Trump Begins Term with Wave of Executive Orders
Ask students: How is President Trump using executive actions to reshape policy? Who did Trump pardon in his first days in office?
In less than 24 hours, President Donald Trump unleashed a wave of executive actions, some that take effect immediately, some that will be challenged in court and some whose potential impacts are more vague. He promises more executive actions as his cabinet takes shape and as he moves to purge the federal government of those disloyal to him.
View the transcript of the story.
Key Term
Executive order — a documented used by the U.S. president that directly manages how the federal government is run; may be legally-binding or a proclamation
Discussion Questions
- What are executive actions?
- How is President Trump using executive actions to try to reshape policy?
- Who did Trump pardon in his first days in office?
- Where is Trump expected to target with immigration raids?
- Why has Trump converted thousands of career positions in the federal government to political appointments?
Focus Questions
- Why do you think President Trump is using executive orders to try to shape policy rather than going through Congress to change laws?
- Media literacy: What presidential action described in this story would you like to know more about? How can you find out more?
Extension Activity
One of Trump's first actions in returning to the White House was to sign an executive order ending "birthright citizenship," or the principle that all people born in the United States and subject to its laws are U.S. citizens.
- The 14th Amendment established the rule, and it has been understood since its passage that it applies to all people born in the U.S.
- Read the 14th Amendment and find the language about U.S. citizenship.
- Read the Trump White House's justification for ending birthright citizenship as it has been understood since its passage.
- Finally, read this story about states suing the Trump White House over the executive order.
Discuss — why are states suing Trump? What interests do they have in preserving birthright citizenship? Which interpretation do you think the Supreme Court is most likely to side with?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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