Directives Published October 2025
Directive Watch is your source for clear, concise explanation of Presidential directives and executive orders issued by the White House.
We break down the technical legal jargon of each directive, explaining in plain language what it means and its potential impact.
Summary
- 21st Oct 25 The President transmitted several new nominations for judicial, executive, and defense roles to the Senate and simultaneously officially withdrew two previous nominations from Senate consideration. View
- 20th Oct 25 The President formally sent the nomination of Jennifer Wicks McNamara to the Senate to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. View
- 18th Oct 25 The President proclaimed October 2025 as National Energy Dominance Month to promote maximum domestic production of energy resources and regulatory rollbacks. View
- 18th Oct 25 The President proclaimed October 2025 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage public education and defense against cyber threats. View
- 17th Oct 25 The President imposed a 25% tariff on most imported medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and parts, and a 10% tariff on buses, effective November 1, 2025, citing national security concerns under Section 232, while establishing significant offset programs for U.S. assemblers. View
- 15th Oct 25 The President directed the Secretary of War and OMB Director to use available FY 2026 War Department funds to cover scheduled military pay during an appropriations lapse, mitigating threats to readiness. View
- 15th Oct 25 * Established new stringent controls, committee oversight, and planning requirements for all Federal civilian hiring across the executive branch, except for specified national security and exempted roles. View
- 14th Oct 25 A Presidential Proclamation was issued designating October 14, 2025, as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. View
- 13th Oct 25 The United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye signed a declaration affirming commitment to the Trump Peace Agreement, promoting regional peace, security, and prosperity. View
- 11th Oct 25 President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation designating October 13, 2025, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Navy. View
- 11th Oct 25 * The President proclaimed October 11, 2025, as General Pulaski Memorial Day to recognize the contributions and sacrifice of Casimir Pulaski for American liberty. View
- 10th Oct 25 * The President issued a proclamation recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging preventative health actions and reaffirming commitment to cancer research. View
- 9th Oct 25 The President proclaimed October 9, 2025, as Leif Erikson Day, calling upon Americans to recognize the explorer's legacy and the contributions of Nordic Americans. View
- 9th Oct 25 The President proclaimed Monday, October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day, invoking Congressional directive while celebrating Christopher Columbus and Italian-American heritage and directing the display of the national flag. View
- 8th Oct 25 The President authorized the construction of up to four Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) abroad to address immediate national security gaps in the Arctic region while mandating a plan for future domestic construction. View
- 8th Oct 25 The President transmitted nominations to the Senate, including Lee Lipton for Ambassador to the Philippines. View
- 7th Oct 25 The President proclaimed October 5 through October 11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week, encouraging safety efforts and thanking first responders. View
- 7th Oct 25 * The President proclaimed October 3, 2025, as National Manufacturing Day, citing investments, tariff policies, and regulatory rollbacks undertaken to restore and dominate the American industrial sector. View
- 6th Oct 25 * The President approved the AIDEA appeal for the Ambler Road Project under ANILCA and directed federal agencies to issue necessary authorizations. View
- 6th Oct 25 * The President called at least 300 members of the Illinois National Guard into Federal service for up to 60 days to protect federal personnel and property from violent interference in Illinois. View
- 2nd Oct 25 * The President submitted new nominations for positions including Assistant Secretaries in Labor and Defense, Commissioners, Ambassadors, and U.S. Marshals, while simultaneously withdrawing the nomination for Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia. View
This document details a series of recent presidential actions, primarily focused on sending nominations for federal positions to the Senate for confirmation, along with a supplemental list of two nominations that have been formally withdrawn from Senate consideration.
The nominations span various governmental levels, including appointments for U.S. District Judges in Louisiana, U.S. Marshals and Attorneys across several states, an Assistant Secretary of Defense, an Ambassador to Cyprus, an Assistant Secretary of State, the Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Transportation, and the Coordinator for Counterterrorism.
The withdrawals include candidates for Under Secretary of Defense and an Assistant Secretary position within the Department of Education.
