Washington Post (Opinion)
By Philip Bump
August 24, 2017
President Trump has repeatedly argued that he’s done more than any other recent president. That’s not true, as measured by the amount of legislation he’s been able to sign. It is true, though, that Trump has undone a lot of things that were put into place by his predecessors, including President Barack Obama.
Since Jan. 20, Trump’s administration has enthusiastically and systematically undone or uprooted rules, policies and tools that predated his time in office. Below, a list of those changes, roughly organized by subject area.
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The economy
Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The trade deal would have established a trade partnership between the United States and countries on the Pacific Rim.
Reversal of a rule that would mandate that oil and gas companies report payments to foreign governments. The Securities and Exchange Commission will no longer receive this information.
Ending limits on the ability of states to drug test those seeking unemployment benefits.
Repeal of a rule allowing states to create retirement savings plans for private-sector workers.
Repeal of a bill that mandated that employers maintain records of workplace injuries.
Killing a rule mandating that government contractors disclose past violations of labor law.
The justice system
Rescinding an Obama effort to reduce mandatory sentences. Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered that prosecutors seek the most stringent penalties possible in criminal cases.
Reversing the government’s position on a voter ID law in Texas. Under the Obama administration, the Justice Department argued that the law had discriminatory intent. Under Sessions, Justice withdrew that complaint. On Wednesday, a federal court threw out the law.
Reviewing Justice Department efforts to address problematic police departments. An effort to address concerns in the Baltimore Police Department was delayed.
The environment
Withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.
Blocking the Clean Power Plan. The plan implemented under Obama focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
Ending a study on the health effects of mountaintop-removal mining. The process involves blasting away the tops of hills and mountains to get at coal seams under the surface.
Rescinding a rule mandating that rising sea levels be considered when building public infrastructure in flood-prone areas.
Reversal of an Obama ban on drilling for oil in the Arctic.
Reviewing the status of national monuments for possible reversal. In April, Trump signed an executive order ordering a review of monuments added in the past 20 years, opening up the possibility that some areas previously set aside would have that status revoked.
Withdrawal of a rule banning fracking on public land.
Reversing a ban on plastic bottles at national parks.
Delaying and potentially rolling back automotive fuel efficiency standards.
Repeal of the Waters of the United States rule. This rule expanded the definition of water bodies that were protected by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Ending a rule banning dumping waste from mining into streams.
Reversal of a rule banning hunting bears and wolves. The ban applied to federal refuges in Alaska and prohibited hunting predators using certain methods.
Repeal of a rule that would have centralized federal land management.
Removal of a bike-sharing station at the White House.
Foreign policy and immigration
Cuts to the number of migrants and refugees allowed from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
Repeal of a rule allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military.
Rollback of Obama’s outreach to the Cuban government.
Ending the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents program. DAPA extended protections for some immigrant parents whose children were citizens of or residents in the United States.
Education
Withdrawal of federal protections for transgender students in schools. Under the rule approved by Obama, transgender students could use school bathrooms that corresponded to their gender identities.
Reversal of a rule that mandated how achievement is measured in schools.
Repeal of a rule mandating certain requirements for teacher-preparation programs.
Other policy areas
Revoked ban on denying funding for Planned Parenthood at the state level.
Repeal of a rule mandating that Internet service providers seek permission before selling personal information.
Reversal of a rule that would ban gun sales to those deemed “mentally defective” by the government.
Slow or nonexistent staffing at the Senate-confirmed and management level across administration agencies.
Repeal of a rule mandating consolidation of transit planning authorities.
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