Category: MIL-OSI

Today, the United States of America (United States), the Swiss Confederation (Switzerland), and the Principality of Liechtenstein (Liechtenstein) (collectively, Participants) express through this Framework their intention to negotiate an Agreement on Fair, Balanced, and Reciprocal Trade (Agreement). Through the Agreement, the Participants intend to create a dynamic and balanced trading relationship on a reciprocal and mutually advantageous basis, with a view toward creating good, high-paying jobs and economic growth in their markets. The Participants share a desire to make trade fairer, easier, and more substantial. The Participants further share a desire to foster secure and resilient supply chains and a conducive business environment to attract high-quality and trusted investment. Switzerland intends to take action to balance its trade with the United States, including by purchasing U.S. goods, facilitating investment in the United States, and removing tariff and non-tariff barriers for U.S. goods. The Participants intend to immediately begin negotiations of the Agreement with the aim to make significant progress, and if possible conclude the Agreement, by the first quarter of 2026, subject to their respective domestic processes.

The Participants intend for the negotiations of the Agreement to focus on the following key areas:

1. Investment, Commercial Considerations, and Opportunities

1. Switzerland and Liechtenstein support the increase of foreign direct investment by Swiss and Liechtenstein enterprises into the United States. Switzerland intends to encourage and facilitate at least $200 billion of investment into the United States, across all 50 states, over the next five years, to create manufacturing and research and development jobs. Liechtenstein intends to encourage and facilitate at least $300 million of investment into the United States and increase by 50 percent over the next five years the number of jobs created by its private sector in the United States.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to encourage and facilitate one third of these investments by the end of 2026. The United States intends to determine, in its application of reciprocal tariffs, if Switzerland and Liechtenstein have taken appropriate steps to encourage and facilitate these investments and associated job creation. If needed, the Participants intend to jointly discuss the steps taken to encourage and facilitate such investment and job creation and determine additional measures for investment promotion and facilitation.
2. The Participants intend to encourage their enterprises to promote and develop training and apprenticeship programs, including Registered Apprenticeship programs, for U.S. workers in key high-growth sectors in the United States, taking into account their current and future investments. The Participants intend to cooperate on this issue.
3. Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to work together with the United States on addressing potential distortions of bilateral trade and investment arising from industrial subsidies or actions of state-owned enterprises.
4. The Participants intend to create the best possible environment to encourage and facilitate cross-border investments and job creation.

2. Tariffs

1. Recognizing the Treaty of 29 March 1923 between Switzerland and Liechtenstein on Accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Swiss Customs Area, the United States intends to apply the same tariff treatment to both Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
2. Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to improve market access for U.S. goods, through the application of zero duties on all U.S. industrial goods, U.S. seafood, and certain U.S. agricultural goods, and through the application of tariff rate quotas for a number of other U.S. agricultural goods.
3. The United States intends to apply the higher of either the U.S. most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff rate or a tariff rate of 15 percent, comprised of the MFN tariff and a reciprocal tariff, on originating goods of Switzerland and Liechtenstein and to apply only the U.S. MFN tariff rate on certain products listed in the “Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners” Annex to Executive Order 14346 (Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements).
4. The United States intends to promptly ensure that the MFN tariff and the tariff imposed pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232) do not exceed 15 percent for originating pharmaceutical goods and semiconductors of Switzerland and Liechtenstein subject to Section 232 tariffs. The United States intends to positively consider the effect of the Agreement on national security, including when taking action under Section 232.
5. The Participants intend for the benefits of the Agreement to accrue predominantly to the Participants. If the Participants determine that the benefits are not accruing predominantly to the Participants, the Participants may modify the Agreement with rules of origin necessary to achieve that objective.
6. The Participants intend to cooperate, where relevant, on matters relating to transshipment and circumvention practices, in accordance with their respective domestic laws and regulations.

3. Non-Tariff Barriers and Related Matters

1. The United States and Switzerland each intend to accord to conformity assessment bodies located in the territory of the other treatment no less favorable than they accord to conformity assessment bodies located in their own respective territories. Treatment under this paragraph includes procedures, criteria, fees, and other conditions relating to accrediting, approving, licensing, or otherwise recognizing conformity assessment bodies.
2. The Participants intend to apply the World Trade Organization(WTO) Decision of the Technical Barriers to Trade Committee on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations (2000) to determine relevant international standards within the meaning of Articles 2 and 5 and Annex 3 of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, and intend to negotiate provisions clarifying this understanding. With respect to automobiles, Switzerland intends to work with the United States to facilitate the recognition of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
3. The Participants intend to advance cooperation in mutually agreed strategic sectors, including medical devices. Switzerland intends to facilitate the acceptance of medical devices cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
4. The United States acknowledges the efforts made by Switzerland to facilitate trade in beef and beef products. Switzerland intends to work with the United States to address specific measures that restrict market access for U.S. poultry and poultry products, strengthening opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports in Switzerland. The United States and Switzerland intend to cooperate on streamlining sanitary requirements for labelling and certificates, particularly for beef, bison, and dairy products.
5. The Participants intend to discuss robust commitments related to intellectual property rights protection and enforcement, including transparent and fair treatment of geographical indications.
6. The Participants intend to continue to provide an open and competitive environment for service suppliers. Accordingly, Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to consider opportunities to provide service suppliers additional access to their markets.
7. The Participants intend to increase their cooperation on labor-related trade issues, and work to address forced labor, including forced child labor, and the worst forms of child labor in supply chains. Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to continue to protect internationally recognized labor rights.
8. Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to continue to adopt and implement high levels of environmental protections, effectively enforce their respective environmental laws, and work together with the United States on trade-related environmental measures, including those that may affect trade between each of them and the United States.
9. The Participants intend to negotiate commitments on good regulatory practices to ensure greater transparency, predictability, and participation throughout the regulatory lifecycle.
10. With a view to achieving greater reciprocal benefits from participation in their procurement markets, the Participants reaffirm their commitments under the WTO plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement and their other binding international procurement obligations, and intend to clarify that states that are not party to these agreements do not benefit from non-discriminatory treatment in procurement at the central governmental level covered by such agreements, including through further implementation measures in their respective national procurement frameworks, if necessary.
11. The United States and Switzerland intend to foster the use of technology solutions that allow for full pre-arrival processing, paperless trade, and digitalized customs procedures.

