What did Trump do on March 25th, 2025?
fresh off the presses - by watchdog.fyi
Yesterday, Trump signed four executive orders—because why stop at one when you can make four headlines instead?
Trump Moves to Blacklist Jenner & Block from Federal Work
Summary:
Big Law just got a wake-up call. In a sweeping executive order, President Trump has targeted Jenner & Block, suspending security clearances for its employees and ordering agencies to cut off contracts with the firm. The move, framed as a crackdown on "partisan lawfare" and "racial discrimination," effectively blacklists Jenner from federal work, restricting access to government buildings and even limiting interactions with officials. At the center of the storm? Former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissmann, whose return to Jenner is cited as proof of the firm's political agenda.
By forcing government contractors to disclose ties to Jenner, the administration is making it costly to do business with the firm. This raises the stakes for law firms navigating Washington—if representing certain clients now threatens federal contracts, the legal industry may be in for a major realignment.
The Takeaway
Trump isn't just cutting off one law firm—he's sending a message. If politics determines business access, who's next?
Trump's New Election Order: Can States Keep Up?
Summary:
The rules just changed.
Trump's latest executive order tightens federal election requirements, pushing the U.S. toward stricter verification standards like those in India and Germany. The order mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration, purging non-citizens from voter rolls, and rejecting ballots received after Election Day. Homeland Security will provide immigration data for verification, while the Social Security Administration will help clean up voter lists.
States face a crackdown on election security—machines without verifiable paper trails risk decertification, and non-compliant states could lose federal funding. The Justice Department is also directed to prosecute election fraud, foreign interference, and improper ballot handling more aggressively.
The Takeaway
Trump's order could fundamentally reshape U.S. elections, but legal battles may be inevitable. Will states adjust to these stricter rules, or will courts limit federal oversight? Either way, the future of voting procedures is at stake.
Trump Orders Crackdown on Government Payment Fraud and Waste
Summary:
The White House has ordered a major overhaul of how the U.S. government handles its money, with President Trump signing an executive order to cut down on fraud, waste, and financial inefficiencies. The order gives the Treasury Department more oversight over government payments, aiming to prevent improper disbursements, centralize financial systems, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent properly. In 2024 alone, the U.S. government processed $33.6 trillion in transactions, but watchdogs estimate up to $521 billion may have been lost to fraud.
Under the new directive, agencies must provide the Treasury with more detailed payment information and submit transactions for fraud screening before funds are disbursed. The order also calls for consolidating financial management systems, reducing the number of agencies authorized to issue payments independently, and implementing stricter verification measures—such as requiring valid taxpayer IDs and confirming payees are not deceased. Agencies will have to shift their disbursing functions to the Treasury unless exempted, with a transition plan in place.
The Takeaway
Trump's move raises big questions: Can the government finally plug the leaks in its financial system, or will bureaucratic hurdles slow things down? Centralizing payments under the Treasury might improve oversight, but it also means agencies will have less control over their own budgets.
Trump Orders Federal Payments to Go Fully Digital—With Some Exceptions
Summary:
For decades, Uncle Sam has cut checks—literally—to pay out benefits, vendor invoices, and tax refunds. That era is coming to an end. A new executive order from President Trump mandates that all federal payments move to electronic transactions by September 30, 2025. Treasury data shows that paper checks are 16 times more likely to get lost, stolen, or altered than digital payments, with fraud and inefficiencies costing taxpayers $657 million last year alone. This transition aims to cut costs, prevent financial crime, and modernize America’s financial infrastructure.
There are, however, carve-outs. Those without banking access, certain emergency payments, and national security-related transactions can still rely on paper methods. The Treasury Department is tasked with rolling out digital alternatives like direct deposit, prepaid cards, and mobile wallets, while also launching a public awareness campaign to help Americans adapt. Agencies have 90 days to submit compliance plans, and the Treasury will report on progress within six months.
The Takeaway
This is a major shift in how the government handles money, but will it work? While digitization promises efficiency, it also raises concerns about accessibility for the unbanked and cybersecurity risks. As agencies scramble to implement the mandate, the real question is whether this modernization push will create a smoother, safer financial system—or leave some Americans behind.
have a splendid day,
watchdog team