President Donald J. Trump was sworn into office Jan 20. From the first day of his presidency Trump began issuing a flurry of executive orders (EOs), seeking to change a number of policies on immigration, diversity, and environmental action. In the process of the signings the president said he would be revoking over 80 “disruptive, radical” executive actions of the previous administration.
The country is split on these orders and many people have admitted regret for voting for Trump in 2024 because they never realised how quickly change could come. On the other hand a large number of people remain behind Trump, excited about his policies about illegal immigration in particular.
The most notable from the immigration focused EOs was his movement to end birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the 14th amendment, for children of undocumented immigrants. Presidents aren’t able to change the constitution alone so it is unclear how Mr. Trump plans to enforce this EO. He has also moved to suspend the refugee admission program.
He is also moving to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In the United States, diversity, equity, and inclusion are organizational frameworks that seek to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination based on identity or disability. President Trump has also tried to make it so only two genders can be recognized, and is removing protections for transgender individuals in federal prisons.
Trump’s cabinet has also come under scrutiny, specifically the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE has been created as a way to reevaluate federal spending and to ensure that the government’s money is used in the most efficient ways. However, this department is being run by Elon Musk, a multi-billionaire with little to no government experience. The people’s main concern with this is that Musk’s companies receive government funding and contracts, something of which he would now control. Many take the other side of this argument saying that Musk is a talented businessman and will do what is right for the nation.
