Information from the White House for actions taken on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24. Titles are theirs. I have tried to summarize them without any editorial comment. The point is to keep track of orders and policies.
EXECUTIVE ORDERS
ENFORCING THE HYDE AMENDMENT
The executive order reinforces the Hyde Amendment’s restrictions on federal funding for elective abortions, marking a significant shift in federal policy. The order revokes two Biden administration executive orders from 2022 and reaffirms the longstanding legislative framework that has guided federal abortion funding for nearly 50 years.
The Hyde Amendment, first enacted in 1976, prohibits the use of federal funds for elective abortions, with limited exceptions. The amendment has been renewed annually in federal appropriations bills, reflecting what supporters describe as a broader consensus about taxpayer funding in this context.
The new order revokes two previous executive orders:
Executive Order 14076 (July 2022) had directed federal agencies to:
– Expand access to abortion care through HHS initiatives
– Protect patient privacy through FTC and DOJ actions
– Organize pro bono legal support for women
– Launch public awareness campaigns about reproductive healthcare access
– Strengthen emergency medical care protections
Executive Order 14079 (August 2022) built upon these efforts by:
– Directing HHS to advance reproductive healthcare access
– Promoting compliance with federal civil rights laws
– Providing technical assistance to healthcare providers
– Enhancing patient privacy protections
– Ensuring emergency medical care protections
The Office of Management and Budget will develop guidance for federal agencies on implementing the new policy. The order characterizes the previous administration’s approach as having “disregarded” established policy by “embedding forced taxpayer funding of elective abortions in a wide variety of Federal programs.”
STRENGTHENING AMERICAN LEADERSHIP
IN DIGITAL FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY
The order establishes new policies for digital assets and blockchain technology in the United States while explicitly prohibiting Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). The order emphasizes supporting responsible growth and innovation in the digital asset industry while protecting economic liberty.
Key policy objectives include:
1. Protecting citizens’ and private entities’ rights to access and use public blockchain networks, including activities like mining, trading, and self-custody of digital assets
2. Promoting US dollar sovereignty, particularly through support of legitimate dollar-backed stablecoins
3. Ensuring fair banking access for law-abiding citizens and businesses
4. Providing clear regulatory guidance through technology-neutral frameworks
5. Protecting Americans from CBDC risks by prohibiting their establishment and use within US jurisdiction
The order provides formal definitions for “digital assets” (digital representations of value recorded on distributed ledgers), “blockchain” (public ledger technology with specific technical characteristics), and “Central Bank Digital Currency” (central bank-issued digital money).
Notably, the order revokes Executive Order 14067 and the Treasury Department’s Framework for International Engagement on Digital Assets from 2022, directing the Treasury Secretary to rescind related policies that conflict with this new order.
A significant component is the establishment of the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets within the National Economic Council. This group, chaired by the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, includes high-level officials from various departments including Treasury, Justice, Commerce, and regulatory agencies like the SEC and CFTC.
The Working Group has several key mandates:
– Within 30 days: Relevant agencies must identify all regulations and guidance affecting the digital asset sector
– Within 60 days: Agencies must submit recommendations for rescinding or modifying identified items
– Within 180 days: Submit a report recommending regulatory and legislative proposals, including:
– A federal regulatory framework for digital assets and stablecoins
– Evaluation of a potential national digital asset stockpile, possibly using legally seized cryptocurrencies
The order explicitly prohibits federal agencies from establishing, issuing, or promoting CBDCs both domestically and abroad. Any existing CBDC development plans must be terminated immediately unless required by law.
This executive order represents a significant shift in US digital asset policy, emphasizing protection of private sector innovation and individual rights while taking a strong stance against CBDCs. It creates a structured approach to developing comprehensive regulations for the digital asset industry while maintaining US leadership in financial technology.
DECLASSIFICATION OF RECORDS CONCERNING THE ASSASSINATIONS
OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY, SENATOR ROBERT F. KENNEDY, AND THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
Within 15 days of the date of this order, the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General shall, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Counsel to the President, present a plan to the President for the full and complete release of records relating to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Within 45 days of the date of this order, the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General shall, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Counsel to the President, review records related to the assassinations of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and present a plan to the President for the full and complete release of these records.
PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL OF ADVISORS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The order establishes PCAST as a crucial advisory body to guide American leadership in science and technology. The council will consist of up to 24 members, including two Co-Chairs: the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) and the Special Advisor for AI & Crypto. The remaining members will be distinguished individuals from non-federal sectors appointed by the President, bringing diverse expertise in science, technology, education, and innovation.
PCAST’s primary function is to advise the President on matters related to science, technology, education, and innovation policy. The council will provide scientific and technical information to inform public policy on the American economy, workforce, and national security. It must meet regularly to respond to presidential requests, gather information from various stakeholders, and serve as both the President’s Innovation and Technology Advisory Committee and the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel.
