Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting False “Made in America” Claims

President Trump signed an Executive Order on March 13, 2026, directing federal agencies to crack down on false or misleading “Made in America” product claims. The measure aims to protect both American consumers and legitimate U.S. manufacturers in an increasingly digital marketplace where origin misrepresentation has proliferated.

The order specifically targets foreign manufacturers who market their products as American-made to gain consumer trust and market advantage. According to the Administration, these deceptive practices have accelerated in recent years, particularly across online retail platforms where oversight has been challenging.

“This order protects true American-made businesses by providing undiluted branding benefits and protection from unfair competition by fraudsters,” said a White House spokesperson during the announcement.

The Executive Order establishes a multi-pronged approach to address the issue. First, it directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman to make enforcement against false U.S.-origin claims a priority. The FTC already has authority to pursue such cases under existing consumer protection laws, but this directive signals a heightened focus on the issue.

Additionally, the order calls for unprecedented coordination between federal agencies that have country-of-origin labeling authority. These agencies will consult with the FTC to develop new regulations and create unified guidance promoting voluntary but accurate U.S.-origin labeling for products genuinely made or manufactured in the United States.

Perhaps most significantly for government contractors, the order takes aim at federal procurement channels. Agencies overseeing government-wide acquisition contracts must now review and verify domestic-origin claims for products sold to the federal government. Products found to have misrepresented their origins must be removed from procurement programs, and violators will be referred to the Department of Justice for potential False Claims Act litigation.

Market analysts suggest this move could have substantial impacts on global supply chains and manufacturing strategies. Companies that have relied on foreign manufacturing while maintaining “Made in America” marketing may need to reconsider their operations or face potential legal consequences.

“This is about truth in advertising at its core,” said Janet Milner, a consumer rights attorney with the National Manufacturing Alliance. “American consumers consistently show preference for domestically produced goods, and they deserve to know what they’re actually buying.”

The order comes amid broader geopolitical tensions over trade policy and follows several high-profile cases where major retailers and manufacturers faced penalties for origin misrepresentation. Last year, three major online retailers paid a combined $14.2 million in settlements over allegations they failed to adequately verify “Made in USA” claims on their platforms.

For businesses, the implications are significant. Companies making U.S.-origin claims should expect increased scrutiny from multiple federal agencies, including potential False Claims Act investigations from the Justice Department. Online sellers and marketplaces face particular risk given the order’s explicit mention of digital marketplace misrepresentation.

Industry experts advise companies to conduct comprehensive reviews of their marketing materials, packaging, labeling practices, and supplier documentation. Businesses should also evaluate whether their internal systems can adequately document manufacturing locations, assembly processes, and material sourcing.

“This isn’t just about updating a label,” explained Mark Stevenson, supply chain consultant with Global Manufacturing Advisors. “Companies need verifiable documentation for every component and manufacturing step if they want to make origin claims that will withstand this new level of scrutiny.”

The order represents one of the most significant federal actions on country-of-origin labeling in decades and signals that “Made in America” enforcement will remain a priority through the remainder of the Trump administration.