SUMMARY
US President Donald Trump rolled out a flurry of executive orders in order to reshape US’ policies on immigration, inclusivity, economy, and more. But his opponents quickly fought back, filing lawsuits to prevent their enforcement. Trump hasn’t been in office for a month and lawsuits are already flooding courts, aiming to halt implementation of some of his executive orders. Will this resistance build up or just fade? Here’s a summary of the key legal challenges.
1 / 8What is an Executive Order? | An executive order is an official directive from the US President that governs federal government operations. It does not require approval from Congress, nor can Congress directly revoke it. Only a sitting president has the authority to nullify an existing executive order by issuing a new one. However, Congress can limit its impact by passing laws that restrict funding or create legal barriers. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 8Major Legal Cases Challenging Trump’s Executive Orders | Order: Ending Birthright Citizenship | Status: Temporarily blocked by court | On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship for children born to parents who are not in the US lawfully. Within a week at least five cases had been filed challenging the order. Challengers argue that this right is enshrined in the US Constitution and Trump lacks the legal ground to end it. (Image: Shutterstock)
3 / 8Order: Reclassification of Federal Employees | Status: In court | Trump signed an executive order reinstating the controversial “Schedule F” classification which categorised workers as political hires, making them easier to fire. The order is estimated to affect up to 50,000 workers, who would lose traditional civil service protections, including the right to appeal dismissals. (Image: Shutterstock)
4 / 8Order: Creation of DOGE | Status: In court | On the first day of his second term, Trump ordered creation of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) via an executive order. The same day a lawsuit was filed questioning its legality. As of February 10, at least three lawsuits against Doge were in US courts. (Image: Shutterstock)
5 / 8Order: Targeting DEIA Programmes | Status: In court | Shortly after taking office, Trump signed executive orders ending DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility) programmes at government agencies. The order was challenged in the District Court of Maryland. The lawsuit alleges that the order suppresses free speech and that Trump has exceeded his constitutional authority by signing it. (Image: Shutterstock)
6 / 8Order: Federal Aid Freeze | Status: Temporarily blocked by court | On January 28, just hours after Trump signed an order freezing hundreds of billions in federal grants and loans, a coalition of organisations representing grant recipients filed a lawsuit. In response, a judge issued a temporary halt on the order. Shortly after, the White House withdrew the memo that authorised the freeze. (Image: Shutterstock)
7 / 8Order: Against the Right to Seek Asylum | Status: In court | Trump suspended the right to seek asylum for undocumented migrants. Before the order, migrants were able to arrive at the US border and had the legal right to seek asylum. A lawsuit has been filed asking the court to block the Trump administration’s implementation of the ban. (Image: Shutterstock)
8 / 8Order: Anti-Trans Prison Policy | Status: Temporarily blocked by court | Trump issued an executive order blocking federal funds for gender[1]affirming care and mandating the transfer of transgender women in federal custody to men’s facilities. A federal judge later blocked its enforcement. Other lawsuits challenge policies banning transgender military service, restricting gender-transition care for minors, and preventing gender marker changes on US passports. (Image: Shutterstock)
