Donald Trump is a leader who has captivated the world. He was sworn in for a second term as the President of the United States, now serving as the 47th President. His arrival has seemingly sparked a unique resurgence within the United States. One of the most discussed aspects is his issuance of a series of executive orders across various sectors. These can be viewed as a powerful array of mandates concerning economic and security issues. The White House issued these orders based on his policies and priorities.
What Are These Executive Orders?
Any sitting president in the United States can issue executive orders for policy-making. This power is considered a significant tool. Trump has decided to introduce specific policies aimed at enhancing artificial intelligence programs, creating a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), releasing reports related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, developing missile defence systems for the military, and ensuring diversity. With Trump’s return for a second term, he has promised to quickly sign executive orders addressing issues ranging from immigration and deportation to environmental matters and transgender rights.
Can These Orders Be Challenged?
Political analysts point out that while these executive orders hold legal weight, future presidents can revoke them. Additionally, the judiciary could also nullify them through legal processes. Hence, it can be argued that many of the orders he signed may lack legal permanence due to their potential for challenge under the law.
Executive Orders on Immigration
Among the orders issued shortly after Trump’s inauguration, a prominent one focused on new immigration policies. A national emergency related to border security was declared, which is particularly significant regarding the southern border. Trump emphasised that this was a crucial decision, enforcing laws against undocumented migrants entering the country. This law would also apply to children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants. Moreover, measures to suspend the resettlement program for refugees were proposed for four months.
Border Closure Policies
An essential order regarding border closure emerged, labelled by Trump as a “border seal.” This order was directly related to the military, tasking them with controlling situations involving illegal drug trafficking, human smuggling, and border violations. Immediately, the president ordered the military to implement border seals. He also signed an order to label drug smugglers and international criminal organisations as terrorist groups, which included designating Salvadoran and Venezuelan gangs alongside groups like Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and Hamas.
The Border Wall
Trump’s stance on the southern border wall is one of his strongest points. He first presented this idea during his initial campaign in 2016 when he signed an executive order for wall construction. However, he did not fully realise this promise. During his first term, approximately 70,000 undocumented individuals from Mexico were deported. Now, he is taking steps to halt the influx of migrants from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, which were allowed to enter the U.S. under a program initiated by Joe Biden.
Lifting the TikTok Ban
Additionally, Trump took steps to halt the implementation of a law banning the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok for 75 days. He indicated that the company welcomed this decision. The platform is now being reinstated in the U.S. after a brief hiatus. Trump argued that time should be allowed to find an American partner to buy the majority stake in TikTok. Commentators have noted that support from TikTok played a role in Trump’s electoral victory, with billions of views on his videos on the platform. It is suggested that Trump has changed his views on TikTok during this period.
Reducing Government Spending
Trump has also focused on cutting government spending. He proposed creating a new agency named the Department of Government Efficiency, which Elon Musk may direct. The president said he would establish an office staff 20 for this purpose. He also focused on limiting military recruitment until he could control the administration. Another executive order seeks to restore freedom of speech and prevent government restrictions.
Withdrawal from the World Health Organisation
Trump aims to initiate the process for the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organisation by signing an executive order. He has indicated that this would be a repeated action during his second term. His criticism of the WHO’s handling of COVID-19 has driven this decision.
Identifying Only Male and Female
Another controversial order states that the only recognised categories are “male and female.” Trump emphasises that gender identity is a fixed and undeniable reality. Through this order, he aims to highlight a rejection of transgender policies, effectively halting all measures promoting “gender-neutral social policies.”
The “American Maritime Initiative”
Trump also renamed the Mexican maritime initiative the “American Maritime Initiative.” He has also reverted Denali Mountain’s name to Mount McKinley to honour President McKinley, who he believes created beneficial tariff policies. President Obama named Denali to reflect Indigenous heritage.
Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
Through new legislation, Trump aims to devise a mechanism to explore Americans’ living costs while also planning to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, designed to limit global warming. He initiated this decision in 2017; however, Joe Biden later reinstated it. This time, Trump is seeking to reinstate his stance once more.
Declaring a National Energy Emergency
Trump has declared a national energy emergency and committed to filling strategic oil reserves, proposing a framework based on oil, gas, and other natural resources policies. Initiatives are set to focus on increasing green jobs, regulating the fossil fuel industry, and reducing pollution.
In a move following the January 6 Capitol riot, Trump vowed to pardon around 1,500 of his supporters arrested during the events, insisting on justice for them.
