On the first day of his new term, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders addressing key issues such as immigration, climate, and international relations. These actions, some expected and others surprising, included sweeping pardons and significant policy reversals. Here's a breakdown of the major orders signed in front of a packed Washington arena and later at the White House:
Immigration
President Trump issued multiple orders aimed at overhauling the U.S. immigration system:
- Declared a national emergency at the southern border.
- Announced plans for a military-led mass deportation operation targeting what he referred to as “criminal aliens.”
- Signed an order revoking birthright citizenship. While this move aligns with his campaign promises, birthright citizenship is constitutionally protected and is expected to face substantial legal challenges.
January 6 Pardons
Trump granted pardons to several individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, referring to those convicted or who pleaded guilty as “hostages.” This decision reignited debates over accountability and justice for the events surrounding the attack.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In a significant rollback of policies promoting inclusivity, Trump:
- Repealed executive orders supporting diversity programs and LGBTQ rights.
- Announced that the U.S. government would only recognize “two genders, male and female.”
- Overturned initiatives promoting equity in government, business, and healthcare.
Paris Climate Accord
Trump repeated a move from his first term by withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. His decision reinforces a rejection of global efforts to combat climate change, even as extreme weather events become increasingly severe. The formal exit will take a year to process through the United Nations framework.
Energy Policy
The president declared a "national energy emergency," paving the way for expanded oil and gas drilling. In his inaugural address, Trump stated, "We will drill, baby, drill," emphasizing his administration's priority on domestic energy production.
Work-from-Home Policies
Trump signed an order requiring federal employees to return to in-office work full-time, reversing remote work accommodations implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Withdrawal from the WHO
Citing an imbalance in financial contributions, Trump ordered the United States to exit the World Health Organization (WHO). He claimed the U.S. was unfairly paying more than China to the global health body.
TikTok Ban Delay
The president paused the enforcement of a law banning TikTok for 75 days, allowing time for negotiations. Trump reiterated that the app’s Chinese parent company must sell a significant stake to the United States to continue operating domestically.
West Bank Settlers
Trump revoked sanctions against Israeli settlers accused of violence in the West Bank, reversing an unprecedented action taken by the Biden administration.
Cuba Policy
Reversing another Biden-era move, Trump removed Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list. Biden had made the change just days earlier as part of a prisoner exchange agreement.
These actions underscore Trump's commitment to implementing his campaign promises and dismantling policies from previous administrations. However, many of these moves are expected to spark legal and political challenges in the weeks to come.
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