(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump began his presidency swiftly, signing 26 executive orders during the first day of his second term.
But what exactly is an executive order?
NewsNation breaks down what you need to know about executive orders and the ones Trump signed at Capital One Arena and later back at the White House.
Here are all executive orders Trump signed on Day 1
What’s an executive order?
Executive orders are directive documents signed by the president that outline their agenda and are a means of instituting policies and/or directives to federal agencies.
The National Archives defines executive orders as “official documents, numbered consecutively, through which the President of the United States manages the operations of the Federal Government.”
Presidents can cancel executive orders of their predecessors given their position as head of the executive branch.
Is an executive order a law?
Executive orders have the same effect, or “force of law,” according to the American Bar Association.
Their impact can be felt with immediacy, as was the case Monday when Trump pardoned almost all Jan. 6 rioters and shut down the mobile app that ultimately allowed migrants to gain eventual entry into the United States.
However, there are executive orders that act as directives and, as such, may take more time to enact. An example of this could be federal agencies working toward addressing the cost of living.
Trump’s ‘two sexes’ order to face legal challenges
Does an executive order need congressional approval?
No, executive orders do not require approval from Congress, but executive orders can be overturned if they are found to be unconstitutional.
According to the Constitution Center, Congress can pass new laws to override executive orders. However, the president can veto those.
A legal challenge from Congress may not always be able to stop an executive order, but it can delay its implementation.
What executive orders has Trump signed?
In totality, Trump has signed 26 executive orders.
According to the Federal Register, Trump’s 26 executive orders are the most signed by some distance. Former President Joe Biden had the second-most in U.S. history, signing 9 on Inauguration Day in 2021.
During his first term, Trump signed 220 executive orders and only 1 on his first evening in the Oval Office.
Trump’s most notable executive orders signed Monday included the pardoning of Jan. 6 rioters, abolishing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the federal government, defining gender as only “male” and “female” and enforcing border security, among others.
NewsNation has logged all of the executive orders signed by Trump on Day 1.
What can a president do without Congress?
Presidents can sign executive orders without Congress’ approval, but they cannot make laws, declare wars, decide how federal money is spent or interpret laws.
As outlined in Article II of the Consitution, “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.”
The Constitution also outlines other actions the president can take without congressional approval.
As evidenced by former President Biden, presidents have the power to extend pardons and clemencies for federal crimes.
