President Trump initiated his second term by signing a sweeping executive order aimed at dismantling several of the previous administration's policies. The order, announced amid applause at Capital One Arena, targets healthcare cost regulations, coronavirus initiatives, Affordable Care Act expansions, and protections against gender-based discrimination. This move signals a dramatic shift in policy direction, affecting various sectors including healthcare, public health, and civil rights. The new administration labeled these policies as inflammatory and potentially illegal. Additionally, Trump ordered federal employees to return to full-time office work and froze federal hiring, while also initiating the process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO). The reversals could face legal challenges or congressional intervention.

The executive actions taken by President Trump encompass a wide range of measures previously implemented by the Biden administration. Among the most significant changes is the revocation of an October 2022 directive that sought to test innovative models for reducing healthcare costs under Medicare and Medicaid. This initiative was intended to build upon the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed to negotiate drug prices. Trump’s decision to rescind this order reflects a broader effort to undo what he perceives as overreach by the prior administration. Furthermore, the president has rolled back efforts to expand access to COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, along with dissolving the Gender Policy Council formed in 2021. This council was established to address gender equality issues and promote protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Trump’s stance on gender identity was made clear during his inauguration speech, where he declared that the U.S. government officially recognizes only two genders.

In addition to healthcare reforms, Trump’s order also impacts the ongoing response to the pandemic. Several policies introduced in 2021, designed to enhance testing, treatment research, economic relief, and international cooperation, have been revoked. These measures were crucial during the height of the crisis and were meant to prepare the country for future outbreaks. By reversing these directives, the new administration signals a departure from the collaborative and proactive approach adopted by its predecessor. Moreover, Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO underscores his dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the pandemic, reflecting a broader skepticism toward global institutions.

Another key area affected by Trump’s executive order is the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He has rescinded measures that extended enrollment periods and provided additional funding to assist individuals in enrolling in ACA insurance plans. These steps had significantly boosted ACA enrollment to approximately 24 million people, largely due to increased government subsidies that reduced premium costs. Trump’s action may impact the accessibility and affordability of healthcare for millions of Americans. Additionally, he has revoked an order that prompted the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to explore drug pricing experiments. These included multi-state purchasing agreements for expensive therapies, reduced payments for accelerated FDA-approved drugs, and incentives for prescribing generic medications at lower copays.

The series of executive actions taken by President Trump marks a decisive break from the policies of the previous administration. While these changes aim to align with the new administration’s priorities, they are likely to encounter resistance from various stakeholders, including legal challenges and potential legislative interventions. The impact of these decisions on healthcare access, public health preparedness, and civil rights remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly signal a significant shift in national policy direction.