President Donald Trump’s first day in office was marked by a sweeping series of executive actions aimed at fulfilling key campaign promises. Among the most notable was an executive order designating certain international cartels and transnational criminal organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). Coupled with a proclamation declaring a “national emergency” at the southern border, these measures signaled a robust stance on border security and combating organized crime. While these initiatives garnered significant attention, they have also sparked intense debate over their implications and effectiveness.
The executive order targeting cartels and criminal organizations seeks to label groups like La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Tren de Aragua (TdA) as terrorist threats, leveraging legal frameworks under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This designation allows for sanctions, financial disruption, and enhanced law enforcement efforts against these organizations. Similarly, the proclamation at the southern border focuses on restricting illegal immigration and addressing transnational criminal activities through stringent enforcement measures.
The recent orders aimed at combating cartel activities bring several potential benefits. By designating cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) groups, law enforcement gains enhanced tools to disrupt financial networks and expand international cooperation. The focus on bolstering border security through rigorous screening and vetting measures further strengthens national defense against individuals linked to criminal organizations. Symbolically, labeling cartels as terrorist entities sends a firm message on the severity of their actions, potentially deterring other groups from engaging in similar activities. Ultimately, the orders aim to protect communities by prioritizing the disruption of violent and illegal operations tied to these organizations.
However, critics raise concerns about the potential drawbacks of these measures. The broad language of the orders could lead to legal challenges, especially around due process and the criteria for designating terrorist threats. The border proclamation’s restrictive measures might also disproportionately affect immigrant communities, exacerbating fear and distrust. Furthermore, diplomatic relations could be strained as U.S. actions may be viewed as unilateral, complicating cooperation with Central and South American governments. The significant resources required to enforce these orders may also divert attention and funding from other pressing issues, and concerns over the erosion of civil liberties, particularly regarding executive authority, have sparked debates about potential abuses of power.
Additional Executive Orders and Their Implications
Trump’s first day in office also saw the issuance of 46 presidential actions, including 26 executive orders, 12 memoranda, and four proclamations. These directives spanned a wide range of topics, from federal employment practices to environmental regulations. Key actions included:
- Pardons and Commutations for January 6 Convictions
President Trump issued a full pardon to individuals convicted of crimes linked to the January 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol. He commuted the sentences of 14 individuals and directed the dismissal of all pending indictments. - Withdrawal from the World Health Organization
The United States formally announced its withdrawal from the WHO, redirecting resources to bolster domestic biosecurity and public health infrastructure. - Restoring the Death Penalty
The Attorney General was directed to pursue the death penalty for severe federal crimes, particularly those involving law enforcement fatalities. This executive order also focused on ensuring the availability of necessary resources to carry out legal sentences.
Renewing Federal Governance
- Federal Hiring Freeze
A hiring freeze was introduced across most federal agencies, with exceptions made for roles in defense, immigration enforcement, and public safety. The freeze aims to streamline government operations and reduce bureaucracy. - Schedule F Reinstatement
Reinstating Schedule F positions provided greater flexibility in staffing and emphasized accountability for policy-influencing federal roles. - Regulatory Freeze Pending Review
All pending regulations were paused to ensure alignment with the administration’s priorities, promoting a streamlined and efficient regulatory framework. - Investigating Federal Misconduct
A directive was issued to review prior instances of alleged politically motivated law enforcement and regulatory overreach, to address potential concerns about misuse of power. - Ending Remote Work Policies
Federal employees were instructed to return to full-time, in-office work, fostering collaboration and accountability within government agencies. - Establishing a Department of Government Efficiency
A new department, led by Elon Musk, was created to optimize government operations, reduce waste, and enhance productivity. - Resolving Security Clearance Backlogs
A memorandum addressed delays in granting top security clearances, granting interim clearances to certain personnel to ensure continuity in government operations.
Building a Unified Immigration Policy
- National Emergency at the Southern Border
Trump declared a national emergency, authorizing military deployment and additional resources to secure the border, build barriers, and enhance surveillance. - Asylum Restrictions
New asylum claims were restricted to prioritize urgent cases and strengthen border security. - Revisiting Birthright Citizenship
A directive redefined eligibility for birthright citizenship, challenging current interpretations of the 14th Amendment and sparking legal debates. - Refugee Program Suspension
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program was suspended indefinitely, pending a review to align with national interests. - Securing Borders and Targeting Cartels
Efforts to dismantle cartels and human trafficking networks were intensified, including designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. - Restricting Federal Funds for Sanctuary Cities
An executive order cut federal funding to jurisdictions that do not comply with federal immigration enforcement policies. - Immigration Enforcement Expansion
Trump reinstated criteria prioritizing deportation for all undocumented immigrants, not just those deemed national security or public safety threats.
Revitalizing the Economy and Trade
- Emergency Price Relief
Departments were tasked with implementing measures to lower costs for housing, healthcare, and fuel while increasing job opportunities. - America First Trade Policy
A memorandum focused on renegotiating trade agreements and addressing unfair practices to benefit American workers and industries. - Industrial Base Assessment
A comprehensive review of U.S. manufacturing capabilities was ordered to bolster economic resilience and national security. - Reevaluating Foreign Aid
All foreign aid programs were paused for review to ensure alignment with U.S. interests, with exceptions granted for critical cases. - Withdrawing from OECD Global Tax Deal
The U.S. exited the global tax agreement to prioritize domestic economic policies and competitive corporate taxation.
