On Monday, the White House strongly hinted that Donald Trump would be overturning the permit that prohibited the Dakota Access Pipeline construction.
Protests were held for months on the sacred Standing Rock Sioux reservation, denouncing the controversial plan since its inception. Resilient demonstrators and allies who were finally validated in their hard work are now left with the fear that the DAPL construction could compromise the lives of hundreds on the reservation.
Press Secretary Sean Spicer gave little details about a timeline but did say that Trump is “very, very keen in making sure we maximize use of our natural resources to America’s benefit.”
As extremely devastating as that news is, it simply scratches the surface.
Just days into his presidency, Trump has already signed an anti-abortion executive order. This directly impacts women’s rights in this country, pulling funding from any organizations that offer reproductive health services of any kind. Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, tweeted earlier today about the heavy consequences that come with legislature as limiting as this. As of 2016, abortions only counted for three percent of the services offered at Planned Parenthood.
Trump also froze federal government hiring and pay raises and abandoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership, proving that the pen is truly mightier than the sword.
Criticism hailed from every corner of the nation, many noting the lack of diversity within Trump’s cabinet with white men making up the majority of members. Needless to say, the level fear in this country has risen and civilian concern is absolutely valid.