He also signed an executive order to stop what he referred to as the “weaponization of the government” against the political opponents of the previous administration. The order, as reported to ABC News by multiple sources on Monday, does not explicitly call for any criminal investigations. Instead, it instructs the incoming attorney general and heads of all departments and agencies to review law enforcement activities and actions by the intelligence community during Joe Biden’s presidency. This indicates that Trump intends to “investigate the investigators,” as he had suggested before.
Later, Trump moved to the White House and signed additional executive actions. These included a series of pardons for individuals charged in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump commuted the sentences of 14 people and granted a full pardon to approximately 1,500 others convicted of offenses related to the events of that day. The pardons for those involved in the attack on law enforcement went beyond what many of his supporters had expected.
Among those receiving clemency were individuals convicted or charged in connection with efforts by leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers to disrupt the lawful transfer of power on January 6, 2021. These were serious and high-profile charges related to the Capitol attack.
Furthermore, Trump signed an executive order delaying the ban on TikTok for 75 days. He also issued an order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization and reinstating Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, shortly after the Biden administration had removed Cuba from that list.
In addition to these actions, Trump was planning to declare a “national energy emergency” and issue a “presidential memorandum on inflation” on his first day in office. Other anticipated orders included those regarding immigration, transgender rights, and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal agencies.
Trump’s advisers, including those at the Department of Justice, were gearing up for legal challenges to his controversial measures. They expected a significant number of lawsuits, with a team within the DOJ dedicated to defending Trump’s actions in court.
Notably, Trump rescinded a Biden-era executive order that established a task force to reunite families separated under Trump’s Zero-Tolerance policy, which had led to the deliberate separation of thousands of children from their parents at the southern border. At the White House, Trump declared a national emergency at the border and terminated birthright citizenship.
During a press briefing on Monday morning, incoming White House officials discussed the new administration’s plans regarding border security and immigration, including executive orders and actions to be taken. They emphasized the importance of protecting national security and public safety, particularly against violent and abusive criminals entering the country.
The proposed orders would reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, end “Catch and Release,” and complete the construction of the southern border wall. Additionally, they would designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, restrict asylum claims for migrants caught between ports of entry, and halt refugee resettlement for four months. Enhanced vetting and screening of migrants, along with the suspension of entry from countries of concern, were also mentioned.
Furthermore, the administration planned to establish Homeland Security task forces to target undocumented gang members and criminals, as well as reinstate the death penalty for cases where law enforcement officers are killed by undocumented migrants. While these actions were described as a preview and not all were set to be implemented immediately, they were expected to face legal challenges and require cooperation from international partners like Mexico.
In terms of economic actions, President Trump intended to sign executive orders aimed at reversing the electric vehicle mandate put in place by the previous administration and focusing on maximizing Alaska’s natural resources. These initiatives were framed as efforts to boost the economy, reduce costs, and enhance national security, particularly in light of the competitive landscape with China in the field of artificial intelligence.
Moreover, a key order was anticipated to prioritize American energy production by streamlining regulations and promoting job creation. The national energy emergency declaration was seen as a way to unleash the nation’s energy potential, create prosperity, and strengthen national security. Details on a presidential memorandum addressing inflation were not disclosed, but it was described as part of a comprehensive approach to lowering costs for all Americans.
The Trump administration is making significant waves with a series of executive actions aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government. Incoming officials have revealed plans to overhaul policies related to DEI, emphasizing a shift towards what they term as “equal treatment” across federal agencies.
Key components of the proposed orders include the termination of DEI programs within various agencies, with a focus on eliminating positions that have been redesigned under the DEI umbrella. This broad sweep extends to encompass environmental justice programs, equity-related grants, action plans, and initiatives aimed at fostering equity in various spheres.
Moreover, the administration plans to establish a regular meeting between the Department of Justice and Deputy Secretaries from Trump administration agencies to review and potentially dismantle additional DEI programs. Notable targets for termination include the Federal Aviation Administration’s recruitment practices for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities and the USDA’s substantial financial allocation towards environmental justice efforts.
While the forthcoming directives do not directly impact private companies’ utilization of DEI strategies, the incoming officials have alluded to potential future actions in this realm. When questioned about such intentions, the response was cryptic yet suggestive, hinting at more developments in the near future.
In a separate but equally contentious move, the administration is set to roll out executive actions concerning transgender rights. Described as efforts to “restore sanity,” these actions include directives that reinforce the recognition of an individual’s gender as assigned at birth, therefore disallowing federal funding for programs acknowledging transgender identities.
One tangible change on the horizon involves alterations to passport regulations, reverting a Biden-era provision that allowed for gender-neutral markers on passport applications. Additionally, Trump aims to reverse guidelines that imposed restrictions on federal funding for educational institutions unless they adhered to specific measures safeguarding transgender students from discrimination.
Entities receiving federal funding, such as prisons and shelters, are also expected to implement “single sex” designations, assigning individuals to spaces based on their birth-assigned gender. These policy shifts carry far-reaching implications for transgender individuals and their rights within various institutions.
For the time being, details surrounding the precise wording of Trump’s impending executive orders remain undisclosed, with officials indicating that the specifics will be made public following the president’s official signature. The forthcoming changes are poised to instigate significant transformations within federal governance and societal dynamics, prompting varied reactions and concerns from stakeholders.
As the nation braces for these executive actions to take effect, the Trump administration’s approach to DEI policies and transgender rights sets a stark tone for its governance priorities. With implications spanning governmental operations, societal norms, and individual freedoms, these directives are poised to shape the landscape of public discourse and policymaking in the coming days.
ABC News’ reportage on these unfolding developments underscores the significance of these executive actions, shedding light on the potential ramifications and reactions elicited by the administration’s policy shifts. Stay tuned for further updates as the Trump administration embarks on a series of executive actions spanning immigration, economic policies, and other crucial programs.
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