The order outlines several administrative provisions: Executive departments must provide PCAST with relevant scientific and technological information when requested. The council can create subcommittees and technical advisory groups, and members may receive security clearances for classified matters. The Department of Energy will provide funding and administrative support, though members serve without compensation (except for travel expenses).
To ensure broad expertise, PCAST will solicit input from various stakeholders, including the research community, private sector, universities, national laboratories, and state, local, and Tribal governments. The council will also provide advice to the National Science and Technology Council when requested.
The order sets a two-year term for PCAST unless extended by the President, and it revokes the previous executive order (14007) from January 27, 2021, as amended by Executive Order 14109 from September 29, 2023.
REMOVING BARRIERS TO AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The executive order aims to reposition the United States as a global leader in artificial intelligence by removing regulatory barriers to innovation. The order revokes Executive Order 14110 from October 2023, which had established guidelines for the safe and trustworthy development of AI.
The core policy established in the order is to “sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance” with the stated goals of promoting human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security. The order adopts the existing legal definition of AI as set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
The order mandates the development of a new AI Action Plan within 180 days. This plan will be created through collaboration between several senior officials, including:
– Assistant to the President for Science and Technology
– Special Advisor for AI and Crypto
– Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
– Other relevant executive department heads
A key component of the order is its implementation process. It requires an immediate review of all policies, directives, regulations, and actions that were established under the revoked Executive Order 14110. Any measures found to conflict with or impede the new policy direction must be suspended, revised, or rescinded by relevant agency heads. In cases where immediate changes aren’t possible, agencies are directed to provide all available exemptions until formal changes can be implemented.
Additionally, the Office of Management and Budget Director must revise two specific memoranda (M-24-10 and M-24-18) within 60 days to align with the new policy direction.
FIRST 100 HOURS
The White House listed these accomplishments, not already reported:
President Trump secured $500 billion in private sector investment for the largest AI infrastructure project in history, with Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, Oracle co-founder
Larry Ellison and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman all stating that it would not have been possible if not for President Trump’s election victory and leadership.
Saudi Arabia “wants to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years.”
Stellantis announced it will restart an assembly plant in Illinois and build the new Dodge Durango in Detroit.
The Border Patrol is reporting a significant drop already in attempted illegal crossings.
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
The Trump Administration has thrown its weight behind H.R. 21, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. The bill, introduced by Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO-2) with 151 cosponsors, addresses what supporters identify as critical gaps in current healthcare law.
Under the proposed legislation, healthcare practitioners would face new obligations when present at the birth of an infant who survives an abortion attempt. These requirements include providing immediate life-preserving care and ensuring prompt hospital admission. The bill also establishes mandatory reporting protocols for healthcare workers and hospital staff who witness violations of these provisions.
The legislation builds upon Executive Order 13952, issued in September 2020, which established federal policy recognizing “the human dignity and inherent worth of every newborn or other infant child, regardless of prematurity or disability.” H.R. 21 would codify these principles into law, ensuring uniform protection for all newborns.
The bill includes provisions to protect mothers from criminal prosecution while establishing civil remedies for violations. This balanced approach aims to ensure accountability while shielding women from legal repercussions.
Administration officials have indicated that presidential advisors would recommend signing the bill into law if it reaches the president’s desk in its current form.
MEMORANDUM
Advance Lumbee Tribe Recognition
President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to the Secretary of the Interior to submit a plan to advance full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
The memorandum establishes that it is the policy of the United States to support federal recognition and full tribal benefits for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
It directs the Secretary of the Interior to submit a plan to assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full federal benefits.
For the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Administrator of United States Agency for International Development
It reinstates the Mexico City Policy, adopted in 1984, which regulates how U.S. federal funding may be used in international health organizations. Under this policy, non-U.S. organizations receiving U.S. global health assistance cannot provide abortion-related services, including counseling, referrals, or advocacy, even when using non-U.S. funds.
The provided memorandum outlines three main actions:
1. Revocation of the January 28, 2021 memorandum
2. Reinstatement of the January 23, 2017 memorandum
3. Direction to implement these requirements across all departments and agencies providing global health assistance
The policy specifically addresses the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars, prohibiting funding to organizations that support or participate in programs involving coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.
The policy requires international organizations to certify that they will not perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning to receive U.S. global health funding. This certification applies to the organization’s activities regardless of the funding source.
Implementation is overseen by the Secretary of State in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, affecting assistance provided through all U.S. government departments and agencies.
READOUTS
On Wednesday, President Donald J. Trump held his first foreign leader call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The two leaders discussed efforts to bring stability to the Middle East, bolster regional security, and combat terrorism. Additionally, they discussed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s international economic ambitions over the next four years as well as trade and other opportunities to increase the mutual prosperity of the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
On Thursday, President Donald J. Trump held a call with President Nayib Bukele of the Republic of El Salvador. The two leaders discussed working together to stop illegal immigration and crack down on transnational gangs like Tren de Aragua. President Trump also praised President Bukele’s leadership in the region and the example he sets for other nations in the Western Hemisphere.