Nomination Sent to the Senate
This document serves as a formal notification stating that the President has submitted the nomination of Jennifer Wicks McNamara of Virginia to serve as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, forwarding the nomination to the Senate for their advice and consent.
National Energy Dominance Month, 2025
The document is a Presidential Proclamation issued by Donald J. Trump, the 47th President, declaring October 2025 as National Energy Dominance Month, which serves to formally recommit the administration to policies emphasizing maximum domestic production of oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals.
The President frames this through the lens of energy security being national security, contrasting current actions—such as lifting energy restrictions, reviving the coal industry, and opening new drilling sites—with policies of the previous administration, which are characterized as a "War on Coal" and an "energy emergency."
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2025
This Presidential Proclamation officially designates October 2025 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, underscoring the Administration's dedication to strengthening national cybersecurity against foreign and criminal cyber threats.
The document references prior actions, including an Executive Order aimed at securing federal software development and adopting encryption, and highlights support for legislation protecting children online. It concludes by urging all citizens, companies, and institutions to participate in cybersecurity education and take personal protective measures like using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
This Presidential Proclamation establishes new tariffs on imports of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (MHDVs), specific Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Parts (MHDVPs), and buses, asserting that current import levels threaten United States national security based on a Section 232 investigation.
The action imposes a 25 percent ad valorem duty on most MHDVs and key MHDVPs, and a 10 percent duty on buses, effective November 1, 2025, aiming to stabilize domestic market share at 80 percent, bolster supply chains, and encourage domestic industrial investment.
Furthermore, the proclamation coordinates these new tariffs with existing automobile tariff regimes, introduces complex adjustment offset programs for domestically assembled vehicles and engines to mitigate part import duties, and authorizes implementing agencies to enforce compliance.
This Presidential Memorandum directs the Secretary of War, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to use any currently available Fiscal Year 2026 funds within the Department of War to ensure active duty military personnel and relevant Reserve component members receive their scheduled pay and allowances on October 15th, given that a congressional appropriations lapse has created a serious threat to military readiness.
The directive mandates that funds used must have a reasonable relationship to pay and allowances, and requires subsequent accounting adjustments to restore funding accounts once the appropriations lapse ends.
This Presidential Action establishes new policies and procedures to govern Federal civilian hiring across most executive departments and agencies, building on prior workforce optimization efforts and imposing strict controls on filling vacant positions or creating new ones unless explicitly permitted.
The order mandates the creation of agency-level Strategic Hiring Committees to approve all hiring decisions, requires annual staffing plans coordinated with OPM and OMB prioritizing national interest and administration priorities, and outlines specific exceptions for roles in national security, public safety, the Executive Office of the President, and certain non-career positions.
National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk
President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation designating October 14, 2025, as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier that month.
The proclamation mourns Kirk as a martyr of the conservative movement, praises his dedication to truth and debate, and calls upon Americans to gather in places of worship on that day to honor his memory, pray for peace, and renew a commitment to free exchange of ideas amidst escalating political violence.
The Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity
This Presidential Action document is a declaration signed by the leaders of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, affirming their collective commitment to the successful implementation of the Trump Peace Agreement.
The leaders pledge to foster a new regional chapter defined by hope, security, prosperity, and mutual respect, ensuring fundamental human rights and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis while resolutely opposing extremism and committing to diplomatic resolution of future disputes.
250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Navy
This Presidential Proclamation formally sets aside October 13, 2025, as a day to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Navy by the Second Continental Congress in 1775.
The President honors the Navy’s historical role in safeguarding American sovereignty, defending freedom through every major conflict, and salutes the unwavering dedication of active duty and Reserve Sailors and their families, pledging to preserve the Navy's legacy.
The proclamation calls upon all Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and to honor the service and patriotism of all who have served in the maritime fighting force.
General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2025
The President issued a Proclamation designating October 11, 2025, as General Pulaski Memorial Day, using executive authority to honor Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who fought and died for American independence and whose sacrifice symbolizes the enduring alliance between the U.S. and Poland.
The text details Pulaski's critical military contributions, such as saving General Washington at Brandywine, and encourages all Americans to commemorate those who have advanced the nation's causes.
