The Trump administration is set to issue an executive order easing regulations on U.S. military equipment exports. According to four sources familiar with the matter, the announcement is expected on Wednesday, April 2. Reuters reported this development.
The sources, including both government and private sector officials, indicated that if the executive order is implemented, major U.S. defense contractors such as RTX Corp, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing Co. could see increased exports.
Currently, U.S. arms exports must follow strict regulations, including notifying Congress before shipments. The approval process varies based on the recipient country. For NATO allies and close partners like Australia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, the financial limits for arms exports are higher, and Congress must be notified at least 15 days in advance. For other countries, the notification period is 30 days.
During his first term, former President Donald Trump expressed frustration with these regulations, arguing that members of Congress often delayed arms sales citing human rights concerns or other issues.
Reuters reached out to the White House for a comment on the executive order, but no response was received.
