What Are Executive Orders?

Executive Orders (EOs) are official directives issued by the President to federal agencies.
They carry the force of law — even though they bypass the normal Congressional process.

While intended to help enforce existing laws, Executive Orders can have sweeping real-world effects on everything from immigration to environmental protection to education.

As defined by the American Bar Association, an Executive Order is a signed, written directive from the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive Orders have the force of law but do not require Congressional approval.

 

In the wrong hands, Executive Orders can be used to bypass the democratic process and push through extreme agendas with little public debate.

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The Current Administration’s Use of Executive Orders

Since beginning its second term in January 2025, the current administration has issued 139 executive orders.

During his first term (2017–2021), the current President issued 220 executive orders — a historically high number compared to previous administrations:
President Joe Biden (2021–2025): 162 executive orders
President Barack Obama (2009–2017): 276 executive orders.

These Executive Orders touch nearly every aspect of daily life, affecting:

  • Voting access and election rules
  • Reproductive healthcare and bodily autonomy
  • Environmental protections and climate policy
  • Education funding and standards

Instead of working with Congress to find bipartisan solutions, many of these executive actions have been unilateral, rushed, and designed to sidestep public accountability.

View the Full List of Executive Orders at the Federal Register.

Real Consequences:

These aren’t just headlines — they’re decisions that directly affect classrooms, clinics, and voting booths here at home.

  • Healthcare: Cuts to Medicaid expansion could put coverage at risk for thousands of low-income families right here in rural North Carolina.
  • Education: Changes to Title I funding could mean fewer resources for schools in lower-income areas — including several in Harnett County.
  • Voting Rights: New federal rules could complicate voter ID requirements and limit voting access, particularly for seniors, students, and minority communities.
  • Public Safety: Executive Orders easing restrictions on concealed firearms and permitting the carry of military-style knives — without requiring training or a permit — could increase the risk of violence in schools, public spaces, and community events. These orders weaken local protections and raise serious concerns about safety in everyday places where North Carolinians live, learn, and gather.

North Carolina’s Response

North Carolina leaders have been active in challenging harmful Executive Orders:

  • Birthright Citizenship Lawsuit:
    In January 2025, North Carolina joined 21 other states in suing to block an Executive Order attempting to end birthright citizenship — arguing that it violates the 14th Amendment.
  • Federal Grant Funding Freeze Challenge:
    North Carolina was also part of a successful lawsuit opposing a federal grant funding freeze, with a judge ruling that the Executive Order exceeded lawful authority.

However, challenges are growing inside North Carolina too:
The state legislature recently passed Senate Bill 58, which restricts the attorney general's ability to challenge Executive Orders without General Assembly approval — a move many believe undermines North Carolina’s ability to defend democratic rights.

What Citizens Can Do

While Executive Orders can have sweeping impacts, citizens are not powerless. Here’s how you can take action:

Stay Informed:
Follow trusted news sources and legal advocacy groups monitoring Executive Orders and their consequences.

Here are three we suggest:

  • brennancenter.org: A nonpartisan law and policy institute at NYU School of Law, the Brennan Center tracks democracy, voting rights, and executive power issues very closely.
  • acslaw.org: The ACS is a leading progressive legal organization that offers clear, thoughtful analysis on constitutional issues — including Executive Orders, voting rights, and civil rights.
  • ballotpedia.org: Nonpartisan, fact-based resource that tracks executive orders, major policy actions, elections, and court rulings nationwide.

Support Legal Challenges:
Many Executive Orders can be fought in court. Advocacy groups depend on public support to succeed.

Contact Your Representatives:
State and federal lawmakers need to hear from you — and public opposition has a real impact. Don’t underestimate the power of your voice:
Send letters
Write emails
Make phone calls

These actions let your elected officials know that their constituents are watching, engaged, and ready to speak up for democracy.

Find Your Elected Officials Here
Find Your North Carolina Legislators 

Organize Locally:
Grassroots pressure and community organizing can slow or stop harmful policies before they take root.