Washington, D.C. – On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump wasted no time making major changes. He signed a series of executive orders that rolled back several policies of former President Joe Biden. These new actions cover areas like immigration, climate policy, international relations, energy, and diversity programs.
Let’s look at the 10 major orders Trump signed on Day One:
1. Capitol Rioters Pardoned
Trump issued a blanket pardon to almost all individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots, calling them “hostages” of political injustice. Only 14 people were excluded from this pardon.
2. Immigration Crackdown
Declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, Trump:
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Reinstated strict asylum and refugee rules
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Announced a mass deportation drive for “criminal aliens”
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Suspended the US Refugee Admission Program
3. Climate Reversal: Paris Deal Exit
Trump pulled the US out of the Paris Climate Accord—again. He claimed the global deal was unfair and damaging to US industries.
4. WHO Withdrawal
The US began the process of leaving the World Health Organization (WHO). Trump criticized the WHO’s role in handling global health emergencies and said funding was unfair.
5. TikTok Deal Deadline
Trump paused the TikTok ban for 75 days, saying it could still operate in the US if its Chinese parent sells 50% of its stake to an American company.
6. LGBTQ+ and Diversity Rollback
Trump signed orders that:
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Ended diversity and LGBTQ+ training programs
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Directed federal agencies to recognize only male and female genders
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Affected access to shelters and healthcare protections
7. Energy Boost: Oil & Gas Focus
By declaring a “national energy emergency”, Trump:
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Pushed for increased oil and gas drilling, especially in Alaska
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Aimed to reduce energy costs and improve US energy independence
8. Cuba Back on Terror List
Trump relisted Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, undoing Biden’s move to delist it during the final weeks of his presidency.
9. Free Speech on Social Media
To fight what he called “online censorship,” Trump:
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Signed an order to protect freedom of speech on digital platforms
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Critics pointed out his past clashes with press freedom
10. Symbolic Orders
Trump also made several symbolic but high-profile changes:
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Renamed the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America”
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Reverted Denali to its former name Mount McKinley
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Ended work-from-home for federal workers, ordering full office return
Public Reactions
Many of Trump’s actions sparked strong reactions:
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The Capitol riot pardons drew criticism as “encouraging extremism”
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Climate advocates slammed the Paris Accord exit
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LGBTQ+ groups and civil rights activists called the diversity rollback “a dangerous step backward”
Conclusion
Trump’s first-day executive orders reflect his campaign promises and a clear shift in direction for the country. His fast-paced approach signals a polarizing and action-heavy term, as he aims to reshape American policy his way once again.