4. Digital Trade and Technology

1. Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to continue to refrain from imposing digital services taxes.
2. The Participants intend to facilitate trusted cross-border data flows and address data localization requirements, taking into account legitimate public policy objectives.
3. The Participants intend to explore mechanisms that promote interoperability between their respective privacy frameworks with a view to facilitating secure cross-border transfers of data.
4. The Participants intend to refrain from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions and to support the multilateral adoption of a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the WTO.

5. Economic Security

1. The Participants intend to strengthen their cooperation on economic security, including on addressing non-market policies of third countries.
2. The Participants recognize that the effective enforcement of economic and trade sanctions serves the Participants’ shared interests. The Participants intend to strengthen existing cooperation with regard to U.S. export controls and sanctions.
3. Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to cooperate with the United States on matters related to the review of inbound investment, including on the basis of national security.
4. Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to work cooperatively with the United States to secure supply chains and improve supply chain resilience in sectors of shared interest.

The Participants intend to coordinate the timing of their respective domestic processes for the entry into force and implementation of the Agreement.

This document does not constitute a legally binding instrument creating or affecting any rights or obligations under international law.

LOWERING AMERICA’S TRADE DEFICIT AND WELCOMING HUGE INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS: Today, President Donald J. Trump announced a Framework for a historic trade deal with the Swiss Confederation (Switzerland) and the Principality of Liechtenstein (Liechtenstein) that will provide U.S. exporters unprecedented access to Swiss and Liechtenstein markets and drive billions of dollars in investment on U.S. soil, creating thousands of jobs across America.

• The Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade will remove barriers to U.S. exports to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, helping to secure U.S. national and economic security.
• This trade deal will lock in the largest expansion ever of U.S. exporter access to Swiss markets, creating new opportunities for U.S. manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and other producers.
• Under the President’s leadership, billions of dollars of investment by major Swiss companies such as Roche, Novartis, ABB, and Stadler have already been announced in connection with the Framework, with more on the way.
• Swiss and Liechtenstein companies will invest at least $200 billion into the United States, with at least $67 billion worth of investment occurring in 2026.
  • These investments will create thousands of well-paying American jobs across all 50 states in a number of sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical devices, aerospace, construction, advanced manufacturing, gold manufacturing, and energy infrastructure.
• Swiss and Liechtenstein enterprises have committed to investing in American workers through the use of Registered Apprenticeships and other training programs in key high-growth sectors.
• Switzerland has made commitments to balance its trade with the United States.
• As part of President Trump’s strategy to establish more balanced trade with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the trading partners will pay a cumulative reciprocal tariff rate of no higher than 15%, the same treatment given to the European Union.

PROMOTING RECIPRCAL TRADE: The Framework breaks new ground in terms of securing global supply chains, boosting U.S. national and economic security, and increasing U.S. access to Swiss and Liechtenstein markets, particularly for America’s agricultural exporters of poultry, bison, and beef. The key terms of the Agreement between the United States, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein will include:

• Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to remove a range of tariffs across agriculture and industrial sectors, including various fresh and dried nuts, fish and seafood, certain fruits, chemicals, and spirits such as whiskey and rum. In addition, Switzerland will establish tariff rate quotas for American poultry, beef, and bison.
• Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to address a range of non-tariff barriers that, for decades, have prevented U.S. goods from entering their markets. They will work to make our trade more seamless by:
  • addressing restrictive measures on U.S. poultry and streamlining requirements for U.S. dairy products;
  • opening Swiss and Liechtenstein markets for U.S. medical devices;
  • streamlining customs processes to make it easier for U.S. goods to enter;
  • negotiating robust commitments related to intellectual property rights protection and enforcement, including transparent and fair treatment of geographical indications;
  • working to address forced labor in their supply chains and increasing cooperation on labor-related trade issues;
  • adopting and maintaining high-levels of environmental protections and discussing commitments related to other environmental measures;
  • enhancing cooperation on the identification and alignment of international standards to reduce barriers for U.S. exports; and
  • recognizing U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
• The United States, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein have committed to a robust set of digital trade principles, including refraining from harmful digital services taxes.
• The United States, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein intend to strengthen supply chain resilience by addressing non-market policies of third countries.
  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to close loopholes that currently allow non-Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) parties to access their procurement markets, in order to ensure greater reciprocal benefits for U.S. products and services.
  • Additionally, the Framework bolsters our shared national and economic security by expanding cooperation on export controls, sanctions, and investment screening.
• The United States, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein will work expeditiously to finalize the Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade, with the aim of concluding negotiations in early 2026, in order to lock in these benefits and create a level playing field for American businesses and workers.
• The U.S. goods trade deficit with Switzerland and Liechtenstein was $38.5 billion in 2024, and this deal with Switzerland will put us on a path to eliminate that deficit by 2028.

LIBERATING AMERICA FROM UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: Since Day One, President Trump challenged the assumption that American workers and businesses must tolerate unfair trade practices that have disadvantaged them for decades and contributed to our historic trade deficit.

• On April 2, President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the unprecedented threat caused to the United States by the large and persistent trade deficit caused by a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships, disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers, and U.S. trading partners’ economic policies that suppress domestic wages and consumption.

• President Trump continues to advance the interests of the American people and our agricultural sector by removing tariff and non-tariff barriers and expanding market access for American exporters.
• Today’s announcement provides a tangible path forward with Switzerland that underscores the President’s dedication to bringing balanced, reciprocal trade with an important trading partner.

