Fact-Checking Trump's Executive Orders

It’s February (finally!). I don’t know about you, but January was rough.

Most recently, frightening executive orders made headlines (we fact-checked the most concerning affecting workers below), and our hearts shattered over the devastating plane-helicopter crash at DCA last week.

The DC metro area is our home, and we’ve flown in and out of DCA countless times (we’ve even met several of you there). Our hearts go out to the loved ones impacted by this unimaginable tragedy. 😔

We hope this moment brings serious attention to the shortage and overworking of air traffic controllers and leads to meaningful discussions about aviation safety, corporate greed, and the urgent need for real solutions.

Our job board is in beta testing; all feedback you can share with us is much appreciated!

Fact-Checking Trump’s Executive Orders

Feeling trapped in an endless cycle of half-truths, political spins, and clickbait headlines? Us too. In unprecedented times like these, it can be challenging to separate fact from speculation—and when to know if alarm bells are genuinely warranted.

Can workers now legally be discriminated against because of their race, gender, or sex? Is the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) being dismantled? Are long-standing observances and holidays like Black History Month actually being banned?

We’re cutting through the noise to break down what’s true, what’s at risk, and what it all means for workers. Let’s dive in!

Can employers discriminate against workers now?

On January 21st, Trump repealed the Equal Employment Order (EEO), also known as Executive Order 11246. The EEO prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin and required federal contractors to implement affirmative action plans to promote diversity and non-discrimination in hiring.

As of today, private and public employees are still protected from discrimination. Executive orders can’t override statutory laws like the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 or the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the protections they provide against discrimination are still legally enforceable.

However, this repeal, along with anti-worker appointments at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), will limit federal government mandates around diversity and affirmative action. It also highlights the Trump administration’s commitment to minimizing government involvement in diversity initiatives, and threatens to impact worker protections and eliminate DEI initiatives in the private sector as well. 

Is the NLRB being shut down?

Without a doubt, the board tasked with overseeing unionization votes, enforcing worker protections and expanding workers’ rights had a target on its back the day Trump took office.

Last week, Trump illegally fired board member, Gwynne Wilcox, who was confirmed by the Senate with a term set to continue until August 2028. General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, who we interviewed last year about workers’ rights, was also fired.

This leaves the board with only two acting members, 3 short of what it needs to interpret and enforce federal labor law. Without a quorum, the board cannot resolve appeals, certify union representation, or protect workers against unfair labor practices, effectively shutting down the NLRB’s operations.

Translation: Corporations stand to gain more power, and workers’ ability to fight back will get harder. What can workers do moving forward?

• 📝 Document EVERYTHING

• 🤝 Build strong workplace networks

• 📚 Know your current union protections

• 🔍 Stay informed about legal shifts

Is Black History Month cancelled?

The short answer—no, but the attacks on DEI initiatives are real. While the Trump administration issued a proclamation declaring February as Black History Month, federal agencies like the Defense Intelligence Agency issued memos ordering the halt of “special observances”, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, LGBTQ Pride Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Women’s History Month, and more.

Why? Given the President’s recent ban on DEI programs in the federal workplace, it’s unclear what activities related to these observances remain acceptable. As a result, officials are erring on the side of caution rather than risk failing to comply with the President’s orders, at the detriment of the diverse workers they represent.

The impact? This will have a chilling effect on how organizations approach hiring, inclusion, representation, and cultural recognition in the workplace. But regardless of these restrictions, we remain committed to uplifting and honoring these observances—because history, identity, and inclusion are not up for debate.

In last week’s episode of Two Cents, we dove deeper into our experience as creators to share how you can make six figures in brand partnerships! We broke it all down for you, including:

• How to get in contact with blue chip companies

• How to maximize the potential of partnerships

• Why long-term deals are important

• Our strategies to strengthen and renew brand deals

• We created a Substack! Get access to pay transparency law updates, LIVEs with experts in our network, early event perks, and much more here!

• Pay transparency gains momentum! Several states proposed new transparency laws this year, with one hoping it won’t get vetoed *again*.

• Costco workers win pay bump! A major strike was averted as Costco increased its pay to more than $30/hr for thousands of workers, proving fair wages can be a win-win!

• Paying it forward, literally! This LinkedIn group helps workers find their next opportunity by sharing job postings within your network.

• Michigan Legislature blocking over a million low-wage workers from paid sick leave and wage increases. [deep sigh] Michigan lawmakers proposed controversial legislation threatening labor protections.

One last thing! Yesterday was ‘A Day Without Immigrants’….

Imagine a day where your favorite restaurant, construction site, or tech team suddenly goes silent. That's the power of immigrant workers—they're not just part of the economy, they ARE the economy. A day of solidarity that speaks volumes without saying a word, because immigrants make America great, full stop. 💚