Trump’s Executive Orders Target Immigrants
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Upon taking office on January 20th, 2025, one of President Trump’s first orders of business was cracking down on immigration. Titling the executive order, “Protecting The American People Against Invasion”, Trump’s blatant attack on immigrants is clear. Naming immigrants as invaders, aliens, and a threat to public safety in an executive order delivered straight from the white house to all of America displays Trump’s racism seeping into our politics. Let’s dive into how he has fulfilled this executive order into his presidency thus far.
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Upon taking office on January 20th, 2025, one of President Trump’s first orders of business was cracking down on immigration. Titling the executive order, “Protecting The American People Against Invasion”, Trump’s blatant attack on immigrants is clear. Naming immigrants as invaders, aliens, and a threat to public safety in an executive order delivered straight from the white house to all of America displays Trump’s racism seeping into our politics. Let’s dive into how he has fulfilled this executive order into his presidency thus far.
On his first day in office, he had the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest 308 migrants to fulfill his promises to his voters and supporters. By February 3rd, 2025, Trump had 8,768 migrants arrested. This number has continued to grow rapidly under Trump’s presidency. Deporting and displacing thousands of migrants, the majority of which are undangerous, is causing many immigrants who have built their lives here, worry and fear.
Although ICE is not legally allowed to enter your home without a warrant, detain children without their guardians, or detain you in certain areas, it seems as though their legalities have been dismissed. ICE has been targeting migrant communities, forcing themselves into their homes, arresting children, and targeting schools and hospitals. This is illegal and inhumane!
For more information on ICE and your rights, and for guidance on how to navigate this political time, use the resources below:
Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE
Denver Immigrant and Refugee Resources
What To Do When Interacting with ICE
DEI: What It Is, What It Does
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
With the current political choices surrounding us, many may question what is really changing in our world. DEI is one of the floating policies that is causing a lot of controversy. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are already well known. Diversity means a variety of people and inclusion means that we are to involve all, especially those marginalized. Equity is lesser known, but is very pertinent to today’s issues. While often confused with equality, which means treating everyone the same, equity goes the extra mile by treating everyone the same, but also providing the necessary help to anyone who may need it to achieve said equality.
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
With the current political choices surrounding us, many may question what is really changing in our world. DEI is one of the floating policies that is causing a lot of controversy. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are already well known. Diversity means a variety of people and inclusion means that we are to involve all, especially those marginalized. Equity is lesser known, but is very pertinent to today’s issues. While often confused with equality, which means treating everyone the same, equity goes the extra mile by treating everyone the same, but also providing the necessary help to anyone who may need it to achieve said equality.
DEI policies and programs are provided to advocate for the fair treatment of all people, and to ensure that those who come from historically oppressed communities are given the same opportunities as everyone else. While these policies gained more prominence under the Biden administration, DEI policies have been around for decades. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made hiring and work discrimination illegal, and this was the first step in creating programs attempting to end hidden prejudices. Since then, DEI has been trying to better our institutions.
Less than a month into his inauguration, one of President Trump’s first acts was to end all DEI initiatives. On January 20th, Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,”.
Unless you’re a white man, the ending of DEI is a scary thought. We all have something to be frightened of if our identities are being not only ignored but blatantly used against us. Solving the problem of the elimination of DEI requires a radical raise of our voices, so that this attempt of oppressed silence will not succeed.
The U.S. Withdraws from the Paris Agreement
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
The United States initially signed into the Paris Agreement upon its formation in 2016. In 2020, following the dictation of President Trump, it withdrew. Upon the election of President Biden, the U.S. signed back into the treaty again in 2021. However, due to recent political changes, powered by the inauguration of President Trump, serving his second term as the country’s president, the U.S. has once again withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, as of 2025. Trump’s decision to retract the U.S. from the agreement has sparked criticism from environmentalists, scientists, religious organizations, neighboring countries, and the American people. The U.S. is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide emissions. This means that Trump’s decision to separate the country from the treaty contradicts any form of positive concepts by initiating change.
