President Trump issued 26 executive orders on his first day in office , breaking the record for the most made on inauguration day. An executive order is a directive, or an instruction, by the president for the operation of the federal government. Most of Trump's focus on immigration, environment, and dismantling DEI policies.
Eight of these orders deal specifically with immigration, primarily focusing on decreasing immigration and securing the southern border of the United States. Of these, the most controversial being “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which eliminates birthright citizenship. Supporters believe this will help to secure the U.S., and further define what it means to be a citizen, while others believe it to be unconstitutional. Because of several legal problems, any further action on this order is currently paused.
“The United States Supreme Court has resoundingly rejected the president’s interpretation of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. In fact, no court in the country has ever endorsed the president’s interpretation. This court will not be the first,” U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman said.
Several more of the orders focus on environmental and energy programs, working to prioritize cost effectiveness and efficiency over renewable or green energy sources. Through these orders, the Trump administration encourages increased oil drilling and resource sourcing from Alaska and other rural areas. This aims to make resources more locally available and cheaper, though many worry about the impact it could have on the wildlife and environment in the areas. These orders also have to deal with foreign policy, as “Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements” withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and other global climate initiatives.
“I get what he is trying to do, but it does feel like he is ignoring a huge problem. Like, yes cheaper energy would be good, but the planet might die before we ever see the benefits,” NHS senior Sara Heinen said.
Socially, orders were made addressing federal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, as well as gender ideology. Under these orders, all Federal DEI employees will be placed on administrative leave, and the funding for these programs will be re-distributed into efforts towards increasing the company's efficiency and productivity. These orders aim to grow the merit-based workforce, and decrease political bias in the hiring process. “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” works to separate gender and sex on the federal level by stating that the US only recognizes two genders..
Many of the orders affect international relations, mostly focusing on the centering of America's best interest in all foreign affairs. This included pulling out of the WHO organization due to a popular belief that the Covid-19 pandemic was mishandled by the group. Immigration and border security is also affected by some of these, as they further define the US from surrounding countries, and highlight the prioritization of American citizens.
“He once again halted U.S. funding to UNRWA, which has demonstrated a long-standing anti-Israel bias and deeply concerning terrorism ties. UNRWA employees participated in Hamas’ barbaric October 7 attack on Israel, and reports have indicated UNRWA structures and employees have since concealed Hamas hostages, harbored weapons, and fostered terrorism activity in the region. The U.S. will once again put American interests first, stand up to the Iranian regime, and ensure no one messes with our ally, Israel,” Congressman Micheal McCaul said.
Other orders were made with more specific intentions, for example extending the usage of TikTok in the US, and renaming certain landmarks, such as The Gulf of Mexico now being recognized as the Gulf of America. Trump also signed orders to undo many programs from Bidens Presidency, many of these also having to do with DEI and Immigration.
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