Today, the U.S. government enacted significant policy changes, including HHS rescinding prior gender-affirming care guidance, the State Department designating international cartels as terrorist organizations, and the DOJ addressing administrative law judge oversight. Additionally, major defense contracts were awarded to strengthen military capabilities. Read on for a detailed breakdown of today’s verified executive branch activities.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
- Rescission of Prior Guidance on Gender-Affirming CareThe HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) rescinded the 2022 guidance on gender-affirming care, aligning with President Trump’s Executive Order 14187, which opposes medical and surgical interventions for minors undergoing gender transitions. This action signifies a shift in federal policy, emphasizing the administration’s stance on biological definitions of sex. Advocacy groups have expressed concern, stating that this may limit access to necessary healthcare for transgender youth. hhs.gov
Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
- Press Briefing Highlighting First Month AchievementsPress Secretary Karoline Leavitt, alongside Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and other officials, conducted a briefing to outline the administration’s accomplishments in its first month. Key highlights include the signing of 73 executive orders addressing issues such as border security, energy policies, and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal agencies. The administration emphasized its commitment to rapid policy implementation and transparency. whitehouse.gov
Department of State
Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
- Designation of International Cartels as Terrorist OrganizationsSecretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of specific international cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This move aims to enhance the tools available to combat transnational crime and disrupt the operations of these cartels. The designations are expected to facilitate greater international cooperation and impose stricter penalties on affiliated individuals and entities. state.gov
Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
- Inaugural Meeting of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) Steering CommitteeThe State Department hosted the first meeting of the MSMT Steering Committee, focusing on the enforcement of United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The committee aims to ensure the effective implementation of sanctions and address challenges related to compliance and enforcement. state.gov
Department of Justice
Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
- Addressing Removal Restrictions on Administrative Law Judges (ALJs)Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle issued a statement declaring that existing removal restrictions on ALJs are unconstitutional. This decision underscores the department’s commitment to ensuring that executive branch officials remain accountable to the President and, by extension, the public. The move is anticipated to prompt a reevaluation of the role and oversight of ALJs within federal agencies. justice.gov
Department of Defense
Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
- Efforts to Eliminate Waste and Reallocate Defense BudgetDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined initiatives to strengthen the military by identifying and eliminating fiscal waste, fraud, and abuse within the Department of Defense. Collaborating with the Department of Government Efficiency, the focus is on reallocating resources to critical defense areas, ensuring optimal use of taxpayer funds. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing military readiness and efficiency. defense.gov
New Initiatives & Departmental Programs
- Major Defense Contracts AwardedThe Department of Defense announced several significant contracts, including a $232 million agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. for CH-53K aircraft materials and a $176 million contract with KBR Wyle Services for operations at the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site. These contracts aim to bolster military capabilities and infrastructure, contributing to national security objectives. defense.gov
Bibliography
- HHS Rescinds Guidance on Gender-Affirming Care
- Timestamp: February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Source: HHS Press Release
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:50 PM ET.
- White House Press Briefing on First Month Achievements
- Timestamp: February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Source: White House Press Briefing
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:50 PM ET.
- State Department Designates International Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
- Timestamp: February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Source: State Department Press Statement
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 10:50 PM ET.
- Inaugural MSMT Steering Committee Meeting
- Timestamp: February 20, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Source: State Department Joint Statement
