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USA Today
14-04-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Congress would rather steal paychecks from us than stand up to Trump
Congress would rather steal paychecks from us than stand up to Trump | Your Turn President Trump has signed more than 100 executive orders in less than 100 days of his second term. Are these the issues you want him to focus on? Here's what you told us. President Donald Trump is advancing his agenda one executive order at a time. While Congress does anything except its job, Trump has signed more than 100 executive orders on everything from ending diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Modern presidents have increasingly relied on executive orders to push forward their campaign promises, which left us wondering: Do you think the executive branch is going too far? Or are Trump and other presidents right to act within their presidential powers? Are the executive orders Trump is signing – including a move to end birthright citizenship, expanding school choice, ending the use of paper straws in federal government buildings and redefining "showerhead" – the issues you want him to focus on? We received responses from Iowa to Ohio and Nevada to North Carolina as readers across the country wrote in to share their perspectives for our latest USA TODAY Opinion Forum. Read a collection of their submissions below. What is Forum? Listen to this bonus episode of The Excerpt to find out 🎙️ Presidents will cancel each other out with executive orders until Congress learns bipartisanship I do think President Donald Trump is relying on executive orders too much to enact his agenda. He should definitely use fewer executive orders and work more with Congress, especially because Republicans have control of both the House and the Senate. These executive orders will just be overturned when the next president comes into the White House, and four or eight years after that the same thing will happen again. It will continue to happen until politicians figure out a way to bring back civility to our nation and a common ground approach so that people will choose to work together for the greater good instead of just for party affiliation or to get elected again. I would like Congress to stop putting forth bills to rename monuments or airports or giving presidents a third term and instead enact bipartisan legislation that a majority of the country supports. People in the House and Senate need to get back to their constituents and listen for a change instead of simply towing a party line. — Kelly Kanetkar, Beaumont, Texas Trump doesn't want to work to find compromise. He'd rather golf. Mr. Trump is relying too much on executive orders. As he has proved over and over, he is unwilling to find common ground with Congress. That would apparently require something resembling "work." Rather, he has discovered the power of the pen to be very intoxicating to both himself and his loyal followers. Members of Congress are content to steal their paychecks while the White House people find every crack in every law they've written to exploit for their radically conservative agenda. Share your view: Democrats disappointing you? How should they handle Trump? Tell us. | Opinion Forum Mr. Trump is using the executive orders as a smokescreen for the damage he is causing to our government. Distraction after distraction is thrown at us on Fridays so he can jet off to his golf clubs. These distractions include what he says are hidden agendas by the Smithsonian and the National Zoo to brainwash Americans. The silence from our elected representatives in Congress has been deafening. The many failures of those legislators are on full display every time Mr. Trump signs an executive order. I would love to see Congress identify the 300-year-old person receiving Social Security benefits. I would love to see them cut spending across the board instead of letting some tech guy shut down government programs with a keystroke. — Andrew Taylor, San Antonio, Texas We are at war. Trump is picking the right issues with his orders. I'm not sure if Trump is using executive orders too much. It isn't about how many, as much as what legal authorities are there behind them. The courts are going to have their hands full, and Congress is going to have to clarify on authorities. I do think Trump is picking the right issues with his executive orders. We are essentially in a technological and economic war with China, a semi-kinetic war with Iran and its proxies, and also dealing with Ukraine-Russia-Europe – all while trying to keep at bay Chinese, Russian and cartel influences south of the border. We are at war. The executive needs flexibility, but the legislative and judicial branches need to keep the executive in check with the authorities. — Justin Kuchar, Coweta, Oklahoma Executive orders can be construed as blatant power grab, as used by authoritarian regimes Trump is using too many executive orders. I don't know if there is an "ideal" number of such orders. Most presidents have used executive orders in the way intended, to affect routine administrative matters and the internal operations of federal agencies. Trump seems to be using them in an attempt to enact federal law or override constitutional rights above the vested power of the executive branch. I think Trump is picking some, but not most, of the right issues with the orders. For example, his tariff orders are ruining our relationships with allies and raising prices. He seems focused on enacting legislation through the orders to tear down policy and law established over years of hard work. Things don't work that way in any effective government. This can be construed as a blatant power grab similarly used by authoritarian regimes. Because most of Trump's executive orders exhibit extreme action and seem counterproductive to me, it's hard to say what he should focus on. Plus, his issuing of these orders in rapid succession makes it difficult to pay proper attention to each individual measure taken, adding to the confusion that already exists. It is the legislative branch that makes and enacts law, not the president (except by veto power). Congressional members need to act outside the influence of their political parties and do what is best for the MAJORITY of Americans. — Steve Walker, Greenland, New Hampshire
USA Today
06-03-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Did you vote for Trump? Do you support his actions and policies now? Tell us.
