A Look Into Trump’s First Weeks Back in The Oval Office
Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona in 2016. Photo by Gage Skidmore via Flickr
Donald Trump has taken office once again as America’s 47th president. Trump’s immediate agenda was to transform the federal government with a stronger conservative approach.
In the early hours of entering the White House, President Trump did not hesitate to sign multiple executive orders publicly. Some of these orders are already facing court challenges.
AI innovation, abortion, taxes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and immigration are just a handful of topics affected by his executive orders. President Trump has signed more executive orders in a week than the last 15 presidents, or compared to his past presidency when he only signed four.
The statement “build a wall” has been a part of President Trump's campaign since 2016, openly trying to reduce illegal immigration into the United States. Immigration has always been a big part of his campaign, therefore, it is no surprise that it is one of the first orders he signed.
President Trump narrowed his focus to immigration, with promises of mass deportation, restrictions on asylum access and impenetrable borders. Not only is he targeting undocumented immigrants, but also those protected under programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure.
“It’s so scary and causes so much fear. I hope that information about [immigrants’] rights against ICE are accessible to everyone,” said Yetlanezi Cruz ‘26.
When asked about how she feels about President Trump’s current ICE raids, Dorian Lazzara ‘26 stated, “It will eventually trickle down to us, it's scary that he is our leader.”
President Trump has been open about his goals concerning imposing tariffs on imports coming from China, Canada and Mexico. All three countries have responded to President Trump. "This is a choice that, yes, will harm Canadians, but beyond that it will have real consequences for you, the American people," said Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada. "If President Trump wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada — not to punish us."
Along with his foreign policy focus, he also issued several executive orders to put an end to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programs.
Federal and contractor employees use these programs to not only protect themselves but to also avoid discrimination. With every applicant, it ensures that each one has an equal opportunity to be considered for the job at hand.
Not only did he end numerous DEI programs, but also many that protect and extend civil rights. The order titled “Ending Racial and Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing” required all DEI federal staff to be placed on paid leave and eventually laid off. Instead, he proposed a “Merit, Excellence and Intelligence” approach to workplace hires, believing that hiring should be solely based on qualifications and ability.
President Trump has only been in office for a few weeks and is already paving the way for sweeping change through his term. His moves reflect his commitment to his conservative agenda, sparking controversy and confusion.