Today's News
Executive Orders and Policy Shifts
Immigration and Border Enforcement
Several executive orders were issued that altered U.S. immigration policy. These included directives to construct a wall along the southern border and expand immigrant detention and deportation efforts. The "travel ban," which restricted entry for nationals from several Muslim-majority countries, was implemented, leading to legal challenges and protests.
Refugee and Asylum Policies
The administration reduced the number of refugees the U.S. would accept and introduced stricter vetting procedures. Policies were enacted that increased the detention of asylum seekers, including families, and limited their access to legal resources.
Rights of Vulnerable Populations
LGBTQ+ Community Concerns
Early actions included rescinding federal guidance that protected transgender students' access to facilities matching their gender identity. There were also shifts in the Department of Justice's stance on LGBTQ+ employment discrimination cases.
Women's Health and Reproductive Rights
The administration reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, which restricts U.S. funding to international non-governmental organizations that provide or promote abortion services. Domestic funding for organizations offering comprehensive reproductive health care was also reduced.
Environmental and Health Protections
Regulatory Rollbacks
A significant number of environmental regulations were targeted for elimination or revision, including rules on clean water, air pollution, and emissions. The U.S. also announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Health Care Access
Efforts were made to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which could have affected health insurance coverage for millions. Executive orders were signed to ease regulatory burdens on insurers and states.
International Human Rights Stance
Torture and Interrogation Policies
Public statements were made suggesting a potential reconsideration of the ban on torture. The administration expressed the view that enhanced interrogation techniques could be effective, though no formal policy changes were implemented during this period.
Relations with International Bodies
The U.S. withdrew from or reduced funding for several United Nations agencies and programs, citing concerns over efficiency and alignment with U.S. interests. This included cuts to organizations focused on humanitarian aid and human rights monitoring.
These include the implementation of a travel ban targeting citizens of Muslim-majority countries, increased immigration enforcement leading to the separation of families at the border, and the rollback of environmental protections.
Amnesty International also criticizes the Trump administration for its use of cruel and inhumane tactics, such as the use of tear gas against migrants at the border and the separation of children from their parents as part of its immigration enforcement policies.
The report concludes that President Trump’s first 100 days in office have been marked by a disregard for human rights and an embrace of policies that are harmful to the most vulnerable members of society. Amnesty International calls on the administration to change course and prioritize the protection of human rights moving forward.