Trump Signs Orders Recognizing Lumbee Tribe, Boosting Crypto and AI, and Pardoning Anti-Abortion Activists

On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders addressing a diverse range of topics, including the recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency industries, and granting pardons to anti-abortion activists.

This latest round of actions highlights the administration’s priorities and bold policy moves early in Trump’s second term.

Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe

One of the major announcements from Thursday was the official federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. This recognition, long sought by the tribe, marks a historic step in acknowledging their heritage and providing them access to federal funding and resources.

“This has been a long time coming, and it’s an honor to finally give the Lumbee Tribe the recognition they deserve,” Trump said during the signing ceremony.

Advancing Cryptocurrency: New Executive Orders and Initiatives

Trump Embraces Cryptocurrency with New Regulations

Once a skeptic of digital currencies, President Trump has now fully embraced cryptocurrency. On Thursday, he signed an order creating a “Working Group on Digital Asset Markets.” The group, composed of senior government officials, will develop a new regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.

“We’re going to make a lot of money for the country,” Trump stated. He also introduced David Sacks as the administration’s new “crypto czar.”

The working group will focus on creating policies to strengthen the cryptocurrency industry while ensuring the U.S. remains a global leader in digital asset innovation. Additionally, the order calls for a study on establishing a strategic reserve of digital assets to safeguard the nation’s economy.

Trump Blocks Central Bank Digital Currency Creation

The order also repeals crypto-related policies from the Biden administration and bans the U.S. government from developing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). On the campaign trail, Trump had promised a “light-touch” approach to regulating cryptocurrencies, a commitment reflected in these latest orders.

AI Innovation: Removing Barriers to U.S. Leadership

AI Development Without Ideological Bias

Another key executive order signed by Trump aims to enhance the United States’ global leadership in artificial intelligence. The order specifically seeks to eliminate policies that Trump says “act as barriers to American AI innovation.”

“To stay ahead, we must develop AI systems free from ideological bias or engineered social agendas,” the order states.

The order instructs federal agencies to develop an AI action plan within 180 days. It follows the repeal of previous AI policies introduced during the Biden administration, which Trump criticized as overly restrictive.

Pardons for Anti-Abortion Activists

Pro-Life Protesters Receive Pardons

President Trump also issued pardons to several anti-abortion activists convicted of blockading abortion clinic entrances. The activists, some of whom were involved in a 2020 clinic blockade in Washington, had been charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

“These peaceful pro-life protesters should never have been prosecuted,” Trump declared.

The pardons come amid increasing calls from anti-abortion advocates for Trump to take action. Signed into law in 1994, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act was enacted to protect abortion providers and clinics from violence, obstruction, and threats.

Declassifying Assassination Records

JFK, RFK, and MLK Jr. Records to Be Released

In another significant move, Trump signed an order directing the declassification of federal records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Everything will be revealed,” Trump told reporters, promising transparency on these historic cases.

The order requires intelligence agencies to create a plan within 15 days for the JFK records and within 45 days for RFK and MLK records. Some JFK files were previously released during Trump’s first term but were partially redacted due to national security concerns.

Trump handed the signing pen to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has long advocated for the release of these records.

Other Notable Actions

Targeting Immigration and DEI Policies

The president also issued executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as immigration policies. These orders are part of Trump’s broader effort to overhaul U.S. policies and reverse several measures enacted by the Biden administration.

What’s Next?

President Trump’s flurry of executive actions signals a fast start to his term, tackling diverse and controversial topics. Whether it’s recognizing the Lumbee Tribe, advancing AI and cryptocurrency, or revisiting historic assassinations, these orders reflect a presidency eager to reshape America’s policies.

With promises of more executive actions on the horizon, it’s clear that Trump’s second term will continue to grab headlines and spark debate.

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This information is sourced from PBS News