(Click here to get to the good stuff on President Trump’s executive orders)
The day after President Trump’s inauguration, I wrote a post where I tried to keep up with all of the president’s executive actions. I planned on updating the post on a monthly basis as a way to seperate the wheat of what he does from the chaff of what he says.
Then I discovered the POTUS Tracker, a website developed by Luke Wines that combines a running summary of executive actions, memoranda, and proclamations (helpfully pointing out which ones have been suspended due to a lawsuit) with a map of where the president is currently located and the official White House schedule. Because this did what I planned on doing but in a much more visually appealing way, I decided to scrap my “monthly update” plans.
While the POTUS Tracker is incredibly useful, I found its (I’m assuming AI-automated) summaries to take the words of the president’s executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations at face value, and if there’s anything humanity has learned about this president’s words (and usually any president’s words), it’s that they are not be trusted.
To that end, in the middle of February 2025, I created a ChatGPT Scheduled Task to run every Friday morning. The task sends ChatGPT to read all of the president’s executive orders for the given week, create a summary of the action, and then append to it “an analysis written for a radical left-wing audience that is skeptical of the president’s authoritarian leanings, while at the same time not allowing the analysis to skew towards propaganda or group think.”
ChatGPT reviews the president’s weekly executive orders through a radical-left lens—skeptical of authoritarianism, yet resisting propaganda and groupthink.
This post contains the output of that scheduled task.
As you read through, you’ll see the the format of the analyses are basically rote: This [blank] does [blank], followed by a contrarian statement. My intent in sharing the output is not to highlight ChatGPT’s writing skills or lack thereof. It’s to kickstart a reader’s bullshit detector when it comes to this president’s official actions.
Executive Orders from March 21–27, 2025:
1. Executive Order: Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections
Analysis: Signed on March 25, 2025, this executive order mandates that all voters provide documentary proof of citizenship to register for federal elections and requires all ballots to be received by Election Day. While proponents argue these measures enhance election security, critics contend they disproportionately disenfranchise marginalized communities, including low-income individuals and people of color, who may face obstacles in obtaining necessary documentation. This move could be perceived as an attempt to suppress voter turnout under the guise of safeguarding electoral integrity, reflecting authoritarian tendencies to control democratic processes.
2. Executive Order: Imposing Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil
Analysis: Issued on March 24, 2025, this order imposes tariffs on nations importing oil from Venezuela, aiming to pressure the Venezuelan government by targeting its oil revenue. While intended to promote democratic reforms in Venezuela, such economic measures can have unintended consequences, including exacerbating humanitarian crises and straining diplomatic relations. Critics argue that leveraging economic power in this manner may reflect a unilateral approach to foreign policy, bypassing multilateral efforts and undermining international cooperation.
3. Executive Order: Addressing Risks from Jenner & Block
Analysis: On March 25, 2025, the administration issued an order scrutinizing the law firm Jenner & Block for alleged activities deemed contrary to national interests. Targeting specific law firms raises concerns about the potential misuse of executive power to intimidate legal entities that may represent opposition voices. Such actions could undermine the independence of the legal profession and set a precedent for retaliatory measures against those challenging governmental policies, reflecting authoritarian inclinations.
4. Executive Order: Protecting America’s Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Analysis: Signed on March 25, 2025, this order aims to safeguard federal financial resources by enhancing measures against fraud and waste. While fiscal responsibility is important, the broad language of the order may lead to increased surveillance and control over financial transactions, potentially infringing on individual privacy and financial autonomy. Critics express concern that such measures could be used to monitor and suppress dissenting financial activities, aligning with authoritarian practices.
5. Executive Order: Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account
Analysis: This order, issued on March 25, 2025, seeks to update federal payment systems for efficiency. While modernization can improve governmental operations, there is apprehension that such changes could centralize financial control, reduce transparency, and limit public oversight. The lack of clear guidelines may result in the exclusion of marginalized communities from accessing updated systems, perpetuating existing inequalities and reflecting an authoritarian approach to financial governance.
6. Executive Order: Addressing Risks From WilmerHale
Analysis: On March 27, 2025, the administration targeted the law firm WilmerHale, citing unspecified risks. Similar to previous actions against legal entities, this move raises concerns about the potential abuse of executive power to intimidate firms that may represent dissenting voices or challenge governmental actions. Such targeting can erode the independence of the legal system and is indicative of authoritarian tactics to suppress opposition.
7. Executive Order: Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History
Analysis: Issued on March 27, 2025, this order aims to revise educational content related to American history. While promoting accurate historical education is valuable, the terminology used suggests a politicized agenda to reshape historical narratives. Critics fear this could lead to the exclusion of marginalized perspectives and the promotion of a singular, possibly nationalistic, interpretation of history. Such actions may serve to indoctrinate rather than educate, aligning with authoritarian methods of controlling historical discourse.
