At this point, I’m convinced Trump is just spinning a big, gold-plated wheel labeled “Rights to Destroy This Week.” Because somehow, every batch of executive orders manages to be more unconstitutional, more dystopian, and more ridiculous than the last. This week? He’s going after the internet, refugees, and—because of course—basic labor rights. Let’s dive in.
1. The “Patriot Internet” Order (February 17, 2025)
What it does: Directs the FCC to monitor and regulate online content for “anti-American messaging.” Basically, a government-approved internet filter.
Why it’s a problem:
- Legal: The FCC does not have the power to police speech like this. That whole “freedom of expression” thing? Still exists.
- Ethical: Censorship. Straight-up government-mandated censorship. This is some North Korea-level nonsense.
- Constitutional: I cannot scream “First Amendment” loud enough. The government cannot decide what opinions are “acceptable.”
2. Deport First, Ask Questions Later (February 18, 2025)
What it does: Allows ICE to immediately deport undocumented immigrants without hearings or due process.
Why it’s a problem:
- Legal: The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process to everyone in the U.S.—not just citizens.
- Ethical: So we’re just… rounding people up and tossing them out? Cool, cool. Totally not terrifying at all.
- Constitutional: This is as unconstitutional as it gets. Courts will shut this down, but not before families get torn apart.
3. The “Right to Work” (For Less) Order (February 19, 2025)
What it does: Bans federal contracts for companies that require union membership or collective bargaining agreements.
Why it’s a problem:
- Legal: This is an attack on unions, plain and simple. Federal law protects collective bargaining, and this is a blatant end-run around it.
- Ethical: He’s literally making it easier for companies to exploit workers. Who is this for? (Oh right, corporations.)
- Constitutional: There’s a whole body of labor law protecting unions. But sure, let’s just ignore all that.
4. The “America First” News Directive (February 20, 2025)
What it does: Requires federal agencies to only use and promote “patriotic” news sources (read: right-wing propaganda).
Why it’s a problem:
- Legal: The government is not allowed to dictate which news sources are “acceptable.” That’s called state media.
- Ethical: Tax dollars funding Fox News and Newsmax while silencing independent journalism? Super democratic.
- Constitutional: Again, First Amendment. Government cannot and should not endorse or censor the press.
5. The “Religious Freedom” Healthcare Rule (February 21, 2025)
What it does: Allows healthcare providers to deny services if they claim it violates their religious beliefs.
Why it’s a problem:
- Legal: This gives doctors and hospitals a free pass to discriminate. That is not how civil rights laws work.
- Ethical: Imagine being denied medical care because of your gender, sexuality, or religion. That’s the world we’re headed toward.
- Constitutional: The First Amendment guarantees religious freedom, yes—but not the right to impose it on others.
6. “No More Handouts” Welfare Cuts (February 22, 2025)
What it does: Slashes funding for food assistance, Medicaid expansion, and housing subsidies because apparently, being poor is a crime.
Why it’s a problem:
- Legal: Congress controls spending. This isn’t Trump’s money to take away.
- Ethical: Cutting basic assistance programs while giving tax breaks to billionaires? Just say you hate poor people and go.
- Constitutional: You cannot just erase legally established programs with a Sharpie. That’s not how government works.
7. The National Guard “Protest Control” Initiative (February 23, 2025)
What it does: Expands federal authority to deploy the National Guard to suppress “violent protests” (read: any protest Trump doesn’t like).
Why it’s a problem:
- Legal: The First Amendment protects protests—even the ones that make Trump uncomfortable.
- Ethical: Militarizing law enforcement against protesters? What could possibly go wrong? (Oh wait… everything.)
- Constitutional: Using the military against American citizens without state approval is deeply unconstitutional.
Final Thoughts
Trump’s executive orders are getting more authoritarian by the week. This isn’t just about bad policy—this is an outright attack on democracy. We’re talking about censorship, labor suppression, mass deportations, and militarizing law enforcement.
At this point, his next executive order might as well be “I AM THE LAW.” Because that’s clearly where this is headed.
Sources:
- List of Executive Orders – Wikipedia
- First Amendment Rights – ACLU
- Labor Laws & Union Rights – Department of Labor
- Immigration Policy – National Immigration Law Center
- FCC Regulations – Federal Communications Commission
