President Trump Executes Sweeping Executive Orders in First 24 Hours, Targets Birthright Citizenship
Since his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump has wasted no time in asserting his authority and reshaping federal policies through a flurry of executive orders. In just his first day in office, the 78-year-old Republican leader signed over 200 executive orders, addressing a wide array of issues from climate change and immigration to employment and national security. Among these, one of the most controversial and impactful orders aims to fundamentally alter the principle of birthright citizenship in the United States. This bold move has ignited intense debate among legal experts, civil rights organizations, and the general public, raising critical questions about national identity, legal precedents, and the future of LGBTQ+ rights.
A Day of Decisive Action
President Trump’s first 24 hours were marked by an unprecedented pace of policy changes, signaling his administration’s commitment to an “America First” agenda. Key executive orders signed include:
Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: Trump reaffirms his administration’s stance against international climate accords, prioritizing economic growth over environmental regulations.
Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO): Citing mismanagement and bias, Trump ends the U.S. membership in the WHO, aiming to redirect resources to national health initiatives.
Delay of TikTok Ban: Amidst growing concerns over data privacy and national security, Trump postpones the federal ban on TikTok, allowing the app to continue operating under current terms.
End to Birthright Citizenship: Perhaps the most contentious, this executive order seeks to redefine citizenship laws, impacting non-binary individuals and the youngest members of the Trump family.
Understanding Birthright Citizenship
At the heart of Trump’s controversial order is the principle of birthright citizenship, or jus soli, a Latin term meaning “right of the soil.” This legal doctrine is enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states:
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”
In essence, this grants citizenship to nearly everyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ citizenship or immigration status. This policy has been a cornerstone of American identity, ensuring that the country remains a land of opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The Executive Order: Redefining Citizenship
Trump’s executive order, titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” seeks to implement a stricter binary definition of gender and citizenship. The order specifically targets children born in the U.S. to parents who are neither lawful permanent residents nor U.S. citizens, aiming to suspend their automatic citizenship.
Key Provisions of the Executive Order:
Suspension of Non-Binary Gender Markers: The order mandates that all federal agencies adhere strictly to binary gender classifications, eliminating options for non-binary or gender-neutral markers on official documents such as passports and birth certificates.
Restrictions on Citizenship Documentation: Federal agencies are instructed to stop issuing or recognizing documentation that proves U.S. citizenship for children born in the country without at least one parent holding lawful permanent residency or citizenship. This suspension takes effect 30 days after the order is signed.
Targeted Impact: The order primarily affects children born to unauthorized immigrants and those legally residing in the U.S. on temporary visas, aiming to reduce what Trump’s administration views as the misuse of citizenship policies to benefit certain populations.
