On his first day as president, Donald Trump wasted no time signing a series of executive orders aimed at undoing key policies from the Biden administration. These decisions mark a return to Trump’s campaign promises of strict border control and anti-immigration measures. However, several of these orders are expected to face significant legal challenges that could delay or block their implementation.
Highlights of the Executive Orders
TikTok Ban Delayed
Trump postponed the ban on TikTok for 75 days, allowing time for negotiations over a potential partnership between U.S. investors and the Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The move was framed as an effort to address national security concerns.
New Government Initiatives
- Creation of a “Department of Government Efficiency,” led by Elon Musk.
- Expanded authority for Trump to dismiss federal employees.
- A directive for the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty in more cases.
- Declaration of a national energy emergency.
- Withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization.
Immigration Policy Overhaul
- Trump introduced measures to restrict birthright citizenship, aiming to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented or non-permanent immigrants.
- This policy is set to take effect in 30 days but is widely expected to face significant legal challenges.
Capitol Riot Pardons
- Trump issued a sweeping pardon for most individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots.
- Fourteen exceptions were made, with those individuals receiving commuted sentences instead.
Climate and Federal Workforce Policies
- Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
- A freeze on new federal regulations.
- Suspension of most federal hiring.
- Mandating full-time, in-office work for federal employees.
- Repeal of 78 executive orders from the Biden administration.
Energy and Immigration Crackdowns
- Declaring a national energy emergency, Trump announced plans to boost domestic energy production and exports while rolling back existing climate policies.
- He also reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers, sent additional troops to the southern border, and designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
These actions underscore Trump’s commitment to reinstating his first-term agenda and reversing key elements of the Biden administration’s policies.
