Tracking presidential actions and other news.
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The order directs federal agencies to update policies guiding federal architecture, emphasizing a preference for traditional and classical architecture for applicable federal public buildings. The General Services Administration (GSA) is tasked with ensuring new construction and renovations of federal buildings, including courthouses, agency headquarters, and buildings in the National Capital Region, uplift and beautify public spaces, inspire the human spirit, and command public respect. For buildings in the District of Columbia, classical architecture is designated as the default style. The order also mandates that when buildings diverge from the preferred architecture, they should still convey the dignity and stability of America's system of self-government.
The order directs federal agencies to fly the United States flag at half-staff at all public buildings, military posts, naval stations, and vessels in the District of Columbia, across the United States, its territories, and possessions. This directive also applies to all U.S. embassies, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including military facilities and naval vessels. This is to honor the victims of the violence in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 27, 2025, and it will continue until sunset on August 31, 2025.
The proclamation commemorates the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act and reaffirms a commitment to defending Social Security. It mentions recent measures to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs, which are projected to save billions of dollars annually. The proclamation also highlights a recent bill that has resulted in most seniors who receive Social Security paying no tax on their benefits, which is described as the largest tax break for seniors in the country's history.
The order directs federal agencies to establish a task force in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics. This task force will be responsible for coordinating federal planning and response related to security, transportation, and entry/exit processes for the Games. The task force will include members such as the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, and others. The Department of Homeland Security will provide administrative support and funding for the task force. The task force will exist until December 31, 2028, unless extended.
The order directs the Senate to consider the nomination of Edward Forst, from Florida, to the position of Administrator of General Services, following the resignation of Robin Carnahan.
The order notes several nominees to various roles. Thomas Albus is to be U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, Timothy Dill and Maurice Todd to be Assistant Secretaries of Defense, Andrew Duva to be an Assistant Attorney General, and Daniel Edwards to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation. Other appointments include Ho Nieh as a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Michael Payne as Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation at the Department of Defense, and Douglas Troutman as Assistant Administrator for Toxic Substances of the Environmental Protection Agency. Thomas Ferguson III, Richard Price, and Darin Smith are to be U.S. Attorneys for different districts.
The order directs the Religious Liberty Commission, the White House Faith Office, and the Department of State’s Office of International Religious Freedom to collaborate in strengthening America's efforts to defend religious freedom globally. It also designates the third week of July 2025 as "Captive Nations Week," during which Americans are encouraged to support global efforts for liberty, justice, and the rule of law.
The nominations sent to the Senate include Jeffrey Anderson to represent the U.S. on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Jerome Francis Gorgon Jr. as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, among others. Notable nominations also include Paul Hollis as Director of the Mint, David LaCerte as a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Dan Negrea as the U.S. Representative on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
The order sends to the Senate the nominations of three individuals for judicial positions. Joshua D. Dunlap is nominated as United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, replacing retired William J. Kayatta, Jr. William W. Mercer is nominated as United States District Judge for the District of Montana, replacing Dana L. Christensen who is retiring. Eric Chunyee Tung is nominated as United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, replacing Sandra Segal Ikuta who is retiring.
The nominations sent to the Senate include Nicholas Adams of Florida for Ambassador to Malaysia, Eric Meyer of California for Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Sean O'Neill of Virginia for Ambassador to Thailand, and Julie Stufft of Ohio for Ambassador to Kazakhstan.
The proclamation designates July 5, 2025, as the 160th Anniversary of the United States Secret Service. The document acknowledges the service's history and current role, noting that it protects the President, Vice President, their families, former presidents, major presidential candidates, and visiting foreign dignitaries. The proclamation also calls on all Americans to express gratitude and respect to the 8,000 employees of the United States Secret Service.
The memo notes the nomination of numerous individuals to various federal positions. These include Ademola Adewale-Sadik as United States Director of the African Development Bank for a five-year term, Lee Beaman and others to the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for terms expiring in 2028, 2029, and 2030, and various appointees as United States Attorneys for terms of four years in multiple districts. New positions include James Caggy as an Assistant Secretary of Defense and Rosario Palmieri as an Assistant Secretary of Labor.
The proclamation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, celebrated on June 17, 2025. The day is marked to honor the courage, determination, and selflessness of the American patriots who fought in the battle, signifying their fight for freedom and independence.
The memo notifies the Senate of new appointees and nominations. Notably, Riley Barnes is appointed as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Alan Boehme is appointed as an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and Karen Brazell is appointed as Under Secretary for Benefits of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, several individuals are nominated for roles as U.S. District Judges for various districts, and others are appointed to various roles within the Department of State, Department of Defense, and other federal entities.
The proclamation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army. It directs the Department of Defense to update its medical standards related to transgender identification and reinstates service members dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, with full back pay and benefits. The proclamation also designates June 14, 2025, as a day of commemoration for this anniversary.
