White House: Presidential Actions

Day of Celebration in Honor of Henry Clay, 2026

President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed April 12, 2026, as a Day of Celebration in Honor of the Life of Henry Clay, commemorating what would have been his 249th birthday. The proclamation also directs the White House Office of Administration to redesignate Room 208 of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building as the Henry Clay Room. This is a ceremonial proclamation with no compliance obligations or penalties.

Sequestration Order for FY2027 Reduces Direct Spending, Effective October 1

The President has issued a sequestration order for FY2027 pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act. The order mandates automatic spending cuts to non-exempt direct spending budget accounts, with reductions calculated by OMB in its April 3, 2026 report. The sequestration takes effect October 1, 2026, applying the full programmatic cuts specified under section 251A of the Act.

Protect College Sports, Women's and Olympic Athletics

The White House issued Executive Order 2026 directing federal agencies to take urgent action to save college sports from financial instability caused by pay-for-play arrangements, transfers, and eligibility rule changes. The order addresses threats to women's and Olympic sports programs, citing universities with athletics-related debts exceeding $535 million and $437 million. Federal agencies including the Department of Education, Treasury, and Labor are directed to develop guidance and consider restrictions on universities failing to protect these sports.

Presidential Memorandum on DHS Employee Compensation During Funding Lapse

The White House issued a Presidential Memorandum directing the Department of Homeland Security to use available funds to compensate approximately 35,000 employees who have not received pay during a funding lapse. The memorandum invokes emergency authority and directs coordination with the Office of Management and Budget to ensure DHS employees, including those at CBP, ICE, Coast Guard, FEMA, and CISA, receive compensation and benefits.

Increased Tariffs on Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Imports

President of the United States issued a proclamation under Section 232 authority (19 U.S.C. 1862) raising additional ad valorem tariffs on imports of aluminum, steel, and copper. Aluminum tariffs increased to 50 percent, while steel and copper tariffs raised to 25 percent. The action amends previous proclamations (9704, 9705, 10962) and builds on recent efforts to close loopholes and strengthen domestic metal production capacity.

Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients into the United States

The President issued a Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 imposing 100% tariffs on imports of patented pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, citing national security concerns. The Secretary of Commerce found that approximately 53% of patented pharmaceutical products and only 15% of patented active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are domestically produced, threatening U.S. access to life-saving medications amid global supply chain risks. The tariffs take effect immediately upon signing.

Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections

The White House issued Executive Order establishing citizenship verification procedures for federal elections, directing DHS and SSA to compile and transmit State Citizenship Lists to state election officials at least 60 days before each regularly scheduled federal election. The order mandates unique ballot envelope identifiers such as barcodes to verify that only eligible citizens receive and cast ballots.

Presidential Memorandum on Paying Unpaid TSA Employees During Shutdown

President Trump issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of OMB to use available funds to pay TSA employees who have not received compensation due to a government shutdown. This action is taken to address an emergency situation compromising national security and air travel system stability.

Executive Order Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors

President Biden issued an Executive Order directing federal agencies to include a clause in contracts prohibiting racially discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities. This order aims to promote efficiency in federal contracting by preventing discrimination based on race or ethnicity.

Greek Independence Day: National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2026

The White House issued a proclamation designating March 25, 2026, as Greek Independence Day, celebrating the historical ties and shared democratic values between Greece and the United States. The proclamation calls for appropriate ceremonies and activities to observe the day.