UPDATE
Here is a copy of the executive order:
New @POTUS executive order "declares a national emergency with respect to the threats against information and communications technology and services in the United States." Comes during trade escalation w/ China and amid 5G concerns with Huawei pic.twitter.com/kFI5SWDwta
— Saagar Enjeti (@esaagar) May 15, 2019
Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) agreed with the president's decision:
China’s main export is espionage, and the distinction between the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese “private-sector” businesses like Huawei is imaginary. The President is right to recognize this reality and issue this order. https://t.co/wWSgY6PS4Y
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) May 15, 2019
ORIGINAL POST
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency to protect America's communication networks. The move was made as a way of allowing the federal government to prevent companies from doing business with other countries, including the Chinese firm Huawei, the Washington Post reported.
In particular, Trump is concerned that the United States' adversaries are exploiting our telecom technology and services' vulnerabilities.
“The President has made it clear that this Administration will do what it takes to keep America safe and prosperous, and to protect America from foreign adversaries who are actively and increasingly creating and exploiting vulnerabilities in information and communications technology infrastructure and services in the United States,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.
Under this executive order, the Commerce Secretary can block any transactions that involve communication technologies if it can cause a major risk to public services.
This is a developing story. Please check back for further updates.