Newly inaugurated President of the United States, Donald Trump signed a record 26 executive orders on his inauguration day, many of which are expected to face significant challenges due to potential conflicts with the US Constitution.
Executive Orders: Usage and Overturning Mechanisms
All U.S. presidents, with the exception of William Henry Harrison, have issued executive orders. Joe Biden signed 162 during his term, while Trump signed 220, including 14 on his first inauguration day. His second term now sets a new record.
Executive orders do not require congressional approval but can be obstructed or nullified by Congress or challenged in court. The American Bar Association notes that Congress can pass legislation to block orders, as seen with George H.W. Bush’s 1992 order regarding fetal tissue research. Additionally, the Supreme Court has ruled against unconstitutional executive actions, such as Truman’s steel mill seizure during the Korean War. Presidents can also revoke previous executive orders with new ones.
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Key Executive Orders Signed by Trump
1. Renames Mount Denali and Gulf of Mexico:
– This order reverts Mount Denali back to Mount McKinley and renames the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America within 30 days. It faces backlash from politicians in Alaska and Mexico.
2. Establishes the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE):
– This order creates DOGE to streamline federal bureaucracy under Elon Musk. Legal action has already been initiated against it, citing violations of federal transparency laws.
3. Reforms Federal Hiring:
– This order mandates federal agencies to develop a merit-based hiring plan, emphasizing merit over politics. No major complications have been noted.
4. Ends Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives:
– This order dismantles DEI programs initiated by the Biden administration, placing DEI staffers on paid leave and eliminating related websites.
In summary, Trump’s assertive actions on inauguration day signify a bold agenda that anticipates resistance but sets a clear path for his administration.
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