On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump initiated a series of sweeping executive orders aimed at undoing several policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden, while fulfilling key campaign promises. The orders covered diverse areas, from immigration and energy policy to international relations and social reforms.
Key Executive Orders by President Trump
1. Pardoning Capitol Rioters:
Trump issued a blanket pardon to nearly all individuals charged for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, describing them as “hostages” of a politically motivated justice system. Only 14 individuals remain excluded from this pardon.
2. Immigration Overhaul:
Declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, Trump reinstated policies restricting asylum and refugee admissions. A mass deportation initiative targeting “criminal aliens” was also announced, along with the suspension of the US Refugee Admission Program.
3. Climate Policy Reversal:
The US withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord, marking the second such exit under Trump. He argued the agreement placed undue economic burdens on the US.
4. Exit from WHO:
Trump initiated the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization, citing dissatisfaction with its handling of global health crises and funding disparities.
5. TikTok Ban Delayed:
Trump paused a pending ban on TikTok for 75 days, contingent upon the app’s Chinese parent company selling a 50% stake to a US-based buyer.
6. Diversity Rollback:
Orders promoting diversity programs and LGBTQ+ rights were repealed. Federal agencies are now directed to recognize only binary genders, with significant implications for policies on shelter access and healthcare funding.
7. Energy Expansion:
Declaring a “national energy emergency,” Trump signed orders to boost oil and gas production, particularly in Alaska, to reduce consumer energy prices and enhance US energy security.
8. Cuba Blacklisted:
Trump reinstated Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, reversing Biden’s late-term decision to delist the country.
9. Free Speech Focus:
Aimed at combating online censorship, Trump’s order sought to “restore freedom of speech,” though critics highlighted contradictions given his own history with press restrictions.
10. Other Symbolic Moves:
Renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
Restored the name Mount McKinley to Denali.
Ended work-from-home policies for federal employees, mandating full-time office attendance.
Controversial Decisions
Among the most debated actions was the pardon of Capitol rioters, which Trump justified as a show of solidarity with his supporters. Environmentalists and allies of the Paris Accord condemned the climate policy reversals, while LGBTQ+ advocacy groups criticized the rollback of diversity programs.
Trump’s rapid-fire executive orders set the tone for what promises to be a polarizing new term, as he aims to reshape the US political landscape once again.
