Federal Workforce Overhaul

President Trump signed an executive order establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. This initiative aims to optimize the federal workforce by reducing its size, eliminating "waste, bloat, and insularity," and empowering American families, workers, and taxpayers.

A hiring freeze will be implemented across federal agencies, limiting new hires to one for every four departures. Exceptions are made for positions related to public safety, immigration enforcement, and law enforcement. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) remains under a separate, pre-existing hiring freeze.

Agencies are directed to prepare for large-scale Reductions in Force (RIFs), targeting offices performing functions not mandated by law. This includes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and any agency components suspended or closed by the administration. Public safety, immigration enforcement, and law enforcement functions are exempt.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will propose new suitability criteria for federal employment, including compliance with tax filing, citizenship requirements, nondisclosure obligations, and proper use of government resources.

Agencies are required to submit reports identifying statutes establishing their existence and discussing potential elimination or consolidation. A final report on the DOGE initiative's implementation and recommendations will be submitted to the President within 240 days.

Reinstatement of Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

President Trump reinstated and increased Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, raising the tariff on steel to 25% and establishing a 25% tariff on aluminum.

This action aims to address perceived threats to national security posed by foreign imports, protect domestic industries, and counter unfair trade practices, including dumping and circumvention of existing tariffs.

Previous exemptions and exclusions granted to certain countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, EU, UK) will be terminated, subjecting them to the new tariff rates.

The product exclusion process, which allowed importers to request exemptions from the tariffs, will also be terminated.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be tasked with increased scrutiny of import classifications to prevent misclassification and tariff evasion, with penalties for violations.

Return of Detained American

Marc Fogel, an American detained in Russia, has been released and is returning to the United States. This release, secured through negotiations led by President Trump and his Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, is considered a sign of good faith from Russia and a step towards ending the war in Ukraine.

Presidential Intelligence Advisory Board Appointments

President Trump announced the appointment of several individuals to the President's Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB). This board will advise the President on security challenges and ensure the Intelligence Community aligns with the President's America First agenda.