So, what is an executive order anyway?

The ACLU provides a great definition that I pulled from their website.

An executive order is a written directive, signed by the president, that orders the government to take specific actions to ensure “the laws be faithfully executed.” It might mean telling the Department of Education to implement a certain rule, or declaring a new policy priority. Executive orders, however, cannot override federal laws and statutes.

ACLU

Executive orders, regardless of how extreme they may seem, have a significant impact on the federal government, state governments, and everyday citizens.

Impact on the Federal Government:

Impact on Local Governments:

Impact on Citizens:

1. Direct Benefits or Restrictions: Executive orders can create new benefits (e.g., healthcare, education) or impose restrictions (e.g., immigration policies).
2. Economic Effects: They can influence job markets, industries, and economic opportunities.
3. Legal and Social Changes: They may lead to shifts in civil rights, environmental protections, or other areas affecting daily life.

What is happening now?

Since his inauguration on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump has issued numerous executive orders. Many of these have faced legal challenges, resulting in temporary restraining orders or ongoing litigation. Identifying executive orders without any active legal opposition is challenging due to the dynamic nature of legal proceedings.

However, some orders have not been reported as facing legal challenges as of now: I thought it might be helpful to share the purpose of the executive order, the impact on the federal and local governments, and the impact on everyday citizens.

Executive Order on Declaring a National Energy Emergency (January 29, 2025):

• Purpose: This order declares a national energy emergency to address energy shortages and aims to increase domestic energy production.
• Impact on Federal Government: Directs federal agencies to prioritize domestic energy projects and streamline regulatory processes.
• Impact on Local Governments: Encourages collaboration with federal agencies to expedite local energy initiatives.
• Impact on Citizens: Potential for increased energy availability and possibly lower energy costs.

Executive Order on Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (January 20, 2025):

• Purpose: Classifies specific drug cartels and related organizations as foreign terrorist organizations to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
• Impact on Federal Government: Provides federal agencies with additional tools to combat designated organizations.
• Impact on Local Governments: Facilitates cooperation with federal authorities in addressing cartel-related activities.
• Impact on Citizens: Aims to improve public safety by targeting organizations involved in drug trafficking and related crimes.

Executive Order on Establishing and Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency (January 20, 2025):

• Purpose: Establishes a new department focused on improving government efficiency and reducing waste.
• Impact on Federal Government: Initiates reviews of federal programs to identify inefficiencies and implement cost-saving measures.
• Impact on Local Governments: May lead to changes in federal funding allocations affecting local programs.
• Impact on Citizens: Potential for improved government services and reduced taxpayer burden.

If I were to just leave everything as it is, it would seem as if these EO’s aren’t all that bad. However, there are some impacts that you shouldn’t ignore. Below I will describe the pitfalls of the two EO’s outlined above.

1. Executive Order on Declaring a National Energy Emergency

Federal vs. State Tensions: States with strong environmental policies might resist federal mandates, leading to conflicts over jurisdiction.

Environmental Impact: Fast-tracking energy projects might weaken environmental regulations, leading to increased pollution and long-term ecological damage.

Regulatory Rollbacks: If this EO overrides existing environmental safeguards, it could face future legal challenges or public opposition.

Market Volatility: While increased domestic production could lower prices, it might also create instability in global energy markets.

2. Executive Order on Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

• Diplomatic Fallout: Labeling foreign groups as terrorist organizations could strain relations with Mexico and other countries where these groups operate.
• Civil Liberties Concerns: Expanding counterterrorism tools domestically might lead to increased surveillance or law enforcement overreach.
• Impact on Immigration and Border Policy: Might lead to stricter border enforcement, affecting asylum seekers and legal immigrants.
• Potential Retaliation: Criminal organizations might escalate violence in response to the designation, leading to security risks in both the U.S. and affected regions.

Here are some final considerations for you to take into account. While both executive orders aim to address pressing issues (energy independence and organized crime), their long-term success depends on execution, oversight, and potential unintended consequences.Legal challenges or public opposition could modify or delay implementation.

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