President Donald J. Trump inherited an economic mess when he took office. Years of mismanagement under Biden, his incompetent Administration, and Democrats in Congress — who spent years insisting inflation was “transitory” while doling out trillions in new spending and dramatically upscaling government — brought the country to the brink of economic ruin.

Since Day One, the Trump Administration has been on a mission to tame Biden’s inflation crisis, stop the sky-high Biden price increases, and lower costs for everyday families — and while it can’t happen overnight, evidence shows the trend is in the right direction.

President Trump tamed Biden’s inflation crisis.

• Under Biden, inflation averaged nearly 5% — hitting 9.1% during the worst inflation crisis in decades, fueled by Radical Left spending.
• In President Trump’s second term, inflation has dropped to an average of just 2.7% — the critical first step in reversing Democrats’ cost-of-living disaster. In fact, under President Trump, Americans have even seen the first overall price decline since 2020.

Americans have made real wage gains, but there’s still work to do.

• Under Biden, workers lost over $2,900 in purchasing power — meaning inflation rose faster than wages.
• In President Trump’s second term, even after accounting for higher prices, Americans’ real wages have grown by nearly $700 and are on track to increase by nearly $1,200 after his first full year in office.

Gas prices are falling.

• Under Biden, the average gas price was the highest it has ever been during a presidential term, reaching its highest-ever price — even after he drained our strategic reserves to artificially decrease prices.
• In President Trump’s second term, Americans have seen the lowest average gas price in more than four years and are on track to spend the lowest amount of their disposable income on gas in the last two decades. As President Trump’s energy dominance vision continues to come to fruition, energy prices will fall further — igniting other price declines.

Grocery prices and housing prices are trending in the right direction.

• Prices for everyday staples are starting to see declines. Under President Trump, prices for eggs, butter, ice cream, fresh fruit, cereal, fish, seafood, rice, pasta, and ham have all seen declines — and more help is on the way.
• Housing costs are moderating. Under Biden, mortgage rates hit their highest in decades; in President Trump’s second term, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.17% at the end of October — 12% lower than when he took office. According to the Consumer Price Index, the 12-month change in overall shelter costs is at its lowest level in four years.

Other efforts will continue driving prices down, ramping up take-home pay, and strengthening our economy.

• President Trump’s deregulatory efforts are saving Americans a collective $180 billion — or $2,100 per family of four. For example, President Trump halted burdensome Biden-era efficiency standards that jacked up the price of everyday appliances.
• President Trump signed into law the largest tax cuts in American history. This includes No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and No Tax on Social Security — all of which will save Americans money in their tax returns; the landmark legislation will raise Americans’ take-home pay by as much as $13,300 and wages by as much as $11,600.
• President Trump is bringing jobs and investment back to the U.S. Since President Trump took office, companies have invested trillions of dollars into their U.S.-based operations — onshoring and creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs for Americans.
• President Trump is reducing the deficit. A combination of spending cuts, interest savings, economic growth, and tariff revenues are expected to reduce the deficit by trillions of dollars — resulting in higher take-home pay, lower interest rates, and a stronger economy.
• 1.9 million more American-born workers are employed today than when President Trump took office. Right now, the U.S. has more people working now than at any time in the history of our country.

The Trump Administration will not rest until the high prices that resulted from Democrat policies are fully reined in. We’re making progress — and the best is yet to come.

DELIVERING ON RECIPROCAL TRADE: Today, President Donald J. Trump announced breakthrough trade deals with El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, and Guatemala, allowing greater and more streamlined market access in some of America’s most critical strategic partners in the Western Hemisphere.

• These deals secure commitments on economic and national security issues to strengthen supply chains and trade partnerships in the region, deepening bilateral trade and investment cooperation to provide American exporters with unprecedented access to markets in Central and South America.
• The deals will help U.S. farmers, ranchers, fishermen, small businesses, and manufacturers to increase U.S. exports to and expand business opportunities with these trading partners.
• Today’s announcements underscore the Administration’s unwavering commitment to fair and balanced trade at every opportunity to protect and strengthen our economic and national security.

Key terms of the Joint Statement with El Salvador include:

• El Salvador has committed to addressing a range of non-tariff barriers, including by streamlining regulatory requirements and approvals for U.S. exports, such as accepting vehicles and automotive parts built to U.S. motor vehicle safety and emissions standards and accepting FDA certificates and prior marketing authorizations for medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
• El Salvador will also break down non-tariff barriers for U.S. agricultural products in its market, including ensuring that U.S. agricultural exporters will not be restricted due to the mere use of certain cheese and meat terms. 

Key terms of the Joint Statement with Argentina include:

• Argentina will provide preferential market access for U.S. goods exports, including certain medicines, chemicals, machinery, information technology products, medical devices, motor vehicles, and a wide range of agricultural products.
• Argentina has also committed to addressing structural challenges cited in the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s 2025 Special 301 report, including patentability criteria, patent backlog, and geographical indications, as well as to working towards aligning its intellectual property regime with international standards. 

Key terms of the Joint Statement with Guatemala include:

• Guatemala has committed to facilitating digital trade, including by refraining from imposing digital services taxes or other measures that discriminate against U.S. digital services or U.S. products distributed digitally, ensuring the free transfer of data across trusted borders, and supporting a permanent multilateral moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• Guatemala has committed to protect internationally recognized labor rights. In furtherance of this commitment, Guatemala will prohibit the importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor and strengthen its labor laws and their enforcement.

Key terms of the Joint Statement with Ecuador include:

• Ecuador has committed to adopt and maintain high levels of environmental protection, take measures to improve forest sector governance and combat illegal logging, and fully implement the obligations of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
• Ecuador will remove or decrease a range of tariff barriers across key goods sectors, including tree nuts, fresh fruit, pulses, wheat, wine, and distilled spirits, and fully eliminate a variable tariff on many agricultural products it had imposed through the Andean Price Band System. These actions will create commercially meaningful market access opportunities for U.S. exports, supporting high-quality American jobs.

