In a dramatic start to his second term, US President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders addressing immigration, trade, governance, energy policy, and more. These directives include both the fulfillment of campaign promises and reversals of Biden-era policies.
Immigration and Border Policies
Staying true to his anti-immigration stance, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Among the measures include:
Birthright Citizenship: A directive to challenge the constitutional principle granting automatic citizenship to children born in the US to undocumented immigrants, as per the 14th amendment.
Refugee Resettlement Halted: Suspension of the US refugee resettlement program for four months.
Sealing Borders: Military deployment to secure the southern border, citing drug and human smuggling.
Terrorism Designation for Gangs: Cartels like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua were classified as foreign terrorist organizations.
Resuming Wall Construction: Renewed efforts to build the border wall, although funding remains uncertain.
‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy: Reinstatement of the policy requiring non-Mexican asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their hearings.
TikTok and Trade Policies
Trump postponed a ban on TikTok for 75 days, allowing its parent company time to sell to a US-based partner. Saying he had a “soft spot” for TikTok, he signed the order delaying the implementation of a law that mandates, among other things, that the company divest its shares or be bought by a US company. However, the details on the directive remain unclear.
Government Overhaul
Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing Elon Musk as its head to streamline federal operations. Vivek Ramaswamy, who was also supposed to head DOGE, withdrew at the last second, reportedly eyeing a Governor bid in Ohio.
Meanwhile, Trump also froze federal hiring, mandated in-office work for federal employees. Trump also reinstated a category known as Schedule F which takes away certain civil job protections of federal workers under this category.
Energy and Climate Policies
In a major reversal of climate initiatives, Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, declared a national energy emergency, and ended funding for renewable energy projects tied to the Green New Deal. He emphasized fossil fuel development, signing an order titled “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential.”
Controversial Pardons
Trump issued pardons to 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots and commuted the sentences of leaders far-right groups, such as Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, convicted of seditious conspiracy. The January 6 riots, which were endorsed by President Trump at the time, left over 50 injured and apporoximately 5 dead.
Social and Cultural Directives
In a polarizing move, Trump signed an order officially recognizing only two sexes—male and female—in government policies and communications. Trump also ended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies.
He also directed the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and Alaska’s Mount Denali back to Mount McKinley, named after the 25th US President.
WHO Withdrawal and Biden-Era Rollbacks
Trump resumed the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization. Trump had previously criticized the WHO for its handling of Covid-19 pandemic and hence began the process of withdrawal during the pandemic, which was stopped by President Biden. He also rescinded 80 Biden-era regulations and froze new federal regulations until further notice.
Economic Initiatives
Trump tasked federal departments with addressing inflation but offered little detail on how this would be achieved.
Trump’s administration has resumed aggressive trade investigations, scrutinizing practices with Canada, China, and Mexico. Federal agencies are tasked with exploring new tariffs to bolster national security. A full review of the U.S. industrial base is underway, with the potential to reshape the nation’s trade landscape dramatically.
Energy and Environmental Policies: A Return to Fossil Fuels
Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the expansion of offshore drilling, and the repeal of Biden-era pollution regulations signal a return to fossil fuel dependency, all while excitedly claiming “drill, baby, drill”. The administration has also halted offshore wind farm leasing and reversed energy efficiency.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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