A Return to Controversy: Trump’s Executive Orders in 2025

ohexascreatives
Jan 24
4 min read

President Donald Trump has returned to the Oval Office with a flurry of executive orders that have stirred significant debate across the nation. With over 25 directives signed in his first weeks back in office, Trump’s agenda is a stark reversal of policies from the previous administration. While his supporters hail these changes as decisive and bold, many Democrats see them as alarming setbacks to progress made in equity, climate action, and global cooperation.

Here’s a closer look at Trump’s executive orders and what they mean for the country, especially for those committed to progressive values:

Rescinding Progress in Equity and Inclusion

Executive Order 14145: Trump began by undoing numerous diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives established by prior administrations. Programs designed to address systemic inequities in hiring, education, and workplace culture have been dismantled. For many, this is not just a rollback of policies but a dismissal of the lived realities of marginalized communities.

Executive Order 14167: Eliminating federal funding for DEI programs further weakens efforts to create inclusive work environments within federal agencies. Critics warn this move undermines strides made in addressing racial and gender inequities.

Attacks on LGBTQ+ Rights

Executive Order 14166: Perhaps one of the most controversial orders, this directive legally recognizes only two genders, erasing protections for transgender and nonbinary individuals. LGBTQ+ advocates argue this decision not only strips away basic rights but also endangers individuals already facing disproportionate rates of violence and discrimination.

Environmental Regressions

Executive Order 14148: By withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, Trump has signaled a retreat from global efforts to combat climate change. Environmentalists warn that this decision could have devastating long-term effects, particularly for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by extreme weather and pollution.

Executive Order 14162: Opening protected Alaskan lands to drilling threatens fragile ecosystems and Indigenous communities that rely on these areas. While touted as an economic boon, the environmental costs are profound.

Immigration and Border Security

Executive Order 14157: Declaring a border emergency, Trump ramped up wall construction and deployed military forces to the southern border. The rhetoric framing immigration as an "invasion" fuels xenophobia and criminalizes migrant families seeking safety.

Executive Order 14156: Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship—a right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment—has been blocked by the courts. However, this effort signals a broader push to erode rights for immigrant communities.

Rolling Back Global Leadership

Executive Order 14150: The decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization isolates the U.S. from global health collaboration. Critics argue this undermines pandemic preparedness and abdicates leadership in addressing international health crises.

Executive Order 14164: By prioritizing "America First" in diplomacy, Trump’s foreign policy risks alienating allies and weakening international cooperation on issues like climate change, security, and trade.

Criminal Justice Concerns

Executive Order 14158: Reinstating the federal death penalty highlights disparities in the justice system. Data shows capital punishment disproportionately impacts Black and low-income defendants, raising questions about fairness and equity.

Executive Order 14169: Labeling drug cartels as terrorist organizations may escalate militarized interventions in Mexico, straining diplomatic relations and risking collateral damage in affected communities.

Energy Over Environment

Executive Order 14159: Declaring a national energy emergency prioritizes fossil fuel production over renewable energy initiatives. This short-term focus on domestic oil and gas development jeopardizes climate goals and risks worsening environmental degradation.

Undermining Refugees and Migrants

Executive Order 14155: Trump’s adjustments to the refugee admissions program reduce the number of refugees accepted into the U.S., turning away families fleeing war and persecution. For a nation built on the promise of refuge, this move has been called morally indefensible.

Executive Order 14161: Framing immigration as a threat, this directive increases enforcement measures that critics say prioritize fear over constructive solutions.

What’s at Stake?

These executive orders represent a significant shift in federal priorities, moving away from equity, environmental stewardship, and international cooperation. For Democrats and progressives, the challenge lies in resisting these policies and pushing for solutions that uphold justice, sustainability, and compassion.

Trump’s agenda is a stark reminder of how quickly progress can be reversed. Now more than ever, it is essential to stay informed, engaged, and committed to advocating for policies that reflect the values of inclusivity, fairness, and global responsibility.

What Can We Do?

Stay Informed: Follow updates on executive orders and legal challenges. Knowledge is power.
Advocate: Contact your representatives to express opposition to harmful policies.
Support Vulnerable Communities: Donate to organizations working on LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant advocacy, and environmental justice.
Engage Locally: Attend town halls, rallies, and community events to ensure your voice is heard.
Show Up: Participation matters. Be present at protests, public meetings, and other forums where your voice can make an impact.
Stop Fighting Each Other: Unity is strength. We need to put aside our differences and work together to create meaningful change.
Get on the Same Page: Align on shared goals and strategies. A unified front will amplify our efforts and ensure we are as impactful as possible.