Trump’s executive orders can make change – but are limited and can be undone by the courts
The ConversationJAN 27
Trump Pardons Jan. 6 Rioters; Declares Energy, Border Emergency
Above: Pres. Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump's sweeping executive actions are a necessary and immediate response to urgent national challenges. They fulfill campaign promises and the mandate of 77.3M voters who supported a rapid, revolutionary change to reverse policies that have harmed American interests. By declaring, "The golden age of America begins right now," he is bringing common sense to government and renewing the pillars of American civilization.
Democratic narrative
The unprecedented number of executive orders is an overreach of presidential power that bypasses Congress and threatens constitutional checks and balances. Moreover, as Republicans control both chambers of Congress with historically thin margins, Trump's ability to implement his broader legislative agenda beyond executive orders — which will likely face significant legal challenges or prove ineffective in creating lasting policy change — will be limited.