During his early weeks in office, Trump issued a series of executive orders and proposed policy moves designed to reshape government. These actions, which ranged from overhauling citizenship policies to restructuring federal organizations, sparked significant debate.
Among the proposals are new birthright laws and eliminating the Department of Education, all intended to impact the daily lives of Americans.
Below are some of Trump’s most controversial orders and proposed changes his administration aims to have approved.
Birthright citizenship
President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born on U.S. soil to undocumented parents or those on temporary visas was set to take effect on February 20, 2025. Under the order, only children with at least one U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent would be automatically granted U.S. citizenship.
However, the order has faced multiple legal setbacks. On Thursday, a federal judge in Boston became the fourth judge to block the order, following previous rulings in New Hampshire, Seattle, and Maryland. In his 31-page decision, U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled that birthright citizenship is constitutionally protected under the 14th Amendment, rejecting Trump’s attempt to reinterpret its meaning.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
This executive order aims to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion, and other identity-related policies from federal agencies.
The Trump administration believes DEI initiatives encourage discrimination, creating a society focused on race and gender instead of individual merit and capabilities.
The controversy stems from the belief that DEI promotes “reverse discrimination,” by providing preferential treatment based on race, gender, or other identity factors. Many believe reversing these policies will undo the progress on equity and inclusion, while others argue it will restore focus on merit and the efficient use of taxpayer resources, addressing what some view as unnecessary bureaucracy.
Additional 25% tariff markups
President Trump’s executive order inflicts additional tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on imports from China. The order is largely focused on combating the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the U.S., and illegal immigration.
The Trump administration views tariffs as economic leverage. By imposing financial penalties on imports, the U.S. intends to pressure foreign countries to intact on border security and drug control.
Conversations arise regarding inflation and the potential rise in prices for goods and services. With higher tariffs, everyday items could become more expensive for American consumers, leading to financial strain and broader economic impacts.
Eliminating the department of education
Widely known, Trump stated that he intends to eliminate the Department of Education.
With a draft for the order in progress, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the Department’s billion-dollar federal spending and the United States’ educational ranking. He believes public schools are indoctrinating students and prefers to redirect federal funds toward private schooling, allowing parents to choose private schools they wish their children to attend.
Concerns grow over student loan programs and Pell grants that help low-income students who attend university, as well as civil rights laws intended to prevent race or sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools.
Trump’s plan emphasizes shifting resources away from public schools and universities into parental choice programs for private education, despite the lack of support from Congress and most of the public.
These policy moves reflect significant changes under Trump’s leadership, sparking debate on citizenship, education, trade, and diversity. For more, full executive orders can be viewed here.
