Thursday, February 19, 2026

Inside Trump’s first-year power plays – and the court fights testing them

President Donald Trump has made headlines yet again, this time for signing a record-breaking number of executive orders in the first few months of his second term. With over 50 executive orders signed in 2025 alone, Trump has surpassed the total number of executive orders he signed during his entire first term. While this may seem like a bold move by the President, it has raised concerns about the potential impact of these orders and their survival in the face of legal challenges.

The use of executive orders by the President is not a new concept. In fact, it has been a common practice for decades, with each President using them to varying degrees. However, Trump’s prolific use of executive orders has caught the attention of both his supporters and critics. On one hand, his supporters see it as a demonstration of his determination to deliver on his promises and push his agenda forward. On the other hand, his critics view it as an abuse of power and a disregard for the checks and balances of the government.

One of the most controversial executive orders signed by Trump in 2025 was the “Muslim Ban 2.0”. This order suspended the entry of citizens from several Muslim-majority countries into the United States. The first version of this order was met with widespread protests and legal challenges, ultimately leading to a revised version that was deemed more legally sound. However, even the revised version was met with legal challenges, with many arguing that it was still discriminatory and unconstitutional. The fate of this executive order, along with many others signed by Trump, rests in the hands of the judicial system.

It is no secret that President Trump has faced numerous legal challenges throughout his presidency. From the Russia investigation to his tax returns, the courts have played a significant role in shaping his policies and decisions. And with the surge in executive orders, it is expected that the courts will once again play a crucial role in determining the fate of these orders.

The question remains, can these executive orders survive the challenge in court? The answer is not a simple one. While the President has the power to issue executive orders, they are not immune to judicial review. The courts have the authority to strike down executive orders that are deemed unconstitutional or outside the scope of the President’s power. This has already been seen in the past, with many of Trump’s executive orders being blocked or overturned by the courts.

Furthermore, the current political climate and the composition of the Supreme Court add another layer of uncertainty to the survival of these orders. With a conservative majority in the Supreme Court, many of Trump’s policies and decisions have been upheld, but there have also been instances where the Court has ruled against the President. With the potential for more legal challenges to these executive orders, it is unclear how the Court will rule.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the survival of these executive orders, one thing is certain – they have sparked a much-needed conversation about the use of executive power and the role of the courts in our democracy. The checks and balances put in place by the founding fathers are being put to the test, and it is up to the judicial system to ensure that the President’s actions are in line with the Constitution.

In addition to the legal challenges, there is also the issue of the long-term impact of these executive orders. Many of the policies and decisions made through executive orders can easily be reversed by future administrations. This further highlights the need for long-term solutions and bipartisan cooperation in addressing the issues facing our country.

In conclusion, President Trump’s use of executive orders has been unprecedented, with a record-breaking number signed in just a few months into his second term. While this may be seen as a bold move by some, it has raised concerns about the survival of these orders in the face of legal challenges. The fate of these orders ultimately rests in the hands of the judicial system, and only time will tell how they will shape our country’s future. However, one thing is certain – they have sparked important conversations about the balance of power and the role of the courts in our democracy.

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