In a significant move aimed at bolstering national security, President Donald J. Trump has issued an order emphasizing the importance of state and local governments in enhancing the resilience of American infrastructure. This action, announced on March 18, 2025, underscores the administration’s commitment to commonsense preparedness strategies that empower local decision-making and investments designed to mitigate risks such as cyber attacks, wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.
The new policy directive articulates that preparedness is best managed at the state, local, and individual levels with the support of a competent federal government. This recognition comes in response to the increasing need for communities to address dynamic threats effectively, enhancing the overall safety and security of American citizens.
The order mandates a shift towards a more proactive approach that not only reduces taxpayer burdens through efficient governance but also aims to save lives. It directs the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) to publish a National Resilience Strategy within 90 days, which will delineate priorities and methods to foster a more resilient nation capable of withstanding global threats.
Moreover, the administration plans to review current national security and critical infrastructure policies addressing the existing all-hazards approach, advocating for a risk-informed perspective. This transition aims to facilitate more effective responses to emergencies and ensure that federal policies align with the practical needs of state and local governments.
Trump’s initiative proposes a comprehensive review of various executive orders and policies to eliminate inefficiencies and promote streamlined operations in preparedness and response efforts. This includes evaluating specific national continuity policies and preparedness directives to adapt to modern challenges and improve national readiness capabilities.
The establishment of a National Risk Register is also on the agenda, which will categorize and quantify risks to national infrastructure. This tool will assist in guiding investments at both federal and state levels, promoting a collective approach to resilience and risk management.
Overall, this presidential action signifies a critical step towards enhancing national security through empowered local governance and a systematic revamping of the federal preparedness framework, echoing Trump’s administration’s ongoing commitment to pragmatic solutions for the safety and prosperity of all Americans.