President Donald Trump steps into his new term, unleashing a volley of executive orders aimed at reversing much of what the Biden administration put in place. With these orders, the Trump administration pushes forward their agenda on issues that matter most to Americans— immigration, federal overreach, and cultural values that resonate deeply with Christians across the country.
The Executive Orders
Pardoning January 6 Protesters
In one of his first acts in office, Trump granted a blanket pardon to individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol protests. Trump’s decision to preserve the trust of his loyal supporters signals a commitment to reforming the justice system, the first step to restoring fairness within the court system in the country.
Recognizing Only Two Genders
During his inauguration speech, President Trump made an impactful proclamation: he defined gender strictly by biological sex. This move, later signed in an executive order, is a direct response to the rising influence of gender ideology and reflects his desire to protect traditional views of family and creation. For Christians across the nation, this is a victory—a much-needed stand for biblical principles regarding gender and identity.
Removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs in Federal Government
Trump’s decision to eliminate DEI programs in federal agencies is another win for Conservatives. By prioritizing merit over identity politics, this executive order seeks to foster a society based on equality of opportunity, rather than dividing Americans along racial and gender lines. For Christians, this is a step toward unity, focusing on what we all have in common as citizens of this great nation and as God’s creation.
Declaring a National Emergency at the Mexican Border
Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the southern border focuses on bolstering border security and enforcing immigration laws that have been ignored for far too long. This reprioritization of rule of law on the border is a critical move to calm the minds of Americans over national security concerns. With nearly 10.8 million encounters nationwide since 2021, a reinforced border is the first step to restoring trust in not just national security, but the integrity of Trump’s administration.
Ending Birthright Citizenship for Children of Undocumented Immigrants
In another bold move, Trump is seeking to address what he sees as a loophole in the 14th Amendment by ending birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. This controversial action has sparked mixed reactions, but it reflects Trump’s commitment to controlling illegal immigration and ensuring that citizenship remains a right for those who follow the legal processes.
Reinstating the 'Remain in Mexico' Policy
Trump’s decision to bring back the 'Remain in Mexico' policy requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed. This policy, part of Trump’s broader commitment to secure borders, enjoys broad support, with 55% of Americans wanting to curb immigration levels.
Restoration of the Federal Death Penalty
One of the most divisive issues, Trump’s restoration of the federal death penalty is seen as a necessary step to deter violent crime. This decision reaffirms Trump's commitment to law and order while bringing justice to victims and their families. While the death penalty remains a topic of debate, the executive order will undoubtedly uphold justice and provide deterrence against grave offenses.
Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government
This executive order prohibits federal agencies from targeting individuals or organizations based on their political beliefs. This is an essential move to ensure fairness and impartiality within government institutions, especially in the wake of concerns about political bias within agencies like the FBI and DOJ. During the Trump campaign there was cause for concern with instances of federal interference from these agencies, sparking worry among people of faith that they could be targeted by the federal government.
Ordering Federal Employees to Return to the Office Full-Time
Trump’s order to have federal employees return to the office full-time marks a return to normalcy after the pandemic. While not directly tied to faith, it speaks to a broader desire to restore traditional work practices and discipline within the federal government, signaling that the administration is focused on efficiency and productivity.
What It Means For The Believer
For Christians, these executive orders represent a return to policies emphasizing national security, cultural conservatism, and traditional values. The immediate actions defining gender biologically and eliminating DEI programs are critical in countering societal trends that contradict biblical teachings. At the same time, the absence of any action directly addressing abortion is worth noting. The pro-life movement has long been a cornerstone of Christian engagement in politics, and its exclusion from this initial wave of executive orders fuels the already existing concerns about its priority in this administration.
Ultimately, these executive orders will set the tone for the next four years. Christians across the country now face the challenge of holding their leaders accountable to the biblical principles we pray to see in our government. The absence of abortion-related action serves as a reminder that even sympathetic administrations require continued advocacy to ensure that all life is protected and valued.
