Protecting America Through Lawful Detention of Terrorists

What it means

This order revokes the Obama-era directive to close Guantánamo Bay detention facilities, allowing continued detention of terrorism suspects and permitting new detainees to be transferred there. It directs the Secretary of Defense to recommend policies regarding individuals captured in armed conflicts.

Expected impact

• Continued operation of the Guantánamo Bay detention facility for terrorism suspects captured in military operations
• Potential increase in detainee population as new suspects may be transferred to the facility
• Reinforcement of military detention as a counterterrorism tool alongside criminal prosecution
• Periodic reviews will continue to determine if ongoing detention remains necessary for security purposes
• Possible international criticism from human rights organizations regarding indefinite detention practices