THE PROSPEROUS PATH FORWARD: Today’s momentous trade deals reinforce America’s aligned trade relationships with these allies while fostering more reciprocal conditions that prioritize American workers and industries, protecting U.S. national security, and strengthening supply chains in the Western Hemisphere.

• In the coming weeks, the United States and El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, and Guatemala will work expeditiously to finalize the Agreements for signature.
• The United States will also give Most Favored Nation (MFN)-tariff treatment for certain originating goods from these countries that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States in sufficient quantities.
• For El Salvador and Guatemala, the United States will also remove the reciprocal tariffs from certain products, such as textiles and apparel products, originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). This will be a boon for U.S. textile production and El Salvador’s and Guatemala’s economic growth, and will strengthen the resilience of textile and apparel supply chains.

LIBERATING AMERICA FROM UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES:  President Trump has challenged the assumption that American workers and businesses must tolerate unfair trade practices that have disadvantaged them for decades and contributed to our historic global trade deficit.

• On April 2, President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the large and persistent U.S. goods trade deficit caused by a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships, unfair tariff and non-tariff barriers, and U.S. trading partners’ economic policies that suppress domestic wages and consumption.
• President Trump continues to advance the interests of the American people and our agricultural sector by removing tariff and non-tariff barriers and expanding market access for American exporters.
• Most recently, President Trump delivered a series of historic wins for the American people during his successful trip to Asia, signing Agreements on Reciprocal Trade with Malaysia and Cambodia, securing investments in Japan and Korea, and announcing joint frameworks for trade negotiations with Thailand and Vietnam.
• Today’s announcement shows that America can defend its domestic production while obtaining expansive market access with our trading partners.

President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea (ROK) welcomed President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America (United States or U.S.) for a State Visit to ROK on October 29. This marks the first time in Korean history that a State Visit has been hosted in Gyeongju and follows on the two leaders’ first meeting in Washington on August 25. Notably, it is also the first time that the ROK has welcomed the same leader for a second state visit.

In light of President Trump’s historic 2024 victory and President Lee’s election demonstrating the ROK’s democratic strength and resilience, they declared a new chapter in the U.S.-ROK Alliance, the linchpin for peace, security and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region. 

REBUILDING AND EXPANDING CRITICAL INDUSTRIES:  President Trump and President Lee reaffirmed the historic announcement in July of The Korea Strategic Trade and Investment deal, which reflects the strength and endurance of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. 

• Both leaders welcome Korean investments in various sectors to advance economic and national security interests, including but not limited to shipbuilding, energy, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence/quantum computing.
• This deal includes $150 billion of Korean investment in the shipbuilding sector approved by the United States, which is referred to as the Approved Investments.
• This deal also includes $200 billion of additional Korean investment committed pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding with respect to Strategic Investments (MOU), which is expected to be signed by representatives of the United States and ROK.
• The United States will apply the higher of either the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (“KORUS FTA”) or U.S. Most Favored Nation (“MFN”) tariff rate, as applicable, or a tariff rate of 15 percent on originating goods of the ROK, for purposes of the reciprocal tariff provided under Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended.
• The United States will reduce its Section 232 sectoral tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, timber, lumber, and wood derivatives of the ROK to 15 percent. For such products of the ROK with a KORUS FTA or MFN tariff rate, as applicable, equal to or greater than 15 percent, no additional Section 232 tariff shall apply. For such products of the ROK with a KORUS FTA or MFN tariff, as applicable, less than 15 percent, the sum of the KORUS FTA or MFN tariff and the additional Section 232 tariff shall be 15 percent.
• For any Section 232 tariffs imposed on pharmaceuticals, the United States intends to apply to originating goods of the ROK a Section 232 tariff rate no greater than 15 percent.
• For any Section 232 tariffs imposed on semiconductors (including semiconductor manufacturing equipment), the United States intends to provide terms for such Section 232 tariffs on Korea that are no less favorable than terms that may be offered in a future agreement covering a volume of semiconductor trade at least as large as Korea’s, as determined by the United States.
• The United States intends to remove supplemental tariffs imposed pursuant to Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended for certain products identified on the list of Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners, such as generic pharmaceuticals, generic pharmaceutical ingredients, generic pharmaceutical chemical precursors, and certain natural resources unavailable in the United States. The United States will also remove tariffs on certain aircraft and parts of the ROK from the tariffs imposed pursuant to Executive Order 14257, as amended, by Proclamation 9704, as amended, Proclamation 9705, as amended, and Proclamation 10962.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET STABILITY:  The United States and the ROK, in connection with their respective commitments included in the MOU, have thoroughly discussed the potential impact of the MOU on the foreign exchange market stability of the ROK. They have reached a mutual understanding that commitments in the MOU shall not be allowed to give rise to market instability. As trusted partners, the two nations agree that the ROK shall not be required to fund an aggregate amount of U.S. dollars greater than $20 billion in any calendar year.  The ROK will use its best efforts, to the greatest extent possible, to source the U.S. dollars through means other than market purchases so as to minimize any potential impact on the market. Should it appear that the fulfillment of the commitments in the MOU may cause market instability, such as disorderly movements of Korean won, the ROK may request an adjustment in the amount and timing of the funding, and the United States will, in good faith, give due consideration to such request.

ENHANCING COMMERCIAL TIES:  The two leaders welcomed a series of commercial commitments in strategic sectors, reflecting the confidence of the private sector in the strong bilateral economic partnership.

