, while establishing alternative mechanisms to safeguard public health and biosecurity.