PIVOT Statement: Abuse of Power Using Executive Orders is the Path to Injustice

February 19, 2025

February 19th is the anniversary of Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin Roosevelt and resulted in the incarceration of over 122,000 Japanese Americans in camps far away from their homes. Approximately 70,000 were U.S. citizens, and many not only lost their freedom for years but also lost their properties when they returned home. This anniversary reminds us to be more vigilant and proactive against executive overreach that can deprive Americans of their freedom. 

One major example of executive overreach during the first month of this Trump administration is the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is not an official department in the U.S. government. Elon Musk, who is not a federal employee nor confirmed by the Senate for his work with DOGE now has access to data of hundreds of millions of Americans, including data from Social Security and the Internal Revenue Service. Private access to this data is unprecedented and is extremely dangerous, especially without any accountability or oversight. There is no rule in place to prevent Musk from releasing this data for the purpose of making more money for himself and his cronies. Even if lawsuits are successful, there is no guarantee that the data won’t be compromised before the court actions take place. Imagine your social security and tax information being available to anyone on the dark web. 

That is one example, but there have been many more just in the past few weeks which may compromise everyday Americans’ consumer financial protections, public health, public health care infrastructure and health care access, affordable housing, natural resources, education infrastructure, among others. Some examples of Trump’s harmful executive overreach include his executive orders curtailing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in federal agencies; requiring federal agencies to work with DOGE on massive layoffs; and revoking birthright citizenship for certain children born in the U.S.

While it is important that we fight back through the courts, it is important to remember that in 1942 the Supreme Court approved Executive Order 9066, and the current Supreme Court has a majority of Trump loyalists. We must resist the Trump administration’s efforts to change American democracy irrevocably in any way we can through collective action. For example, February 28th is an economic boycott-buy nothing in person or online that day. Contact your local congressman to let them know what is most important to you, whether it's curtailing Trump’s overreach, supporting refugees, housing security, health insurance for the working and middle class, consumer protections, education access, or any other issue close to your heart. Join and support PIVOT as we fight for freedom for all Americans..