Through a series of sweeping executive orders, President Trump has set the pace for radical changes in U.S. policy, with topics ranging from citizenship and immigration to climate change and gender recognition. To fully understand the scope of a handful of these orders, here’s a closer examination of their potential impacts.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
President Trump signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. Historically, the 14th Amendment has granted citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. This reinterpretation might deprive thousands of children of birthright citizenship, leaving them stateless and struggling to gain access to critical social services, education, and health. Legal challenges are already mounting, with arguments that the order is unconstitutional and violates the 14th Amendment. Federal Judge John Coughenour from Seattle issued a temporary restraining order blocking the order on this basis.
Rescinding Biden’s Executive Actions
Trump’s decision to rescind 78 executive actions from the Biden administration has severe implications. These actions include policies related to climate change, diversity and inclusion, and COVID-19 response. Rolling back these protections could undermine progress on climate change and social justice, drawing sharp criticism from advocates and experts alike.
Declaring a National Border Emergency
Trump has declared a national emergency at the southern border in the hopes of redirecting funds and other resources for a better border security measure and resumption of border wall construction. This move could lead to increased military presence at the border, stricter immigration enforcement, and expedited deportations. Opponents argue that the situation at the border does not constitute a national emergency and view this as an abuse of presidential power. The push for mass deportation has begun in schools and allows ICE agents to raid classrooms in search of undocumented children. Trump’s action rolled back the provision from the Education Department which grants public education to all children regardless of immigration status.
Pardons for Jan. 6
Trump issued blanket pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. These pardons are vaguely worded and absolve people of crimes not strictly related to the riot, granting them immunity in areas they should not have. The decision led to the immediate release of many individuals currently serving sentences for their involvement in the riot. Judges and legal experts have heavily condemned the order, stating that it undermines the rule of law and accountability for the attack on the Capitol.
Leaving the World Health Organization
Trump ordered a withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) after 77 years of involvement citing the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. This withdrawal could reduce the U.S.’s influence in global health initiatives and potentially weaken international responses to health emergencies. Health experts warn that this decision makes both the U.S. and the world less safe from infectious diseases and other public health threats.
Recognizing Only Two Genders
Trump’s executive order, which recognizes only two genders, male and female, directs federal agencies to cease the promotion of gender transition as part of his “restoring sanity” agenda. This policy would limit the rights and protections of transgender and non-binary individuals, affecting their access to healthcare, legal recognition, and other services. Federal agencies are suspended from renewing official documents that don’t match the owner’s sex, such as passports with an X. Critics argue that the order undermines the rights of transgender and non-binary people and promotes discrimination.
Withdrawing from Climate Agreements
Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global warming, could hinder global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Environmentalists and climate experts argue that this decision undermines international cooperation on climate action and could have severe long-term environmental impacts. Trump also declared a national energy emergency, steering toward the promotion of fossil fuels.
These executive orders have sparked significant debate and controversy, with each order having extensive implications for various aspects of American life and policy. Their full impact will unfold in the coming months and years as the administration begins enforcement. Read here for a complete list of Trump’s presidential actions and executive orders: Presidential Actions – The White House.