• The two leaders welcomed the announcement in August by ROK companies of foreign direct investments in the United States totaling $150 billion during President Trump’s term. Both countries will use their best efforts to facilitate these investments.
• The two leaders welcomed the announcement by Korean Air (KAL) in August of a purchase order of 103 Boeing aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. The Boeing commitment is valued at U.S. $36 billion and will include a mix of Boeing 737 MAX jets, 787 Dreamliners, and 777X passenger and freighters, bringing KAL’s total order in 2025 to more than 150 Boeing airplanes.
• The United States and the ROK welcome the Buy America in Seoul initiative, whereby the ROK, in collaboration with the State Governments, will organize an annual exhibition featuring U.S. companies, including Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, to promote the export of U.S. goods into Korea.

PROMOTING RECIPROCAL TRADE:  The two leaders recognized that the recently announced deal reflects a common goal to increase mutually beneficial trade and investment. In the spirit of the deal, the United States and the ROK will address non-tariff barriers and memorialize commitments and a plan of action to promote reciprocal trade, to be adopted by the KORUS Joint Committee before the end of the year. This will include but not be limited to the following:

• The ROK will eliminate the 50,000-unit cap on U.S.-originating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)-compliant vehicles that can enter the ROK without further modifications.  The ROK will also reduce regulatory burdens for U.S. automotive exports by not requiring additional documentation in its emissions certification process other than those submitted to U.S certification authorities.
• The ROK will work together with the United States to address non-tariff barriers affecting trade in food and agricultural products, including by: ensuring that existing commitments under bilateral agreements and protocols are met; streamlining the regulatory approval process for agricultural biotechnology products and resolving the backlog of U.S. applications; establishing a U.S. Desk dedicated to requests for U.S. horticultural products; and preserving market access for U.S. meats and cheeses that use certain terms.
• The United States and the ROK commit to ensure that U.S. companies are not discriminated against and do not face unnecessary barriers in terms of laws and policies concerning digital services, including network usage fees and online platform regulations, and to facilitate cross-border transfer of data, including for location, reinsurance, and personal data. Further, the United States and the ROK will support the permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization.
• The ROK commits to provide additional procedural fairness provisions in competition proceedings, including the recognition of attorney-client privilege.
• The United States and the ROK will work together to protect intellectual property rights. The ROK will continue to take the necessary steps to accede to the Patent Law Treaty.
• The United States and the ROK commit to work together to ensure strong protection of internationally-recognized labor rights. The United States and the ROK will work together to combat all forms of forced labor globally, including by combatting the importation of goods made with forced labor.
• The United States and the ROK reaffirm the importance of ensuring differences in environmental protection do not distort trade and investment. To this end, the ROK will effectively enforce its environmental laws to facilitate reciprocal trade, including by fully implementing the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

PROTECTING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY:  The two leaders acknowledged the need to strengthen economic and national security alignment in order to preserve our competitiveness and maintain secure supply chains. This includes cooperation to combat duty evasion and taking complementary actions to address unfair and non-market policies and practices, enhancing inbound investment and outbound investment regulations, and both countries will ensure that international procurement obligations provide a benefit to those countries that have taken on the same commitments.

MODERNIZING THE U.S.-ROK ALLIANCE:  The United States underscored its commitment to the defense of the ROK through the enduring presence of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

• The United States reaffirmed its pledge to provide extended deterrence, leveraging the full range of its capabilities, including nuclear. The two leaders committed to strengthening cooperation through consultation mechanisms including the Nuclear Consultative Group.
• President Lee shared the ROK’s plan to increase its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP as soon as possible in accordance with ROK legal requirements, which President Trump welcomed.
• The ROK also committed to spending $25 billion on U.S. military equipment purchases by 2030, and shared its plan to provide comprehensive support for U.S. Forces Korea amounting to $33 billion in accordance with ROK legal requirements.
• The two leaders committed to continue alliance cooperation toward the transition of wartime operational control.  With the support of the United States, the ROK pledged to accelerate efforts to strengthen its military capabilities necessary to lead the combined conventional defense against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). These include acquisition of advanced U.S. weapons systems and expansion of bilateral defense industrial cooperation, including in high-tech weapons systems.
• The United States and the ROK will enhance U.S. conventional deterrence posture against all regional threats to the Alliance, including the DPRK. The two sides affirm relevant understandings since 2006. Both sides will continue close consultation and report the progress on implementation to their leadership.
• The United States and the ROK pledged to expand cooperation in cyberspace and outer space. The two leaders also reaffirmed their intention to continue working together on AI in the military domain.

COORDINATING ON KOREAN PENINSULA AND REGIONAL ISSUES: The two leaders committed to peace, security, and prosperity both on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.

• The two leaders reiterated their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and pledged to work together to implement the Joint Statement of the 2018 U.S.-DPRK Singapore Summit.
• Both leaders agreed to coordinate closely on DPRK policy and called on the DPRK to return to meaningful dialogue and abide by its international obligations, including by abandoning its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs.
• The two leaders committed to strengthen the trilateral partnership with Japan.
• The two leaders reaffirmed efforts to uphold freedoms of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea. They reaffirmed that the maritime claims of all nations should comply with the international law of the sea.
• They emphasized the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and opposed unilateral changes to the status quo.

FURTHERING OUR MARITIME AND NUCLEAR PARTNERSHIP:  The United States welcomed the ROK’s commitment to contribute to modernizing and expanding the capacity of American shipbuilding industries, including through investments in U.S. shipyards and America’s workforce.  The ROK welcomed the United States’ support for the ROK’s civil and naval nuclear power programs.

• Both countries committed to collaborate further through a shipbuilding working group, including on maintenance, repair, and overhaul, workforce development, shipyard modernization, and supply chain resilience. 
• These initiatives will increase the number of U.S. commercial ships and combat-ready U.S. military vessels as quickly as possible, including the potential construction of U.S. vessels in the ROK.
• Consistent with the bilateral 123 agreement and subject to U.S. legal requirements, the United States supports the process that will lead to the ROK’s civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful uses. 
• The United States has given approval for the ROK to build nuclear-powered attack submarines. The United States will work closely with the ROK to advance requirements for this shipbuilding project, including avenues to source fuel.

