New executive order from Trump: prioritizing First Amendment rights over gender identity

The administration of elected president Donald Trump has issued a new executive order aimed at reaffirming the legal recognition of male and female as the only genders, according to the news site The Free Press. This measure, which government advisors consider crucial for protecting Americans' First Amendment rights, impacts public institutions, including universities, and has significant implications for discourse and policies regarding gender identity.

The senior policy advisor of the Trump administration indicated that the Attorney General of the United States will be responsible for enforcing this order, which could lead to litigation from activist organizations. However, Trump's team is confident in their legal victory, relying on precedents such as the 2022 ruling that supported a philosophy professor at Shawnee State University, who was compelled to use the chosen pronouns of a transgender student, violating his rights to free expression.

Although the executive order addresses issues of gender identity, it does not comment on the topic of gender-affirming care for minors, a matter that generated controversy during the Biden administration and will face restrictions in several states. The outgoing administration had strongly defended these treatments, while the new Trump administration seems to be preparing future actions in this area, indicating that the current decree is just the beginning of a series of measures promised by the president during his campaign.

In addition to this executive order, the Trump administration has announced nearly 200 executive actions, such as the declaration of a national emergency at the border and the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change. However, the closer agenda includes an aggressive strategy to address irregular immigration.

In anticipation of Trump's inauguration, his team has prepared plans for mass arrests of undocumented immigrants, focusing on those with criminal records. With cities like Chicago in the crosshairs, the new "border czar," Tom Homan, has emphasized the intention to bolster border security and has urged local authorities to cooperate in these operations.

This focus on immigration is supported by recent surveys, like the one published by The New York Times, which shows majority support among Americans for stricter immigration policies. However, the proposed actions have raised alarm in sanctuary cities, which have historically resisted cooperating with federal authorities in the enforcement of immigration laws.

On the other hand, the situation of TikTok in the United States is in limbo following a ruling by the Supreme Court that could force the platform to suspend its operations starting January 19, unless it separates from its parent company, ByteDance. This ruling comes amid rising tensions between the United States and China, and during a presidential transition period that promises a thorough review of digital and national security policies.

The incoming administration must decide how to manage the future of TikTok, a highly popular platform in the country, balancing the need to ensure national security with the possibility of allowing it to operate under safe conditions. This topic has been the subject of recent discussions between Trump and political leaders. Amid these disputes, Trump seems to be seeking a solution that would allow the platform to continue, reflecting its popularity among American users, including its millions of followers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Executive Actions and Their Implications