The start of any presidency often sets the tone for the next four years, and bold moves can signal a leader’s priorities. Few moments are as telling as a president’s first days in office, when decisions made can ripple through the nation for years. For President Donald Trump, his second term began with a wave of executive orders, each designed to address pressing national issues. These actions have already sparked debates, raised questions, and drawn sharp lines around his vision for America. What meaning do these changes have for the nation and for regular Americans?
President Trump Made a Bold Play at His Inauguration with Executive Orders
Before we dive into what President Trump did, we need to make sure we understand what an executive order actually is. The president can manage the federal government’s operations by issuing executive orders. As long as the president’s constitutional or statutory authority is the foundation, it has legal effect. These directives must align with existing presidential powers.
Congress cannot simply overturn them but can influence their implementation through budget control. The Supreme Court can intervene if an order exceeds constitutional limits, as seen with President Harry Truman’s steel mill seizure during the Korean War, demonstrating the system of checks and balances.
President Trump Wanted to Make Himself Clear to Everyone…
Since beginning his second term on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump has signed numerous executive orders addressing various policy areas. Key actions include:
- National Emergency Declaration: To strengthen border security measures, a national emergency was declared at the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Restoring the requirement that asylum seekers wait in Mexico while awaiting U.S. immigration procedures is known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
- Birthright Citizenship: An order was issued in an effort to deny undocumented immigrants’ children their birthright citizenship.
- Refugee Admissions Suspension: Suspended the U.S. Refugee Admission Program pending a 90-day review.
- Hiring Freeze: Implemented a freeze on federal hiring, excluding military positions.
- In-Person Work Requirement: Mandated a return to full-time, in-person work for federal employees.
- Elimination of DEI Programs: Ordered the termination of federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
- Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: The US had left the Paris Climate Agreement.
- National Energy Emergency: Declared a national energy emergency to expand domestic energy production and reduce environmental regulations.
- Gender Definition: Issued an order defining gender strictly as male or female, impacting federal recognition of transgender individuals.
- Pardons: Granted pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
- World Health Organization Withdrawal: Initiated the process to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization.
These executive orders reflect President Trump’s priorities in immigration, federal workforce management, energy policy, social issues, and government restructuring during his second term.
Which Americans Will See an Impact Based on President Trump’s Executive Orders?
President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders have far-reaching implications for various groups of Americans. Federal employees are directly affected by the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, with directives to report any disguised DEI efforts, potentially leading to workplace changes and increased scrutiny.
Immigrants and asylum seekers face heightened challenges due to stricter border security measures, including the deployment of additional troops and the suspension of asylum programs, which may result in increased detentions and deportations.
The LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, is impacted by policies that define gender strictly as male or female based on biological sex at conception, affecting access to services and legal recognition.
Additionally, patients reliant on Medicare and Medicaid may experience higher prescription drug costs, as efforts to lower these expenses have been rolled back, potentially increasing out-of-pocket expenses for essential medications.
Different Types of Executive Orders Have Different Meanings
Presidential actions, though often grouped together, fall under three main categories: executive orders, memorandums, and proclamations. Each has distinct implications, vital for a comprehensive understanding of executive orders.
Executive Orders
Executive orders, rooted in existing powers, govern federal officials and agencies, holding legal weight. The president issues the order. If its authority derives from legislation rather than the Constitution, agency officials have 45 days to determine necessary action. The executive order is then published in the Federal Register. Executive orders, when used correctly, elaborate on current federal law.
Memorandums
Memorandums differ significantly from executive orders. Their function is internal to the federal government or specific agencies, focusing on coordinating and implementing existing programs. They support legislative policies already in place.
Proclamations
Proclamations, authorized by the Customs Consolidation Act passed by Congress, primarily affect private individuals within the US. They usually deal with domestic trade and custom duties concerning specific industries, rather than governing government activity. Proclamations might declare certain commodities tariff-free, aiming to ensure reciprocal tariffs or protect a US sector.
In Summary
President Trump’s executive orders have set a bold course for his second term, sparking conversations about their impact on America’s future. These decisions reflect his priorities in immigration, workforce management, social issues, and energy policies. While some groups may feel empowered by these changes, others may face new challenges. As the effects of these orders unfold, Americans will continue to evaluate how they shape daily life and the nation’s direction. The true legacy of these actions will depend on how they influence individuals and communities in the years to come.