Energizing Environmental and Energy Policies
- Paris Agreement Withdrawal
The United States formally withdrew from the Paris climate accord, marking a shift toward prioritizing energy independence and economic growth while reevaluating global climate commitments. - Declaring a National Energy Emergency
This declaration aimed to boost domestic energy production, reduce energy costs, and remove barriers to infrastructure development. - Unleashing Alaskan Resources
Restrictions on drilling and resource extraction in Alaska were lifted to maximize the state’s energy potential. - Halting Offshore Wind Projects
Development of new offshore wind farms was paused to evaluate their environmental and economic impacts. - Rolling Back Environmental Regulations
Twelve Biden-era clean energy initiatives were revoked, favoring a balanced approach to energy development. - Easing Vehicle Pollution Standards
Vehicle emissions regulations were adjusted to encourage innovation and provide greater consumer choice. - Redirecting California Water Resources
Environmental protections in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta were overruled, reallocating water resources to Southern California.
Strengthening National Security
- TikTok Ban Delay
Trump temporarily delayed the TikTok ban for 75 days to allow federal agencies to assess security risks and recommend solutions. - Protecting Borders
Homeland Security Task Forces were established in every state to combat cross-border crime and human trafficking. - Designating Foreign Terrorist Organizations
Cartels, including MS-13, were designated as foreign terrorist organizations to enhance enforcement efforts and legal authority. - Clarifying Military Roles at the Border
The military’s role in securing the border was clarified, allowing for deployment planning and operational control.
Advancing Social Harmony
- Ending DEI Programs
Federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs were terminated to focus on merit-based opportunities and streamline operations. - Gender Recognition Reform
Federal policies were revised to officially define genders as biologically binary, reversing prior guidance on gender identity. - Restoring Free Speech
An executive order prohibited federal agencies from engaging in censorship, emphasizing constitutional protections for free expression. - Rescinding 2021 Title IX Changes
Trump revoked an order that used Title IX to extend protections based on gender identity or sexual orientation, returning to earlier interpretations of gender definitions.
Other Presidential Actions
- Renaming Landmarks
The Gulf of Mexico was renamed the Gulf of America, and Denali was renamed Mount McKinley to honor historical American figures. - Flying the Flag at Full Staff
A proclamation ensures that flags will remain at full staff on all future Inauguration Days, a symbolic gesture of resilience and national pride. This move reflects the administration’s vision of unity and optimism on these momentous occasions. - Promoting Classical Architecture
A memorandum encouraged federal buildings to adopt classical architectural styles reflective of American heritage and tradition. - Expanding Use of the Death Penalty
An order called for broader use of capital punishment, prioritizing cases involving law enforcement and severe crimes. - Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures
A final directive reinforced federal cybersecurity protocols to address emerging threats and protect national infrastructure. - Freezing Pending Regulations
Trump issued an order freezing many new or pending regulations from the Biden administration to prevent further federal overreach. - Assessing Federal Aid to Ukraine
A directive called for a review of financial and military assistance to Ukraine to ensure alignment with U.S. interests. - Application of TikTok Ownership Provisions
An executive order extended time for TikTok’s divestment process to maintain platform operations while addressing security concerns. - Ending Federal Vaccine Mandates
Trump repealed mandates requiring COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees and contractors, emphasizing individual choice.
While some actions focus on symbolic gestures or administrative changes, others—such as the withdrawal from climate agreements or shifts in immigration laws—carry far-reaching consequences. For example, the executive order on energy policy, aimed at boosting domestic energy production, has drawn criticism for rolling back crucial environmental protections. Similarly, the memorandum restricting new regulations may streamline federal operations but risks diminishing vital oversight that safeguards public health and safety.
One of the most contentious actions is the executive order revisiting birthright citizenship, which the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) would likely challenge on constitutional grounds. AILA argues that such a redefinition conflicts with the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil. Any attempt to alter this fundamental right would require congressional action, not unilateral executive orders. Legal challenges would further contend that such a move violates the Equal Protection Clause, as it would disproportionately affect children born to non-citizen or undocumented parents. The order would face a prolonged legal battle, likely culminating in a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. For the measure to stand, it would need to present compelling constitutional justification, and even then, any permanent changes would require a supermajority in Congress to amend the Constitution.
Kevin Kish, Director of the California Civil Rights Department, emphasizes the need to balance national security with the protection of civil liberties: “While national security is paramount, we must ensure that policies do not inadvertently harm marginalized communities or erode democratic values.” On the other hand, proponents argue that these orders are critical to addressing the evolving threats posed by transnational criminal organizations. A senior Homeland Security official asserts, “The safety of American citizens must come first. These orders provide the tools needed to address a complex and growing problem.”
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these executive orders depends on their careful implementation and oversight. While they offer potential to curb cartel influence and enhance border security, they also carry risks of unintended consequences, including increased polarization and strained international relations.
Policymakers must carefully navigate these challenges, striking a balance between robust enforcement and the preservation of civil liberties. In the broader context of immigration policy and counter-terrorism, a thoughtful, inclusive approach is essential—one that addresses the root causes of transnational crime while safeguarding the nation’s democratic principles.