8. Executive Order: Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs
Analysis: This order, signed on March 27, 2025, excludes certain agencies from federal labor-management relations programs, potentially weakening collective bargaining rights. By limiting the ability of federal employees to negotiate working conditions, the administration may be undermining labor rights and consolidating control over the federal workforce. Such measures can be viewed as an attempt to suppress dissent within federal agencies, reflecting authoritarian tendencies to weaken organized labor.
Executive Orders from March 14–21, 2025:
1. Executive Order: Addressing Risks from Paul Weiss
Analysis: On March 14, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order suspending security clearances for individuals associated with the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, pending a review of potential national security risks. Critics argue that targeting a specific law firm, particularly one involved in legal actions against the President, raises concerns about the misuse of executive power to intimidate and retaliate against perceived adversaries. This action could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the independence of the legal profession and eroding democratic checks and balances.
2. Executive Order: Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy
Analysis: Issued on March 14, 2025, this order mandates further downsizing of federal agencies and programs deemed non-essential. While proponents claim it enhances governmental efficiency, opponents fear it may dismantle critical public services, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. The centralization of power and reduction in oversight could lead to unchecked executive authority, aligning with authoritarian governance models.
Editor’s Note: The agencies and programs targeted, as well as their main responsibilities, include:
- Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service: Labor disputes resolution and negotiation assistance.
- United States Agency for Global Media: Oversees government-funded international media networks.
- Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars: Supports policy research and scholarly collaboration.
- Institute of Museum and Library Services: Grants and support for museums, libraries.
- United States Interagency Council on Homelessness: Coordinates federal homelessness prevention initiatives.
- Community Development Financial Institutions Fund: Supports community-focused financial institution development.
- Minority Business Development Agency: Promotes growth of minority-owned businesses.
See this blog post from the Vermont Historical Society for how this particular executive order and its attack on the Insitute of Museum and Library Services has already affected historians and librarians in my brave little state.
3. Executive Order: Eliminating Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Procurement
Analysis: Signed on March 20, 2025, this order aims to streamline federal procurement processes to reduce wasteful spending. While fiscal responsibility is important, critics caution that such consolidation could limit competition, favoring large corporations and sidelining smaller, diverse contractors. This approach may entrench existing power structures and reduce transparency, hindering equitable economic opportunities.
4. Executive Order: Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production
Analysis: On March 20, 2025, the President directed immediate actions to boost domestic mineral extraction. While framed as a move toward economic independence, environmental advocates express concern over potential ecological damage and the neglect of sustainable practices. Prioritizing industrial interests over environmental stewardship can lead to long-term harm, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities and contributing to climate change.
5. Executive Order: Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities
Analysis: Issued on March 20, 2025, this order shifts educational control from federal to local authorities, emphasizing parental involvement. While local engagement is valuable, there is concern that this move may lead to inconsistent educational standards and exacerbate inequalities. Diminishing federal oversight could allow the proliferation of curricula that exclude critical perspectives, undermining comprehensive education and perpetuating systemic biases.
Editor’s Note: See Episode 3 of my podcast, The Four Winds Learning Collective, for my and my colleagues’ take on Project 2025’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education (which is what the above executive order instantiates).
6. Proclamation: Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act Regarding the Invasion of The United States by Tren De Aragua
Analysis: On March 15, 2025, the President invoked the Alien Enemies Act to address alleged threats from the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua. This proclamation authorizes the apprehension and removal of certain non-citizens without due process. Critics argue that such measures exploit xenophobic fears, targeting specific groups and bypassing judicial oversight. This action risks normalizing the use of emergency powers to suppress marginalized communities, reflecting authoritarian tendencies.
7. Executive Order: Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos
Analysis: Issued on March 20, 2025, this executive order sets out to enhance efficiency and accountability within the federal government by breaking down what it calls “information silos.” On the surface, this initiative appears to be a straightforward measure to streamline bureaucracy, increase transparency, and cut unnecessary spending; however, the broad mandate for data sharing could erode the autonomy of certain agencies and raise privacy concerns. The absence of clearly defined safeguards suggest this move is less about efficiency and more about expanding executive control, reinforcing authoritarian tendencies rather than merely cutting waste.
Editor’s note: See Wired.com‘s deeply reported article, “Inside Elon Musk’s Digital Coup,” to see the true damage this order will do (and has done).
