Article Summary –
President Donald Trump issued 143 executive orders in the first 100 days of his second term, targeting various sectors, including the Department of Education, gun safety regulations, and abortion rights, while also slashing the federal workforce and imposing new tariffs. Many of these orders are being legally challenged as they allegedly exceed the president’s constitutional powers, with critics arguing that they act outside the defined authority, especially those premised on nonexistent national emergencies. In Wisconsin, these orders have led to significant federal workforce reductions, cuts to research funding, and efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, prompting state and legal actions to counteract the administration’s directives.
President Donald Trump issued 143 executive orders in the initial 100 days of his second White House term. These actions aimed at abolishing the Department of Education, repealing gun control measures, levying tariffs on most imports, revoking abortion rights, and reducing federal employee numbers.
On May 1, Trump signed another order to cut public funds to NPR and PBS, labeling them “biased media.”
Trump’s orders claim authority from presidential powers granted by Congress during emergencies. Some face legal challenges from state attorneys general and lawyers arguing they violate the Constitution.
What is an executive order?
An executive order directs the executive branch to perform specific actions under presidential constitutional powers. Although the Constitution doesn’t explicitly mention them, they are recognized as a presidential authority.
According to the Congressional Research Service, orders have legal force if issued under granted powers. Eric J Segall, a constitutional law scholar, states executive orders are essential for implementing Congressional legislation.
Presidents have consistently used executive orders since George Washington’s presidency. However, William Henry Harrison, who died 32 days into office, did not issue any.
What is the status of Trump’s executive orders?
Legal experts argue Trump’s orders must align with Article II of the Constitution or Congressional delegation. Some orders face legal challenges, such as those on tariffs. Trump’s actions include citizenship stripping, cutting federal funds to sanctuary cities, and overriding state election laws, with injunctions halting many in U.S. courts.
Significant objections focus on orders claiming national emergencies, which experts argue are unjustified. Professor Ilya Somin calls orders like the southern border invasion declaration illegal due to their emergency justification. Segall suggests these claims exceed Trump’s authority.
The White House has not commented, but Segall noted Trump’s extension of presidential powers far surpasses predecessors.
What effects are Trump’s executive orders having in Wisconsin?
Trump’s federal workforce cuts impact 3,000 Wisconsin probationary employees, as per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, affecting weather, parks, and VA staff. Wisconsin joined an 18-state lawsuit contesting layoffs. A federal judge sympathized with workers but noted limitations on reversing dismissals.
Trump cut Wisconsin universities’ research funding, including projects on epilepsy and COVID-19. Wisconsin has joined a legal fight against these cuts, which may increase tuition. UW-Madison and other Big Ten professors seek a defense fund to support staff under political scrutiny.
Trump’s orders also targeted K-12 schools, including demands to eliminate diversity programs. Wisconsin leaders, including Superintendent Jill Underly, refused compliance, highlighting potential impacts on disadvantaged students. Governor Tony Evers opposed the dismantling of the Department of Education, citing educational risks.
—
Read More Wisconsin News
