On March 18, 2025, the White House announced a new directive aimed at enhancing national security by improving preparedness at the state and local levels. The order highlights the significance of local decision-making and investment in American infrastructure, asserting that preparedness is most effective when managed at the state and individual levels with federal support. Key components of the directive include the development of a National Resilience Strategy, a review of critical infrastructure policies, and the establishment of a National Risk Register to better inform federal and state efforts against potential threats.

The policy outlines a framework for federal agencies to update and streamline preparedness operations, with a focus on efficiency and minimizing taxpayer burdens. The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs is tasked with coordinating the creation of strategies within specified timeframes that will articulate national priorities and strengthen the nation’s resilience to various hazards. The initiative aims to transition from an all-hazards approach to a more risk-informed strategy, ensuring that state and local governments can effectively meet the needs of their communities.

Additionally, the order addresses the importance of improved communication between federal, state, and local entities to clarify roles in national preparedness. It sets a timeline for reviewing existing policies to modernize and enhance national continuity capabilities. This comprehensive approach underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering a resilient nation by empowering local authorities and ensuring a coordinated federal response to emerging risks.

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