Did you vote for Trump? Do you support his actions and policies now? Tell us. | Opinion Have any of the actions taken by the Trump administration impacted your life, for better or worse? Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump begins address to Joint Session of Congress "We are just getting started." President Donald Trump begins his address to a Joint Session of Congress. President Donald Trump is fresh off his speech to a joint session of Congress, where he laid out what Republicans consider his administration's successes. These included: Getting aggressive with tariffs to help the American economy, issuing a mountain of executive orders to kickstart his political agenda, and the declaration that "America is back" to say that voters are happy with everything happening. So today, we're here as part of the USA TODAY Opinion Forum, where we give our readers a chance to make their voices heard. We want to know if any of the actions taken by the Trump administration have impacted your life, for better or worse. Tired of Trump? Are you feeling Trump fatigue yet or should we keep writing about him? Tell us. | Opinion Forum Did you vote for Trump in 2024? Would you vote for him again? We're hoping people from all walks of life will let us know what's happening in the country. Did you vote for Trump? Good. Tell us about how his actions impact your life. Did you vote for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris? Good. Tell us how Trump's actions impact your life. Maybe you didn't vote or went third party? You get a voice, too. Fill out the form below or send us an email to forum@ with the subject line "2024 voter." We'll select a handful of responses for our follow-up post made entirely from reader submissions. Louie Villalobos is the director of opinion for Gannett. You'll find him wondering if this is what Trump voters wanted.
USA Today
03-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Trump looking into government waste is good. But it's time for Musk to go.
Trump looking into government waste is good. But it's time for Musk to go. | Your Turn President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress Tuesday evening and talk about what he's done so far. But we wanted to hear from you: What should he do next? A month into President Donald Trump's second term we asked: How are you feeling about it? The responses just keep coming. Our Opinion Forum has heard from thousands of people across the country as Trump's term gets underway. We published a collection of those responses last week. Some readers said they feel safer thanks to Trump's immigration policies and are excited about tax cuts. Others feel fearful of what the future holds and say the administration is focused on creating chaos, not helping Americans. Trump is sure to talk about some of these policies – and more – when he addresses a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening. But we wanted to hear from you: How are his policies impacting your area? And what should Trump focus on next? Here's what you said. Good to cut wasteful spending. But Elon Musk? I am not feeling very confident in the future of our nation. I feel like President Donald Trump won reelection on issues that he cannot control, such as the price of groceries. He pledged to lower prices almost immediately, only to later say he pretty much cannot do that. It's like a bait and switch. His policies are affecting my state, big time. I live in Kentucky, and the threat of tariffs is looming large. We are an agricultural and bourbon-producing state. Between the threatened tariffs and mass deportations, I think the next few years will be tough, to say the least. Tell us: Is President Trump doing enough to fix the economy? You tell us. | Opinion Forum I do think the government is broken. I think it's corrupt and works to keep some people rich while others stay down. Looking into wasteful spending is a good idea. But done by Elon Musk? I don't agree with that. I would like Trump to focus on cutting actual waste, not just things that can help fund tax cuts for the wealthy. Trickle-down economics does not work. I don't feel very hopeful. I think both parties are broken and need to be replaced. I have four children and fear for their future constantly. No one is even discussing the coming automation of many of the jobs Americans do everyday. What will happen then? Do we really think the wealthy will care for us when they no longer need us for labor? — Matt Owen, Owensboro, Kentucky There's bite to Trump's bark Trump is fulfilling his promises, and that makes me very excited about the future. Every president prior to Trump promised a crackdown on illegal immigration, yet there was never any bite to the bark! Every president before Trump promised to do what Trump is actually doing. For that reason, I'm beyond excited. I'm glad he is getting so much accomplished. Let's