Trump's Executive Orders: Yay or Nay?

February 1, 2025

Azzy Xiang and Sharikkaa Shanker

Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump was known for his sweeping executive actions, using his authority to push forward controversial policies on immigration, gender identity, foreign relations, and more. Now, as he returns to office, he has wasted no time in issuing a new wave of executive orders that reignite debates on constitutional limits, national security, and social reform. From declaring a national emergency at the southern border to attempting to redefine gender and rolling back climate protections, Trump’s latest executive orders reflect his long-standing priorities. While supporters praise these moves as decisive leadership that reclaims American sovereignty and traditional values, critics argue that they undermine civil rights, international alliances, and environmental progress. In this special report, a few of the most significant executive orders Trump has issued in the first days of his presidency will be covered, and analysis of their potential impact included.

The Executive Orders

Border emergencies

In his inaugural speech, Donald Trump immediately began addressing one of his signature issues by declaring a national emergency at the southern border of the United States. He cited growing threats from criminal gangs, human traffickers, and cartels, which he later officially labeled as terrorist organizations under U.S. law. Following this announcement, the Department of Defense confirmed the deployment of 1,500 active-duty service members, along with enhanced air and intelligence assets, to bolster existing border security efforts.

The administration also outlined plans to construct additional physical barriers in an effort to establish complete operational control of the border. However, the decision has reignited fierce debate, with critics warning that involving the military in domestic law enforcement could overstep legal boundaries, particularly under the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts FFZ military involvement in civilian affairs. While supporters of the move argue it is a necessary step to protect national security, opponents fear it sets a troubling precedent that could erode constitutional safeguards. This controversial action has placed Trump’s border policy back in the spotlight, stirring legal and political battles over its implications.

Birthright citizenship

Along with declaring a national emergency, Trump also announced plans to issue an order aimed at ending birthright citizenship in the United States. The practice, which is guaranteed under the 14th Amendment, grants automatic U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Trump framed the move as a way to address what he described as immigration loopholes and to curb abuses of the system, a stance that resonated with many of his supporters.

However, the announcement was met with widespread criticism from legal experts and civil rights advocates, who argued that such an executive order would directly challenge the Constitution and likely face insurmountable legal hurdles. While Trump highlighted this plan during his inaugural address and subsequent speeches, the likelihood of implementing such a measure remains slim due to its constitutional implications and the intense legal battles it would undoubtedly provoke.

Only two genders?

During his inaugural speech, Trump also sparked a nationwide debate when he issued an executive order aiming to define gender strictly as male or female based on biological sex at birth. The order sought to eliminate federal recognition of nonbinary and transgender identities in areas such as healthcare, education, and legal protections as well as removing them from all sports and Title IX protections. Critics condemned the move as discriminatory and a major setback of LGBTQ+ rights, which took many years to gain. Supporters of the order argued that it upheld biological definitions and provided clarity in policy enforcement. The controversial order faced significant backlash and legal challenges, further fueling discussions on gender identity and civil rights in America.

An empty Russia-Ukraine promise

Following this sweeping rollback of LGBTQ+ rights, Trump turned his attention to foreign policy, vowing to end the Russia-Ukraine war "within 24 hours" of taking office. However, his administration has failed to outline a concrete diplomatic strategy, leaving many to question whether this promise holds any real weight. It remains unclear if his plan involves pressuring Ukraine into territorial concessions, cutting U.S. aid, or striking a direct agreement with Putin.

Trump's past remarks about NATO, including his suggestion that Russia should be allowed to do "whatever the hell they want" to non-compliant allies, have only deepened concerns that his approach may weaken Ukraine’s position rather than bring peace.

In a press briefing, White House officials dismissed concerns over specifics, insisting that "strong leadership alone" would resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, European leaders and Ukrainian officials remain skeptical, with President Zelenskyy stating that "peace cannot be declared in a tweet" and urging continued U.S. support. As the war continues, experts warn that any abrupt withdrawal or forced settlement could embolden Russia, further destabilizing the region instead of delivering the promised resolution.

The Gulf of America and Mount McKinley

Though it seems a minor act to some, Trump is issuing an executive order to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America". This is among one of the first executive orders he signed on his first day in office, in addition to changing the tallest mountain in North America from Alaska Native name Denali to Mount McKinley in honor of President McKinley. This is apparently reminiscent of how Trump named numerous streets and highways after himself during his first term, and even justice complexes.

The Department of the Interior announced that the renamings are to "reaffirm the Nation's commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States and ensuring that future generations of Americans celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historic assets": the Gulf of America for its rich fisheries and reserves of gas fueling the nation's growth, and Mount McKinley to honor his victory in the Spanish-American war.

