An Analysis Trump’s Executive Orders and the Public Reaction

Since his return to the White House, President Donald Trump has wasted no time signing executive orders that have sent ripples across the political spectrum. While his supporters hail these actions as bold moves to restore America’s greatness, critics argue that they threaten democracy, human rights, and international stability. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable executive orders and the heated discussions surrounding them.

1. Withdrawal from International Agreements

One of President Trump’s first acts in office was to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, citing economic concerns and national sovereignty.

Trump’s order says the Paris accord is among several international agreements that don’t reflect U.S. values and “steer American taxpayer dollars to countries that do not require, or merit, financial assistance in the interests of the American people.”

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Supporters argue that this move prioritizes American jobs and removes unnecessary business restrictions. However, environmental activists and global leaders have condemned it as a reckless decision that jeopardizes global efforts to combat climate change.

“We are walking away from our responsibilities,” said climate scientist Dr. Lisa Perez. “The world is already facing devastating climate disasters, and this only makes things worse.”

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2. Crackdown on Immigration and Sanctuary Cities

Trump’s renewed focus on immigration includes an executive order that withholds federal funding from sanctuary cities—jurisdictions that protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.

In the Executive Order signed by Trump on his first day in office, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” he asserts that the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security should ensure that sanctuary jurisdictions—which the Executive Order says “seek to interfere with the lawful exercise of Federal law enforcement operations”—do not receive federal funding. 

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Conservative supporters see this as a necessary measure to enforce immigration laws and strengthen national security. However, critics call it an attack on immigrant communities, arguing that it forces cities to choose between supporting vulnerable populations and losing essential funding for healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

“This isn’t about safety—it’s about fear,” said New York Mayor Alicia Martinez. “Withholding funds from cities that refuse to demonize immigrants is not just cruel, it’s un-American.”

3. Centralization of Foreign Policy Decision-Making

Another controversial executive order consolidates foreign policy authority within the executive branch, limiting the autonomy of diplomats and imposing penalties on officials who do not follow White House directives.

The order establishes sanctions, including dismissal, for all staff members who “fail to faithfully implement the President’s policy” and instructs Rubio to “take appropriate action” when a staff member’s conduct warrants it.

Supporters argue that this creates a more cohesive foreign policy, ensuring that bureaucracy does not dilute the president’s vision. However, critics warn that this gives Trump unchecked power in international affairs, weakening diplomatic processes and sidelining expert voices.

“We are witnessing the erosion of diplomatic integrity,” said former Ambassador Jonathan Reed. “This kind of consolidation makes our global partnerships less stable and our decision-making less informed.”

4. Federal Workforce Restructuring

Trump has initiated sweeping changes to the federal workforce, including mass resignations and the dissolution of certain agencies. From dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development to offering a mass deferred resignation plan, Trump’s Republican administration has released executive orders and memos aimed at substantially reshaping the size of government and where its employees work.

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Supporters argue that these changes cut government waste and improve efficiency, but government employees and unions see them as reckless, creating uncertainty and instability for thousands of public servants.

“I’ve dedicated 20 years to public service, and now I don’t know if I’ll have a job tomorrow,” said federal worker Samantha Lee. “This isn’t about efficiency—it’s about dismantling what keeps this country running.”

5. Restoration of Traditional Place Names

One executive order mandates the restoration of historical names to landmarks, including renaming Denali back to Mount McKinley and changing the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”

The executive order directs the reinstatement of the name “Mount McKinley” to the highest peak in North America, reversing the 2015 decision to call it by its centuries-old name Denali, and claims to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”. The order further outlines the process for updating the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, promotes the honoring of American historical figures, and includes provisions for consulting with relevant stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of national heritage and patriotism in the naming and renaming of landmarks.

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Supporters argue that this honors American heritage, while critics see it as an unnecessary distraction from more pressing national issues. Indigenous groups, in particular, have expressed outrage, calling it a move that erases their history.

“Our people have fought for decades to reclaim our identity, and this order takes us backward,” said Native American activist Elijah Red Hawk.

6. Pardons for January 6 Defendants

Perhaps the most divisive executive action yet, Trump has issued pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, arguing that they were victims of political persecution.

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With the stroke of a pen on his first day back in the White House, Trump’s order upended the largest prosecution in Justice Department history, freeing from prison people caught on camera viciously attacking police as well as leaders of far-right extremist groups convicted of orchestrating violent plots to stop the peaceful transfer of power after his 2020 election loss.

His supporters claim this is a necessary correction of an unjust legal process, while others see it as a dangerous endorsement of extremism.

“This pardon spits in the face of democracy,” said Capitol Police Officer Brian Henderson. “I was there that day. I saw the violence. And now, the people who attacked us are walking free.”

A Nation Divided

Trump’s executive orders have sparked intense debate, with some seeing them as a return to strong leadership and others as steps toward authoritarianism. As protests, lawsuits, and political clashes unfold, one thing is clear: the decisions made in the Oval Office are shaping the future of America in ways that will be felt for generations to come.