The United States of America (United States, or U.S.) and the Republic of El Salvador (El Salvador) have agreed to a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (Agreement) that further strengthens and builds upon our longstanding economic relationship, including the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which entered into force for the United States and El Salvador in 2006.

Key terms of the Agreement between the United States and El Salvador will include:

• El Salvador has committed to addressing a wide range of non-tariff barriers affecting trade in priority areas, including streamlining regulatory requirements and approvals for U.S. exports, such as pharmaceutical products and medical devices; removing import restrictions on remanufactured goods; accepting U.S. auto standards; streamlining certificate of free sale requirements, accepting electronic certificates; removing apostille requirements; and expediting product registration requirements for U.S. exports.

• El Salvador also has committed to address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products in its market, including with regard to U.S. regulatory oversight and acceptance of currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities.

• El Salvador has committed to move forward with certain international intellectual property treaties and provide transparency and fairness regarding geographical indications, while ensuring that market access for U.S. agricultural exporters will not be restricted due to the mere use of certain cheese and meat terms.

• El Salvador has recommitted to preventing barriers to services and digital trade with the United States and committed to refrain from imposing discriminatory digital services taxes.  The United States and El Salvador will support a permanent multilateral moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.

• El Salvador has committed to continue facilitating trade, as well as adopting and implementing good regulatory practices.

• El Salvador has reinforced its commitment to protect internationally recognized labor rights.  El Salvador will prohibit the importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor.

• El Salvador has committed to adopt and maintain high levels of environmental protection and to effectively enforce its environmental laws.  El Salvador has also committed to take measures to improve forest sector governance and combat illegal logging, strengthen enforcement of its fisheries-related measures, and combat illegal wildlife trade and illegal mining, and work toward accepting the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

• El Salvador has committed to address potential distortionary actions of state-owned enterprises and to address industrial subsidies that may have an impact on the bilateral trading relationship.

• The United States and El Salvador have committed to strengthen economic and national security cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation through complementary actions to address non-market policies of other countries, as well as addressing duty evasion and cooperating on government procurement, investment security, and export controls.

In the coming weeks, the United States and El Salvador will work to finalize the Agreement, prepare the Agreement for signature, and undertake domestic formalities in advance of the Agreement entering into force.  Given El Salvador’s commitment to take significant steps to advance a stronger and more reciprocal trade relationship, the United States will remove the reciprocal tariffs on El Salvador’s exports to the United States for certain qualifying exports that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States in sufficient quantities, as well as certain products, such as textiles and apparel products, originating under the CAFTA-DR.  In addition, the United States may positively consider the effect that the Agreement has on national security, including taking the Agreement into consideration when taking trade action under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862).  The United States and El Salvador look forward to closing the Agreement soon.

President Donald J. Trump and President Daniel Noboa affirm a shared vision of growth for both of our countries, grounded in democratic values, private initiative, and a rules-based environment for commerce and innovation.  Seeking to strengthen our commercial and economic relationship, the United States of America (United States, or U.S.) and the Republic of Ecuador (Ecuador) have agreed to a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (Agreement) that will provide access to each other’s markets and increase alignment on economic and national security matters.  

The Agreement will build upon longstanding economic engagement, including under the U.S.-Ecuador Trade and Investment Council Agreement, which was signed in 1990 and updated in 2020, expanding opportunities and fueling long-term growth.

Key terms of the Agreement between the United States and Ecuador will include:

• Tariffs:  Ecuador has committed to reduce or eliminate tariffs in key sectors for the United States, including machinery, health products, ICT goods, chemicals, motor vehicles, and certain agricultural products.  Ecuador also intends to establish tariff-rate quotas on a number of other agricultural goods.  The United States commits to remove its reciprocal tariffs on certain qualifying exports from Ecuador that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States in sufficient quantities.

• Non-Tariff Barriers:  The United States and Ecuador will work together to address Ecuador’s non-tariff barriers that affect trade in priority areas.  Ecuador has committed to address such barriers, including, for example:

• Agriculture:  Ecuador is reforming its import licensing and facility registration systems for food and agricultural products to enhance transparency and predictability and reduce onerous and unnecessary barriers to U.S. agricultural exports.  Ecuador has committed to ensuring that market access will not be restricted due to the mere use of certain cheese and meat terms.

• Trade Facilitation:  Ecuador will continue to advance trade facilitation measures, including by ending pre-shipment inspection mandates, establishing contingency plans for its Single Window, and expanding its Authorized Economic Operator program to include express delivery carriers within three months.

• Intellectual Property:  Ecuador has committed to ensure transparency and fairness regarding geographical indications and to address issues identified in the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s 2025 Special 301 Report.  The United States and Ecuador will continue to finalize commitments on international intellectual property treaties.

• Labor:  Ecuador has committed to protect internationally recognized labor rights and strengthen enforcement of its labor laws.  In addition, Ecuador will adopt and implement a prohibition on the importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor.

• Environment:  Ecuador has committed to adopt and maintain high levels of environmental protection and to effectively enforce its environmental laws.  Ecuador has also committed to take measures to improve forest sector governance and combat illegal logging; encourage a more resource efficient economy; fully implement the obligations of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies; strengthen enforcement of its fisheries-related measures; and combat illegal wildlife trade.

• Services:  Ecuador has committed to not introduce new discriminatory barriers to services and remove barriers on advertising services.

• Digital Trade:  Ecuador has committed to facilitate digital trade, including through commitments to not impose digital service taxes that discriminate against U.S. companies and to support adoption of a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the WTO.

• Economic and National Security:  The United States and Ecuador are committed to strengthening economic and national security cooperation and enhancing supply chain resilience and innovation through complementary actions to address non-market policies as well as combatting duty evasion and cooperating on investment security and export controls.

