On August 3, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order establishing the President’s Military Spouse Commission. The order states that military spouses are linked to the good order, readiness, and retention of the military and that their support and contributions are crucial to mission success.

The order identifies frequent relocations, long absences, and deployments to combat zones as challenges that can affect military spouses and their families. It also states that repeated moves may limit access to quality housing, employment opportunities, and other resources, while prolonged absences can place substantial burdens on spouses managing households alone. The order says the Federal Government should prioritize the quality of life of military spouses and families while maintaining military readiness.

Membership and responsibilities

The spouse of the Secretary of War will serve as Chair, and the President will designate the Executive Director. If the spouse of the Secretary of War cannot serve, the Executive Director will perform the Chair’s duties until the President designates a new Chair. Subject to applicability, the membership will also include the spouses of senior military leaders and officials, including the service secretaries, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, service chiefs, senior enlisted leaders, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and other individuals invited by the Chair or Executive Director.

  • Monitor implementation of the executive order
  • Liaise with military spouses to identify common concerns
  • Develop policies addressing housing, employment, healthcare, education, and deployment-related support
  • Recommend actions to promote the overall well-being and quality of life of military spouses
  • Provide an annual report to the President and a final report before the commission terminates

Members will serve for the duration of their spouses’ service in, or performance of, the relevant roles. They will serve without compensation but may receive travel reimbursement, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as allowed under applicable law and subject to available funds. The Department of War will provide funding and administrative and technical support to the extent permitted by law and authorized by existing appropriations. The commission may also establish subcommittees.

Federal Advisory Committee Act provisions

The order provides that, insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, may apply, functions of the President under the Act—except reporting to Congress—will be performed by the Secretary of War in accordance with guidelines and procedures issued by the Administrator of General Services. In accordance with the Act, the commission will terminate two years from the date of the order unless the President extends it.

The order states that implementation must be consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. It does not create any right or benefit enforceable at law or in equity against the United States or other listed parties. The costs of publishing the order will be borne by the Department of War.