President Donald Trump has embarked on an ambitious set of executive actions at the start of his new term.
Through a series of memoranda and executive orders, he has begun undoing many initiatives put in place by former President Joe Biden, initiated a crackdown on immigration, announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, and taken steps to secure the future of TikTok in America.
In addition, Trump has taken the controversial step of pardoning a large number of individuals associated with the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
One of Trump’s significant maneuvers addresses the January 6 Capitol attack.
As promised during his campaign, he granted pardons to around 1,500 individuals previously charged or convicted in connection with the events of that day.
He has also called for the cessation of federal prosecutions against what he terms “political opponents” of the Biden administration, largely benefitting his supporters.
Trump asserted this was aimed at ending the “weaponization” of federal law enforcement.
On the economic front, Trump held a high-profile event at the Capital One Arena where he signed a memorandum aimed at addressing consumer inflation by mandating federal agencies to work against it.
He strategically rolled back certain regulations surrounding oil and natural gas production, focusing efforts on enhancing fossil fuel extraction in Alaska as a measure to lower household costs.
Furthermore, he announced plans for a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, while details concerning tariffs on Chinese goods remain vague.
Additionally, Trump signed an order to temporarily pause congressional measures to ban TikTok, allowing him time to find a domestic buyer that would secure U.S. interests while keeping the platform available to Americans.
Continuing with his “America First” policies from his first presidency, Trump is withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization and has instructed a thorough evaluation of U.S. foreign aid.
He also made some symbolic gestures, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, reverting the highest mountain in North America—from Denali back to Mount McKinley—restoring flags to full height at subsequent Inauguration Days, and promoting what he describes as “Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture.”
In terms of immigration and national security, Trump overturned several of Biden’s immigration policies, reinstating priorities for deportation concerning all undocumented individuals.
He has declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, with plans to deploy troops to assist immigration agents and limit the acceptance of refugees.
Additional moves include seeking to end birthright citizenship, though it remains uncertain whether this order might withstand legal scrutiny.
He has also placed a temporary hold on the U.S. Refugee Admission Program for reassessment while working to revive policies requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico.
On the national security front, Trump has rescinded security clearances for several individuals he perceives as adversaries, including prominent figures like former intelligence directors and former national security advisers.
Move forward with climate and energy policies, Trump has initiated the withdrawal from the Paris climate agreements, which he had already attempted during his initial term.
He declared an energy emergency and intends to abandon what he labels as Biden’s electric vehicle mandate, emphasizing a return to aggressive fossil fuel production.
With regards to federal bureaucracy, Trump has suspended hiring across most sectors of the federal government, excluding military personnel.
He has also put a freeze on new regulations while propelling the establishment of a Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk, which will have the autonomy to suggest cuts in federal spending and programs.
Additionally, Trump is reversing protections for transgender individuals and disbanding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal administration.
A recent order stipulates the federal government will recognize only two sexes—male and female—as determined by anatomical characteristics at birth, which will have implications for the segregation of federal facilities.
Federal funding for any transition services has also been halted, and a directive has been issued to dismantle DEI programs across governmental operations.
