Washington, 21 January 2025: President Donald Trump launched an immediate series of executive actions on his first day back in office, undoing key measures from Joe Biden’s presidency. From immigration policies to economic directives, Trump moved swiftly to fulfill campaign promises, signaling a dramatic shift in the nation’s approach to governance.
Late Monday, Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in connection to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Framing the move as a commitment to his campaign promise, Trump described the actions as addressing the “weaponization” of federal law enforcement. Critics, however, argued the pardons were partisan, benefitting his political allies.
Besides, he ordered the cessation of federal cases targeting what he termed “political opponents” of the Biden administration, vowing to restore fairness in law enforcement but sparking concerns of selective justice.
At a public signing event, Trump initiated measures aimed at easing regulatory constraints on oil and gas production, claiming they would lower consumer costs. He also announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico by February 1 but left specifics regarding Chinese imports vague.
In a separate directive, Trump paused Congress’s TikTok ban for 75 days, stating that a U.S. buyer would be sought to preserve national security while allowing the app to remain accessible.
Reverting to his first-term immigration stance, Trump reinstated a policy prioritizing deportation for all undocumented individuals. Declaring a national emergency at the southern border, he deployed troops to bolster border security and announced plans to limit asylum applications and halt birthright citizenship, though the latter is expected to face constitutional challenges.
The U.S. Refugee Admission Program was temporarily suspended for a review, and Trump proposed the revival of a policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico. He also eliminated the CBP One app, a Biden-era program allowing legal entry for migrants, drawing mixed reactions from immigration advocates.
Trump formally withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accords, reinforcing his “drill, baby, drill” rhetoric. He declared an energy emergency and pledged to abolish Biden’s electric vehicle mandate, emphasizing a return to traditional energy sources.
In a move to restructure federal operations, Trump froze government hiring and new regulations, exempting military roles. He reinstated the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to propose spending cuts and streamline the federal system, though the department lacks formal recognition as an agency.
Trump signed orders ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies. Another order redefined the government’s recognition of gender based on biological characteristics at birth. Federal funding for gender-transition services was also halted, alongside mandates for sex-based segregation in prisons and shelters.
Reviving his “America First” agenda, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization and ordered a comprehensive review of foreign aid spending. These measures, coupled with symbolic moves like renaming Denali back to Mount McKinley, showcased his focus on nationalist policies.
Trump’s sweeping actions have set the stage for what he describes as a transformative presidency. However, the breadth and pace of these changes are likely to ignite fierce political and legal battles in the days ahead.
Read More: Trump Set to Sign Orders on Immigration, TikTok Post-Inauguration
