On Thursday President Trump signed three new executive orders intended to protect police officers, reduce crime, and put pressure on Mexican drug cartels. The executive orders were presented to Trump by Jeff Sessions in his first official act as attorney general.
New executive orders grant Sessions and DofJ broad powers
The president's first order of the day calls upon the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to take any steps necessary to "break the back" of drug cartels.
The order, officially titled "presidential executive order on Enforcing Federal Law with Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations and Preventing International Trafficking," also states that the federal government will take a firm stance against cybercrime, theft of intellectual property, corruption, and fraud.
The second executive order calls for the Justice Department to establish a special task force aimed at reducing violent crime. The order states: "The Department of Justice shall take the lead on Federal actions to support law enforcement efforts nationwide and to collaborate with State, tribal, and local jurisdictions to restore public safety to all of our communities."
The third order, "Presidential Executive Order on Preventing Violence Against Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Law Enforcement Officers" calls for the Department of Justice to define new federal crimes and increase penalties for federal crimes that are already on the books.
It also grants Attorney General Sessions broad powers to define what is -- and what isn't -- a federal crime.
Trump declares that a new era of justice has begun
"It’s a shame what’s been happening to our great, truly great law enforcement officers. That’s going to stop as of today,” Trump announced to the press after the swearing-in of Jeff Sessions on Thursday. “Today’s ceremony should be seen as a clear message to the gang members and drug dealers terrorizing innocent people, your day is over. A new era of justice begins and it begins right now."