With every issue, The Insider will be bringing you a breakdown of key executive orders to keep you informed and aware of what’s happening in the government. There’s a lot to keep up with, and these summaries simplify these policies so you can stay educated.  

This issue focuses on executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on his first full day in office. The orders cover various topics from social policy to national security. 

But first—what exactly are executive orders?  

What Are Executive Orders?  

According to The American Bar Association (ABA), an  executive order is a written directive from the U.S. president instructing federal agencies on specific actions. They are a tool presidents use to manage the federal government.  

How Do Executive Orders Work, According to the ABA?  

• The president signs the order, which is then published in the Federal Register.  
• The president can revoke or amend an executive order at any time.  
• Executive orders are subject to judicial review and can be challenged in court.  

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Executive orders cannot override federal laws or the Constitution. They also cannot create new laws—only Congress has that authority.  

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What Can Executive Orders Do?  

• According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), executive orders direct federal agencies on how to implement existing laws, declare new policy priorities, reinstate or amend past policies.  

What Can’t They Do?  

• Also according to the ACLU, executive orders cannot override federal laws or the Constitution. They also cannot create new laws—only Congress has that authority.  

Historical Use of Executive Orders  

Historically, according to the ABA, executive orders were mainly used for administrative and agency-related matters. However, presidents have relied on them more in recent years to move forward with significant policy changes. 

Some key examples include:  

• Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 bank holiday during the Great Depression.  
• Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1957 order to enforce desegregation in Little Rock.  

Recent Executive Orders  

In 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed 60 executive orders, ranging from EO 14147 to EO 14206 (Federal Register, 2025). These orders cover various topics, including social issues, immigration, healthcare, and national security.  

With this in mind, let’s examine Trump’s executive orders from his first day in office and what they mean for policy in the future.  

List of Executive Orders Enacted on January 20

All information drawn from The White House website

Social Issues

“Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship”  

Aimed at preventing government interference in free speech, this order responds to censorship concerns, particularly related to social media, and outlines measures to safeguard constitutional rights.    

“Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government”  

This order mandates the federal government to recognize “sex” strictly as a biological concept, revising policies, regulations, and official documents to reflect this definition and excluding gender ideology.  

“Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing”  

This order eliminates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs within the federal government, including associated positions, grants, and performance requirements, to streamline and reduce government spending on these initiatives.   

Healthcare

“Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization”  

This order pulls the U.S. from the World Health Organization, focusing on improving national health and distancing the U.S. from perceived global health mismanagement.

Energy/Environment

“Unleashing American Energy” 

This executive order seeks to establish American energy dominance by revising the federal energy policy. It supports traditional energy exploration, reassesses regulations, fast-tracks permitting processes, promotes domestic mining, and halts funding under the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements”  

This order officially withdraws the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and related initiatives under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), focusing on economic efficiency and American prosperity in energy policy. 

“Declaring a National Energy Emergency” 

This order declares a national energy emergency and expedites energy projects, transportation, and refining processes, aiming to safeguard U.S. energy infrastructure and resources. 

“Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing”  

This order temporarily halts offshore wind energy leasing and reviews federal wind project practices to address environmental, economic, and industry concerns. 

“Putting People Over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern California”  

This order directs the resumption of water diversion efforts to Southern California, prioritizing water availability and infrastructure to support the region’s needs. 

Immigration

“Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States”  

This order declares a national emergency at the U.S.Mexico border, directing military and defense resources to support the Department of Homeland Security in securing the border from criminal threats. 

“Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program”  

The order suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, ensuring refugee entry aligns with U.S. security interests and assimilation capabilities. 

“Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship”  

This executive order revises policies regarding birthright citizenship, limiting automatic citizenship for children born to noncitizen parents under specific conditions. 

“Securing Our Borders”  

A comprehensive agenda to secure U.S. borders, implement physical barriers, deter illegal immigration, and remove individuals violating federal immigration laws. 

“Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion”  

This order suspends entry of individuals who fail to provide necessary documentation and medical information, further securing U.S. borders.   

Law Enforcement

“Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety”  

This order mandates the pursuit of the death penalty for capital crimes, particularly those involving law enforcement officers or crimes committed by illegal aliens. It aims to eliminate barriers to capital punishment.

Government Administration

“Regulatory Freeze Pending Review”  

This order freezes all pending and existing regulations, mandates a thorough review process, and allows public comments on policies under scrutiny.   

“Hiring Freeze”  

A freeze on hiring federal civilian employees, with exceptions for military personnel and critical public safety roles, affects new positions or vacancies within the executive branch.

“Establishing and Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency”  

This executive order establishes the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), focused on modernizing federal technology and improving interagency coordination to enhance efficiency across government functions.

Foreign Policy

“Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists”  

This order designates specific cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations to combat violence, drug trafficking, and criminal activities impacting U.S. borders and national security.

Defense

“Clarifying the Military’s Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States”  

This order clarifies the military’s role in defending U.S. borders from foreign threats and criminal activities, outlining defense actions to protect national sovereignty.

“Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats”  

This executive order, aimed at enhancing national security, enforces stricter immigration vetting and visa issuance processes to prevent potential terrorism and threats from entering the U.S.

“Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists”  

This order initiates designating international cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, addressing threats from violence, drug trafficking, and organized crime at the southern border.