So, you're probably seeing a ton of headlines today about what went down at the White House. Honestly, it’s getting hard to keep up. Just when you think the news cycle is slowing down, another stack of executive orders hits the Resolute Desk. If you’re asking "what did Trump sign yesterday," the answer isn't just one boring piece of paper. It’s a massive shift in how the U.S. is handling its enemies—specifically Iran and Venezuela.
Yesterday, January 12, 2026, was a busy day for the pen. President Trump didn't just sign a bill; he essentially dropped a financial bomb on any country still trying to play both sides with Iran. He also moved to lock down a massive pot of gold tied to Venezuelan oil.
The 25% Iran "Ultimatum"
The big one—the one that has every trade minister in Europe and Asia sweating right now—came via a Truth Social announcement followed by a formal signing. Trump basically told the world: pick a side. He signed a directive establishing a 25% tariff on any and all business done with the United States by any country that continues to trade with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It’s a bold move. Kinda aggressive? Definitely. But that’s the point. The administration is calling it the "Ultimate Pressure" campaign. Basically, if a country buys Iranian oil or sells them tech, their exports to the U.S. are going to get hit with a 25% tax. Think about what that does to a country's economy. You’ve got the U.S. market on one side and Iran’s on the other. It’s not even a fair fight.
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Most experts, like those over at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, say this is meant to completely isolate Tehran's banking system. The logic is simple: make it too expensive for anyone else to be their friend.
Protecting the Venezuelan Oil "Pot"
While the Iran news was grabbing the most clicks, something equally huge was happening with our neighbors to the south. Trump signed an executive order titled "Safeguarding Venezuelan Oil Revenue for the Good of the American and Venezuelan People."
This is a bit more technical, but here is the gist:
The U.S. is currently holding a massive amount of cash in Treasury accounts from the sale of Venezuelan oil. Because the regime of Nicolas Maduro has been under fire (and recent reports suggest he's actually been captured or ousted depending on who you talk to), creditors have been lining up. Big companies like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips have been trying to "impound" or seize that money to pay for old debts.
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Trump’s order yesterday puts a "keep out" sign on that money. It declares that the revenue is sovereign property of Venezuela held in U.S. custody for "diplomatic purposes."
- It blocks courts from letting private companies take the cash.
- it keeps the money under U.S. control until a new government is firmly in place.
- It prevents what the White House calls "predatory" debt collection while the country is in transition.
The DHS Drone Tech Push
It wasn't all just foreign policy and oil money, though. Yesterday also saw the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launch a brand-new office. While not a direct "bill" in the traditional sense, it was a major administrative action triggered by the President's recent directives on "Airspace Sovereignty."
They’re calling it the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Essentially, it’s a $115 million initial investment to build better counter-drone tech. Why now? Because the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming up, along with the "America250" celebrations. The administration is terrified of hostile drones over stadiums.
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What Most People Are Getting Wrong
There’s a lot of chatter online that Trump signed a bill to annex Greenland yesterday. That is not true. Here is what actually happened: Congressman Randy Fine introduced the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act yesterday. Yes, it happened on the same day. Yes, Trump has talked about Greenland for years. But it’s just a bill in Congress right now. Trump hasn't signed it because it hasn't passed. It's a huge distinction that’s getting lost in the social media shuffle.
Why This Matters for Your Wallet
If you're wondering why you should care about what did Trump sign yesterday, look at the trade stuff. A 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran is going to shake up supply chains.
If a country like India or certain EU nations get hit with that 25% tax because they’re still buying Iranian fuel, the price of goods coming from those countries to your local store is going up. It’s a game of chicken. Either those countries stop trading with Iran, or you might see higher prices on everything from electronics to textiles.
Actionable Insights and Next Steps
The dust hasn't settled on these orders yet, and the legal challenges are already starting. If you’re a business owner or just a curious citizen, here is how you should handle this:
- Watch the "Secondary Sanctions" List: If you do any international business, check if your partners are on the list of entities still dealing with Iran. The 25% tariff is "effective immediately" according to the latest statements.
- Monitor Energy Stocks: The move to block creditors from Venezuelan oil money is a blow to some big oil players who were hoping for a massive payout. Expect some volatility there.
- Check the Federal Register: While Truth Social gives the highlights, the "fine print" usually hits the Federal Register within 48 hours. That's where the real legal definitions live.
The administration is moving at breakneck speed. Yesterday was just a Tuesday, but it fundamentally changed the trade map for 2026. Keep an eye on the official White House "Presidential Actions" page for the full text of the Venezuela order to see exactly which accounts are being shielded.