On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14150, titled “America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State.” This directive mandates that U.S. foreign policy prioritize core American interests and consistently place America and its citizens at the forefront of international relations.
Key Provisions of the Executive Order
The order outlines the following primary objectives:
- Alignment of State Department Policies: The Secretary of State is instructed to issue guidance ensuring that all policies, programs, personnel, and operations of the Department of State reflect an “America First” foreign policy. Federal Register
- Prioritization of American Interests: The directive emphasizes that U.S. foreign policy must champion core American interests and consistently prioritize the well-being of American citizens. White House
Potential Impacts
The implementation of this executive order is anticipated to have several significant effects:
- Restructuring of the Diplomatic Corps: In response to the directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with overhauling the U.S. diplomatic corps to ensure strict adherence to the “America First” agenda. This includes reforms in recruitment, performance evaluations, and retention policies to align with the administration’s objectives. Reuters
- Reduction in Foreign Aid: The administration has initiated a comprehensive review of foreign aid programs, leading to the suspension of numerous aid initiatives that do not directly serve U.S. interests. Notably, funding for certain programs, such as those providing “condoms in Gaza,” has been halted to eliminate perceived unnecessary expenditures. New York Post
- Integration of USAID into the State Department: Plans are underway to merge the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) into the State Department. This move aims to centralize control over foreign aid and ensure that assistance programs align with the “America First” policy. Critics argue that this restructuring could diminish the effectiveness of aid programs designed to support developing nations. The Wall Street Journal
- Media Subscription Cancellations: As part of broader efforts to reduce spending and control information dissemination, the State Department has been directed to cancel subscriptions to major news outlets, including The New York Times, Associated Press, and Reuters. This action reflects the administration’s intent to curtail what it perceives as unnecessary expenditures and to manage the narratives influencing diplomatic channels. New York Post
For a comprehensive understanding, you can access the full text of the executive order here:
