On Jan. 20, 2025, Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States. After taking the oath of office, President Trump began signing executive orders pardoning Jan. 6 defendants, implementing Schedule F to reclassify civil servants as political appointees, declaring a national emergency at the border, and more.
Executive actions related to national security and foreign policy can be found in the searchable table below, along with related documents, Lawfare analysis of the orders, and the legal challenges against them. We will continue to add to this page as events unfold.
Executive Orders
Lawfare Analysis
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Lawfare Live: The Trials of the Trump Administration, May 1
Join the Lawfare team at 4 pm ET for a discussion of the litigation surrounding the Trump administration. -
What Does the Correspondents Dinner Have to Do With Trump’s Ballroom Project?
The case may test just how far national security deference by the courts to the executive can stretch. -
Racial Animus Claims May Play a Key Role in the TPS Cases
In the Temporary Protected Status cases at the High Court, reviewability is disputed. But the equal protection claims will likely survive. -
The Grand Conspiracy’s New Prosecutor May Be the Case’s Biggest Liability
Former Trump lawyer Joseph diGenova is one of the most vocal proponents of a conspiracy theory that he is now in charge of investigating. -
Lawfare Daily: The Trials of the Trump Administration, April 24
Listen to the April 24 livestream as a podcast. -
Lawfare Live: The Trials of the Trump Administration, April 24
Join the Lawfare team at 4 pm ET for a discussion of the litigation surrounding the Trump administration.
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Documents
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Trump Releases Memo on Organization of the National Security Council
The NSC functions to advise the president on “the integration of domestic, foreign, and military policies relating to national security.” -
Federal Employees Union Challenges Trump Schedule F Order
The union argues that the order, which strips certain federal employees of employment protections, violates multiple laws and regulations. -
Trump Declares National Emergency at the Southern Border
The executive order invokes emergency authorities to enable the Defense Department to deploy reservists and oversee military constructions. -
Trump Signs ‘America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State’
The order directs the secretary of state to ensure State Department policies are “in line with an American First foreign policy.” -
Trump Signs Executive Order ‘Securing Our Borders’
The order directs the secretaries of defense and homeland security to take action to “deter” and “remove” illegal immigrants. -
Trump Reinstates Schedule F in the Excepted Service
The order amends and reinstates Trump’s Executive Order 13957, which strips employment protections for federal workers.
This page was created by Anna Hickey.