President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday titled One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations. The order reinforces the ‘constitutional authority’ of the President to direct foreign policy and mandates that all federal employees involved in foreign affairs faithfully execute the President’s agenda.
The executive order says Article II of the U.S. Constitution vests the power to conduct foreign policy exclusively in the President. It directs the Secretary of State and other officials responsible for foreign policy implementation to ensure that all actions align with the President’s vision.
“As the principal steward of the President’s foreign policy, the Secretary must maintain an exceptional workforce of patriots to implement this policy effectively,” the order states.
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The order also establishes clear consequences for employees who fail to adhere to the President’s foreign policy directives, stating that such failures are grounds for “professional discipline, including separation.”
The executive order outlines several key measures to strengthen the administration’s foreign policy apparatus:
Accountability for Policy Implementation:
The order requires the Secretary of State to take appropriate action against Foreign Service members, Civil Service employees, or other staff who demonstrate performance or conduct that warrants disciplinary measures. For officials appointed by the President, the Secretary must preliminarily determine whether to refer such matters for the President’s consideration.
Foreign Service Reforms:
The order mandates reforms to the Foreign Service, including updates to recruiting, performance evaluation, and retention standards. It also calls for revisions to the Foreign Affairs Manual and related guidance documents to ensure alignment with the President’s foreign policy agenda.
Streamlined Authority:
The Secretary of State is granted “sole and exclusive discretion” in implementing the reforms outlined in the order, including the authority to prescribe additional procedures for subordinate officials.
The executive order is expected to have far-reaching implications for the State Department and other agencies involved in foreign policy.
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