Week 4

Date Issued: Monday, February 10, 2025

Agencies Impacted: Office of Personnel Management (OPM), all federal agencies utilizing the Federal Executive Institute (FEI) for leadership training.

On February 10, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order directing the Office of Personnel Management to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute (FEI). Established in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, the FEI has provided leadership training to senior federal executives for over five decades. The administration claims that dismantling the FEI will reduce bureaucracy and refocus government efforts on serving taxpayers. However, this action raises significant concerns about the future quality of federal leadership and the potential erosion of effective governance.

The abrupt closure of the FEI threatens to undermine the development of competent federal leaders, leading to a decline in the quality of public service. Communities relying on effective government programs may experience diminished support as leadership standards deteriorate. Moreover, the elimination of a centralized leadership training institute could exacerbate inconsistencies across agencies, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups who depend on uniform and fair implementation of federal policies.

The decision to abolish the FEI jeopardizes the cultivation of skilled federal executives, potentially compromising the efficiency and responsiveness of government operations. Uncertainty looms regarding how agencies will address the void in leadership development, and whether alternative measures will be implemented to maintain the standards previously upheld by the FEI. The full ramifications of this executive order remain unclear, and it is imperative to monitor how this policy shift will unfold in the coming months.

Date Issued: Monday, February 10, 2025

Agencies Impacted: All federal agencies, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), General Services Administration (GSA)

On February 10, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order directing all federal agencies to cease the procurement and use of paper straws within government facilities. The order mandates the development of a National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws within 45 days, aiming to eliminate policies that favor paper over plastic straws. The administration argues that paper straws are less functional, more expensive, and potentially harmful due to chemical content. However, this action raises concerns about environmental setbacks and the potential health risks associated with increased plastic usage.

The elimination of paper straws in federal agencies could lead to a resurgence of single-use plastic straws, exacerbating environmental pollution. Plastic straws are non-biodegradable and contribute significantly to marine litter, posing threats to wildlife. Communities advocating for sustainable practices may feel undermined, and individuals with disabilities who rely on flexible straw options might face limited choices. Moreover, the potential health risks associated with chemicals in paper straws, such as PFAS, require further investigation, and replacing them with plastic alternatives may not address these concerns.

This executive order prioritizes the convenience and cost-effectiveness of plastic straws over environmental sustainability and public health considerations. The long-term ecological consequences of increased plastic waste remain uncertain, and the potential health implications of both paper and plastic straws necessitate comprehensive research. Further information on the implementation of this policy and its environmental impact is expected following the release of the National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws.

Date Issued: Monday, February 10, 2025

Agencies Impacted: Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), all federal agencies involved in anti-corruption enforcement.

On February 10, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to pause enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days. The order mandates a review of current FCPA enforcement guidelines, aiming to promote American competitiveness and national security. The administration argues that overexpansive and unpredictable FCPA enforcement harms U.S. businesses by prohibiting practices common among international competitors, creating an uneven playing field. However, this suspension raises significant concerns about the potential increase in corporate bribery and the erosion of global anti-corruption efforts.

Halting FCPA enforcement may embolden corporations to engage in bribery, undermining decades of progress in combating international corruption. This policy shift could lead to a surge in unethical business practices, disproportionately affecting developing countries where governance structures are vulnerable. Communities in these regions may suffer from increased exploitation and weakened public services as corrupt deals divert resources away from essential infrastructure and social programs. Moreover, the suspension may damage the reputation of U.S. companies abroad, as international partners question America's commitment to ethical business standards.

The decision to pause FCPA enforcement jeopardizes the integrity of global markets and threatens to reverse hard-won gains in the fight against corruption. Uncertainty surrounds how the DOJ will redefine enforcement guidelines and whether this pause will become a permanent policy shift. The full impact of this executive order will unfold in the coming months, necessitating vigilant monitoring by policymakers, businesses, and civil society to assess its effects on international commerce and governance.

