Donald Trump was sworn in for a historic second term as US President on Monday, marking his extraordinary comeback. Within hours of taking office, the President is expected to sign nearly 100 executive orders. The orders will also discuss gender identity policies, immigration, climate and energy policy, among other things.
The main objective of these executive orders is to fulfill his election promises. Trump said in an interview that he was planning to sign a “record-setting” number of executive actions on the first day.
An incoming White House official told reporters that Trump would order the US government to recognize only two biological sexes, as well as end federal diversity programs.
“What we are doing today is defining that it is the policy of the United States to recognize two genders: male and female,” the official said.
“The Department of Finance – this was just a while ago – included diversity training that said all white people, no matter how conscious they are, contribute to racism. So this type of funding, we’re going to eliminate These are (diversity) programs we are going to end,” the official said.
During the campaign, Trump criticized diversity, equality, and inclusion policies in the federal government and the corporate world, saying they discriminate against white people – particularly men.
One of the orders would aim to eliminate birthright citizenship for U.S.-born children whose parents do not have legal immigration status. “The federal government will not recognize automatic birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens born in the United States,” the official said.
Citing the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, the official said, ‘We are also going to increase investigation and screening of illegal aliens.’
Trump will declare a national emergency at the US border with Mexico when he takes office. “We are going to declare a national emergency on the border,” the official said. “The executive order directs the military to prioritize our borders and territorial integrity.”
He will also sign an executive order declaring a national energy emergency aimed at boosting US oil and gas production and reducing costs for American consumers.
“The common theme is really to highlight affordable and reliable American energy,” the official said. “As energy permeates every single part of our economy, it is also critical to restoring our national security and enhancing U.S. energy dominance around the world.”
An executive order is an order issued unilaterally by the President that has the force of law. Unlike legislation, executive orders do not require congressional approval. Although Congress cannot overturn them, they can be challenged in court.
According to Stephen Miller, a close Trump aide, the orders will revolve around these five points – sealing the southern border, eliminating mass deportations, barring transgender people from women’s sports, lifting restrictions on energy exploration and improving government efficiency. His executive orders are expected to pardon his supporters, who were arrested by law enforcement agencies for their role in the attack on the US Capitol four years ago on January 6.
The 78-year-old is also expected to roll back some orders and actions of outgoing President Joe Biden. Chief among them are the Paris climate agreement, lifting restrictions on fossil fuel production and expanding domestic oil drilling.
Trump has created history as the oldest president to take oath in place of Biden. He is also the second president in American history to return to power, after Grover Cleveland in 1893.
