Trump’s Executive Orders: A Historic Shift in Policy Direction

Trump’s Executive Orders: A Historic Shift in Policy Direction

President Donald Trump signed an impressive total of 137 executive orders during his first 100 days back in the Oval Office, surpassing the records set by his predecessors, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This remarkable achievement reflects a rapid and focused approach to governance.

On his first day alone, Trump enacted 26 executive orders, accumulating 45 within just ten days. This expedited approach has not been matched since Roosevelt’s presidency, which began in 1933.

Rescinding Biden-Era Policies

Trump’s executive order strategy prominently features the rescission of numerous policies activated by the Biden administration. This includes reducing regulatory barriers in the energy sector, dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and encouraging the expansion of artificial intelligence technologies.

The executive order campaign started on January 20, Trump’s inauguration day, with a clear focus on abolishing Biden-era directives. Notable orders include efforts to curb federal government overreach, promote free speech, and designate international drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

Significant Rescissions

One of Trump’s pivotal orders, titled Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions, aims to eliminate various Biden administration policies, notably:

• Biden’s 2021 order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities
• The 2021 order related to Refugee Resettlement Programs and Climate Change Migration
• The 2022 executive order on Advancing Equality for LGBTQ+ Individuals

Trump’s documentation highlights the belief that the previous administration imposed unpopular and radical practices, arguing that they fostered division and inefficiency within federal agencies. He criticized the emphasis on diversity and equity initiatives, claiming they undermined meritocracy and equality within federal employment.

Educational Reforms and Executive Orders

Education has emerged as a critical focus of the Trump administration, with several executive orders targeting reforms in American schools. In March, Trump signed an order seeking to dismantle the Department of Education and return oversight of school systems to state leaders.

During the signing ceremony, Trump emphasized the need for improved educational standards. He stated, “Everybody knows it’s right, and we have to get our children educated. We’re not doing well with the world of education in this country, and we haven’t for a long time.”

Another significant executive order prohibits federal funding for K-12 institutions that implement critical race theory and diversity curricula. Trump described these programs as harmful indoctrination practices that confuse students about their identities and divide communities.

Expansion of School Choice

In January, Trump advanced school choice by signing an executive order that broadens options for parents and students. This move aims to enhance educational diversity and foster competition among schools.

Department of Government Efficiency Initiatives

To bolster governmental oversight, Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency through an executive order that reshaped the Obama-era United States Digital Service. The new initiative, known as DOGE, is focused on identifying and eliminating wasteful government spending.

With the expertise of its leader Elon Musk and his team, DOGE has reportedly saved approximately $160 billion through streamlining processes, canceling unnecessary contracts, and eliminating redundancy across federal agencies.

Energy Policy Reforms

Energy has also taken center stage during Trump’s executive order period. He has pledged to unleash U.S. energy production, a move he claims will lower prices for consumers while creating jobs in the process.

In a recent order titled Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry, Trump aims to streamline regulations affecting the coal sector. This includes designating coal as a mineral to ease restrictions on its extraction and use, a move he asserts will help reduce energy costs.

Description of Coal’s Value

Trump has been vocal about the merits of coal as a reliable energy source, contending that it represents a vital untapped resource. He stated, “The value of untapped coal in our country is 100 times greater than the value of all the gold at Fort Knox, and we’re going to unleash it and make America rich and powerful again under this order.”

In addition to coal, Trump has implemented measures to expedite the development of Alaska’s natural resource projects, including oil and timber. Through these actions, he claims to foster economic growth while enhancing national security.

Immigration and Border Control Measures

In response to the ongoing immigration crisis, Trump has focused on border security through a series of decisive executive orders. He has directed the federal government to resume construction on the border wall and reinstated the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the Remain in Mexico policy.

In addition, Trump has ordered the deployment of U.S. troops to the border and classified certain international cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. These actions align with his administration’s commitment to curtail illegal immigration and strengthen border security.

Looking Ahead

As Trump celebrates his first 100 days back in office, he intends to rally supporters in Michigan, underscoring his commitment to rapid policy change. His return to the White House has not only prioritized key issues such as energy, education, and immigration but has also set a tone for aggressive governance focused on overturning his predecessor’s legacy.

With a combination of bold actions and unwavering rhetoric, Trump aims to reshape the American political landscape while signaling a return to conservative values and governance.