Trump’s Executive Orders: Breaking It Down—Week 1 (Continued)

In our continuing breakdown of President Donald Trump’s executive orders during his first week in office, this issue looks at the most significant policies implemented between Jan. 21 and Jan. 27. From foreign policy to military regulations, these orders established the tone for his administration’s agenda moving forward.

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January 22

Designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

This executive order formally designates Ansar Allah, the Houthis, as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization.” The administration used past attacks on the U.S. military and coalition forces as the reason for this designation. The order requires a report in 30 days and additional action after 15 days.

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January 23  

Removing Obstacles to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence

This order is intended to revoke President Biden’s 2023 executive order for artificial intelligence and abolish what it refers to as government roadblocks to AI innovation. It instantly rescinded some policies and demanded an action plan in 180 days to maintain AI development free from “ideological bias or engineered social agendas.”

Declassification of Records Pertaining to the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This order directs the declassification of all files concerning such assassinations to enhance government transparency. The director of national intelligence and the attorney general were asked to report back in 45 days with a plan to declassify RFK and MLK files and 15 days with a plan to release JFK files. 

Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology

This order calls for a regulatory framework that facilitates U.S. investment in blockchain and digital currencies. It calls for expanding access to the blockchain technology, cryptocurrency mining, and preference for U.S. dollar-denominated cryptocurrencies to Central Bank Digital Currencies. A digital assets working group has been mandated to report within 180 days.

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January 24

Implementing the Hyde Amendment

This directive implements the prohibition on federal spending on abortion care in keeping with the Hyde Amendment. It rescinds instantly two of ex-President Biden’s executive orders of 2022 that were attempting to expand reproductive health care after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Emergency Measures to Secure California’s Water Supplies and Improve Disaster Relief in Certain Areas

This order highlights Southern California’s water shortage and directs federal agencies to prioritize water delivery and hydropower generation, preempting any opposite state or local legislation. The Interior Department must report within 15 days on needed actions and within 30 days on California water policy.

Council to Evaluate the Federal Emergency Management Agency

This order establishes a FEMA Review Council to examine the agency’s response to disasters during previous administrations. The council is required to hold its first public meeting within 90 days and report back within 180 days, assessing FEMA’s performance and recommending how to enhance it.

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January 27

The Iron Dome for America

This order, modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense, demands the development of a missile defense shield to protect the U.S. from airborne attacks. The secretary of defense will receive an implementation plan in 60 days.

Restoring America’s Fighting Force

This order eliminates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. It also bans training or policies declaring “America’s founding documents are racist or sexist.” Departments must provide guidance in 30 days, review internally in 90 days, and report progress in 180 days.

Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness

This directive states that soldiers who have “gender dysphoria” or use pronouns other than the sex they were born with are not suitable for the armed forces. A report must be provided within 30 days of implementing this policy.

Reinstating Service Members Discharged Under The Military’s COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

This order enables the reinstatement of the soldiers who were given the boot over refusal to undergo the COVID-19 vaccination back to their previous rank with complete benefits and retrospective pay. Restoration is to be reported within 60 days. 

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These executive orders mark a significant shift in federal policies, emphasizing national security, deregulation, and conservative social policies. As the administration progresses, how these directives will shape the government remains to be seen. 

As more executive orders are issued, The Insider will continue to provide updates, helping you stay informed about the policies shaping our nation.