Trump Signs Executive Orders on Customs Enforcement

WASHINGTON—President Trump took action on Wednesday by signing two executive orders aimed at enhancing customs enforcement and increasing accountability for federal officials.

During the signing in the Oval Office, Trump was joined by his senior trade and manufacturing adviser, Peter Navarro, and Rodney Scott, the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection.

The first order introduces new, stricter regulations for importers of record. The White House highlights several key aspects:

• Strengthened guarantees required, ensuring importers maintain minimum levels of domestic tangible assets or guarantees at all times.
• Imposing rigorous requirements for formal entry into foreign importers of record.
• Only U.S. importers of record are authorized to seek unofficial admission.
• Implementing a “good condition” requirement for all such importers.
• Enhancing screening procedures for individuals and entities involved in importing goods.

Scott pointed out that the same principles preventing illegal immigration also apply to safeguarding domestic industries.

He explained, “Different countries and different people are violating our import and export rules, and tariffs are literally undermining American businesses. We’re going to stop this in the same way.”

He further remarked, “Just like the border, we will start to hold trade accountable for bringing potentially harmful goods into our country.”

Scott noted that Customs and Border Protection has been receiving significant attention regarding the border wall, but he emphasized that similar focus is needed in trade.

Navarro described the initiative as a mandate that could recover between $20 billion and $30 billion annually.

“What we’re aiming for is substantial, about $20 billion to $30 billion a year, because we’re cracking down on fentanyl, unhealthy products, counterfeit goods, and all that tariff evasion,” he stated.

He concluded with a strong warning: “This is a message to the world. There’s nowhere to hide.”

The second order signed by Trump allows federal agencies to more effectively terminate employees for “poor performance, misconduct, corruption, or subverting presidential directives,” reducing the procedural obstacles that often hinder accountability.