US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to crack down on fraudulent claims that products are “Made in America.” The order directs federal agencies to increase enforcement against sellers and manufacturers who falsely advertise products as American-made.
According to the White House, the measure aims to protect consumers and businesses that genuinely manufacture goods in the United States. The executive order states, “Americans have a right to clear, accurate, substantiated, and accessible information regarding whether products advertised as ‘Made in America’ are actually made in the United States.”
Under the order, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chairman is required to prioritize enforcement cases involving false claims of American origin, including labels such as “Made in America” or “Made in the USA.” The FTC may also propose new regulations for online marketplaces, where failure to verify country-of-origin claims could be deemed an “unfair or deceptive act or practice” under US law.
The order addresses concerns about foreign manufacturers and sellers marketing products as American-made to appeal to patriotic consumers, while the products are largely produced overseas. It emphasizes that companies genuinely building, growing, and manufacturing all or nearly all aspects of their products in the US are entitled to the branding benefits of supporting the domestic economy.
The executive order also targets federal procurement. Agencies managing government contracts must periodically review country-of-origin claims on products sold to the federal government. Products falsely claiming American origin may be removed from procurement lists, and companies could be referred to the Department of Justice for action under the False Claims Act.
The White House highlighted that the measure strengthens consumer trust and protects legitimate American manufacturers. A fact sheet noted, “This Executive Order ensures that ‘Made in America’ is more than a label — it’s a promise.”
This order aligns with the administration’s broader economic policies to promote domestic manufacturing. During his first term, Trump signed several executive orders supporting “Buy American and Hire American” initiatives and implemented tariffs to protect key sectors like steel, aluminum, copper, and autos, aiming to bring investment and manufacturing jobs back to the United States.
