If it was done by any other administration you can assume it went through a few layers of professional bureaucrats that considered multiple alternatives. But based on persistent observed behavior of the current president you just have to assume the worst possible intent.

I am not the defend the worst president in the history of the presidents of all mankind but I work in scientific community and this particular news is not “new” - spans both parties.

EO 14117 resulted in 6+ months of work for my team