Presidential Message on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The President issued a proclamation for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, acknowledging the fear and heartbreak breast cancer causes and honoring the resilience of those battling it.
The document affirms the Administration's dedication, through efforts like the Make America Healthy Again Commission, to lowering cancer rates and accelerating cures via research.
Furthermore, it urges all Americans to prioritize their health by understanding risk factors, utilizing early detection methods, and implementing preventative measures.
Leif Erikson Day, 2025
This Presidential Proclamation, issued by Donald J. Trump, officially declares October 9, 2025, as Leif Erikson Day to honor the legendary Norse explorer acknowledged as the first European to land in the New World and to celebrate the cultural and historical contributions of Nordic Americans to the nation.
The document recalls Erikson's voyage, ties his spirit of exploration to the American narrative from pioneers to astronauts, and reaffirms the administration's commitment to strengthening bonds with Nordic allies through fair trade and peace.
Columbus Day, 2025
This Presidential Proclamation designates Monday, October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day, explicitly honoring Christopher Columbus as a foundational American hero whose legacy of faith, courage, and perseverance must be defended against those seeking to erase his memory.
The document praises Columbus's 1492 voyage for bringing Western civilization and Christian faith to the Americas, acknowledges the contributions of Italian-Americans, and directs that the U.S. flag be displayed on public buildings to commemorate this historic occasion.
Construction of Arctic Security Cutters
The President issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to address the growing national security threat in the Arctic, caused by foreign adversaries, by allowing the construction of up to four Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) in foreign shipyards.
This action is justified by the current inadequacy of the U.S. Coast Guard's icebreaker fleet, but it mandates a plan within 60 days to transition subsequent construction back to domestic facilities to onshore necessary expertise, establishing this foreign construction as a time-limited measure to bridge the immediate capability gap.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
This document is a notification page detailing the submission of nominations to the Senate, specifically highlighting the proposed appointment of Lee Lipton of Florida to serve as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Republic of the Philippines, reflecting ongoing executive branch personnel actions.
Fire Prevention Week, 2025
President Donald J. Trump issues a proclamation designating October 5 through October 11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week, using the occasion to urge all Americans to prioritize household fire prevention measures while simultaneously honoring the service of firefighters and first responders and referencing recent executive actions aimed at improving federal wildfire prevention and disaster response capabilities, particularly in response to recent devastating wildfires.
National Manufacturing Day, 2025
This Presidential Proclamation, issued by Donald J. Trump on October 3, 2025, officially designates that date as National Manufacturing Day, celebrating the American industrial base and workforce.
The document outlines the administration's efforts to boost domestic manufacturing through securing significant private investment, imposing reciprocal tariffs to protect against unfair foreign trade practices, eliminating what it terms burdensome regulations (specifically rejecting the 'Green New Scam agenda'), and enacting legislation like the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' to incentivize factory expansion, all aimed at ensuring the U.S. remains the world's leading industrial power.
Decision of the President and Statement of Reasons on 2025 Ambler Road Appeal
The President approved the appeal submitted by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) on June 6, 2025, concerning the AIDEA’s 2016 revised consolidated application for the Ambler Road Project, acting under Section 1106(a) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and directing all concerned Federal agencies to promptly issue the authorizations required for establishing the project.
This Presidential Memorandum directs the Secretary of War to call at least 300 members of the Illinois National Guard into Federal service for a 60-day period to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Federal Protective Service (FPS) personnel and federal property in Illinois, particularly in and around Chicago, due to violent obstruction by groups attempting to disrupt federal law enforcement activities.
The action invokes constitutional and statutory authority (10 U.S.C. 12406) based on the determination that regular federal forces are insufficient to enforce the laws amidst increasing violent interference and credible threats of future incidents.
The Secretary of War is tasked with coordinating the mobilization with the Governor of Illinois and may authorize necessary protective activities to ensure that Federal law is executed.
This document details a series of recent Presidential Nominations submitted to the Senate for confirmation across various federal agencies, including roles in the Departments of Labor and Defense, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and U.S. Marshal positions, alongside a formal withdrawal of a prior nomination for Ambassador to Serbia.