Trump’s First Day in Office: A Closer Look at His Executive Orders and Priorities

Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump wasted no time setting his agenda into motion on his first day in office, issuing a flurry of executive orders that align closely with his campaign promises. The actions, ranging from immigration policies to economic directives, signal a dramatic shift from the previous administration’s priorities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Trump’s initial steps and what they might mean for the nation.

Pardons Related to January 6 Capitol Riots

Fulfilling a key campaign promise, Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. The move has sparked widespread debate, as critics argue it undermines accountability while supporters claim it rights perceived political wrongs. Additionally, Trump ordered federal cases against his political allies to be dismissed, citing the need to end what he calls the “weaponization” of federal agencies.

Economic Policies and TikTok’s Future

On the economic front, Trump initiated steps to combat rising consumer inflation. He signed orders to reduce regulatory barriers on oil and gas production, with a focus on expanding operations in Alaska. Trump emphasized that boosting domestic energy production could lower costs across the board.

Trade policies also came into focus, with Trump announcing plans for 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico starting next month. While he hinted at potential measures targeting Chinese imports, details remain unclear.

One of Trump’s more unexpected actions was aimed at TikTok. He temporarily paused the federal ban on the popular social media platform, giving a 75-day window to negotiate a U.S.-based ownership deal that addresses national security concerns while allowing the app to remain operational.

America First: Foreign Policy Shifts

Trump’s foreign policy actions reflect his renewed emphasis on the “America First” philosophy. He ordered a review of foreign aid spending and withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization. Additionally, symbolic moves like renaming Denali back to Mount McKinley and proposing the Gulf of Mexico be called the Gulf of America highlight his approach to national identity.

Immigration Crackdown and Border Security

Immigration reforms were central to Trump’s first-day actions. He reversed several Biden-era policies, reintroducing measures that prioritize deportation for all undocumented individuals. Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, paving the way for deploying troops to support immigration enforcement.

The president also suspended the U.S. Refugee Admission Program, pending a security review. He signaled his intent to end birthright citizenship, a controversial move likely to face legal challenges. Additionally, Trump scrapped the CBP One app, a tool introduced by the previous administration to streamline legal border crossings.

Climate Policies and Energy Independence

As anticipated, Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate accords, reversing President Biden’s decision to rejoin the agreement. Declaring an “energy emergency,” Trump called for expanded oil and gas drilling and pledged to dismantle electric vehicle mandates introduced under the previous administration.

Overhaul of Federal Operations

Trump’s executive actions extended to federal operations, including a hiring freeze for most government positions outside the military. He also empowered the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to recommend spending cuts and streamline bureaucratic processes.

Social Policy Reforms

True to his campaign rhetoric, Trump rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government. He signed orders defining gender based on biological sex and restricting federal funding for transgender healthcare services. Prisons, shelters, and other facilities will now be segregated based on the new guidelines.

A Shift in Direction

Trump’s early executive orders underscore a rapid departure from his predecessor’s policies, aiming to fulfill campaign promises across multiple fronts. While his supporters praise the decisive actions, critics warn of the potential consequences for national unity and international relations.

As Trump’s agenda unfolds, the nation will closely watch the impact of these bold initiatives in the weeks and months ahead.