New decrees
Abortion, migration, diversity: What Trump decided within one night
Donald Trump wants to reverse the Biden administration’s policies as quickly as possible. Now the Republican has issued another volley of decrees within a few hours.
Donald Trump never made a secret of how little he thought of his predecessor Joe Biden’s government work. As soon as he took office, the new US president issued one decree after another to reverse the decisions of the Biden administration. The Trump administration is particularly targeting the issues of abortion and diversity. Shortly after taking the oath of office, Trump signed a hundred executive orders. Now the next swing followed. An overview:
- US foreign aid suspended: According to a media report, the US State Department is stopping a large part of foreign aid in accordance with an order from President Donald Trump. The measure should be valid for 90 days and probably affects funds for important allies such as Ukraine, Jordan and Taiwan. Accordingly, no further measures may be taken to distribute aid funds to programs that have already been approved by the US government. Exceptions are planned for military aid to Israel and Egypt. Accordingly, only money that is in line with the president’s foreign policy – i.e. in the national interest of the USA – should be paid out.
- Deportations made easier: On Monday, the new Trump administration halted two migration programs. US media are now reporting on a memorandum from acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman that allows authorities to deport migrants who entered the country legally through these programs. This affects people who entered the country on the basis of a “humanitarian parole” and were admitted via the CBP One app. Since 2020, the app has made it possible to arrange appointments at eight border crossings and submit asylum applications in advance. Migrants who arrived from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela through a special program for refugees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela are also affected. They were granted residence in the country for up to two years.
- Access to abortion limited: Trump on Friday revoked two executive orders intended to ensure nationwide access to abortion. His government also blocked financial aid to organizations abroad that provide or support abortion. Biden issued the decrees after the US Supreme Court struck down the nationwide right to abortion in 2022.
- Diversity programs disbanded: Another memorandum directed U.S. federal agencies to close all diversity and inclusion offices and positions within 60 days, to the extent permitted by law. The government had already sent the “DEI” officers at US federal agencies on paid leave on Wednesday before their positions were to be abolished. “DEI” stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. The measures enable people of different origins, different genders or with disabilities to have equal opportunities in the workplace. The Trump administration speaks of “discriminatory and illegal preferences” that could violate US civil rights.
Donald Trump’s favorite instrument: decrees
Decrees are an important instrument of power for US presidents with which they can direct the actions of the government without the consent of Parliament. President Donald Trump can exercise his executive power in a legally binding manner via so-called executive orders.
According to the Federal Register, more than 4,400 executive orders have been signed by presidents since the end of World War II – 220 of which came from Trump’s first term between 2017 and 2021.
The decrees can be revoked by the next president – and they can be legally challenged much more easily than a law. For example, a lawsuit has already been filed against Trump’s decree restricting the right to US citizenship if born in the United States.
DPA · AFP
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Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