all hope the Democrats don't tie his hands like last time. In terms of seeing effects of the president's policies, because I live in North Pole, Alaska, there really isn't much happening at the moment. I am, however, looking forward to Trump's "drill baby drill." Your Turn: Trump is making good on his promises. I feel safer because of it. | Opinion Forum Your Turn: Trump shows how many Americans are racist. Even when they don't think they are. | Opinion Forum Next, I want Trump to focus on welfare and food stamps. That system has outlived its good for the people. It needs to revamped. Make it fair, limit how many children the government will pay for. Families can have as many children as they want but the government should not pay for more than two children. Drug test the recipients. Along with welfare, child protective services should also be reformed. That is another very broken system. — Gina Cook, North Pole, Alaska Legal immigrants fear Trump 'Gestapo' Trump's start is far worse than expected! He has never wanted to be the president of the United States; he wants to be king. He is like a bull in a china shop, issuing executive orders to eliminate constitutional birthright citizenship when he has no legal authority to do so. That belongs to Congress, not him. My wife and I volunteer at the Mead Food Bank every week. We are seeing less food donated since Trump took office. We interact with legal immigrants who are terrified that their home will be raided by the Trump "Gestapo" and that they will be deported. It's a terrible, terrible way for any human being to live. As for what Trump should do next, Musk was not elected by U.S. voters. He has not been vetted by the Senate, FBI or anyone else. Don't give him access to government and individuals' private information. Stop this nonsense and get rid of Musk. The next four years look bleak! — Larry Jaquish, Chattaroy, Washington Trump is moving fast. We need to be supportive and patient. President Trump is making things happen, and it's very exciting to see the new direction the country is headed in. Everyone needs to let him move forward with his agenda as it will help all of us in the long run. He's moving fast, but we need to be supportive and patient. In terms of what Trump should do next, I want him to follow up on the many executive orders he has announced and have the Department of Government Efficiency look into waste and fraud with Social Security and Medicare. I just want Trump to continue to be bold and transparent and continue to lead this great nation. As for other Republicans in office, I want them to please support his agenda. Get his Cabinet nominees confirmed. — Steve Reese, Wylie, Texas Trump is trashing the Constitution. He should focus on inflation instead. Trump is incompetent and trashing our Constitution. Tariffs will raise prices of everything. Attacking the federal government will harm our nation. He should focus on inflation and lowering food prices as promised and stop deflecting with issues that are implemented for perceived slights. Get Musk out. He was not elected, nor was he vetted by Congress. I feel the Project 2025 white nationalists using Trump will destroy our democratic republic. — Sherrie Cook, Pensacola, Florida Trump should abolish the IRS I feel Trump had a uphill battle against the deep state before the election. Now he has the power but he still has to fight them. In terms of Trump's policies, nothing has changed in my region. My roommate is on Supplemental Security Income. Nothing changed for him. Next, I want the IRS abolished. I want property taxes abolished. Car taxes abolished. We're taxed to death. No taxes for anyone making less then $50,000 a year. If they tax anyone it should be the higher earning people. Or preferably a value-added tax here. Then it's my decision to buy something or not. These families getting huge refunds need to be stopped. If you're idle and have children then you don't need our tax money. Figure it out. Or don't stay pregnant. Stop entitlements for these people. I go to a food bank and we get stuff. Plus I work and am disabled. I still buy my own groceries. I work too much to get help. I'm feeling hopeful that I can afford to live awhile longer. I feel sorry for these young people. — Karin Schmidt, Bluefield, Virginia Trump's tariff Russian roulette could decimate auto industry I did not foresee the executive office blitzkrieg and the abuses of the federal workforce. Tariff Russian roulette could decimate Michigan's auto industry, and Trump's Gaza proposals are abhorrent to so many Arab Americans who voted for him. The president needs to work with others, not bully others. — Kenneth Tash, Sterling Heights, Michigan Most government cuts won't affect people outside Washington I'm excited. It's about time someone addressed the runaway spending. The government has been running on continuing