As President Joe Biden's term nears its conclusion, his administration has launched a flurry of executive orders aimed at cementing key policies before the transition of power.
President-elect Donald Trump has promised to dismantle many of these Biden initiatives, pointing to the typical tensions during a changeover in administrations, as ABC News reports.
Biden's actions include a series of significant moves, such as banning offshore drilling and extending protection for asylum seekers. By using the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Biden has implemented a ban on offshore drilling that requires congressional action to reverse. This legislative approach not only safeguards environmental concerns but also limits the incoming administration's power to quickly overturn the measure.
The outgoing president has also designated two new national monuments, preserving 840,000 acres of California land from federal drilling activities. These designations reflect a deliberate effort to shield significant landscapes from industrial development.
In addition to environmental concerns, Biden's administration has focused on immigration policies. The Department of Homeland Security recently expanded the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from countries including Venezuela, El Salvador, Sudan, and Ukraine for an additional 18 months. This extension doesn't require congressional approval but can be rescinded by the Department of Homeland Security's secretary, illustrating the executive's challenging balance between protection and policy change.
Trump, who previously attempted to terminate TPS during his presidency, has been outspoken against Biden's policies. He criticized the recent moves, declaring to reverse them upon assuming power. "They say we're going to have a smooth transition. All they do is talk," Trump commented, reflecting his displeasure over Biden's strategic measures.
While Trump has been vocal about undoing the offshore drilling ban on his first day in office, experts argue that revoking such orders demands significant time and effort. Jonathan Hanson, a political scientist, highlighted, "Trump is just complaining about it louder," suggesting that such transitions are common proposals in departing administrations.
Biden's executive orders are part of a historical pattern of governance, especially during periods of political party change. Last-minute actions are seen as routine, with Dan Mallinson, a professor, noting, "In a lot of cases, the executive order will be overturned even if it takes time." This comment underscores the temporal nature of executive decision-making, especially when faced with opposition.
For Trump, reversing these orders mirrors his previous actions, where he rolled back numerous mandates instituted during President Barack Obama's tenure. By declaring intentions against Biden’s policies, Trump's approach suggests an eagerness to reshape the executive agenda again upon resuming the presidency.
While Trump asserts a transitional mindset, Mallinson points out, "Trump is trying to exploit this mentality, which is wrong, that the government has to operate under the president-elect." Constitutionally, Biden remains president until Jan. 20, with the legal authority to execute executive decisions during the lame-duck period.
Experts note that the strategies employed by Biden align with actions taken by numerous past presidents. As the administration changes hands, the enactment of executive orders serves as both a protective measure and a political statement. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how effectively the incoming administration can alter these last-minute decisions. The GOP-led Congress may face challenges in addressing some policies, especially those protected by legislation, such as the offshore drilling ban.
Biden’s current initiatives showcase practiced political maneuvers aimed at influencing future directives despite the transition in power. The protective measures, particularly from an environmental and humanitarian perspective, underscore the outgoing administration’s priorities.
Ultimately, the interplay between administrations reflects a broader dialogue on policy continuity and change. As experts and political figures weigh in, the dynamic nature of executive power showcases its role in shaping national and global engagements.