The United States and Ecuador are working to finalize the Agreement, prepare the Agreement for signature, and undertake domestic formalities in advance of the Agreement entering into force.  Given Ecuador’s commitments to take significant steps to advance a more reciprocal trade relationship, the United States will remove its reciprocal tariffs on certain qualifying exports from Ecuador to the United States.

The United States and Ecuador will review progress on implementation of the Agreement and continue close coordination on trade and investment matters through their Trade and Investment Council. 

The United States of America (United States, or U.S.) and the Republic of Guatemala (Guatemala) have agreed to a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (Agreement) that further strengthens and builds upon our long-standing economic relationship, including the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which entered into force for the United States and Guatemala in 2006.

Key terms of the Agreement between the United States and Guatemala will include:

• Guatemala has committed to addressing a wide range of non-tariff barriers affecting trade in priority areas, including streamlining regulatory requirements and approvals for U.S. exports including pharmaceutical products and medical devices; removing import restrictions on remanufactured goods; accepting U.S. auto standards; and streamlining certificate of free sale requirements, accepting electronic certificates, removing apostille requirements, and expediting product registration requirements for U.S. exports.

• Guatemala has committed to address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products in its market, including with regard to U.S. regulatory oversight and acceptance of currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities. Guatemala also committed to maintain science- and risk-based regulatory frameworks and efficient authorization processes for agricultural products.

• Guatemala has committed to a robust standard for intellectual property protection and enforcement, including fully implementing certain international intellectual property treaties and taking steps to resolve many long-standing intellectual property issues identified in the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s Special 301 Report. 

• Guatemala has committed to provide transparency and fairness regarding geographical indications, while ensuring that market access will not be restricted due to the mere use of certain cheese and meat terms.

• Guatemala has committed to facilitate digital trade, including by refraining from imposing digital services taxes or other measures that discriminate against U.S. digital services or U.S. products distributed digitally, ensuring the free transfer of data across trusted borders, and supporting a permanent multilateral moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

• Guatemala has committed to take effective actions to implement the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation.

• Guatemala has committed to continue facilitating trade, including by following best practices in customs, and adopt and implement good regulatory practices.

• Guatemala has committed to protect internationally recognized labor rights. In furtherance of this commitment, Guatemala will prohibit the importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor and strengthen its labor laws and their enforcement.

• Guatemala has committed to adopt and maintain high levels of environmental protection and to effectively enforce its environmental laws. Guatemala has also committed to take measures to improve forest sector governance and combat illegal logging, strengthen enforcement of its fisheries-related measures, combat illegal wildlife trade and illegal mining, and fully implement the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

• Guatemala has committed to address potential distortionary actions of state-owned enterprises and to address industrial subsidies that may have an impact on the bilateral trading relationship.

• Guatemala has committed to strengthen economic and national security cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation through complementary actions to address non-market policies of other countries, as well as addressing duty evasion and cooperating on investment security and export controls.

• Guatemala has committed to take steps to restrict access to central level procurement covered by its free trade agreement commitments for suppliers from non-free trade agreement partners, permitting exemptions as necessary, in a manner comparable to the United States’ procurement restrictions.

In the coming weeks, the United States and Guatemala will work to finalize the Agreement, prepare the Agreement for signature, and undertake domestic formalities in advance of the Agreement entering into force. Given Guatemala’s commitment to take significant steps to advance a stronger and more reciprocal trade relationship, the United States will remove the reciprocal tariffs on Guatemala’s exports to the United States for certain qualifying exports that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States in sufficient quantities, as well as certain products, such as textiles and apparel products, originating under the CAFTA-DR. The United States and Guatemala look forward to closing the Agreement soon.

President Donald J. Trump and President Javier Milei reaffirm the strategic alliance between the United States of America (United States, or U.S.) and the Argentine Republic (Argentina), grounded in shared democratic values and a common vision for free enterprise, private initiative, and open markets. 

In pursuit of a stronger, more balanced economic partnership, the United States and Argentina have agreed to a Framework to deepen bilateral trade and investment cooperation.  This Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment (Agreement) seeks to drive long-term growth, expand opportunity, and create a transparent and rules-based environment for commerce and innovation. 

The outcome reflects the countries’ shared ambition and values, and builds on actions Argentina has already taken to modernize its trade and investment regime and foster reciprocal conditions.

Key elements of the deal will include:

• Tariffs:  The countries will open their markets to each other on key products.  Argentina will provide preferential market access for U.S. goods exports, including certain medicines, chemicals, machinery, information technologies products, medical devices, motor vehicles, and a wide range of agricultural products.  In recognition of Argentina’s ambitious reform agenda and its trade commitments, and consistent with Argentina’s compliance with relevant supply chain and economic security requirements, the United States will remove the reciprocal tariffs on certain unavailable natural resources and non-patented articles for use in pharmaceutical applications.  In addition, the United States may positively consider the effect that the Agreement has on national security, including taking the Agreement into consideration when taking trade action under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862).  Furthermore, the countries have committed to improved, reciprocal, bilateral market access conditions for trade in beef.

• Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers:  Argentina has dismantled many non-tariff barriers that restricted access to its market, including import licensing, ensuring a more level playing field for international trade, and with this Agreement has committed not to require consular formalities for U.S. exports to Argentina.  Argentina will also phase out the statistical tax for U.S. goods.