resolutions' largesse for decades. I have seen no impact to my life or the region of the country where I live, the Gulf Coast, from Trump's policies. His actions appear to be mostly impacting Washington, D.C. The immigration raids appear to be exaggerated by the news media. I think Trump should next reduce nonmandatory spending until it causes grief for the American people. Austerity measures are needed to get the debt under control. I think the use of nongovernmental organizations is a point of graft by members of Congress. I expect 90% of the cuts will go unnoticed by people outside of Washington. The military needs to return to one purpose: defeating enemies. The Transportation Security Administration needs to be closed and security turned over to airports. Federal spending needs to be slashed, and a majority of the cost of programs needs to be returned to states. Examples are education and non-interstate highways. Finally, our entire health care system needs an overhaul. Now, it's being controlled by insurance companies that drive up cost and lower outcomes. — Dennis Hoshman, Geismar, Louisiana
USA Today
28-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Is President Trump doing enough to fix the economy? You tell us.
President Donald Trump and Republicans campaigned aggressively in 2024 on the economy. Their message was clear. President Joe Biden had failed Americans on several levels, especially with the economy and soaring inflation. Voters, in turn, were clear that the economy was a significant point of concern and that they felt Trump was better suited to "fix" it. Trump won. Biden lost. Now what? That's the question we have for readers in this installment of the USA TODAY Opinion Forum, where you tell us what's happening. Has President Trump and his administration done enough to fix the economy? Here's an update on how that's going: Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Those items are volatile and might vary depending on where you live. So, we want to know what you see regarding the economy in your area. Here are some questions to get you started: Are grocery prices easing? How do you feel about how Trump is handling the economy early in his presidency? What do you need him to focus on? Tell us using the survey below, or email us at forum@ with the subject line "Forum economy," and we'll use a handful of responses for a future post focusing entirely on your voice. Louie Villalobos is the director of opinion for Gannett and has been pleasantly surprised by how many of you are responding and taking part in these questions.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Do you care about DEI when it comes to where you spend your money? Tell us.
There is a good chance that I have been a DEI hire at some point. I can tell you that I have definitely been a DEI job candidate – where they bring in a person of color while intending to hire an internal candidate. It's unavoidable to be in that circle of hiring discussions when you're a person of color applying for professional jobs, especially professions that at any point work to add some diversity of thought or inclusion to their staff. I don't want to shock anybody, but I'm a Latino male with family members who were born in Mexico. Because I'm a journalist, that means I'm also part of the 8% of Latinos in this industry as of 2023. So, again, I'm probably a DEI hire, right? I mean, it's been 25 years. Chances are good that I am. That's not to say that I'm here today to ask for your opposition to the efforts of President Donald Trump and Republicans to rid the government of DEI, which stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. Today, I'm asking you to tell us how you feel about DEI and the conversation happening across our country and in your lives. This is my contribution to a conversation happening in retail, sports and government circles. Now, it's your turn. So tell us. Here are some prompts to help you get started. Please fill out the form below or send us an email at forum@ with the subject line "Forum DEI" to officially take part in our USA TODAY Opinion Forum on DEI. We'll publish a collection of your responses. What are your thoughts on DEI? Should the federal government be focusing on it? What are you seeing in your local or state government? Do you care about DEI when you pick where to spend your money? Louie Villalobos is the director of opinion for Gannett and can always tell when a recruiter is asked to go find a DEI candidate but is happy to go through the motions for the lulz. Do you want to take part in our next Forum? Join the conversation by emailing forum@ can also follow us on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and sign up for our Opinion newsletter to stay updated on future Forum posts. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump wants to rid government of DEI. How much do you care? | Opinion
