Desi Weekly News Digest 

National News 

As of January 29, 2025, President Donald Trump has issued several executive orders with significant implications. Here's a concise list:

1. Pardoning January 6 Rioters: Issued pardons to individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack.

2. Eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies in the Military: Abolished DEI initiatives within the U.S. military.

3. Ending 'Gender Radicalism' in the Military: Implemented policies to eliminate what is termed as 'gender radicalism' within military ranks.

4. Reinstating Troops Discharged Over COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal: Ordered the reinstatement of service members who were discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations.

5. Revoking Birthright Citizenship: Signed an order aiming to end birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized immigrants and those on temporary visas.

6. Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement: Initiated the process to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

7. Halting Federal Funding: Issued an order to freeze all federal grants and disbursements pending a comprehensive review.

8. Suspending Foreign Aid: Paused U.S. foreign aid programs for 90 days to conduct a review, with certain exemptions for humanitarian assistance.

9. Rescinding Executive Order 14031: Revoked the order that promoted equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

10. Mandating Federal Employees' Return to Office: Ordered all federal employees to return to in-person work by February 6 or resign, offering a buyout option.

11. Prohibiting Gender Transitions for Minors: Signed an order prohibiting gender transition procedures for individuals under 19 years old.

12. Targeting Transgender Military Personnel: Issued directives affecting the service of transgender individuals in the military.

13. Pausing Federal Loans and Grants: Enacted a temporary halt on federal loans, grants, and other financial assistance, which faced legal challenges.

14. Firing Democratic National Labor Relations Board Member: Removed Gwynne Wilcox from the NLRB, among other Department of Justice firings.

15. Directing CDC to Cease WHO Collaboration: Instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop collaborating with the World Health Organization.

16. Reviewing California's Water Management: Ordered a review of California's water management practices in response to wildfires.

    
    

Impact of President Trump’s Executive Orders 

Many of these executive orders face legal challenges and may not hold up in court. However, the orders have thrown the federal bureaucracy into confusion and left several agencies directionless and in fear of reprisals if the orders are not followed. 

Shutdown of Federal Government Websites

Following recent executive orders, several federal websites have been taken down or had content removed:

• Health Information: Public health data, including HIV statistics and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, was removed from the CDC website.https://time.com/7211965/trump-federal-websites-data

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Content: Federal agencies were instructed to remove DEI-related content, leading to the shutdown of government websites and removal of healthcare data sets.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-officials-pausing-most-federal-government-websites-friday

• Other federal websites such as the Social Security Administration, were also down because of confusion over proposed rules.

  
  

Federal Holidays Celebrating Diversity May No Longer be Observed

The Trump administration has removed federal recognition of Pride Month, Black History Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and other cultural observances, cutting off decades of recognizing marginalized communities within the federal government. https://www.advocate.com/politics/trump-erases-black-history-pride

Rescission of Executive Order Advancing Equity for Asian Americans

President Trump revoked Executive Order 14031, which promoted equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Advocacy groups have condemned the move, warning that it threatens progress on diversity and inclusion efforts.https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/press-release/amidst-president-trumps-two-day-assault-executive-orders-asian-americans-advancing

Schools and Places of Work and Worship with Immigrant Populations May Need to Prepare for ICE Activity

President Trump’s Executive Orders surrounding deportation have made life uncertain for both legal and undocumented immigrants as immigration officials target non-native Americans. https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/01/27/bay-area-schools-ice-activity-trump/?utm_email=A556A479D4A405E914C1E510CE&lctg=A556A479D4A405E914C1E510CE&active=no&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mercurynews.com%2f2025%2f01%2f27%2fbay-area-schools-ice-activity-trump%2f&utm_campaign=bang-multi_pubs-morning_report-nl&utm_content=manual

Proposed Repatriation of Undocumented Indian Immigrants

The Indian government is planning to repatriate 18,000 undocumented Indian immigrants from the U.S., in response to Trump's tougher immigration policies. While aimed at maintaining access to H-1B visas, the move raises concerns over humanitarian implications and the fate of those being deported.https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/21/modi-government-planning-to-repatriate-18000-indians-living-in-us-illegally

Culture and Achievements

Oscar Nomination for Anuja

Anuja, produced by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, secured a historic nomination for India. Directed by Adam J. Graves and produced by Suchitra Mattai, the film stars Sajda Pathan, Ananya Shanbhag, and Nagesh Bhonsle, and is set to be released on Netflix soon.https://www.easterneye.biz/oscars-2025-nominations-anuja/

First Indian American Judge in Merced Court

Judge Monika Saini Donabed has made history as the first Indian American and South Asian woman to serve on the Merced County Superior Court. Sworn in on January 3, her appointment marks a significant milestone for representation in the local judiciary. https://asamnews.com/2025/01/25/historic-first-merced-indian-american-judge/