President Donald Trump has had an active first couple weeks in office, signing 7 executive orders between Jan. 20, his inauguration, and Feb. 1. An executive order is one that does not require congressional approval. Instead, the president simply signs the document and it becomes law.
On January 24, Trump signed an executive order to move forward with the Dakota Access Keystone XL Oil Pipeline. More famously known as the “Standing Rock” pipeline, it was recently the sight of a massive protest that drew national attention. While the number of protestors has decreased, those who are left have pledged to fight in court. Whether their efforts are successful or not, this Standing Rock protest is historic because it has brought together nearly 280 tribes – the largest tribal action since the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.
Equally as controversial, Trump also ordered Border Security and Immigration Enforcement agencies to begin planning for the construction of a wall on the Mexican-American border. The order will also call for identification of all US funds to Mexico for the past five years. In other words, Trump plans to use Mexico’s debt to the United States as a source of payment for the controversial wall. Following the signing of this order, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and President Trump had a phone call that they both described as “cordial” but unproductive – due to opposing opinions regarding the wall.
Most recently, Trump ordered a 120-day ban on refugees entering the US, as well as blocked citizens from seven Muslim countries for 90-days. Demonstrations and protests immediately followed this executive order in particular, as protestors flooded the streets and airports of New York, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and Washington DC to voice their disapproval.
The Trump Administration continues to push forward with its agenda, most recently appointing Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Gorsuch is known for his pro-life, anti-euthanasia, and extremely pro-religious views.
