On January 28, 2025, the ninth day of President Donald Trump’s second term, several significant actions and events took place:
Executive Actions:
- Military Policy: President Trump signed an executive order titled “Reinstating Service Members Discharged Under the Military’s COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate.” This order aims to reinstate service members who were previously discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to reversing certain pandemic-related military policies.
- National Defense: The President issued an executive order to develop an “Iron Dome for America,” a missile defense initiative inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome system. This order directs the Department of Defense to begin research and development to enhance the nation’s missile defense capabilities.
Cabinet Appointments:
- Transportation Department: The U.S. Senate confirmed Sean Duffy as the Secretary of Transportation. Duffy, a former congressman from Wisconsin, was sworn in later that day.
Judicial Actions:
- Federal Funding Freeze: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s freeze on federal grants and loans. The judge’s order halts the freeze until a comprehensive hearing can be held, citing concerns about the potential disruption to essential services such as healthcare research and education programs. (apnews.com)
Labor Relations:
- National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): President Trump dismissed Jennifer Abruzzo, the General Counsel of the NLRB. This move is expected to lead to legal challenges, as the position is typically insulated from direct presidential removal to maintain the board’s independence.
LGBTQ+ Policies:
- Military Service: The administration faced legal challenges after issuing an executive order that effectively bans transgender individuals from serving in the military. Advocacy groups filed lawsuits arguing that the ban is discriminatory and lacks a basis in military readiness or unit cohesion.
These actions reflect the administration’s efforts to implement its policy priorities swiftly, though some have encountered immediate legal and societal challenges.