Donald Trump, on his first official day, promised to act quickly and radically through executive orders. These would aim at changing US immigration policy, curbing the rights of transgender people, and launching a new oil drilling wave.
The executive orders, which were previewed by the incoming White House officials, are a radical departure from those of previous administrations. They will also pose significant social and legal challenges.
Trump’s executive order focuses on energy independence, national security and public safety.
Revision of US Immigration Policy
One of Trump’s Day One Executive Orders that stands out is the aggressive approach he takes to immigration.
Trump pledged to issue a number of executive orders to revamp US immigration policies, in order to stop what he calls an “invasion of immigrants” entering the US.
A senior official in the administration said that these measures are taken to counteract “unconscionable risks” to national and public security posed by illegal immigrants.
One of the most important measures was the declaration by the US and Mexico border authorities that a state of national emergency exists.
The exact number of soldiers is still to be determined, but this emergency order will authorize the deployment to the border.
Trump’s administration is planning to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy which requires migrants to remain in Mexico while they await US asylum hearings.
Trump also wants to give birthright citizenship to all children of undocumented immigrant parents born in the US.
Trump’s tough stance on immigration is further highlighted by the decision to freeze refugee resettlement and asylum claims for at least 4 months.
The executive order will also designate cartels of criminals as terrorist foreign organizations and could increase US military involvement to combat them.
LGBT+ and transgender rights are being rolled back
Trump also makes a decision to reverse the protections for transgender people that Biden’s administration instituted.
The US Government will recognize only two genders, male and female. This is one of the most controversial orders.
This order declares that the distinctions between genders and nonbinary and intersex people are biologically based and immutable, ignoring their lived experience.
The new administration intends also to review policies regarding gender identity. This includes a requirement that government documents, such as passports or visas, reflect a binary view of sex.
The order may have far-reaching consequences, especially for the federal recognition of gender identity.
Trump’s Administration will also work to remove what it views as “radical feminist ideology” in federal programs.
The second executive order targets diversity, equity and inclusion programs (DEI), which Trump sees as being discriminatory.
This order will stop funding such programs, and rollback initiatives which have attempted to combat systemic inequality.
This administration claims that the programs are illegal and have led to discrimination. It wants to bring back a merit based system in this country.
Oil drilling and energy independence
Trump’s Day One Executive Orders are set to also reshape America’s energy landscape.
The president has taken swift actions to increase domestic oil production in line with the promise he made during his election campaign, “Drill baby, Drill.”
The declaration of an energy crisis at the national level, especially in Alaska, will allow for new drilling projects.
Trump’s Administration argues this is important to address rising energy prices, and maintain the country’s competitiveness in global markets. This includes the race for artificial intelligence technology.
Trump’s executive order leaving the Paris Climate Accord solidifies his commitment to maximizing US production of energy without global climate agreement constraints.
Only a handful of nations such as Iran, Libya and others will withdraw from this historic 2015 agreement.
Trump’s energy policy is likely to be criticized by environmentalists and other international leaders. However, the Trump administration feels that this will increase US energy independence as well as economic prosperity.
A legal and social backlash is imminent
Trump’s executive order reflect Trump’s bold vision of America’s future. However, these orders are likely to be challenged in court.
These actions are being challenged in court by civil rights groups, LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and environmentalists.
Trump’s efforts to redefine citizenship and limit transgenders rights will certainly lead to extensive legal disputes that may define his presidency for years to come.
Trump’s Day One Executive Orders signal a dramatic shift in US policy regarding immigration, LGBT+ and energy.
This will shape the debate in the country on critical issues and create a polarized, contentious political environment.
The post Trump’s first day in the Oval Office – executive orders on LGBT+ rights and oil drilling, may change as new developments unfold.
