After The Fact

Presidential Directives Shake Up Policy Landscape

March 06, 2025

President Trump's recent policy announcements span various social and economic domains. Key highlights include the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, adjustments to tariffs on Canada and Mexico, actions targeting law firm Perkins Coie, and pronouncements on gender and social issues. These policies reflect a blend of economically nationalist and socially conservative stances, with several potentially impacting individual rights and international relations.

Actions Targeting Perkins Coie LLP

President Trump signed an executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie, citing concerns about their past actions related to the 2016 election, election laws, and alleged racial discrimination.

The order calls for a review of security clearances held by individuals at Perkins Coie and restricts their access to government facilities and information.

It also directs federal agencies to disclose any business they conduct with Perkins Coie and to consider terminating contracts with the firm or entities that do business with them.

The order directs investigations into the hiring and promotion practices of large law firms, including Perkins Coie, to assess compliance with non-discrimination laws.

The order restricts federal agencies from hiring Perkins Coie employees without a waiver. This policy seems designed to limit the firm's influence and operations within the government.

Establishment of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile

President Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, composed of Bitcoin seized in criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings. This move suggests an intention to leverage Bitcoin's potential as a store of value and perhaps a tool in international finance.

The order also establishes a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile for other seized digital assets. The Treasury Secretary is tasked with developing management strategies for both.

The order prohibits the sale of assets in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve but allows for strategic management of other digital assets in the Stockpile. This difference implies a distinct approach to Bitcoin versus other cryptocurrencies.

The order also requires agencies to report their digital asset holdings and prohibits their sale except under specific circumstances, such as returning assets to victims of crime or for law enforcement operations.

Tariff Adjustments on Canada and Mexico

President Trump adjusted tariffs on Canada and Mexico, specifically targeting automotive parts and components to minimize disruption to the U.S. automotive industry. This action follows earlier tariff impositions and indicates a nuanced approach to trade policy, balancing national security concerns with economic realities.

The adjustments reduce the additional ad valorem duty on certain automotive goods from Canada and Mexico.

Presidential Address to Congress

President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress, highlighting his administration's accomplishments, policy priorities, and legislative agenda.

Key policy announcements include a national energy emergency declaration, the creation of a Department of Government Efficiency, tax cuts, tariffs on foreign goods, and immigration crackdowns.

The speech also included social policy pronouncements on gender identity, transgender athletes in sports, critical race theory, and the official language of the U.S. These positions indicate a socially conservative agenda.

The President also discussed the war in Ukraine and his efforts to bring about peace negotiations.

Presidential Delegation to Special Olympics

President Trump announced a presidential delegation to the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, led by Second Lady Usha Vance. This suggests ongoing U.S. support for the Special Olympics.

Irish-American Heritage Month and Women's History Month

President Trump issued proclamations recognizing Irish-American Heritage Month and Women's History Month, celebrating the contributions of these groups to American society.

The Women's History Month proclamation also reinforced the administration's stance on gender identity, specifically recognizing only two sexes and promoting policies protecting women's sports.

Last updated at 3/9/2025 10:21 PM

- After The Fact Editorial Team