The proclamation recognizes June 15, 2025, as Father's Day, in accordance with an existing joint resolution of Congress. It encourages government officials to display the U.S. flag on all government buildings and invites the public to observe Father's Day with appropriate ceremonies. The proclamation also highlights the administration's efforts to preserve the Child Tax Credit, expand school choice, and protect parental rights, among other initiatives.
The proclamation designates June 14, 2025 as Flag Day and the week starting June 8, 2025 as National Flag Week. It instructs the appropriate officials to display the American flag on all Federal Government buildings during this week and encourages all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by displaying the flag. It also encourages people to observe the days from Flag Day through Independence Day as a time to honor America, celebrate heritage, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
The proclamation declares June 2025 as National Ocean Month, urging Americans to reflect on the value and importance of oceans. It highlights the administration's commitment to restoring maritime dominance, including offshore critical mineral exploration and production, and the opening of the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument to commercial fishing. The proclamation also emphasizes efforts to boost domestic seafood production and exports, and to end trade practices detrimental to American fishermen.
The proclamation designates May 2025 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. It encourages the public to incorporate physical fitness and sports participation into their daily lives. It also highlights previous executive actions taken to expand children's participation in sports and to maintain so-called 'fair' competition in women's sports.
The order directs citizens and government officials to observe Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, as a day of prayer for permanent peace. It designates 11:00 a.m. as a time for unified prayer and 3:00 p.m. as the National Moment of Remembrance. Additionally, the order requests that flags be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. Citizens are also requested to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.
The proclamation designates May 18 through May 24, 2025, as World Trade Week. It emphasizes the administration's commitment to combating unfair trade practices and prioritizing the interests of American workers. It mentions actions such as enacting reciprocal tariffs and initiatives to train Americans for future jobs, along with the negotiation of new trade deals like the United States-United Kingdom trade agreement.
The proclamation marks May 22, 2025, as National Maritime Day, honoring the role of the United States Merchant Marine and the maritime industry in national defense and economic strength. It recognizes the historical significance of the S.S. Savannah's transatlantic voyage and the contributions of merchant mariners, including their service during World War II. The proclamation also notes a recent executive order aimed at restoring America's maritime dominance through investment in shipbuilding, regulatory changes, and expanding mariner training. It encourages citizens to observe this day and display the American flag.
The proclamation designates the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day. It invites Governors of the States, Territories, and other areas under U.S. jurisdiction to organize observances of Armed Forces Day to increase public understanding and appreciation of the military. The proclamation also encourages all Americans to display the U.S. flag at their homes and businesses on this day and to participate in local observances. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation 10762 of May 17, 2024.
The proclamation designates May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, in recognition of the contributions of these communities to the United States. It encourages all Americans to learn more about those of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities. The Congress, by Public Law 102-450, as amended, has also designated the month of May each year as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month."
The proclamation designates May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. It calls on Americans to celebrate the heritage and contributions of American Jews and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies. It also emphasizes the administration's commitment to confronting anti-Semitism in all its forms, using every appropriate legal tool to stop anti-Semitic assaults, particularly on university campuses.
The proclamation designates May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week. It calls for the honoring of law enforcement officers and remembers those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The proclamation also requests Congress to codify an Executive Order mandating the death penalty for the murder of a police officer and to pass a crime bill with enhanced protections for police officers. Furthermore, it urges officials to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
The proclamation designates May 9, 2025, as Military Spouse Day, encouraging the public to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities. It acknowledges the challenges faced by military spouses, including a 21 percent unemployment rate and a 25 percent wage gap compared to civilian counterparts. The proclamation also highlights efforts to improve military spouse employment, such as enhancing job opportunities within the Federal Government, expanding licensure portability, and increasing remote and flexible job options.
The proclamation recognizes and celebrates the role of mothers in American society, and encourages all Americans to show their respect for all forms of motherhood on May 11, 2025, designated as Mother's Day. It also mentions the administration's commitment to empowering American mothers and families, including support for the child tax credit and efforts to make fertility treatments more affordable. The observance of Mother's Day is in accordance with a joint resolution approved by Congress on May 8, 1914.
This proclamation commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, known as Victory Day. The text pays tribute to the American Armed Forces and the sacrifices made during the war. It also declares May 8, 2025, as a day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.
The proclamation designates May 2025 as National Foster Care Month, encouraging all Americans to support children and youth in foster care and recognize the contributions of foster parents and other caregivers. It highlights the Family First Prevention Services Act, which aims to keep families intact through evidence-based intervention methods, including mental health support, substance abuse treatment, parental skills training, housing assistance, and job training. The proclamation also notes the need for more individuals to become foster families.