On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed approximately 200 executive actions, memoranda, and proclamations, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. policy.
Top Takeaways
- Trump signed about 200 executive actions on his first day, including pardons for 1,500 January 6 Capitol riot participants.
- He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement and declared a national energy emergency.
- Trump implemented sweeping changes to immigration policy, including denying birthright citizenship to children of unauthorized immigrants.
- He rescinded 78 Biden-era executive actions related to racial equality, climate, migration, and gender policy.
- Trump reclassified federal employees as political hires, making them easier to fire.
Sweeping Changes and Campaign Promises Fulfilled
President Donald Trump wasted no time in implementing his agenda upon returning to the White House. In a flurry of activity, he signed approximately 200 executive actions, memoranda, and proclamations, far surpassing the 50 executive orders he signed on his first day in his previous term.
One of Trump’s most significant actions was withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement. Explaining his decision, Trump stated, “The United States will not sabotage our own industries while China pollutes with impunity.”
Immigration and Border Security
Trump made sweeping changes to immigration policy, including ending “catch and release” and declaring a national emergency at the southern border. He also signed an order to deny birthright citizenship to children of unauthorized immigrants or temporary visa holders, a move likely to face legal challenges.
Trump also announced he would seek the death penalty for unauthorized immigrants committing capital crimes. He also reinstated the federal death penalty, particularly for crimes involving the murder of law enforcement officers.
President Trump signs executive order ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
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Reversing Biden-Era Policies
Trump rescinded 78 Biden-era executive actions related to racial equality, climate, migration, and gender policy. He ended federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs by defining “sex” as biologically male and female. Trump also revoked Biden’s order for half of new vehicles to be electric by 2030.
In a move to reshape the federal workforce, Trump reclassified federal employees as political hires, making them easier to fire. This action, known as reinstating “Schedule F,” is expected to have far-reaching implications for the federal bureaucracy.
Energy and Economic Policies
Trump declared a national energy emergency to reduce regulations on the energy industry. He also directed emergency price relief to combat inflation and increase American worker prosperity. These actions align with his campaign promises to boost the economy and support American industries.
The order directs “the heads of all executive departments and agencies to deliver emergency price relief, consistent with applicable law, to the American people and increase the prosperity of the American worker.”
In a surprising move, Trump also delayed enforcement of a law banning TikTok for 75 days, stating, “I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok that I didn’t have originally.” This decision contrasts with his previous stance on the Chinese-owned social media platform.
Conclusion
President Trump’s first day back in office was marked by a whirlwind of executive actions, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. policy across multiple fronts. These actions, while fulfilling many of his campaign promises, are likely to face legal challenges and opposition from Democrats. As the dust settles on this eventful day, the long-term impacts of these sweeping changes remain to be seen.
