Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders following his return to the US presidency, pledging rapid action on key campaign issues. Among the most publicized measures are a crackdown on immigration and the rollback of certain climate-friendly policies. However, even with presidential authority, Trump faces obstacles that could delay or complicate the implementation of these initiatives.
Declaring Drug Cartels as 'Foreign Terrorist Organizations'
What does the order entail?
The executive order argues that drug cartels have waged a violent campaign across the Americas, contributing to crime and posing a national security threat to the United States. It outlines a US policy aimed at the "total elimination" of these cartels, instructing federal agencies to provide recommendations within 14 days on which groups should be designated as foreign terrorist organizations and expedite the removal of individuals tied to them.
What challenges lie ahead?
Designating cartels as terrorist organizations could have significant legal and diplomatic consequences. Such a designation might lead to prosecuting US citizens or legitimate businesses with ties to these groups. It could also strain relations with nations like Mexico, which has expressed concerns about its sovereignty being undermined.
What could the consequences be?
If drug cartels are officially labeled as foreign terrorist organizations, the US could justify military actions against cartel targets in Mexico or other countries. Additionally, it could increase federal resources and legal tools aimed at combating cartels, particularly by targeting their financial networks. The designation would also make providing "material support" to these groups a federal crime, but its exact scope remains uncertain. In theory, this could mean that drug dealers, users, and even border businesses extorted by cartels might face charges related to supporting terrorism.
Pulling Out of the Paris Climate Accord
Banner with green circle featuring a tick and the word "Deliverable" written in green
By Nadine Yousif, Toronto
What does the order say?
The executive order directs the US ambassador to the UN to "immediately" submit a formal written request to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. The order states that the accord does not align with the nation's values or its economic and environmental goals.
What are the roadblocks?
While any country can withdraw from the global climate pact, UN regulations mean that the process can be slow. Trump initially announced his intent to withdraw in 2017, but the formal process wasn't completed until 2020, and a similar waiting period of at least a year is expected this time. President Joe Biden rejoined the agreement shortly after taking office in 2021.
What is the potential impact?
The US accounts for around 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it the second-largest polluter after China. Its withdrawal could hinder the global effort to limit emissions. In the past, the US's pullout raised concerns about trust in climate leadership and questions about the effectiveness of the agreement itself. The decision also aligns with Trump's goal to increase domestic oil and gas production, even though the US is already the world's leading producer of both. It is part of a broader rollback of environmental protections implemented by the Biden administration.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
By Jake Horton, BBC Verify
What does the order say?
The order seeks to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to immigrant parents who are illegally in the country or on a temporary basis. Reports indicate that the administration may enforce this by denying official documents, such as passports, to those considered ineligible for citizenship.
What are the roadblocks?
Birthright citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizenship to anyone born or naturalized in the United States. Legal challenges are already underway, with one arguing that the order is "unconstitutional" and violates core American values.
"Ultimately, this will be determined by the courts. This is not something [Trump] can decide on his own," constitutional expert Saikrishna Prakash told the BBC.
What is the potential impact?
If successful, Trump’s plan could lead to mass deportations, possibly affecting those whose birthright citizenship is revoked. Legal battles may ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court, delaying any resolution.
Withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO)
By Dominic Hughes, Health Correspondent
What does the order say?
The order mandates the U.S. withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the organization's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump’s long-standing disdain for the WHO is partly due to his belief that it was overly influenced by China, which he has blamed for the virus' spread. The order also critiques the U.S.’s financial contributions to the organization.
What are the roadblocks?
This marks Trump’s second attempt to exit the WHO after the first attempt was reversed by President Biden. The withdrawal process won’t take effect until 2026 at the earliest and will require congressional approval. While Republicans hold a majority in both houses, their narrow advantage means a few defections could halt the withdrawal.
What is the potential impact?
Global health experts have warned that the U.S.'s exit from the WHO could have "catastrophic" consequences. As the largest financial contributor to the organization, the U.S. funding withdrawal could cripple the WHO’s ability to address global health crises. Furthermore, the U.S. could be isolated from critical programs on pandemic preparedness and influenza surveillance.
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