Reflections on a Busy Week of Policy Shifts and Executive Actions
It’s been a whirlwind of a week with Donald Trump back in the White House, bringing a wave of executive orders, policy changes, and new cabinet appointments that have certainly given us a lot to think about.
One of the biggest topics has been the use of the presidential pardon power, with both Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden making headlines. Biden faced criticism for his preemptive pardons for family members and political allies, while Trump went too far by issuing blanket pardons for the January 6 rioters, including those who were violent. Both presidents have set a troubling precedent that could lead to future administrations using pardons for political gain, further blurring the lines between justice and political favoritism.
However, both Trump and Biden have earned praise for their actions to address the injustices of the war on drugs. Biden commuted the sentences of thousands of nonviolent drug offenders, while Trump made headlines by freeing Ross Ulbricht, the libertarian activist behind the Silk Road. The war on drugs has been a failure in many ways, violating individual liberties, fueling mass surveillance, and contributing to mass incarceration. While these pardons are steps in the right direction, the need for broader, more comprehensive reform is clear.
In a related move, Trump overturned the Biden administration’s push to ban menthol cigarettes, arguing against expanding the drug war to tobacco. It’s a surprising stance from a Republican president, especially considering his pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has expressed support for the use of psychedelic therapies. The direction Trump is taking on these issues is worth noting, as it marks a significant departure from traditional GOP policy.
Speaking of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump made waves by announcing the release of federal files related to the assassinations of Kennedy’s father, his uncle, and Martin Luther King Jr. Trump explained that releasing these records was in the public interest, and many, including RFK Jr., have long suspected a conspiracy surrounding these events. Whether or not there was a larger conspiracy, the American people deserve transparency about what the government has been withholding for so long.
Trump’s executive actions on culture war issues have also generated significant attention, especially his decision to shut down federal programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As an editorial board, we’ve long been critical of the collectivist mindset and identity politics that have gained traction over the past decade. For example, we were one of the few media outlets in California to oppose the restoration of affirmative action. Trump’s moves to roll back DEI programs don’t concern us in the least; the government should be focused on efficiency and fairness, not pushing divisive identity politics. Americans should all be treated equally under the law, regardless of their background.
As for Trump’s executive actions on immigration and the border, we’re not particularly impressed. Border crossings have decreased significantly over the past year and are now at historical norms, meaning many of Trump’s actions seem to be addressing a crisis that no longer exists. His attempt to challenge birthright citizenship also feels misguided. As Alex Norwasteh of the Cato Institute points out, revoking birthright citizenship would not only violate over 400 years of legal precedent but also create practical problems for native-born Americans, regardless of their parents’ citizenship status.
All in all, this is just a snapshot of the past week, with much more still to come. Trump's actions have sparked debate across a wide range of issues, and it will be interesting to see how they play out in the coming months.