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
The United States initially signed into the Paris Agreement upon its formation in 2016. In 2020, following the dictation of President Trump, it withdrew. Upon the election of President Biden, the U.S. signed back into the treaty again in 2021. However, due to recent political changes, powered by the inauguration of President Trump, serving his second term as the country’s president, the U.S. has once again withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, as of 2025. Trump’s decision to retract the U.S. from the agreement has sparked criticism from environmentalists, scientists, religious organizations, neighboring countries, and the American people. The U.S. is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide emissions. This means that Trump’s decision to separate the country from the treaty contradicts any form of positive concepts by initiating change.
What is the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change that was implemented in 2016, aiming to help countries adapt to climate change effects, and provide financial assistance for necessary changes. The primary goal of this treaty is to maintain the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C, and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. These temperatures are above pre-industrial levels. Simply put, the lower the temperature increases, the smaller the effects of climate change can be expected.
This multilateral treaty serves as a landmark in action addressing the climate change problem. The Paris Agreement is a radical concept that is one of the first initiatives to foster widespread agreement and shared country initiatives. This is done through bringing almost all of the nations together to take effective measures and combat climate change effects.
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that crossing the 1.5°C line bears risks including: far more severe climate change impacts such as more frequent and severe droughts, heatwaves, and rainfall. Moreso, 2024 was the hottest year on record, with a global average temperature above 1.5 °C.
To stay below a temperature of 1.5 °C, emissions need to be cut by roughly 50% by 2030 according to the United Nations Climate Change. All active countries partaking in the treaty are required to determine, plan, and report transparently on actions taken to progress in climate change mitigation, as well as explanation of adaptive measures and support provided or received. This is to ensure that effective measures are taking place and that they’re making an impact.
The Importance of the Paris Agreement
The importance of this treaty signifies contribution, consistency, and coordination; but above all, this treaty recognizes the need for deliberate effort from all parties involved to combat disastrous climate change effects. Although climate change action needs to be massively increased to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the years since its inception have already launched low-carbon solutions and new markets. More and more countries, regions, cities and companies are establishing carbon neutrality targets and zero-carbon solutions which represent 25% of emissions. By 2030, zero-carbon solutions could be competitive throughout all sectors, representing over 70% of global emissions according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
While some may argue that climate change is inevitable due to human evolution, the conduction of further research is necessary to show the impact human life has on the environment. Data collected from various scientific sites such as the United Nations Climate Change Panel conclude that:
Climate change and its effects could be irreversible by 2030
Greenhouse gas levels are at an all-time high
Humans utilize more of the earth’s resources than it can renew
This past decade has been recorded as the hottest period in the last 125,000 years
There’s no argument that varying opinions can’t exist, however as inhabitants of our one and only earth, it would make more sense to be alarmed about our current state of climate. Although we may feel powerless at times in regards to how we can assist and care for our earth, the first and most important step is educating yourself on current issues and possible solutions.
A Look Into Melania Trump's Top Fashion Choices
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
Even before Melania Trump became the first lady of the United States, she has drawn attention with her impeccable taste in high fashion. From styles by labels such as Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Valentino, Melania continues to showcase her meticulous, eccentric, and elegant style choices.
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
Even before Melania Trump became the first lady of the United States, she has drawn attention with her impeccable taste in high fashion. From styles by labels such as Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Valentino, Melania continues to showcase her meticulous, eccentric, and elegant style choices.
Here is a list of Melania Trump’s most favorable high fashion moments:
1. Sophisticated Silver Gown - debuted in 2005
Here, Melania is photographed at the Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party in 2005, dressed in a head-to-toe dazzling silver gown with a fluffy feathering end. The matching accessories that gleam with her every move top off the lustrous look.
2. Baby Blue Elegance - debuted in 2017
At the inaugural parade held in 2017, incoming First Lady Melania Trump wore a simple yet fashionable sky blue dress with matching sleeves, and a cropped jacket by designer Ralph Lauren. Her look here is similar to the style of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
3. Zebra Print Coat - debuted in 2024
On October 27th, 2024, Melania took the stage at a campaign rally in Madison Square Garden. She wore a zebra-striped Michael Kors in New York City.
4. Black With a Hint of Gold - debuted in 2021
Melania made a stylish exit from the White House in an all-black designer outfit.
She wore a Chanel jacket with gold buttons, Dolce & Gabbana dress, Louboutin heels, and a matching black and gold Birkin bag as she left the White House on Jan. 20, 2021. Talk about a farewell outfit!
