Consider This from NPR: Breaking Down the Executive Actions Trump Is Using to Govern
Release Date: January 21, 2025

In this episode of NPR's Consider This, the hosts delve into the rapid and sweeping executive actions undertaken by President Donald Trump following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The discussion navigates through Trump's immediate policy reversals, his strategies on immigration and trade, and the broader implications of his governance approach. Featuring insights from NPR correspondents Kerry Johnson, Tom Dreisbach, and Ari Shapiro, the episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current political landscape shaped by Trump's executive decisions.

1. Immediate Executive Actions on Inauguration Day

A Flurry of Pardons and Policy Reversals

Donald Trump's return to the White House was marked by a swift cascade of executive actions aimed at dismantling the previous administration's policies and fulfilling his own campaign promises. Within hours of his swearing-in at the Capital One Arena in D.C.'s Chinatown, Trump began executing his agenda.

• Rescinding Biden-Era Orders: As Ron Rudson highlights, Trump rescinded 78 executive actions from the Biden administration, encompassing executive orders and presidential memoranda. Trump emphasized the significance of these actions, stating at [00:07] “Donald Trump has not wasted any time getting to work…”.

• National Emergency Declarations: Among the key actions, Trump declared a national energy emergency and a national emergency at the southern border, signaling a hardline stance on immigration and energy policies.

• Pardons Related to January 6th: One of the most controversial moves was Trump's decision to grant clemency to over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6th Capitol attack. This included both pardons for nonviolent offenders and commutations for those who had committed violent acts.

  Donald Trump [00:50]: “So this is January 6th. These are the hostages. Approximately 1500 for a pardon. Yes, full pardon.”

2. Pardons and Clemency for January 6th Defendants

Impact on Legal Proceedings and Public Sentiment

The extensive pardoning of individuals involved in the Capitol riot has sparked significant debate and concern among legal experts, law enforcement, and the public.

• Release of High-Profile Figures: Notably, Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the Proud Boys, was released after serving a 22-year sentence. Trump affirmed Tarrio's reintegration into society:

  Donald Trump [01:16]: “Enrique is looking forward to moving forward with his life and being a productive member of society.”

• Distinction Between Pardons and Commutations: Kerry Johnson explains the legal differences, noting that while pardons restore certain rights, commutations merely reduce the severity of penalties without nullifying the conviction.

  Kerry Johnson [04:26]: “The vast majority of people won full and complete pardons, meaning not only are they released from prison, but they get certain rights back, like voting or owning a firearm.”

• Prosecutorial and Victim Reactions: Former U.S. Attorney Matt Graves criticized the pardons, emphasizing that many defendants had already served their time or received significant sentences. Victims, such as former Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Ganel, expressed feelings of betrayal and concern for safety.

  Aquilino Ganel [08:08]: “He basically does not understand how Trump and his supporters can claim they back the blue, support law enforcement while also issuing these pardons.”

  Matt Graves [07:05]: “There's a robust public record, more than 250 trials, exhibits, guilty pleas. And he says those can't be wiped away.”

• Potential for State-Level Prosecutions: Despite federal pardons, local and state authorities may pursue additional charges against defendants, indicating that the legal ramifications of the pardons are not entirely settled.

  Kerry Johnson [10:32]: “Some district attorneys and state attorneys general may be looking to make new cases against some of these January 6th defendants.”

3. Economic and Trade Policies: Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

Threat of a New Trade War

President Trump's approach to trade, particularly with neighboring countries Canada and Mexico, has reignited fears of a potential trade war reminiscent of his first term.

• Proposed Tariffs: Trump signaled his intention to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over immigration and drug trafficking.

  Donald Trump [11:35]: “We're thinking in terms of 25% on Mexico and Canada because they're allowing vast numbers of people. Canada's very bad abuser, also vast numbers of people to come in and fentanyl to come in.”

• Implications for Existing Trade Agreements: The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), signed during Trump's previous presidency, is under review, and the proposed tariffs could strain this relationship.

  Eder Peralta [12:36]: “That's right. It's called the U. S. Mexico Canada Agreement, also known as USMCA, and it's a trade deal that the Trump administration signed when it was last in office.”

• Responses from Affected Nations: Canada has hinted at retaliatory tariffs, as expressed by Anita Anand, a key Canadian cabinet minister.

  Anita Anand [13:51]: “Multiple rounds of counter tariffs against the United States, which we will not hesitate to use if necessary.”

• Economic Consequences: Economists warn that these tariffs could act as indirect taxes on American consumers, potentially leading to increased inflation and strained international relations.

  Ron Rudson [14:32]: “Most economists say that tariffs actually end up as taxes on consumers. And some warn that if Trump goes through with this all, it could lead to higher inflation.”

4. Immigration Policies and Border Control

Swift Changes and Humanitarian Concerns

Trump's executive actions have dramatically altered the U.S. immigration landscape, focusing on reducing illegal immigration and tightening border controls.

• National Emergency Declaration: By declaring a national emergency at the southern border, Trump aims to reassert U.S. sovereignty and implement stringent immigration measures.

  Matt Graves [15:16]: “President Trump has declared a national emergency along this border, saying that America's sovereignty is under attack.”

• Impact on Migrants: The shutdown of the CBP1 app, which facilitated legal crossings and asylum applications, has left migrants in a state of uncertainty and despair.

  Matt Graves [15:16]: “Yesterday, Trump shut down the only real path toward crossing the U.S. legally. And that was this thing called the CBP1 app.”

• On-the-Ground Observations: NPR correspondent Tom Dreisbach reports a near-empty border, attributing the quietness to both effective prior administration policies and the immediate uncertainty caused by Trump's new measures.

  Matt Graves [16:28]: “It's quiet because migrants have no idea what to do.”

• Human Stories: Migrants like Maro from Venezuela express their anguish and confusion over the abrupt policy changes that have nullified their legal crossing appointments.

  Maro [17:00]: “Why so much pain?”

• Mexican Government's Response: Mexico is bracing for the potential influx of deported migrants and the broader implications of Trump's immigration crackdown.

  Matt Graves [18:00]: “They're worried that Trump has promised mass deportations of undocumented migrants, and that could mean a lot of Mexicans.”

5. Conclusion and Future Implications

President Trump's aggressive use of executive actions marks a decisive shift in U.S. governance, aiming to fulfill campaign promises swiftly but stirring significant controversy and concern. The immediate effects on immigration, trade, and the legal repercussions of mass pardons highlight a tumultuous period that could redefine America's political and economic landscape.

As the administration moves forward, the responses from both domestic institutions and international partners will play a crucial role in shaping the effectiveness and sustainability of these policies. The episode underscores the complexity and far-reaching consequences of executive authority in modern American politics.

This summary is based on the transcript provided and does not include advertisements, production credits, or non-content segments from the original podcast episode.