Breaking News

As we prepared this weekly update, the news came that President Trump pardoned 23 prolife activists wrongly prosecuted and imprisoned by the Biden Admimistration for peacefull protesting and exercising their First Amendment rights outside abortion clinics. News also came that President Trump will address the March for Life by video and Vice President Vance will speak in person. The March program begins at Noon Eastern time; 10:00 Arizona time. Live stream will be available here.

I’m very grateful for these actions yesterday. While President Trump’s actions Monday were silent on the life issue, the prolife community welcomes continued advocacy for babies and their mothers by our country’s top two leaders.

What a Week! Day One

Monday, January 20.  President Donald J. Trump takes office and immediately starts making changes. In his inaugural address, President Trump focused on restoring America’s strength and values, emphasizing the need for national unity and moral clarity. While I had hoped for a stronger emphasis on protecting life, his firm stance on parental rights, rejecting divisive identity politics, and affirming the truth of male and female as God created them are all very encouraging.

Monday wasn’t just a moment in history—it was the start of a new chapter for our nation. President Trump’s determined vision, paired with some unforgettable moments from the day, signaled a strong political shift.

On X, Pastor Brian Kruckenberg said he would remember Monday as a day common sense made a comeback with some key observations:

• Men should not be allowed in women’s sports, locker rooms, bathrooms, or prisons.
• Food should be healthy
• Government should not compel or restrict speech
• Parents should be the decision-makers for their kids
• The judicial system should not be used as a weapon.

Memorable Moments

Among the many significant moments of the day was the presence of Vice President J.D. Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins. Known for her incredible journey depicted in Hillbilly Elegy, Aikins marked her 10th year of sobriety and her birthday while watching her son be sworn in as vice president. A son proud of his mother and his mother proud of him. Only in America many of us would say can a boy with his roots go to Yale Law School and become Vice President.

A lighter moment came when President Trump entered the room and leaned over to kiss his wife, Melania. Her wide-brimmed hat got in the way, resulting in an air kiss, bringing a genuine smile to the often stoic first lady.

We witnessed two leaders who stand for foundational principles being clearly loved and supported by their strong families. We’ll remember the picture of  Usha Vance smiling proudly, looking on as her husband was sworn in while also holding their young daughter with her bandaids firmly placed. Moms across the nation sure identified with that picture. The Trump family standing unified and support of their patriarch brought warm smiles as well.

The Inaugural Address

President Trump’s inaugural address sent a clear message—the time of aimlessly drifting as a nation is over. The speech addressed some of the most pressing issues facing America today—truth, freedom, and the preservation of our core values. Here are a few statements that stood out to me.

“The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer.”

Donald Trump’s vision for our country is in direct contrast to the defeatism that has dominated the American psyche for far too long. For families working hard to protect their children’s futures, this is a reminder that America doesn’t have to settle for decline—it can once again be that ‘shining city on the hill.’

“As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female. Our armed forces will be free to focus on their sole mission—defeating America’s enemies.”

Finally, truth has a seat at the table again. In a time when basic and simple biological facts are treated as controversial, affirming that there are two genders—male and female—is not just common sense; it’s essential. Protecting institutions like the military from ideological distractions is vital.

“After years and years of illegal and unconstitutional federal efforts to restrict free expression, I will also sign an executive order to immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America. Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents.”

Our first amendment is the bedrock, the foundation of our entire democracy. Families, churches, and organizations like ours need the freedom to speak boldly without fear of retaliation or censorship. Recently, we have felt this protection slowly erode, so it is encouraging to see a commitment to the restoration of this founding principle.

“We will not forget our country. We will not forget our Constitution. And we will not forget our God.”

These words, paired with his acknowledgment of God’s hand in his life, give me hope that the Holy Spirit is at work in his heart.

“I was saved by God to make America great again. Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then, and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason.”

The next four years hold the potential for real restoration—not just in policies, but in the character and direction of our nation’s leadership. If these words reflect a genuine commitment to truth and righteousness, they could signal renewed hope for families, faith, and our fundamental freedoms.

Key Executive Orders from Day One

Among the flurry of executive orders President Trump signed on his first day back in office, two stand out as particularly significant for protecting families, restoring truth, and pushing back against cultural extremism.

Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs

In a major step toward reforming the federal government, the president signed an order titled Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service. This order dismantles Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that prioritize identity politics over skill and merit. It directs federal agencies to ensure hiring decisions are based on qualifications and dedication to the Constitution, not on subjective or ideological factors like “equity” or “gender identity.”

Defending Women and Restoring Biological Truth

The second critical executive order, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, reaffirms the truth of biological sex in federal policies and programs. The order mandates that federal agencies recognize and enforce sex-based protections, distinguishing between men and women as biologically distinct. It also eliminates funding for programs that promote gender ideology and ensures that government-issued documents, like passports, reflect biological sex rather than gender identity.

This order addresses real concerns for women’s safety, dignity, and fairness, especially in spaces like prisons, shelters, and sports. It pushes back against the erasure of women by policies that allow men identifying as women to invade single-sex spaces.

For those who value truth and the safety of women and girls, these executive orders are a strong first step in undoing years of harmful policies.

President Trump’s inauguration set the tone for a decisive shift in the fight to protect families, preserve freedoms, and restore truth in public policy.

Now it’s time for the state of Arizona to follow with state laws affirming the policies embedded in these executive orders. This week, the House Government Committee passed on a partyline vote HB 2602. Sponsored by Rep. Lisa Fink and advocated for by the Independent Women’s Forum, the bill simply defines male and female for Arizona law and policies. See our CAP Fact Sheet here on the bill.

I also anticipate major legislation on DEI similar to the President’s executive order.

As his administration begins its work, CAP will remain steadfast in advancing these principles here in Arizona.

ICYMI

• Trump pardons 23 peaceful pro-life protesters. Read more.
• Tucson schools demand students censor themselves for LGBTQ activists. Details here.
• Is it too early to start looking toward 2026?  Biggs Eyes Arizona Governorship. Learn more.
• Hobbs’ Budget under fire, see the Full story.
• Livestream the 2025 March for Life here.