By Christopher Dionigi Ph.D., President of North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Board of Directors
Overview:
Executive Actions are powerful policy instruments that shape federal agency actions. Executive Orders (EO’s), that are founded on the legal or constitutional authorities of the President, are legally binding on federal agencies and to together with Executive Memoranda articulate an Administration’s priorities.
Between January 20 and May 27, 2025, President Trump signed 160 EO’s. I reviewed these EO’s and categorized them based upon their anticipated impact on the management of invasive species. In addition, 19 Presidential Memoranda that have been signed; one specifically concerns invasive species.
| Impact Category | Number of Executive Orders |
| No clear linkage to invasive species issues or management. | 84 |
| A tangential or indirect linkage to federal invasives species programs. | 35 |
| A possible impact on federal grants and contracts that may involve invasive species management. | 9 |
| An impact on federal agencies involved in invasive species management. | 8 |
| An identifiable opportunity to elevate invasive species concerns and for NAISMA to contribute to federal actions. | 19 |
| Invasive species management is an important component of the implementation of the EO. | 5 |
Summary of Linkages:
Almost half (76) of the 160 EO’s have some degree of relevance to invasive species. Many (35) EO’s provide only an indirect connection, often through their broader impacts on federal agencies. However, 24 EO’s offer opportunities to incorporate invasive species management concerns into policy, either as a significant consideration or as a necessary step in implementation. In total, invasive species are an important aspect of 25 Presential Actions.
Key Findings:
Invasive species are becoming increasingly intertwined with broader federal priorities, such as biosecurity, national defense, border control, trade, forest management, health, and environmental resilience. Although none of the EO’s specifically mention invasive species, the Presidential Memorandum of May 9, 2025, “Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp,” directs the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, and Army, and the Administrator of the EPA to take specific action on invasive species. This focus on invasive species is consistent with past Presidential Actions, such as: EO 11987 (May 24, 1977), EO 13112 (February 3, 1999), EO 13751 (December 8, 2016, which amended EO 13112).
Executive Orders of Particular Relevance:
EO 14213: Establishing the National Energy Dominance Council.
This EO creates a council that includes USDA, DOD, Commerce, EPA, CEQ, DOT, and Interior that have major invasive species responsibilities. The Secretary of the Interior is the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council, member of the National Security Council, and Co-Chair of the Invasive Species Council (see EO 13112 and 13751) their department plays a critical role in invasive species management, energy development, and national security. Invasive species are intersectional to energy and national security policy.
EO 14223: Addressing National Security Threats from Timber and Wood Product Imports.
This EO mandates a national security risk assessment for timber and wood product imports. Such assessments must consider the risk of introducing and spreading invasive species. Additionally, risk mitigation steps such as the production and use of certified weed-free products, investment in Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) systems, and other steps should be considered.
EO 14225: Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production.
This EO emphasizes fast-tracking timber production and reducing supply uncertainty. It presents an opportunity to integrate invasive species management into forest health, harvesting, forest product transportation, and reforestation strategies. Additionally, invasive species are important considerations in the streamlining of environmental compliance such as Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultations.
EO 14239: Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness.
This EO emphasizes risk-informed decision making to bolster national resilience. Invasive species can contribute to wildfire intensity, flood risks, and other hazards, including human health impacts and bioterrorism. Tribal, State and local governments must be equipped to manage threats and be ready to be effective partners for federal agencies.
EO 14292: Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research.
Safe and secure research facilities are essential for understanding dangerous invasive human, animal, and plant pathogens. These facilities are critical to developing effective detection, control, and management methods. Bio-security protocols are bolstered by robust monitoring and EDRR capacities.
Conclusions:
These Executive Actions demonstrate a strong, though often indirect, linkage to invasive species management, in the contexts of national security, resilience, energy and wood products, hazard response, and overall government efficiency.
The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) as the preeminent organization focused on all invasive species is uniquely positioned to advise federal agencies in the implementation and coordinating of efforts aligned with a wide range of Executive Actions.