Date Issued: Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Agencies Impacted: All federal agencies, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

On February 11, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order mandating a drastic reduction of the federal workforce. The order requires agencies to implement a hiring freeze and mandates that only one new employee be hired for every four who leave. Additionally, it grants the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, unprecedented authority to oversee and approve all hiring decisions. This aggressive downsizing threatens to cripple essential public services and undermine the government's ability to function effectively.

The enforced workforce reduction is poised to decimate critical services that millions of Americans rely on daily. Vital programs in healthcare, education, and social services face severe understaffing, leading to delays and diminished quality of service. Communities of color and low-income families, who disproportionately depend on federal assistance, will bear the brunt of these cutbacks. Moreover, the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives signals a blatant disregard for fostering an inclusive and representative federal workforce.

This executive order initiates a perilous path toward dismantling the federal government's capacity to serve its citizens effectively. The full extent of the damage remains uncertain, as agencies scramble to interpret and implement these sweeping directives. Close monitoring and robust opposition are imperative to prevent the erosion of essential public services and to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable communities.

Date Issued: [Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Agencies Impacted: Department of State, all U.S. embassies and consulates, Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

[On February 12, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order mandating that all U.S. foreign policy decisions align strictly with his directives. The order empowers the Secretary of State to overhaul the Foreign Service, including recruitment, performance evaluations, and retention policies, to ensure unwavering loyalty to the President's agenda. It also stipulates that failure to implement the President's policies may result in disciplinary action, including termination. This centralization of authority raises alarms about the suppression of diverse perspectives and the potential erosion of diplomatic integrity.

This directive effectively silences seasoned diplomats, forcing them to parrot the President's views or face punitive measures. Such an environment stifles critical analysis and dissent, which are vital for nuanced foreign policy decisions. Communities worldwide that rely on U.S. diplomatic support may experience erratic policy shifts, undermining trust and stability. Moreover, the order's emphasis on loyalty over expertise could lead to the appointment of unqualified individuals, jeopardizing international relations and national security.

The "One Voice for America's Foreign Relations" executive order consolidates foreign policy decision-making power exclusively in the President's hands, potentially at the expense of informed and balanced diplomacy. The long-term consequences of this approach remain uncertain, particularly regarding global alliances and America's standing on the world stage. Close observation is necessary to assess how this policy will unfold and its impact on both domestic and international communities.

Date Issued: Thursday, February 13, 2025

Agencies Impacted: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Education, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), National Economic Council (NEC), Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

On February 13, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, chaired by newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Commission is tasked with investigating and addressing the root causes of America's escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic diseases. Within 100 days, the Commission is to submit an assessment detailing the prevalence of these diseases and potential contributing factors, followed by a comprehensive strategy within 180 days to combat the identified issues. While the initiative aims to improve public health, concerns arise regarding the potential influence of controversial perspectives on vaccine safety and environmental factors, which may divert attention from evidence-based practices.

The establishment of the MAHA Commission, under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, raises alarms about the potential for promoting unproven theories over established medical science. This could lead to public confusion and a decline in vaccination rates, exacerbating preventable diseases. Communities relying on consistent public health policies may face increased health risks due to potential shifts toward alternative health practices lacking scientific validation. Additionally, the Commission's broad mandate to investigate factors such as electromagnetic radiation and corporate influence may divert resources from addressing more substantiated causes of chronic diseases, potentially neglecting effective interventions.

The President's Make America Healthy Again Commission embarks on a mission to tackle pressing health issues, particularly childhood chronic diseases. However, the inclusion of leadership with a history of promoting controversial health views introduces uncertainty regarding the direction and efficacy of the Commission's efforts. The public and health professionals await the forthcoming assessment and strategy, which will reveal the Commission's approach and its alignment with evidence-based medical practices. Vigilant scrutiny is essential to ensure that the Commission's recommendations genuinely serve the nation's health interests without succumbing to unfounded medical theories.

