AMERICA FIRST POLICY DIRECTIVE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
This executive order, signed January 20, 2025, establishes an "America First" foreign policy.
It directs the Secretary of State to realign the Department of State's policies, programs, and operations to prioritize American interests.
The order includes provisions clarifying that it doesn't supersede existing legal authorities or create new legal rights.
Arguments For
- Intended benefits: Prioritization of U.S. national interests in all foreign policy decisions, potentially leading to more favorable outcomes for the U.S. and its citizens.
- Evidence cited: Implicitly refers to the President's constitutional authority and the laws of the U.S. as the basis for the directive.
- Implementation methods: The Secretary of State is directed to issue guidance to bring the Department's actions in line with the America First policy.
- Legal/historical basis: The order is based on the President's constitutional authority and existing laws.
Arguments Against
- Potential impacts: Could damage international relations with allies and partners, leading to diplomatic tensions and reduced global cooperation.
- Implementation challenges: Aligning the entire Department of State's vast and complex operations with a new overarching priority will require significant resources and coordination, and could lead to bureaucratic challenges.
- Alternative approaches: A more nuanced approach that balances national interest with international cooperation might be more effective in achieving long-term goals.
- Unintended effects: The directive might lead to protectionist policies that harm the U.S. economy or limit the effectiveness of international efforts to address shared global challenges.
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
This is the opening statement, asserting the President's legal authority to issue the order based on their constitutional powers and U.S. law.
Section 1. Purpose. From this day forward, the foreign policy of the United States shall champion core American interests and always put America and American citizens first.
This section outlines the directive's purpose: to establish a foreign policy that prioritizes American interests above all else.
Sec. 2. Policy. As soon as practicable, the Secretary of State shall issue guidance bringing the Department of State’s policies, programs, personnel, and operations in line with an America First foreign policy, which puts America and its interests first.
This section details the policy change.
It mandates that the Secretary of State issue guidance to ensure the Department of State's actions reflect the 'America First' principle.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
This section clarifies limitations and legal considerations.
Subsection (a) states that the order does not limit existing legal authority.
Subsection (b) indicates implementation depends on available funding and legal compliance.
Subsection (c) ensures the order does not create any new legal rights or benefits.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 20, 2025.
This is the closing section, indicating the date and location of the order's issuance.