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Blizzard of executive orders: Trump’s bold first day in office

Donald Trump wasted no time on his first day back in the Oval Office, signing a flurry of executive orders that shook up Washington. His moves were swift and unapologetic, reflecting his fiery, no-nonsense style. Trump began by fulfilling a promise to his supporters, issuing pardons for nearly 1,500 January 6 defendants and granting six commutations.

The hostages are being released,” Trump said, signing the paperwork. He also directed the Attorney General to dismiss around 450 ongoing cases related to the January 6 events. These pardons were aimed squarely at those who tried to help Trump overturn the 2020 election.

National emergency at the border

Trump’s executive orders didn’t stop there. At Capital One Arena, in front of thousands of supporters celebrating his inauguration, he signed several game-changing orders. One was a national emergency declaration at the U.S.-Mexico border, designating dangerous Mexican drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” Another overhaul of the refugee program aligned U.S. immigration policy with his vision.

A bold stance on birthright citizenship

The President also took aim at birthright citizenship, a longstanding right in U.S. law. “It’s ridiculous,” he said. “We are on strong legal ground to change this.” He acknowledged the upcoming legal battles but remained steadfast.

Legal immigration: a balanced approach

On immigration, Trump struck a balance. He supported legal immigration but made it clear that he wanted to reshape policies to fit his economic goals, including higher tariffs on foreign goods. “We need people,” he stated, favoring a controlled, legal approach to immigration.

Withdrawing from the World Health Organization

Trump’s first day also included moves that many experts feared could have global ramifications. He signed an order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization for the second time in five years. Despite warnings that it could hurt global efforts to fight pandemics, Trump was resolute. He justified the move, citing the organization’s failures during the COVID-19 crisis.

Revoking transgender troop protections

In a particularly contentious move, Trump revoked protections for transgender troops, undoing one of Biden’s key policies. He described the previous administration’s practices as “inflationary, illegal, and radical.”

Tackling global issues: Russia, Ukraine, and China

The signing marathon continued as Trump made headlines with comments about international relations. He expressed concerns about the war in Ukraine, predicting that Russia would soon be “in real trouble.” Trump was also quick to remind the press of his ongoing conflict with China and his desire for tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods. “It’s all about fairness,” he said.

Greenland: a U.S. territory in the future?

In another headline-grabbing statement, Trump reaffirmed his desire to make Greenland a U.S. territory. “It’s a great place for international security,” he said, hinting that Denmark would eventually agree to the idea.

As the day unfolded, Trump signed more orders, including halting over 78 of Biden’s executive actions. He issued a freeze on new regulations, froze federal hiring (except for essential areas), and required federal employees to return to in-person work. These steps set the tone for his administration’s future direction

Reversing Biden’s climate policies

Among the more controversial actions was Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate treaty, signaling a sharp break from global environmental commitments. He also signed an order aimed at restoring free speech and preventing political censorship, particularly within government agencies.

A historic first day

Trump’s first day was a whirlwind of action. He signed executive orders, issued pardons, and set the stage for bold changes in U.S. policy. Each move was designed to reassert his vision for America and undo the legacy of his predecessor, Joe Biden. As he sat at his desk, pens in hand, Trump made it clear: he was in charge, and the next four years would be nothing short of dramatic.

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Anna Karolina Heinrich

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