Date Issued: Friday, February 14, 2025

Agencies Impacted: Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Commerce, Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of Agriculture, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), United States Trade Representative, Council on Environmental Quality, Council of Economic Advisers, Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Security Council

On February 14, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order establishing the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) within the Executive Office of the President. Chaired by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright as Vice Chair, the NEDC is tasked with advising the President on strategies to achieve "energy dominance" by streamlining processes related to the permitting, production, and distribution of American energy resources. The administration asserts that this initiative will lower energy costs, reduce inflation, and bolster national security. However, this aggressive push for fossil fuel expansion raises significant concerns about environmental degradation, public health risks, and the undermining of renewable energy advancements.

The formation of the NEDC signals a substantial shift toward fossil fuel exploitation, potentially leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change. Communities located near proposed drilling sites and pipeline expansions, often low-income and minority populations, may face heightened exposure to air and water pollution, resulting in adverse health outcomes. Additionally, the prioritization of oil and gas projects could divert investments away from renewable energy initiatives, stifling innovation and hindering progress toward a sustainable energy future. The rollback of environmental regulations to expedite energy projects further threatens the preservation of public lands and wildlife habitats.

The establishment of the National Energy Dominance Council represents a decisive move to prioritize fossil fuel development, potentially at the expense of environmental protection and public health. The long-term consequences of this policy shift remain uncertain, particularly concerning climate change mitigation and the transition to clean energy. Close monitoring and active engagement from environmental organizations, policymakers, and the public are essential to assess the full impact of this executive order and to advocate for a balanced and sustainable energy strategy.

Date Issued: Saturday, February 15, 2025

Agencies Impacted: Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), all educational institutions receiving federal funding

On February 15, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order prohibiting federal funding to educational institutions that require students to receive a COVID-19 vaccination for in-person attendance. The order mandates that the Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Services issue guidelines to enforce this policy and develop a plan to end coercive COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools. The administration argues that such mandates infringe upon personal freedom and parental rights. However, this action raises significant concerns about public health, the potential resurgence of COVID-19 in educational settings, and the undermining of established vaccination policies.

By withholding federal funds from schools enforcing COVID-19 vaccine mandates, this executive order may deter institutions from implementing necessary public health measures, increasing the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks among students and staff. Communities with lower vaccination rates could experience higher transmission rates, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised individuals and those unable to receive vaccinations for medical reasons. Additionally, the order's emphasis on personal choice over collective health may erode trust in public health initiatives and set a precedent for challenging other essential vaccination requirements, potentially leading to the resurgence of preventable diseases.

The "Keeping Education Accessible and Ending COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in Schools" executive order prioritizes individual choice over communal health safeguards, potentially compromising the well-being of students and educational staff. The long-term implications of this policy remain uncertain, particularly concerning the control of COVID-19 within educational environments and the precedent it sets for future public health mandates. Further information on the implementation and impact of this order is anticipated as the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services develop and release enforcement guidelines.

Date Issued: Sunday, February 16, 2025

Agencies Impacted: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), all federal agencies involved in disaster response and relief efforts.

On February 16, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential memorandum declaring a state of emergency in Kentucky following severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides that began on February 14, 2025. This declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts aimed at alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency. The President's action ensures that federal assistance is available to supplement state and local response efforts across all 120 counties in Kentucky.

The severe weather event has resulted in at least 11 fatalities in Kentucky, including a mother and her young child, with the death toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. Over 1,000 individuals have been rescued from floodwaters, and significant infrastructure damage has been reported, including submerged roads and damaged homes. Approximately 39,000 homes have experienced power outages, and many residents have been displaced due to the flooding. The federal assistance authorized by this emergency declaration will provide much-needed resources for rescue operations, temporary housing, and the restoration of essential services.

The President's approval of the emergency declaration for Kentucky facilitates the mobilization of federal resources to support state and local agencies in responding to the disaster. While this action enables immediate relief efforts, uncertainties remain regarding the long-term recovery process and the full extent of the damage. Further assessments will be conducted in the coming days to determine additional federal support required for rebuilding and mitigation efforts. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety directives issued by local authorities.