Since his return to office, President Trump has issued over 150 executive orders in an attempt to centralize power and undermine democratic norms:
Suppression of Dissent: Orders have targeted law firms associated with prior investigations into Trump, barring them from federal buildings and revoking security clearances, actions criticized as retaliatory and undermining judicial independence. (AP News)
Curtailment of Civil Rights: Executive Orders 14168 and 14190 roll back protections for transgender individuals and restrict educational content related to gender identity and critical race theory. The suppression of identify is a key authoritarian tactic.
Challenge to Birthright Citizenship: Executive Order 14160 attempts to redefine the 14th Amendment to end birthright citizenship for children of certain non-citizens, a move that has been blocked by federal courts.
Dismantling DEI Initiatives: Executive Order 14173 revokes prior mandates on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in federal contracting, eliminating affirmative action requirements and reducing protections against workplace discrimination.
Did you think these executive orders wouldn’t go into effect?
Or maybe someone told you not to worry - that they’re just symbolic, or that courts will stop them? Well, sorry to say: that’s no longer true.
Trump recently signed Executive Order 14215, which forces independent federal agencies to follow his directives. That means even the agencies meant to check presidential power - like those regulating education, labor, or the environment - are now under direct White House control.
In plain terms: if an agency wants to pass a rule, it has to get Trump’s approval first. If the attorney general interprets a law one way, the agency must follow that interpretation - even if it used to be independent.
This isn’t business as usual. It’s a structural shift that makes it easier and faster for Trump’s other executive orders to take full effect, with less resistance from within the government.
Such measures are reminiscent of historical authoritarian regimes, where power is centralized, dissent is punished, and minority rights are suppressed.
In response, we invite you to join the "No King's Day" protest - a demonstration affirming our commitment to democracy, equality, and justice.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
Location: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
Purpose: To stand against authoritarian policies and uphold the democratic ideals
Additional Resources & Links:
Learn more about the event at https://www.nokings.org/
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