Trump preparing executive order to increase weapons exports, sources say

Trump has expressed his frustration with members of Congress delaying previous foreign arms sales over human rights concerns.

US President Donald Trump gestures, before boarding Air Force One as he departs for Florida, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, March 28, 2025 (photo credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE)
US President Donald Trump gestures, before boarding Air Force One as he departs for Florida, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, March 28, 2025
(photo credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE)

US President Donald Trump's administration is planning an executive order that would ease rules governing exports of military equipment, and could announce it as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday, four sources familiar with the discussions said.

The sources, some in government and some in industry, said they expected the order would be similar to legislation proposed by Trump's national security adviser, Michael Waltz, last year when he was a Republican member of the House of Representatives.

White House aides did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

 US Air Force F-15 fighter flies over the Amari military airfield, Estonia February 1, 2022. (credit: Ints Kalnins/Reuters)
US Air Force F-15 fighter flies over the Amari military airfield, Estonia February 1, 2022. (credit: Ints Kalnins/Reuters)

American weapon exports

If it had become law, that bill would have amended the US Arms Export Control Act to increase the minimum dollar amounts that trigger a congressional review of arms exports to other countries. They would increase to $23 million from $14 million for arms transfers, and rise to $83 million from $50 million for the sale of military equipment, upgrades, training and other services.

During his first term, Trump often expressed frustration with members of Congress delaying foreign arms sales over human rights or other concerns.