Addressing Threats to The United States by the Government of the Russian Federation

8/6/2025

Action Summary

  • Background & Continuation of National Emergency: Builds upon previous Executive Orders (EO 14066 and EO 14024) addressing Russian Federation actions against Ukraine, declaring that the national emergency continues due to ongoing threats.
  • Tariff Imposition on Imports: Imposes an additional 25% ad valorem duty on imports of articles from India that directly or indirectly import Russian Federation oil, effective 21 days after the order (with specified exceptions for goods in transit or imported before September 17, 2025).
  • Stacking of Duties: Clarifies that the imposed duty is in addition to other applicable fees and duties, except when overridden by specific statutory provisions or other executive orders.
  • Modification Authority: Empowers the President to modify the order in response to new information, senior official recommendations, or foreign retaliation, and to adjust measures if the Russian government or other affected nations change their policies.
  • Interagency Coordination & Monitoring: Designates the Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of State—with consultation from multiple senior officials—to monitor importing activities and recommend further measures if necessary.
  • Delegation of Power: Authorizes the Secretary of State (in consultation with other key departments) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to implement, enforce, and modify related regulations and tariff adjustments, including modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
  • Definitions & Legal Clauses: Defines key terms such as “Russian Federation oil” and “indirectly importing,” and includes severability, general provisions, and limitations on rights or benefits enforceable against the United States.

Risks & Considerations

  • The imposition of additional tariffs on imports from India due to its indirect importation of Russian Federation oil could lead to increased costs for goods and materials that Vanderbilt University may rely on, potentially affecting operational budgets and procurement strategies.
  • There is a risk of retaliatory actions from India or other countries affected by similar measures, which could further complicate international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University may have with institutions in these countries.
  • The executive order’s focus on national security and foreign policy may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory compliance requirements for international research collaborations, particularly those involving Russian or Indian entities.
  • Vanderbilt University may need to reassess its international engagement strategies and consider potential impacts on student and faculty exchanges, research partnerships, and global initiatives.

Impacted Programs

  • Vanderbilt’s Office of Global Safety and Security may need to enhance its monitoring and advisory services to ensure compliance with new regulations and to mitigate risks associated with international travel and collaborations.
  • The Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) could see increased demand for expertise in navigating the complexities of international trade and economic policies, providing opportunities for research and advisory roles.
  • Vanderbilt’s Procurement and Supply Chain Management may need to adjust sourcing strategies to account for potential cost increases and supply chain disruptions resulting from the new tariffs.
  • The Office of International Student and Scholar Services might need to provide additional support and guidance to students and scholars from affected countries, ensuring compliance with any new regulations.

Financial Impact

  • The additional tariffs could lead to increased costs for imported goods and materials, potentially impacting Vanderbilt University’s budget allocations and financial planning.
  • There may be a need to explore alternative suppliers or negotiate new terms with existing partners to mitigate the financial impact of the tariffs.
  • Vanderbilt University might experience changes in funding opportunities for international research collaborations, particularly if federal grants prioritize projects that align with national security and foreign policy objectives.
  • Potential disruptions in international partnerships could affect revenue streams from international students and collaborative research projects.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive order presents high risks involving security and potential major transformations in international engagement and procurement strategies.)

Key Actions

  • Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the imposition of tariffs on imports from India, as these could affect research and procurement activities involving Indian partners or suppliers. Engaging with trade experts to understand the potential impact on university operations and collaborations is advisable.
  • Vanderbilt’s International Programs Office should assess the potential impact of these tariffs on international students and faculty from India, as well as on partnerships with Indian institutions. Developing strategies to mitigate any negative effects on recruitment and collaboration could be beneficial.
  • The Department of Political Science should consider conducting research on the geopolitical implications of the executive order, particularly how it affects U.S.-India relations and the broader international response to the situation in Ukraine. This research could provide valuable insights for policymakers and enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation as a thought leader in international relations.
  • Vanderbilt’s Procurement Office should review current supply chains and contracts to identify any dependencies on Indian imports that may be affected by the new tariffs. Exploring alternative suppliers or negotiating terms to mitigate cost increases could be necessary.

Opportunities

  • The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for International Business to engage in policy analysis and advocacy regarding the economic impacts of the tariffs. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence trade policy discussions and support businesses navigating these changes.
  • Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on national security and foreign policy by developing new programs and partnerships with institutions focused on international relations and trade. This could include joint research initiatives, student exchange programs, and collaborative curriculum development, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the global arena.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to potential impacts on international collaborations and supply chains.)

Average Relevance Score: 4.2

Timeline for Implementation

  • 25% tariff effective date: The additional ad valorem duty applies to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time 21 days after the order date (August 6, 2025).
  • Exemption cutoff: Goods entered or withdrawn before 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on September 17, 2025 are exempt.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

  • Department of State: Charged with coordinating international policy and monitoring potential retaliatory measures, as well as adjusting import policies through redelegation of functions.
  • Department of the Treasury: Provides input on economic matters, tax implications, and monitors related financial aspects in tandem with the Department of State and Commerce.
  • Department of Commerce: Responsible for coordinating with other agencies to determine if any other countries are indirectly importing Russian Federation oil, as well as ensuring compliance with import regulations.
  • Department of Homeland Security: In consultation with the United States International Trade Commission, this department is tasked with determining modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and works alongside Customs and Border Protection.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Authorized to take measures to administer the imposed tariff and oversee the enforcement of import regulations.
  • United States Trade Representative: Involved in advising on trade policies and providing recommendations regarding additional actions against countries indirectly importing Russian Federation oil.
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Although its functions are not directly altered, the order explicitly states that nothing shall impair the authority of the OMB in managing budgetary and administrative proposals.
  • United States International Trade Commission: Consulted by the Department of Homeland Security to determine any necessary modifications to tariff schedules as part of the enforcement mechanism.
  • Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs: Engaged in advising on the national security implications of the order and any potential strategy adjustments.
  • Assistant to the President for Economic Policy: Provides counsel on economic matters pertinent to the order’s implementation and potential macroeconomic consequences.
  • Assistant to the President and Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing: Offers expertise on trade matters and manufacturing issues and assists in recommending further actions if necessary.

Relevance Score: 4 (A broad set of 11 Federal agencies and advisory offices are impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

  • Secretary of Commerce – Charged with determining whether any other country is importing Russian Federation oil and coordinating with other senior officials on potential tariff actions.
  • Secretary of State – Responsible for monitoring the national emergency, consulting with multiple senior officials, recommending further actions, and exercising delegated rulemaking authority.
  • Secretary of the Treasury – Consulted to provide financial and economic analysis in support of tariff and trade policy recommendations.
  • Secretary of Homeland Security – Tasked with consulting alongside the United States International Trade Commission to assess and modify tariff schedules, as well as overseeing U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s administration of duties.
  • United States Trade Representative – Engaged in consultations to advise on trade implications and recommended actions regarding imports.
  • Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs – Consulted to provide national security insights pertinent to trade and tariff decisions.
  • Assistant to the President for Economic Policy – Involved in advising on economic policies and implications of the imposed tariffs.
  • Assistant to the President and Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing – Consulted for strategic trade and manufacturing recommendations in response to international import practices.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Authorized to take necessary measures to administer the additional ad valorem duty imposed by this order.
  • United States International Trade Commission – Consulted by the Secretary of Homeland Security on modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directives impact multiple Cabinet-level officials and key senior advisors, directly affecting national strategic decision-making processes.)