Understanding Executive Orders: Election Interference and Digital Assets

Executive Orders by Trump and Biden: Protecting Elections and Regulating Digital Assets

Executive orders are powerful tools used by U.S. Presidents to manage operations within the federal government. Two notable executive orders from recent administrations highlight the government’s efforts to safeguard elections and regulate the burgeoning digital asset market. President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 13848 and President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14067 focus on these critical areas, reflecting the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by the nation.

Executive Order 13848: Safeguarding U.S. Elections

Executive Order 13848, titled “Imposing Certain Sanctions in the Event of Foreign Interference in a United States Election,” was signed by President Donald Trump on September 12, 2018. This order declares a national emergency to address the threat of foreign interference in U.S. elections, including unauthorized access to election infrastructure and covert propaganda distribution.

Key Points:

1. Purpose: The order aims to combat foreign interference in U.S. elections by declaring a national emergency and outlining measures to protect election integrity.
2. Process:
   • The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) has 45 days post-election to assess foreign interference.
   • The Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security have an additional 45 days to evaluate the impact on election infrastructure and political campaigns.
3. Sanctions:
   • Blocking the property and interests of foreign individuals involved in interference.
   • Sanctions on those assisting or supporting interference activities.
   • Further sanctions on foreign entities in sectors like finance, defense, and technology.
4. Other Provisions:
   • Prohibition of donations to designated foreign persons.
   • Suspension of entry into the U.S. for designated individuals.
   • Implementation regulations and congressional reporting on actions taken.

This executive order underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its elections from foreign threats.

Biden Executive Order 14067: Regulating Digital Assets and Cryptocurrency

On March 9, 2022, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14067, addressing the rapidly evolving digital asset market, including cryptocurrencies. This order outlines a comprehensive federal strategy to regulate digital assets, ensuring consumer protection, promoting innovation, and exploring the potential for a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

Key Objectives:

1. Protect Consumers and Investors:
   • Directs federal agencies to study the risks and benefits of digital assets.
   • Calls for measures to safeguard against illicit finance, fraud, and criminal activities involving cryptocurrencies.
2. Promote Responsible Innovation:
   • Recognizes the benefits of digital assets, such as faster and cheaper cross-border payments.
   • Encourages innovation while mitigating risks to financial stability and national security.
3. Explore a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC):
   • Instructs the Federal Reserve to explore the development of a U.S. CBDC.
   • Researches the benefits and risks of a CBDC, including its impact on financial inclusion and the global financial system.
4. Address Climate and Energy Concerns:
   • Acknowledges the environmental impact of digital assets, particularly their energy consumption.
   • Directs studies on the connection between digital assets and climate change, and potential mitigating measures.

This executive order focuses on establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets, promoting responsible innovation, and exploring the potential benefits of a U.S. CBDC.

Biden’s Broader Agenda: Immigration and Border Security

While Biden’s executive order 14067 focuses on digital assets, it is crucial to distinguish it from his other executive actions on different issues. For instance, Biden immigration policies and Biden border security measures are addressed through separate executive orders and legislation. The current administration has implemented various policies to manage immigration and enhance border security, reflecting its broader agenda beyond the scope of digital asset regulation.

In summary, both Executive Order 13848 and Biden Executive Order 14067 reflect the U.S. government’s proactive approach to addressing critical contemporary issues. Trump’s order aims to protect the electoral process from foreign interference, while Biden’s order seeks to regulate the burgeoning digital asset market, ensuring consumer protection, promoting innovation, and addressing environmental concerns. These executive orders highlight the dynamic nature of governance and the ongoing efforts to adapt to new challenges and opportunities in the modern era.

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