Bill McGurn, former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush, discusses the high stakes of a new administration's initial days and the challenges of governance with a slim Congressional majority. He also explores the fate of President Trump's potential executive orders, particularly on birthright citizenship. Tomi Lahren weighs in on the political ramifications of these policies and the impact of legislative strategies on immigration laws. Together, they dissect the legislative landscape and the complexities of modifying constitutional amendments.
President Trump is strategically leveraging the first 100 days of his second term to implement significant policy changes and establish legislative momentum.
The challenge to birthright citizenship involves complex legal interpretations of the 14th Amendment, sparking important discussions about immigration and citizenship in America.
Deep dives
President Trump's Immediate Actions
President Trump moves quickly to implement his campaign promises during his second term, capitalizing on the political capital that comes with a fresh mandate. He signs numerous executive orders aimed at reversing Biden-era policies and addresses pressing issues such as border security and inflation. Among the key initiatives is a significant investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure from tech giants like OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, indicating a push toward technological advancements. The focus on utilizing political capital effectively is crucial, as failing to do so may result in lost opportunities for enacting significant changes.
Birthright Citizenship Debate
President Trump aims to challenge the existing birthright citizenship laws in the United States, which grant citizenship to anyone born on American soil. The legal basis for this challenge hinges on the interpretation of the 14th Amendment and the specific language within it that has led to differing opinions about who qualifies for citizenship. Legal experts note that many countries do not have similar laws, and this discrepancy may fuel calls for a constitutional amendment. The Trump administration's strategy appears to not only provoke legal challenges but also to galvanize political debate regarding citizenship and immigration in the U.S.
The Significance of the First 100 Days
The first 100 days of a presidential term are viewed as critical for establishing momentum and presenting an effective agenda. While the expectations may be somewhat artificial, they serve as a period during which a president can leverage initial political goodwill to enact substantial policy changes. President Trump is notably better organized this time compared to his previous term, indicating a focused approach to legislative priorities. Emphasizing economic recovery and security is imperative, as delivering tangible benefits to Americans will strengthen the administration's credibility and support.
President Trump is hoping to get off to a quick start on his first 100 days in office after signing a litany of executive orders. With a small majority in the House of Representatives, it may be a challenge to pass every piece of policy that President Trump planned, including the battle over the reconciliation bill, or bills that the House must pass in the coming months. Former Chief Speechwriter for President George W. Bush and FOX News Contributor Bill McGurn joins the Rundown to discuss the importance of legislative victories in the first 100 days of a presidency, how quick a "honeymoon phase" could end for President Trump, and the challenge of governing with a small Congressional majority.
Several lawsuits have already been filed challenging the Trump administration executive order to restrict birthright citizenship. The legal challenges to this early Trump 2.0 policy argue policy changes like this would actually need to rework the 14th Amendment. FOX News Contributor and Professor of Law at George Washington University Jonathan Turley joins to explain the executive order, the looming legal challenges, and what it takes to permanently alter a constitutional amendment.
Plus, commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless on Outkick,” Tomi Lahren.