Directives Published February 2026
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 Feb 26 * The President imposed a temporary 10 percent ad valorem import surcharge for 150 days, effective February 24, 2026, citing a serious U.S. balance-of-payments deficit and outlining specific product exemptions. View
- 21st Feb 26 * The President revised Executive Order 14324 to continue suspending duty-free *de minimis* treatment for imports, establishing new duty collection procedures for international postal shipments. View
- 21st Feb 26 * The administration terminated specific additional *ad valorem* duties imposed under IEEPA via nine prior Executive Orders related to border security, trade imbalances, and actions concerning several foreign nations. View
- 18th Feb 26 * The President delegated authority under the Defense Production Act to the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure an adequate domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides by prioritizing contracts and allocating resources. View
- 17th Feb 26 * Designated February 16, 2026, as a reserved holiday commemorating President George Washington’s Birthday, citing his foundational role in American liberty and the 250th anniversary of independence. View
- 11th Feb 26 * The President formally transmitted several governmental nominations, including U.S. Attorneys, Assistant Secretaries, Ambassadors, and Agency Commissioners, to the Senate for consideration and confirmation. View
- 11th Feb 26 * The Department of War was directed to secure long-term Power Purchase Agreements with coal power generation facilities to guarantee continuous energy supply for military installations and defense industrial bases. View
- 6th Feb 26 * The President terminated the 25 percent additional *ad valorem* duty imposed on products of India that was implemented under Executive Order 14329, effective February 7, 2026. View
- 6th Feb 26 * Established the 'America First Arms Transfer Strategy' to link U.S. arms exports directly to domestic defense industrial capacity building and streamline foreign military sales processes. View
- 6th Feb 26 * Directed the Attorney General to provide DHS access to Department of Justice CHRI and authorized the Secretary of Homeland Security to exchange felony conviction records with trusted foreign allies for border security and immigration vetting. View
- 6th Feb 26 * The President authorized the imposition of additional duties on imports from countries purchasing goods or services from Iran, citing a continuing national emergency. View
- 6th Feb 26 * Revoked the prohibition on commercial fishing within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, directing its management to follow Proclamation 10049. View
- 6th Feb 26 * The President temporarily increased the Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) for lean beef trimmings by 80,000 metric tons for the 2026 calendar year, allocating the entire amount to Argentina to address high consumer beef prices stemming from domestic supply shortages. View
- 4th Feb 26 The President sent the nomination of Michael McDonald to the Senate to serve as Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities. View
- 3rd Feb 26 * The President proclaimed February 2026 as National Black History Month, emphasizing the indispensable nature of Black American history to the overall American narrative. View
This proclamation by President Donald J. Trump imposes a temporary 10 percent ad valorem import surcharge on articles entering the United States, effective February 24, 2026, for a period of 150 days.
The President finds that large and serious fundamental international payments problems exist, citing a substantial and growing balance-of-payments deficit, a negative balance on primary income, and a sharp decline in the net international-investment position relative to GDP. The surcharge is authorized under section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 as a necessary measure to stabilize the U.S. economy and national interests.
The proclamation details numerous exceptions to the surcharge based on specific economic needs, including critical minerals, energy products, certain essential agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, and goods originating from Canada or Mexico under existing trade agreements.
Continuing the Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries
The President issues an order to continue suspending the duty-free *de minimis* exemption under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) for all shipments, including those entering through the international postal network.
This action revises Executive Order 14324 following notification that systems are in place to collect duties, ensuring that applicable duties related to prior national emergency declarations concerning trade imbalances and illicit trade continue to be assessed and collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on imports otherwise exempt.
Ending Certain Tariff Actions
This presidential action terminates the additional *ad valorem* duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) via nine specific prior Executive Orders that addressed perceived national emergencies related to illicit drug flows across U.S. borders, specific trade deficits, and perceived threats from China, Venezuela, Brazil, the Russian Federation, Cuba, and Iran.
The order directs executive agencies to immediately cease the collection of these specific tariffs as soon as practicable, while explicitly stating that the underlying national emergencies declared in those original orders remain in effect, and other non-tariff actions are unaffected.
Promoting the National Defense by Ensuring an Adequate Supply of Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides
This Presidential Action invokes the Defense Production Act to declare elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides critical materials for national defense and food supply security, citing limited domestic production capacity and vulnerability to foreign reliance.
The action delegates authority to the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of War, to set nationwide priorities and allocate necessary materials, services, and facilities to ensure a continued and adequate domestic supply, specifically directing the Secretary to safeguard the corporate viability of domestic producers.
President George Washington’s Birthday, 2026
This Presidential Proclamation, issued on February 16, 2026, reserves the date to honor the life, service, and legacy of George Washington, the first President of the United States, particularly in the context of the Nation's 250th anniversary of independence.
The document details Washington's pivotal role in the Revolution, his defense of the rule of law (such as during the Whiskey Rebellion), his precedent-setting tenure as the first President, and his insistence that national virtue stems from faith in the Creator.
Ultimately, the action formally proclaims February 16, 2026, a reserved holiday to show gratitude for Washington's indelible contributions to American sovereignty and freedom.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
This document formally announces a list of Presidential Nominations that have been sent to the Senate for confirmation, detailing individuals nominated for various key leadership and representative roles across several federal departments and independent agencies, including the Department of Justice, Department of State, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, the Federal Election Commission, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, often filling seats vacated by resignations or expired terms.
This Presidential Action, issued on February 11, 2026, mandates that the Department of War (DOW), in coordination with the Department of Energy, must prioritize the preservation and strategic use of coal-based energy assets to ensure the electric grid supporting military installations and defense industry remains resilient and reliable.
Citing coal's proven ability to provide continuous baseload power, the action directs the DOW to procure power through long-term Power Purchase Agreements with coal-fired facilities, prioritizing those that enhance grid reliability, on-site fuel security, and mission assurance for defense capabilities, based on the policy that coal is essential for national and economic security during the declared national energy emergency.
Modifying Duties to Address Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation
The President modifies existing national emergency trade restrictions imposed by Executive Order 14329 concerning Russia's actions against Ukraine. Based on newly received information and recommendations, the President determines that India has taken significant steps, including committing to cease importing Russian oil and agreeing to expanded defense cooperation, thus warranting the elimination of the 25 percent additional *ad valorem* duty previously placed on imports of articles of India.
This action becomes effective on February 7, 2026, and requires relevant agencies to coordinate modifications to the tariff schedule while establishing monitoring measures to ensure India does not resume Russian oil imports.