Executive Orders from March 7–14, 2025:
1. Executive Order: Implementation of the Executive Order on “Addressing Risks From Perkins Coie LLP”
Analysis: On March 7, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie LLP, citing unspecified risks associated with their operations. Critics argue that singling out a specific legal entity without transparent evidence sets a concerning precedent, potentially undermining the rule of law and enabling the executive branch to intimidate organizations that may oppose its agenda. This action could be perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent and consolidate power, reflecting authoritarian tendencies.
2. Executive Order: Evaluation of all Federal Government Contracts with Covington & Burling LLP
Analysis: Issued on March 3, 2025, this order mandates a comprehensive review of federal contracts with the law firm Covington & Burling LLP. While oversight of government contracts is essential, targeting a specific firm raises concerns about selective enforcement and potential retaliation against entities perceived as adversarial. Such actions may erode trust in the impartiality of governmental processes and could be utilized to stifle legal opposition, aligning with authoritarian practices.
Critics of these two actions suggest that singling out these firms is less about actual risks or contractual issues and more about retribution against legal entities that have historically represented adversaries or pursued litigation that conflicts with the administration’s goals. As a result, these orders are viewed as part of a broader pattern of using executive authority to exert pressure on perceived political opponents.
Executive Orders from March 1–7, 2025:
1. Executive Order: Designating English as the Official Language of the United States
Analysis: On March 1, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States. While proponents argue this promotes national unity, critics contend it marginalizes non-English-speaking communities and undermines the multicultural fabric of the nation. This move may disproportionately affect immigrants and indigenous populations, potentially limiting access to essential services and infringing upon cultural expression.
2. Executive Order: Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production
Analysis: This order, issued on March 1, 2025, mandates increased logging activities across national forests and public lands. Framed as an economic stimulus, it raises significant environmental concerns. Accelerated deforestation could lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and exacerbate climate change. The prioritization of industry over ecological preservation reflects a disregard for environmental stewardship and the rights of indigenous communities connected to these lands.
3. Executive Order: Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber and Lumber
Analysis: Also on March 1, 2025, the administration cited national security to justify restrictions on timber and lumber imports. Such protectionist policies may strain international trade relations and lead to retaliatory measures. Labeling economic issues as national security threats sets a concerning precedent, potentially expanding executive power and bypassing legislative oversight.
4. Executive Order: Amendment to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border
Analysis: Signed on March 2, 2025, this order imposes additional duties to combat drug trafficking from Canada. While addressing drug trafficking is important, using trade tariffs as a tool raises questions about effectiveness and potential economic fallout. This approach risks politicizing public health issues and could harm diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
5. Executive Order: Amendment to Duties to Address the Situation at Our Southern Border
Analysis: Also on March 2, 2025, the administration increased tariffs related to the southern border, ostensibly to enhance border security. This action may disproportionately impact marginalized communities and perpetuate xenophobic narratives. Utilizing economic penalties as a means of immigration control reflects an authoritarian approach, potentially undermining human rights and international asylum protocols.
6. Executive Order: Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China
Analysis: On March 3, 2025, the President targeted China’s synthetic opioid supply chain with additional duties. While combating the opioid crisis is crucial, focusing solely on external sources ignores domestic factors contributing to substance abuse. This action risks escalating tensions with China and may serve as a diversion from addressing systemic issues within the U.S. healthcare and social systems.
7. Proclamation: Honoring Jocelyn Nungaray
Analysis: Issued on March 4, 2025, this proclamation renames the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to honor Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old tragically murdered by undocumented immigrants. While commemorating victims is important, critics argue that highlighting crimes committed by immigrants can fuel anti-immigrant sentiment and be used to justify draconian policies. This act may exploit personal tragedy for political gain, reinforcing divisive narratives.
8. Executive Order: Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative
Analysis: On March 5, 2025, the administration launched an initiative to reduce government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency. While fiscal responsibility is important, such measures often lead to cuts in essential public services, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. The centralization of power under this department raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and the potential erosion of democratic processes.
Executive Orders from February 21–27, 2025:
1. Executive Order: Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative
Analysis: This order, issued on February 26, 2025, aims to streamline government operations by reducing perceived inefficiencies. While fiscal responsibility is important, critics may view this as a pretext for cutting essential public services and programs that support marginalized communities. The centralization of power under the guise of efficiency raises concerns about diminished transparency and accountability within the federal government.
2. Executive Order: Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients with Clear, Accurate, and Actionable Healthcare Pricing Information
Analysis: Signed on February 25, 2025, this order mandates that healthcare providers disclose pricing information to patients. Transparency in healthcare costs is beneficial; however, without addressing the underlying issues of affordability and access, this measure may have limited impact. Skeptics argue that focusing solely on price transparency without broader healthcare reforms could exacerbate existing inequalities, leaving vulnerable populations without necessary care.
