Hot topic: Trump stamps authority on health policy as he retakes the White House

There’s a new acronym that is causing mayhem throughout Washington – the EO (executive order). 

President Donald Trump signed 46 of them in January, with 26 signed during his first day in office on 20th January. 

While many EOs are subject to challenges in the courts, they show Trump’s determination to stamp his authority from Day One of his presidency. 

Some of the EOs also have far-reaching consequences for health policy – such as the order requiring the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization. 

Instead, directorates and mechanisms will be established to safeguard public health and fortify biosecurity. Other international partners will be identified that can carry out the work previously undertaken by the WHO, according to the EO. 

Trump has revoked previous orders covering COVID-19 and gender ideology, and ditched an EO that created the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. 

There’s an order ending “wasteful” government diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 

At the same time, it looks like no government department will avoid Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) spending reviews. 

This is designed to save “billions” in “fraud and abuse” according to Trump’s interview ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl. 

After signing only one EO in his first day in office in 2016, it looks like Trump 2.0 is a very different beast, determined to make an immediate impact in all areas of policy.