Trump is accused of using AI to compose garbled executive orders, making them prone to errors and misinterpretation. Legal experts are raising concerns about the language used in Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, alleging the suspected use of AI. Observers have described the language as clumsy, error-ridden, and overly simplistic, sparking questions about the quality and authenticity of the orders.
Economist Robert Reich claimed that 16 executive orders signed on Trump’s first day in office were heavily influenced by the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 plan. Trump, during his campaign, denied any knowledge of the project. Reich’s comments, shared on social media platform X, pointed to a potential lack of originality in the orders.
One of Trump’s executive orders, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” proposes renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Houston-based appellate lawyer Raffi Melkonian highlighted the problematic language in this order. A particular section described the Gulf with phrases resembling a simplistic school textbook:
“The Gulf is also home to vibrant American fisheries teeming with snapper, shrimp, grouper, stone crab, and other species, and it is recognized as one of the most productive fisheries in the world, with the second largest volume of commercial fishing landings by region in the Nation, contributing millions of dollars to local American economies.”
Melkonian argued that this passage was likely written using AI, describing it as language “written for morons.”
Gender Definition Order Draws Criticism
Trump is accused of using AI to compose garbled executive orders, leading to widespread criticism about their language and clarity. Another controversial executive order declared that males and females are the only recognized genders, asserting that gender is determined at conception. This claim contradicts scientific consensus, as studies show that the physical development of male characteristics begins around six weeks into pregnancy.
The order’s language sparked criticism for its complexity and errors. It referred to genders as a “person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the small reproductive cell” and a “person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the large reproductive cell.” This wording, which critics described as convoluted and AI-generated, was mocked by Delaware Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress. McBride pointed out that the flawed logic effectively declared “everyone a woman.”
Social media debates are intensifying as Trump is accused of using AI to compose garbled executive orders that lack professionalism. Slate journalist and legal expert Mark Joseph Stern criticized the orders for their formatting issues and inconsistent arguments. Stern noted repeated typos across multiple executive orders, suggesting heavy reliance on copy-pasting. He argued that the writing style resembled “a ChatGPT imitation of lazy judicial rulings,” with extreme legal arguments likely to face scrutiny in court.
Stern expressed disappointment, stating that Trump’s team had pledged to avoid the errors that undermined previous orders during his first term. However, the new wave of orders, Stern argued, reflects no improvement in legal quality.
Wave of Orders Targets Key Issues
Since re-entering the White House, Trump has issued a series of executive orders targeting immigration, trade, and climate policies. These include a declaration of an “invasion across the southern border,” plans to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, and a proposal to deport millions of undocumented immigrants using military resources.
The reliance on executive orders allows the President to bypass Congress, but the alleged AI involvement and subpar language may weaken the orders’ standing in court. Experts warn that the legal challenges ahead could be compounded by the lack of clarity and precision in the documents.