5. Pretty Pink Coat - debuted in 2019
Melania stunned in a gorgeous pink coat by designer Fendi, which she wore ahead of Valentine's Day in 2019. Hot pink mink fur coat cuffs as well as nude-colored heels accompanied the vibrant look. This has got to be one of my personal favorite outfits of hers.
6. Bright in White - debuted in 2018
Melania wore an all-white Michael Kors outfit which included a white crepe blazer and skirt suit ensemble. It was topped off with a matching, wide-brimmed hat designed by her personal stylist Hervé Pierre. This simple, yet elegant look was worn on the South Lawn of the White House for a traditional state arrival ceremony in 2018.
7. Lovely Lilac - debuted in 2020
Melania was photographed in a very pretty lilac purple, robe-style Ralph Lauren coat which she paired with a wine-colored turtleneck and Birkin bag. The color coordination is absolutely perfect!
8. Military Inspired Ensemble - debuted in 2017
For a meeting with the former Argentine president, Melania stepped out in a military-inspired ensemble, wearing an army green matching skirt and peplum-style blazer from Altuzarra's Spring 2017 collection. She accessorized the look with a pair of white-black python heels.
9. Christmas Style - debuted in 2019
Melania attended the annual White House Christmas tree lighting in a chic black ensemble with a white, red and green floral coat. She tied the super stylish look together with stiletto boots. Talk about ringing in the holidays!
10. Fiercely Classy - debuted in 2019
Melania stepped out in London in a crisp collared, white and navy belted Dolce & Gabbana suit along with a matching hat designed by her stylist Herve Pierre. She finished the look with navy heels.
11. Pleasing Patterns - debuted in 2021
Melania arrived in Florida on the same day as President Biden’s inauguration, wearing a captivatingly patterned blue, orange, and white Gucci dress. She paired it with contrasting black sunglasses and flats. This patterning is so abstract and vibrant!
First lady Melania Trump tends to keep a fairly low profile, but when she does step out in public, she ensures that her fashion looks are on point. From public appearances as First Lady, to earlier days at the Met Gala, it’s safe to say Melania Trump is a fashion icon.
More on Trump's heated U.N. speech
North Korea wasn't the only country that President Trump had a bone to pick with.
(Photo: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)
“Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime,” President Trump declared in reference to Kim Jong-un in his speech to the United Nations.
He went on to say, “The scourge of our planet today is a group of rogue regimes that reject every principle on which the United Nations is based. If the righteous men do not confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph.” He was sure to include that some parts of the world “are going to hell.”
North Korea, however, was not the only government singled out by Trump. Without saying its name, he scolded China by expressing disapproval of countries who “would arm, supply, and financially support a country that imperils the world with nuclear conflict.”
Next on his list of condemnations was the Iran deal, which he insisted was an “embarrassment” to the United States and one of the “worst and one-sided” agreements in U.S. history.
President Trump was well-received by Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who applauded Trump’s statements on the Iran deal.
Other members of the United Nations, such as France’s President Emmanuel Macron, were not so pleased with Trump’s message of violence. After Trump spoke, Macron said, “France rejects escalation and will not close any door to dialogue . . . I fully respect the decision of the United States, but the door will always be open.”
Alanna Shingler
Staff Reporter
Trump threatens North Korea at U.N. meeting
Today President Trump, in a rousing speech to the United Nations, has threatened to “destroy” North Korea if it continues with its nuclear weapons program.
(Photo: Seth Wenig, AP)
Today President Trump, in a rousing speech to the United Nations, has threatened to “destroy” North Korea if it continues with its nuclear weapons program.
North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons “threatens the entire world with unthinkable loss of human life,” Trump said in front of the U.N. General Assembly, “We will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.” Trump says that the U.S. is willing to take military action if need be but “hopefully this will not be necessary.”
This is not the first time that Trump has been unafraid to call out North Korea, just last month Trump said the U.S. would unleash “fire and fury like the world has never seen.” Such comments though have yet to goad a response from North Korea, Sept. 3 saw Pyongyang’s sixth and by far most powerful nuclear test.
Due to the U.N.’s lottery system that determines seating North Korea was front and center for Trump’s speech, now it seems that only time will tell if his words had an impact.
Natalia Zreliak
Digital Editor