Trump signs executive orders on Treasury modernization, election reform

 March 26, 2025

In an unexpected move, President Donald Trump signed four executive orders on Tuesday aimed at addressing key national issues.

These new directives from Trump focus on modernizing the Treasury Department's payment systems, enhancing election integrity, and reviewing the security clearances of several prominent law firms, as Breitbart reports.

The measures are intended to reduce the risk of fraud, enhance the electoral process, and evaluate security protocols related to national interests.

Treasury Slated for Payment Method Overhaul

One of the executive orders calls for a significant shift in how the Department of the Treasury handles payments. Starting Sept. 30, 2025, electronic transfers will replace traditional checks. The administration aims to reduce fraud and improper payments through this modernization effort.

Administration aide Will Scharf emphasized the urgency of the change, noting that checks issued by the Treasury are much more prone to fraud than electronic payments. "Historically, checks issued by the Treasury are, I believe, 14 times more likely to become the subject of fraud than electronic transfer payments," Scharf said.

Moreover, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supports the modernization initiative, claiming it is a long-overdue effort. The Treasury is directed to enhance its operational systems across the federal government to pre-emptively verify and prevent fraud.

Security Clearance Suspensions Ordered

The executive orders extend to the suspension of security clearances for employees of the law firm Jenner & Block LLP. This action includes a pending review of their clearances, particularly following the firm's hiring of former U.S. Attorney Andrew Weissmann, a well-known Trump foe.

Scharf indicated the administration's readiness to take action against law firms that misuse the legal system for political purposes or engage in inappropriate activities. He specifically accused Jenner & Block of engaging in discriminatory practices and weaponizing the legal system.

The suspension of security clearances draws attention to the broader issue of ensuring national security interests are not compromised by external legal interventions.

Election Integrity Prioritized

On the election front, Trump introduced measures that require citizens to provide government-issued proof of citizenship for voter registration. The Election Assistance Commission will now incorporate this requirement into its voter registration forms.

Federal agencies have been directed to assist states in verifying the citizenship status of voters. This directive aims to prevent illegal immigrants from appearing on voting rolls and participating in elections.

Scharf commented on the comprehensive nature of the new directives, asserting that they would curtail illegal voting and utilize Homeland Security data effectively.

State Compliance with Federal Laws Sought

Federal election-related funds are now set to be conditioned on state compliance with federal laws, particularly in regard to integrity measures. States are required to conform to the national mail voter registration form's new citizenship proof requirement.

This move aims to ensure that federal law is uniformly applied across states, improving the overall integrity of elections. Moreover, Attorney General Pam Bondi is tasked with taking action against states that count late ballots in federal elections.

Trump has hinted at further steps to improve election integrity, signaling an ongoing effort to refine and secure electoral procedures.

Implications for Future Policy Yet to Emerge

The executive orders signed by Trump reflect a strategic approach to addressing pressing issues in both financial and electoral systems. By targeting fraud, the administration aims to streamline government payments while simultaneously safeguarding the integrity of elections.

As these measures are set into motion, the administration may face challenges in implementation and compliance, particularly from states or organizations with divergent views. However, the outlined steps and directives illustrate a determined approach to tackle these critical areas.

Stakeholders, both domestic and international, will likely monitor the progress and effectiveness of these orders closely. The outcomes could establish a precedent for future administrations regarding financial and electoral governance.

Public and Political Reactions Unfold

Reactions to these executive actions have been mixed, with some praising the focus on modernizing outdated systems and others raising concerns about potential overreach. The scope of these orders has initiated debates on the balance between national security, government efficiency, and individual rights.

As the country moves toward implementing these changes, it remains to be seen how state governments will respond to the conditions tied to federal election-related funds. The administration's commitment to these reforms underscores the ongoing discourse surrounding transparency, security, and efficiency in government operations.

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