Google has announced it will update its maps to display the Gulf of America once the US government updates these maps. This small skirmish over the name change has reflected how companies like Google, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, and others are going to be adjusting their products to reflect Trump policy. However, those in Mexico will continue to see "Gulf of Mexico," and users elsewhere will see both names. And following this dispute of the gulf's name, Google has also reclassified the US as a "sensitive country," which is a designation for strict governments or border dispute issues, including China, Russia, and Israel. On the other hand, many Mexicans are very dismissive of this executive order, but some legal experts are urging citizens to push back, arguing that Trump has no right to change hundreds of years of legacy with this old name.

Diversity staff on paid leave

Trump's administration ordered all federal employees in diversity, equity and inclusion roles to be placed on paid administrative leave, closing all related officers, programs, websites, and social media accounts on the basis of these programs being labeled as "radical and wasteful". Accordingly, the Department of Veterans Affairs placed nearly 60 employees on leave. While Trump argues this will be returning the government to an agency hiring individuals based on merit and not identity, he makes it unclear how employees will specifically be affected, especially since current union presidents assert that the government already promotes merit complemented with diversity.

As the White House collects lists of federal DEI employees and punishments begin, the Department of the Interior is consistently executing this executive order. Elon Musk's former AI company staffer, Amanda Scales, is the point of contact for these layoffs. Working alongside Amanda Scales is a 21-year-old and newly graduated high-schooler being directly hired to Trump's top Office of Personnel Management due to alleged connections with Elon Musk, raising concerns about the federal workforce's credibility in accordance with removing educated diversity officials that had contributed greatly to ensuring governmental equity.

In defiance, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) changed the job title of its former diversity officer from "chief diversity officer" to "senior executive" to allegedly circumvent this order. However, those examining older versions of the ATF's website caught this change, spurring Republican opposition to the organization. Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives had been strongly entrenched by the Biden Administration and there is sure to be more tension between organizations and the enforcement of DEI official removal as the order continues throughout the country.

Oil drilling and farewell to renewables

"We will drill, baby, drill," Trump said in his inaugural address, and following that, he promised to remove all restraints on oil and gas despite our existing production that is greater than that of any other country. He's also pulling out of climate treaties and ditching renewable energy as his executive order declares a national energy emergency to boost the fossil fuel industries. He claims this will improve national security and lower energy prices. Although oil and gas executives are friendly to his moves, most do not plan to increase fossil fuel production significantly unless there is a major surge in prices. Renewable energy companies are at risk as these businesses have an advantage in the market, though, yet the companies that are benefited are unlikely to fulfill Trump's major goal of substantially picking up fracking and drilling.

At best, fossil fuel production will remain non-unique in today’s society, but at worst, those working to develop better climate change energy sources will be at major harm due to the upper hand fossil fuel businesses have had for decades. Empirics also show that pushing fossil fuels over renewables would harm US energy independence. In addition to the attempted acceleration of fossil fuel extraction, Trump has issued a ban on offshore wind development, and the executive order will also be reversing President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, both responses to the climate emergency under the Green New Deal.

On the bright side, renewable energy giants have not had a majorly heated response despite Trump's suspension of wind project leases and his claims of wind turbines being a disaster. They believe strongly that replacing fossil fuels with electricity is unstoppable. Most of the major wind companies' markets are based in Europe: like with Siemens Energy, whose stocks grew by 8% after the order, contrary to Trump’s intention. Customers both overseas and domestically will ultimately decide whether wind is an effective solution.

Conclusion

Public agencies and communities will be experiencing the consequences and uncertainties of these series of orders released. Alongside those elaborated on in this report, he also issued over a thousand pardons to those responsible for the January 6th protest, including those who already pled guilty to violent assault. He also withdrew from the WHO and repealed directives expanding healthcare access for lower-income and middle-class Americans, affecting the insurance coverage for over 20 million people.

These flurry of executive orders do not require congressional approval and are a fast way to communicate priorities, and it’s becoming increasingly evident that Trump wants to severely reform the American government and society to align with his regressive agendas that have been seen in his previous term. He claims that various agencies within the government are corrupt, and promises his reforms will ensure a stronger nation; hence, his slogan “Make America Great Again” has become viral.

As these orders take effect, they raise urgent questions about their long-term impact on the country. Will they strengthen national security and economic stability, as Trump promises, or will they deepen political divisions and legal battles?

With strong opinions on both sides, the debate over Trump’s executive actions is only just beginning.