• Standards and Conformity Assessment:  Argentina is aligning with international standards in sectors to facilitate trade.  Argentina will allow U.S. goods that comply with applicable U.S. or international standards, U.S. technical regulations, or U.S. or international conformity assessment procedures to enter Argentina without additional conformity assessment requirements, and will continue to eliminate non-tariff barriers that affect trade in priority areas.  Argentina will accept importation of vehicles manufactured in the United States to U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and emissions standards, and will accept U.S. Food and Drug Administration certificates and prior marketing authorizations for medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

• Intellectual Property:  Argentina has taken action against a major, notorious, regional market for counterfeit goods and will continue to improve enforcement against counterfeit and pirated goods, including in the online environment.  Argentina has also committed to address structural challenges cited in the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s 2025 Special 301 report, including patentability criteria, patent backlog, and geographical indications, as well as to work towards aligning its intellectual property regime with international standards. 

• Agricultural Market Access:  Argentina has opened its market to U.S. live cattle, committed to allow market access for U.S. poultry within one year, and agreed not to restrict market access for products that use certain cheese and meat terms.  Argentina will simplify product registration processes for U.S. beef, beef products, beef offal, and pork products, and will not apply facility registration for imports of U.S. dairy products.  The United States and Argentina intend to work together to address non-tariff barriers affecting trade in food and agricultural products. 

• Labor:  Argentina has reaffirmed its commitment to protect internationally recognized labor rights.  In addition, Argentina will adopt and implement a prohibition on the importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor and strengthen enforcement of labor laws.

• Environment:  Argentina has committed to take measures to further combat illegal logging; encourage a more resource efficient economy, including in the critical minerals sector; and fully implement the obligations of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

• Economic Security Alignment:  Argentina will enhance cooperation with the United States to combat non-market policies and practices of other countries.  The two countries have also committed to identifying tools to align approaches to export controls, investment security, duty evasion, and other important topics.  

• Commercial Considerations and Opportunities:  Argentina and the United States will cooperate to facilitate investment and trade in critical minerals.  The two countries also agreed to work toward stabilizing the global soybean trade.

• Confronting State-Owned Enterprises and Subsidies:  Argentina has committed to address potential distortionary actions of state-owned enterprises and to address industrial subsidies that may have an impact on the bilateral trading relationship.

• Digital Trade:  Argentina has committed to facilitating digital trade with the United States by recognizing the United States as an adequate jurisdiction under Argentine law for the cross-border transfer of data, including personal data; and by refraining from discrimination against U.S. digital services or digital products.  Argentina also intends to recognize as valid under its law electronic signatures that are valid under U.S. law.

The United States and Argentina will work expeditiously to finalize the text of the Agreement for signature and undertake their respective domestic formalities in advance of the Agreement entering into force. 

The countries will review implementation of the Agreement and continue close coordination on trade and investment matters through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, and the Innovation and Creativity Forum for Economic Development. 

FOSTERING THE FUTURE FOR AMERICAN CHILDREN AND FAMILIES: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to modernize America’s foster care system and empower young Americans transitioning out of foster care with greater tools, resources, and opportunities to promote lifelong independence and success. This Executive Order represents a major milestone that will have lasting impact on the lives of children and families across the Nation.

• The Order launches the “Fostering the Future” initiative, led by First Lady Melania Trump, to enhance the quality of Federal resources and capabilities while developing public- and private-sector partnerships that expand educational, employment, and mentorship opportunities for youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood.
• It establishes an online “Fostering the Future” platform to connect youth to critical resources and build personalized plans to support their education, housing, career development, and pathway toward independence.
• It sets forth a strategy to reallocate underutilized Federal funds to promote educational success, career advancement, financial literacy, and self-sufficiency for individuals transitioning out of foster care.
• The Order increases flexibility in Education and Training Vouchers for short-term, career-focused programs and facilitates tax-credit scholarships for foster children.
• It strengthens partnerships with faith-based organizations and houses of worship and directs action to stop discrimination based on religious beliefs, ensuring every qualified person is able to serve families and children in need.
• The Order directs that the Secretary of Health and Human Services update regulations and improve State-level child-welfare data collection, transparency, and publication to strengthen positive outcomes for children and families.
• It promotes the modernization of State child-welfare information systems and the use of AI-powered tools to improve caregiver recruitment, retention, and child matching.
• The Order requires an annual scorecard to evaluate State performance in reducing unnecessary foster care entries, shortening investigation times, reducing child injuries and placement disruptions, and accelerating permanent family care placements.

MODERNIZING THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are ensuring our Nation’s foster care system harnesses the unparalleled generosity and resources available across our Nation to serve every child.

• Today, too many children who age out of foster care face starkly inadequate long-term socioeconomic outcomes, leaving them disproportionately behind in building stable, prosperous lives.
• Many young people transitioning out of foster care lack access to stable housing, mentorship, and workforce opportunities—challenges the “Fostering the Future” initiative directly addresses through public- and private-sector collaboration.
• Without the strong support systems and quality mentorship this Executive Order will bring, youth aging out of foster care often face steeper paths to success: only about half complete high school, fewer than 5% earn a four-year college degree, roughly one in five experience homelessness upon leaving care, and just half are gainfully employed by age 24.
• Caseworkers are often overburdened, and child-welfare systems rely on outdated technology that hinder effective outcomes.
• Some jurisdictions and organizations maintain policies that prohibit qualified families from fostering or adopting due to sincerely-held religious beliefs or adherence to basic biological truth.

SUPPORTING CHILDREN: The Trump Administration has been a champion of policies that empower families, faith-based organizations, and communities to support children in need.

• During President Trump’s first term, the First Lady launched BE BEST to focus on the social, emotional, and physical health of children, and she continues to use this platform to highlight the people and programs dedicated to ensuring a better future for the next generation.
• The First Lady championed passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act within the first 100 days of the second Trump term, which provides protections for children from online exploitation.
• President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts increased access to the Adoption Tax Credit, increased and made permanent the Child Tax Credit, and established Trump Accounts for newborns to give the next generation a jump start on saving. 
• The Trump Administration is expanding educational freedom and opportunity for families and returning power over education to parents and communities.
• President Trump is modernizing America’s workforce programs to replace the failed “college for all” model with career-focused training that meets the real needs of today’s youth.