After The Fact

Presidential Actions: January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

These documents from January 30, 2025, outline President Trump's actions concerning aviation safety, educational opportunities, and combating anti-Semitism. He directed a review of FAA hiring and safety protocols following an aircraft collision, blaming the previous administration's diversity initiatives. He issued an executive order promoting school choice, citing parental rights and poor national educational performance. Finally, he announced an executive order to combat anti-Semitism, citing pro-Hamas activity and criticizing the prior administration's inaction.

Aviation Safety Review

Following a collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, President Trump directed the Secretary of Transportation and the FAA Administrator to review hiring decisions and safety protocol changes made in the prior four years.

The review aims to identify any deterioration in standards during the Biden Administration and ensure uncompromised aviation safety, potentially replacing unqualified personnel.

President Trump attributes the accident to “problematic and likely illegal decisions during the Obama and Biden Administrations that minimized merit and competence in the Federal Aviation Administration” and specifically cites the Biden administration’s “diversity, equity and inclusion” hiring tactics, including recruiting individuals with “severe intellectual disabilities.”

Expansion of Educational Opportunities

President Trump signed an executive order focused on expanding educational freedom and opportunity for families, emphasizing parental rights in educational choices.

The order directs the Department of Education to guide states on using federal funds for K-12 scholarships and prioritize school choice programs in grant programs.

The Department of Health and Human Services is directed to guide states on using block grants for educational alternatives, including private and faith-based options.

The order tasks the Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior with developing plans for military families and families attending Bureau of Indian Education schools to use federal funds for school choice.

The fact sheet cites statistics on low proficiency levels in reading and math among students, and presents school choice as a cost-effective solution with broad public support.

Combating Anti-Semitism

President Trump signed an executive order to combat anti-Semitism, building on a previous order (13899) and targeting the perceived rise in anti-Semitism since October 7, 2023.

Federal departments and agencies are required to review and report on available resources for fighting anti-Semitism within 60 days.

The Department of Justice is directed to protect public order, investigate and punish anti-Jewish acts, and deport resident aliens violating laws.

The order calls for immediate action against pro-Hamas activities, particularly on college campuses.

The fact sheet criticizes the Biden Administration for inaction against anti-Semitic acts and celebrates Trump's achievements regarding Israel, including moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and establishing the Abraham Accords.

Last updated at 2/7/2025 10:43 PM

- After The Fact Editorial Team