President Trump Announces Appointments to the Council of Governors

February 19, 2025

Presidential Actions

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Action Summary

Key Appointment: President Trump announced new appointments to the Council of Governors.
Purpose: Strengthen state-federal partnerships on national security, disaster response, and military coordination issues.
Appointed Members:
- Co-Chairs: Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA) and Governor Josh Stein (NC)
- Governor Ron DeSantis (FL)
- Governor Brian Kemp (GA)
- Governor Jeff Landry (LA)
- Governor Wes Moore (MD)
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer (MI)
- Governor Kathy Hochul (NY)
- Governor Josh Shapiro (PA)
- Governor Henry McMaster (SC)
Council Background: Established by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 and formalized by Executive Order 13528 in 2010 to enhance collaboration between governors and federal officials.

Risks & Considerations

The appointments to the Council of Governors emphasize strengthening state-federal partnerships on national security, disaster response, and military coordination. This could lead to changes in how states interact with federal agencies, potentially impacting state-level policies and resources.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in state-federal dynamics could affect its research and collaboration opportunities, particularly in areas related to national security and disaster response.
The focus on military coordination might influence funding and support for research in defense-related fields, which could present both opportunities and challenges for Vanderbilt’s engineering and technology programs.
There is a potential risk that shifts in disaster response strategies could impact local communities, necessitating adjustments in Vanderbilt’s community engagement and support initiatives.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased opportunities for research and collaboration in defense and military technology, aligning with the Council’s focus on military coordination.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could play a role in developing strategies for disaster response and resilience, contributing to state and federal initiatives.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Community Engagement might need to enhance its efforts in supporting local communities affected by changes in disaster response policies.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could explore partnerships with state agencies to provide training and resources for disaster preparedness and response.

Financial Impact

Changes in state-federal partnerships could influence the allocation of federal funds for research and development, potentially affecting Vanderbilt’s funding landscape.
Vanderbilt may have opportunities to secure funding for projects related to national security and disaster response, particularly through collaborations with state and federal agencies.
There could be a shift in grant priorities towards initiatives that align with the Council’s objectives, necessitating adjustments in Vanderbilt’s grant application strategies.
Increased focus on military coordination might lead to new funding opportunities for defense-related research and development at Vanderbilt.

Relevance Score: 3 (The appointments present moderate risks and opportunities, particularly in research and collaboration with state and federal agencies.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments from the Council of Governors, particularly in areas related to national security and disaster response. This will help the university align its research and policy initiatives with federal priorities and potentially secure funding for related projects.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies could explore opportunities to collaborate with state governments on research initiatives that support the Council’s objectives, such as enhancing disaster response strategies and improving military coordination.
Vanderbilt’s Peabody College should consider developing educational programs or workshops focused on state-federal partnerships and governance, leveraging the Council of Governors’ emphasis on collaboration.

Opportunities

The announcement presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for National Security to engage with state leaders and federal officials on research projects that address key national security challenges identified by the Council of Governors.
By participating in discussions and initiatives related to disaster response, Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering can contribute to the development of innovative technologies and solutions that enhance state and federal disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
The focus on military coordination offers Vanderbilt’s Military and Veterans Affairs Office a chance to strengthen partnerships with the National Guard and other military entities, potentially leading to new programs and support services for military personnel and their families.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with the Council of Governors’ initiatives.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.4

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: No specific deadlines or directives for compliance are provided in this announcement.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Council of Governors: This executive action directly impacts the Council of Governors, a key forum established to enhance state-federal partnerships on national security, disaster response, and military coordination.
State Governments: Since the appointments are of state governors, each state government is indirectly impacted through their representatives’ roles in the Council.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies—namely the Council of Governors and State Governments—are directly impacted by this action.)

Responsible Officials

Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA) – Co-Chair of the Council of Governors tasked with enhancing state–federal partnerships on national security, disaster response, and military coordination.
Governor Josh Stein (NC) – Co-Chair responsible for leading the Council’s collaborative efforts.
Governor Ron DeSantis (FL) – Member of the Council contributing to state–federal coordination.
Governor Brian Kemp (GA) – Appointed to bolster intergovernmental disaster and security policies.
Governor Jeff Landry (LA) – Participating in the implementation of collaborative state–federal initiatives.
Governor Wes Moore (MD) – Member working on strengthening emergency and military integration partnerships.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (MI) – Appointed to advise on and implement joint federal–state strategies.
Governor Kathy Hochul (NY) – Tasked with supporting the Council’s mission for integrated national responses.
Governor Josh Shapiro (PA) – Appointed to help advance collaborative initiatives across governmental levels.
Governor Henry McMaster (SC) – Member contributing to the Council’s broad directives on security and disaster response.

Relevance Score: 4 (The directives impact state executive leaders, who act as agency heads in their state-level roles, thereby playing a pivotal part in national strategic implementation.)