A Defining First Month
President Donald Trump sprang into action on the first day of his term and hasn’t stopped since. The start of his presidency is constantly covered by the media and he is already taking steps to re-shape the country.
The inauguration did not slow President Trump’s agenda. On his first day in office, he issued an executive order to appeal the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare. He also asked federal agencies to assist the transition from Obamacare to his own healthcare plan, which is still being formed.
“Prepare to afford the states more flexibility and control to create a more free and open healthcare market,” said President Trump during the signing of the executive order.
On January 23, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum to bring back a rule preventing U.S. funds from going to health charities around the world counseling on abortions. The rule was first instituted by President Reagan and has appeared sporadically through U.S. history. Trump is receiving praise from pro-life defenders and backlash from pro-choice supporters on the decision.
President Trump signed an executive order on January 24 to complete the Dakota Access and restart construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. The pipeline will connect oil coming from North Dakota to refineries in the Midwest. Studies on the underground pipeline show that it would produce less environmental harm than if the oil is transported by train or sea and could help the U.S. steel industry.
“It’s going to put a lot of workers, a lot of steelworkers, back to work. You will see a level of quality that you’re not going to see when they bring pipe from far distances,” said President Trump when signing the executive order.
However, protests broke out around the construction site claiming that it will pass through land owned by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and under ancient burial grounds.
In keeping up with his campaign, President Trump signed an executive action January 25 to begin immediate construction of a wall along the border between Mexico and the U.S. Anti-Trump protests are now rampant in Mexico. The protests took place in Mexico City, Monterrey, Puebla and Tijuana to show unity against President Trump’s policies.
On January 27, President Trump signed an executive order calling for intensive security checks of foreigners seeking U.S. travel visas. This is also tied to his travel ban preventing refugees from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen for 90 days and suspended refugee admission from all countries for 120 days.
The travel ban was challenged in court by a trial judge, who blocked it and allowed refugees to enter. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco made a ruling on the case February 9 determining that they would not reinstate the ban. However, the Justice Department will continue to defend President Trump’s ban in court. This ban has been at the center of controversy for President Trump in his first month. It has led to many protests around the nation and is a constant piece for the media to focus on.
Federal appellate Judge Neil McGill Gorsuch was nominated by President Trump on January 31 to replace Associate Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. Democrats promise to challenge the confirmation of Judge Gorsuch with a filibuster. The Republicans refused to hold hearings for Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland, following Justice Scalia’s death.
Even with a packed schedule, President Trump is still as active as ever on Twitter. Tweets from both his personal and the President of the United States Twitter accounts have amplified his voice to over 40 million followers. While some view President Trump’s Twitter use as dedication to connecting with the people, many view it as a hinderance to his role as president.
The first hundred days in a presidency are said to be the most defining. This is proving true for President Trump in only his first month. He has addressed issues on a wide range of topics, but one question still remains: will President Trump make America great again?
Sydney Hofstetter is a senior at St. Dominic High School. She is involved in CRU, Pro-life Club and is the treasurer of French Club. She is always out...