Trump Expands Authority of Musk's Taskforce Through Executive Order

On January 20, Donald Trump began his second term as President of the United States, initiating a substantial overhaul of the federal government through a series of executive orders. This article outlines key decisions and announcements made by the new administration.

On February 11, Trump mandated federal agencies to collaborate with Elon Musk's taskforce, known as the Government Efficiency Division. This initiative aims to streamline operations within government agencies, including staff reductions and limiting new hires. Additionally, Trump dismissed the Inspector General of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) after he raised concerns about the secure management of aid funds.

On February 10, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum, effective March, with a possible exemption for Australia. He also indicated that additional tariffs on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and computer chips could follow. Furthermore, he signed an executive order reversing a Biden-era initiative to ban plastic straws.

Notably, on February 9, Trump instructed the U.S. Treasury Department to cease production of the penny due to its high manufacturing costs, which he claimed exceeded its value. The following day, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced a significant reduction in its operations, following calls from Musk to eliminate the agency.

In a move reflecting budgetary constraints, Trump's administration announced substantial cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), slashing over $4 billion in annual contributions to universities and research institutions. Trump also revoked security clearances for former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other prominent figures associated with the Biden administration.

On February 7, Trump halted all U.S. support for South Africa over a dispute regarding a land expropriation law. He further restricted access to security documents for his predecessor, Joe Biden, along with daily intelligence briefings. The President appointed Musk to review government spending on education and defense.

Earlier in February, Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court in The Hague, targeting members involved in investigations against U.S. citizens. He also announced the formation of a task force to combat what he termed 'anti-Christian discrimination' within federal agencies.

On February 5, the administration issued a directive excluding transgender individuals from participating in women's sports at public schools and universities. The previous day, a mass furlough of staff at USAID indicated plans to significantly downsize the agency, reducing its workforce from over 10,000 to approximately 300.

In a broader strategy to reconfigure foreign aid, Trump ordered a review of U.S. funding for the United Nations and announced the withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council. He also proposed placing the Gaza Strip under U.S. control, a suggestion that was later downplayed by government officials.

On January 20, during his first day in office, Trump made 78 decisions aimed at reversing policies enacted by his Democratic predecessor, including pardoning over 1,500 individuals related to the Capitol riots, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, and halting U.S. contributions to the World Health Organization.

The rapid pace of these decisions underscores Trump's commitment to reshaping the federal landscape according to his administration's priorities, particularly through the lens of efficiency and reduced government spending.