Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement

President Trump ordered a 180-day pause on new Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations and enforcement actions, followed by a review of existing cases and enforcement guidelines.

The stated purpose is to ensure FCPA enforcement does not hinder American economic competitiveness and national security.

This action directs the Attorney General to cease new FCPA investigations, review current cases, and issue updated guidelines reflecting the President's foreign policy authority and American interests.

The Attorney General can extend the review for another 180 days. All FCPA actions after the revised guidelines must be authorized by the Attorney General.

This represents a significant departure from existing FCPA enforcement practices and could potentially weaken anti-corruption efforts. It prioritizes American economic interests and asserts the President's foreign policy authority in this area. The implications for American businesses operating abroad and international anti-corruption efforts are substantial, though the specific effects will depend on the revised guidelines. The enforcement changes will be driven by the Attorney General. The fact sheet and executive order do not explicitly mention Project 2025.

Eliminating the Federal Executive Institute

President Trump ordered the elimination of the Federal Executive Institute, a leadership training program for government bureaucrats.

The stated justification is to reduce government waste and refocus resources on serving taxpayers.

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management is tasked with implementing the elimination. All prior documents establishing the Institute are revoked.

This action eliminates a long-standing government program, potentially affecting leadership development within the federal bureaucracy. The order does not explicitly mention Project 2025. It aligns with the Project 2025 goal of shrinking the administrative state by directly eliminating a government program.

Ending Procurement of Paper Straws

President Trump ordered an end to the procurement and use of paper straws within federal government agencies.

The justification given is that paper straws are non-functional, potentially harmful, more expensive, and often individually wrapped in plastic.

Federal agencies are directed to eliminate paper straw procurement and reverse policies disfavoring plastic straws. A National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws will be developed within 45 days, addressing contract policies with entities that ban or penalize plastic straw use.

This policy reverses previous efforts to reduce plastic waste and promotes the use of plastic straws. It has implications for federal procurement practices and potentially for contracts with entities that regulate straw use. The change will be implemented by federal agencies and overseen by the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy. The order does not explicitly mention Project 2025.

Adjusting Imports of Steel

President Trump adjusted the tariff rates on imported steel articles and derivative steel articles.

The proclamation outlines a complex history of tariff adjustments under previous administrations, referencing various proclamations and executive orders.

The specific modifications to tariff rates are detailed in an annex to the proclamation to be published in a subsequent Federal Register notice. The proclamation states the intent to monitor the effectiveness of these actions and potentially revisit the determination in the future. The Secretary is authorized to issue regulations and guidance for operational necessity. This proclamation supersedes any inconsistent provisions of previous proclamations or executive orders.

This action continues a series of adjustments to steel import tariffs, reflecting ongoing concerns about national security related to steel imports. The exact changes and their effects on the steel industry and related sectors will depend on the specifics outlined in the forthcoming Federal Register notice. The Department of Commerce will play a key role in implementation and enforcement. The proclamation does not explicitly mention Project 2025, but aligns with the goal of promoting American industry by potentially increasing tariffs.