3. Executive Order: Suspension of Security Clearances and Evaluation of Government Contracts
Analysis: This order, dated February 25, 2025, suspends certain security clearances and calls for a review of government contracts. While ensuring national security is vital, the broad suspension of clearances could be perceived as a political maneuver to purge dissenting voices within the government. The evaluation of contracts may serve as a tool to favor allies and punish opponents, undermining the principles of fair governance and due process.
4. Executive Order: Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Copper
Analysis: Issued on February 25, 2025, this order imposes restrictions on copper imports, citing national security concerns. While protecting domestic industries can be justified, such measures may lead to trade wars and increased consumer prices. Critics contend that invoking national security to justify economic protectionism can be a slippery slope, potentially eroding international alliances and economic stability.
5. Executive Order: America First Investment Policy
Analysis: Signed on February 21, 2025, this policy prioritizes domestic investment over foreign engagements. While promoting national economic interests is a common governmental goal, an isolationist stance may strain diplomatic relations and reduce global cooperation. Skeptics argue that such policies can lead to xenophobia and a retreat from international responsibilities, potentially destabilizing global markets and undermining collective progress on transnational issues.
6. Executive Order: Defending American Companies and Innovators from Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties
Analysis: This order, dated February 21, 2025, seeks to protect U.S. businesses from foreign regulations deemed unfair. While defending domestic enterprises is important, this action may be viewed as an attempt to shield corporations from legitimate accountability measures abroad. Critics express concern that this could encourage a race to the bottom in regulatory standards, compromising environmental protections, labor rights, and ethical business practices on a global scale.
Executive Orders from February 14-20, 2025
1. Executive Order: Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy
Analysis: This order aims to shrink the federal government by eliminating certain agencies and advisory committees deemed unnecessary. While reducing bureaucratic bloat can be beneficial, critics may view this as a move to dismantle institutions that provide essential public services and oversight. The lack of transparency in determining which entities are “unnecessary” raises concerns about the potential erosion of public accountability and the consolidation of power.
2. Executive Order: Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Regulatory Initiative
Analysis: This directive seeks to rescind regulations considered unconstitutional or overly burdensome, emphasizing a strict interpretation of federal authority. While streamlining regulations can promote efficiency, there is apprehension that this approach may undermine protections related to the environment, public health, and worker rights. The broad criteria for rescinding regulations could be used to justify the rollback of essential safeguards, favoring corporate interests over public welfare.
3. Proclamation: 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima
Analysis: Commemorating historical military events honors those who served; however, some may interpret this as an attempt to bolster nationalist sentiments and justify increased military spending. In the context of rising global tensions, such proclamations might be perceived as a means to distract from domestic issues and rally support for authoritative policies under the guise of patriotism.
4. Executive Order: Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders
Analysis: This order terminates funding for programs perceived to support unauthorized immigration. While fiscal responsibility is important, framing immigration through a punitive lens can exacerbate xenophobia and ignore the complex socio-economic factors driving migration. Critics argue that this approach undermines humanitarian commitments and may lead to increased marginalization of vulnerable populations, all while expanding the enforcement apparatus of the state.
5. Executive Order: Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies
Analysis: By mandating increased presidential oversight of independent regulatory agencies, this order centralizes executive power, potentially compromising the autonomy of agencies designed to operate free from political influence. This consolidation may lead to the erosion of checks and balances, enabling the executive branch to unilaterally shape policy without adequate oversight, which is a hallmark of authoritarian governance.
6. Executive Order: Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization
Analysis: While expanding reproductive health services is positive, the administration’s support for in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be viewed with skepticism if not accompanied by broader healthcare reforms. Without addressing systemic issues like healthcare affordability and access, this action could be seen as a superficial measure that benefits a select few, rather than a commitment to comprehensive reproductive rights for all individuals.
7. Executive Order: Radical Transparency About Wasteful Spending
Analysis: Promoting transparency in government spending is commendable; however, the term “radical transparency” may be a rhetorical device to justify cuts to social programs under the pretext of eliminating waste. There is concern that this initiative could selectively target programs that do not align with the administration’s agenda, reducing support for marginalized communities while leaving larger, less efficient expenditures unaddressed.
8. Proclamation: President George Washington’s Birthday, 2025
Analysis: Celebrating foundational historical figures is customary, yet the emphasis on President Washington may be leveraged to evoke a return to traditionalist values. This could serve to reinforce a narrative that prioritizes a specific interpretation of American identity, potentially marginalizing diverse perspectives and justifying policies that consolidate power under the guise of preserving heritage.