Since his return to the White House on January 20, Donald Trump has wasted no time, signing an impressive 79 executive orders in a mere matter of weeks.
His focus has ranged from foreign policy to issues surrounding civil rights and transgender rights.
This ambitious surge of action has sent shockwaves through American politics, making waves on almost every front.
Trump’s Quick Pen Strokes and Legal Challenges
With his Republican Party only holding narrow majorities in Congress, Trump has quickly moved to implement his agenda.
His method? Using his pen to make changes to trade, civil rights, and the federal bureaucracy.
According to the Federal Register, no U.S. president has signed so many executive orders in such a short time since 1937.
But the boldness of Trump’s moves hasn’t come without resistance.
By February 27, 16 of these orders had already been challenged in court, marking the start of a potential legal battle over the direction of his presidency.
Economy and Trade: The Focus on National Interests
One of Trump’s central priorities has been the economy, with 27 orders issued that deal directly with this issue.
The economy is a battleground where Trump is targeting everything from customs duties to fossil fuel support.
Twelve of these orders specifically address trade and tariffs, including threats of imposing duties on Canada, Mexico, and even China.
Additionally, Trump’s push to maintain U.S. oil production has led him to declare a “national energy emergency” to ensure his “drill, baby, drill” agenda remains intact.
Trump has also made his disdain for green energy clear, signing orders that limit electric car expansion, hinder wind energy projects, and replace eco-friendly initiatives, like paper straws, with plastic alternatives.
Diversity and Gender: Controversial Actions Against Equality
Diversity and gender equality are key areas Trump has focused on, with 14 executive orders impacting these issues.
His stance against transgender people is a major part of his strategy, with measures such as recognizing only male and female genders, excluding transgender individuals from the military, and limiting gender transition options for minors.
These controversial actions have drawn legal challenges, with critics arguing they represent a step backward in the fight for civil rights.
Trump has also taken a stand against positive discrimination in government and military hiring, pushing for the end of race and gender-based preferential treatment.
Immigration: Shaping America’s Borders
Immigration has been another significant area of focus, with 15 orders dealing with everything from halting refugee admissions to challenging constitutional protections.
One of his first moves was to freeze funding for refugee programs, which a U.S. court later blocked.
He also signed an order seeking to reinterpret the 14th Amendment, which could have long-term legal implications, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.
In another move, Trump declared English as the official language of the United States, further shaping his stance on immigration and national identity.
DOGE: Efficiency and Cost-Cutting Measures
Trump has also focused on government efficiency, a goal furthered by six executive orders granting authority to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
These measures are aimed at streamlining federal operations, with one key order pushing for the dismantling of what Trump calls the “overbearing and burdensome administrative state.”
Under this initiative, Elon Musk, a key advisor to Trump, plays a pivotal role, especially with Musk’s close connections to companies with government contracts worth billions.
Health: Moving Backward on Health Protections
Health is another area Trump has tackled aggressively, with 13 orders addressing various facets of U.S. health policy.
One of his early actions was to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), further distancing the country from global health initiatives.
He also reversed many of the policies put in place by his predecessor, Joe Biden, particularly those protecting access to abortion pills and safeguarding abortion data privacy.
In addition, Trump reinstated service members discharged for refusing the Covid-19 vaccine and banned federal subsidies for schools that mandated vaccinations for students.
Technology: Navigating the Digital Future
Technology has also been a priority for Trump, with 10 executive orders touching on subjects like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.
His advisory role from Elon Musk, whose companies are deeply intertwined with government contracts, has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Nevertheless, Trump has pushed forward with his vision for the digital future, signing significant decrees in the tech space.
The Big Question: Is Trump’s Strategy Effective?
With all these bold moves, one question remains: On a scale of 1 to 10, do you think Donald Trump knows what he’s doing? His actions are shaking up American politics, but whether they’ll lead to long-term success or backlash is still uncertain.
Only time will tell how his controversial executive orders will play out in court and in the hearts and minds of Americans.