Trump National Emergencies
A visual summary and chronological analysis of the national emergency declarations and related executive orders across both presidencies (2017–2021 and 2025–Present).
Category Distribution
Executive Insights
During his first term, President Trump declared 11 national emergencies. The majority (9) were sanctions-based, blocking property of foreign entities involved in corruption, human rights abuse (Myanmar, Nicaragua, Syria, Mali), and security threats (Huawei, Hong Kong, Chinese military investments). The term was highlighted by two landmark actions: Proclamation 9844 (Southern Border wall construction via fund redirection, which survived Congressional termination attempts by presidential veto) and Proclamation 9994 (COVID-19 pandemic declaration, unlocking $50B in aid, later terminated by Congress in 2023).
Starting on January 20, 2025, President Trump declared 11 new national emergencies in a short span. This term features a unique shift toward using emergency authority for economic and trade policies. Specifically, he declared emergencies to immediately impose tariffs on imports: 25% on Canada and Mexico, 10% on China, 40% on Brazil, and broad "Reciprocal Tariffs". Other major actions include a second Southern Border Emergency (redirecting military units for entry denial and wall construction), a National Energy Emergency to boost domestic fossil fuel exploitation, and declaring cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
Under the National Emergencies Act of 1976, Trump's administrations set several historic precedents. The 2019 Southern Border declaration was the first time a President used emergency powers to divert funds that Congress had explicitly denied in appropriations. It also marked the first time both houses of Congress passed a resolution to terminate a national emergency (vetoed). The COVID-19 declaration, terminated on April 10, 2023, by a signed Congressional Joint Resolution, is the first national emergency to be officially terminated through Congressional action in U.S. history.