Donald Trump’s use of the executive order – a presidential directive regarding the federal government’s behavior – is daring, perhaps radical, yet not entirely without precedent. F.D.R, 32nd president of the United States, issued 99 orders within his first 100 days. Trump, astonishingly, issued 143.
Though his pace has slowed, orders continue to be issued. Their contents are highly variable, and though it appear the most recent are of a decidedly less controversial flavor, absurd claims relating to “wokeism” continue to be found.
For instance, within executive order 14319, an order regarding the eradication of “woke” A.I. in the federal government, mention is made of such grave evils as please cue the foreboding music – intersectionality, defined rather simply in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “the … way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) … intersect”. Quite horrifying, no?
“Unconscious bias” is also recognized as a particularly destructive concept, though whether Mr. Trump realizes that it is a psychologically recognized fact that all humans carry such prejudices is unknown.
Finally, most obnoxious of these supposed crises is that of “transgenderism.” The very word incites me to chuckle, yet this laughter soon ceases upon realizing the intolerance which underlies the word. “Transgenderism” implies the state of being transgender – regarded in the professional medical community as perfectly valid and entirely natural – is a mere ideology, a mere concept which may be denied as false (how may one’s state of existence be denied?) rather than a vulnerable state of being currently under assault by conservative forces.
While this order in itself will not severely impact trans communities, it repeats the hateful speech of similarly bigoted orders previously announced previously, such as “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” which, amongst other things, defines the federal government’s opinion of trans people (they regard them poorly), denies the ability of trans people to self-identity on government documents (as they should), and ceases federal funding for gender-affirming care (only, notably that for trans people; ironically, testosterone injections for men are perfectly alright).
Orders 14313 as well as 14314 both relate to environmental matters, rather ironic considering that the Trump administration has slashed ecological protections, encouraged oil companies to “drill, baby, drill,” as well as withdraw $267 million from the National Park Service.
Indeed, the Trump administration has proved itself decidedly anti-environmental, having withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreements, a global accord intended to avoid the most calamitous effects of global warming, one year past the hottest year on record.
The orders themselves are rather unextraordinary, containing much vague language which does not indicate a true shift in priorities.
Visitors to national parks, including those hailing from foreign nations, shall see entry prices increased.
Lastly, order 14312 directs the revocation of numerous sanctions upon Syria, placed
upon the nation during the cruel autocracy of dictator Bashar al-Assad, convicted of utilizing chemical weapons upon his populace during a brutal civil war.
With the rise of a new Syrian government spearheaded by Ahmed Hussein al Sharaa, it is my sincere hope the lifted trade embargoes shall encourage friendly relations between the two nations and foster a mood of hope in the war-torn state.
