xecutive Orders
Trump’s Executive Orders: Social Policy in Action
There is a layer of social influence inherent to the position of President of the United States. Utilizing both soft and hard power, the President can set social norm standards for the next four years. President Trump, who won both the electoral vote and the popular vote, has heavily used executive actions and orders to shift the U.S. social standards from the Left to the Right. Recently, President Trump has disbanded Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.) programs, halted U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) aid projects and banned transgender athletes from competing in the sport they identify with.
Groups who have advocated for minority, LGBTQ+ and diversity inclusion efforts over the past four years have since expressed great animosity toward these actions. However, there is little hope of reversing these measures before the next four years are up. The Trump administration is implementing these social changes in line with campaign promises, under the blessing of the popular vote. Therefore, masses taking to the streets to protest these orders is very unlikely, making the cause for resistance counterintuitive. The only real way to lessen the effects of these changes is with patience and the institution of a more moderate presidential candidate. The Democratic party, who largely disapproves of President Trump’s recent actions, should then prioritize uniting their party under a candidate that pushes for the wants and needs of the majority.
USAID Halt:
The Trump administration, in its fight against government waste and corruption, has halted programs deemed unnecessary. This includes foreign aid initiatives, such as U.S.A.I.D., for a 90 day adjustment period. Trump has dubbed the institution “fraudulent” and halted all global assistance. Anyone employed in the organization has been placed on administrative leave, directly affecting 10,000 hires.
Some of this aid is imperative for groups in undeveloped nations, and the halt has left stockpiles in warehouses without use. Some of these shipments of aid are time sensitive, an example provided by NBC news involves the American Soybean Association. Tons of products are currently waiting in warehouses, previously destined to treat malnutrition in East Africa. Despite this, the Trump administration holds strong in its stance that domestic U.S. issues are at the forefront of their priorities.
Dismantling D.E.I.:
President Trump, under executive order, proclaimed D.E.I. programs unconstitutional — his reasoning being that, “These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.” Education programs, American companies and other institutions now move to dismantle previously established initiatives, so as not to clash with the new law.
Some express opposition, however, as D.E.I. programs have been proven to boost employee morale and improve companies’ ability to adapt and change. Therefore, these programs will likely adapt to the new regulations, rather than disappear completely.
Ending the Gender Controversy Surrounding Women’s Sports:
In his most recent order, President Trump banned transgender athletes from competing in the sport of their gender identity, opposite the sex they were born. As President Trump signed the order, he claimed that his action was necessary to protect the safety of female athletes nationally. The Trump administration expects that athletic organizations that are privy to allowing transgender competition, such as the NCAA, abide by this order.
Women’s collegiate and professional athletes have spoken out in favor of the executive order. Riley Gaines, a previous D1 swimmer who is most well known for competing against trans-athlete Lia Thomas, stated that this action was a “big win for women” and the feminist movement. Despite this, the actual number of transgender athletes is miniscule, and the topic has been put under the microscope and debated for over a decade. An increase in violence and harassment against the transgender community seems the most plausible consequence.
President Trump is not typically shy to share his values and opinions, so the categorized “radical” orders he has imposed in his first month of presidency should not astonish the American public. While he is driving the Conservative agenda, it was the American people who selected him as their leader, meaning that this social change is not thought of as a deal breaker by most. Therefore, if Liberals within the Democratic party wish to reinstate a portion of their own values, they will need to take a more moderate stance and find representation that can appeal to the U.S. majority.
Acknowledgement: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the respective author.
