In the chaotic and controversial presidency of Donald Trump, many Americans have found themselves asking, “Is that legal?” as the president has made numerous bold and unprecedented moves during his time in office. From executive orders to controversial policies, Trump’s actions have sparked debate and legal challenges across the country. In this guide, we will take a closer look at some of Trump’s biggest moves so far and examine their legality.
One of Trump’s most well-known and controversial actions was his travel ban on citizens from several predominantly Muslim countries. The ban, which was issued via executive order in January 2017, sparked protests and legal challenges almost immediately. Critics argued that the ban was discriminatory and violated the Constitution’s protection of religious freedom. In June 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the third version of the ban, ruling that the president has broad authority to regulate immigration and national security.
Another major move by Trump was his decision to declare a national emergency in order to secure funding for his proposed border wall. In February 2019, Trump announced that he would use emergency powers to redirect funds from other government agencies to build the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Critics argued that the move was an abuse of power and unconstitutional. In July 2019, the House of Representatives voted to block the emergency declaration, but Trump vetoed the resolution. As of now, the legality of Trump’s use of emergency powers for the border wall is still being debated in the courts.
In addition to these high-profile actions, Trump has also made significant changes to immigration policy, environmental regulations, and healthcare. His administration has implemented strict immigration policies, such as the separation of families at the border and the ending of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Trump has also rolled back Obama-era environmental regulations, such as the Clean Power Plan and fuel efficiency standards. On healthcare, Trump has sought to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has pushed for changes to Medicaid and Medicare.
Overall, the legality of Trump’s actions has been a topic of much debate and scrutiny. While some of his moves have been upheld by the courts, others have faced legal challenges and pushback from Congress. As Trump’s presidency continues, it is likely that more legal battles will arise over his policies and decisions. In the meantime, Americans are left to wonder, “Is that legal?” as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of Trump’s presidency.
