Washington (AP, LA Times) — Donald Trump is preparing to return to the White House, set to utilize executive orders as his primary mechanism for government overhaul. This approach is common for incoming presidents who seek to enact immediate changes without waiting for congressional approval. Executive orders allow the president to exert influence directly over federal agencies and set the agenda, though they do come with limitations.

Executive orders function as official directives on how the president wishes to govern and manage federal operations. They can encompass various actions, ranging from simple administrative directives—like designating a day off for federal employees—to significant policy declarations. For example, President Biden issued an executive order laying out a framework for regulation of artificial intelligence. However, the utilization of executive orders is often seen as a way to accomplish policy goals that might not gain traction in Congress. As noted by the LA Times, there is flexibility in this presidential tool, allowing new administrations to not only initiate their policies but also to revoke or amend those of their predecessors.

Throughout American history, thousands of executive orders have been issued; data from the American Presidency Project highlights that George Washington signed eight, while Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a remarkable 3,721. During his first term, Trump signed 220 executive orders, and as of December 20, Biden had signed over 160.

Looking forward, Trump has signaled his intent to issue as many as 100 executive orders on his first day back, focusing on contentious issues such as immigration policies related to deportation, energy regulations, and school gender policies. Additionally, he has proposed an order aimed at extending the timeline for the sale of the social media app TikTok and has influenced other lawmakers, like Rep. Jeff Van Drew, to draft orders to halt the development of offshore wind energy projects. Many of these directives may serve primarily as symbolic gestures reflecting his campaign promises rather than fully actionable policies.

Despite their potency, executive orders are not immune from opposition. Congress and the judiciary have the power to interfere with presidential orders. For instance, legislation passed in 1992 successfully nullified an executive order by former President George H.W. Bush regarding fetal tissue research. Congress retains the authority to restrict funding for enforcement of certain orders, which can significantly undermine their effectiveness. Furthermore, judicial review can lead to challenges based on the argument that a president has exceeded their constitutional authority; an example being President Truman's failed attempt to seize steel mills deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court during the Korean War.

As Trump navigates these complex dynamics, the effectiveness and longevity of his anticipated executive orders reflect both the promise and the peril of presidential power in shaping national policy.

For more detailed information on how Trump aims to reshape government through executive orders, check the full reports by AP News and LA Times.