New Delhi: Upon assuming office for his second term, newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump swiftly marked his priorities by signing a series of executive orders within hours. These actions were aimed at fulfilling several commitments made during his campaign.
The initial executive order and subsequent actions by Donald Trump addressed a variety of issues, including immigration, energy policy, national security, and the federal workforce.
In total, the President commenced his term by signing eight executive orders, which included: the suspension of 78 executive actions from the Biden administration; a regulatory freeze that prevents bureaucrats from implementing new regulations until the Trump administration is fully established; and a hiring freeze for all federal positions, with exceptions for military and other critical roles.
The remaining orders included: a mandate for federal employees to return to full-time, in-person work; an instruction for all departments and agencies to tackle the cost of living crisis; a withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement; and an order aimed at restoring free speech, curbing censorship, and ending the “weaponization of government.”
Additionally, the very first executive order signed by Donald Trump in the Oval Office involved granting full pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
TikTok: Donald Trump provided a 75-day extension for TikTok, postponing a potential ban while discussions regarding a national security agreement are ongoing.
Tariffs: Donald Trump instructed federal agencies to reassess tariffs and trade relations with China, Mexico, and Canada, suggesting the possibility of imposing tariffs as high as 25% on Mexico and Canada by February 1.
January 6 pardons: In the Oval Office, Donald Trump granted full pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, in addition to commuting the sentences of 14 others.
Border emergency: Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and mandated the deployment of troops to address what he described as a “disastrous invasion.”
Deportations and birthright citizenship: Donald Trump advocated for a stringent approach towards criminal “aliens” and enacted an order to terminate automatic birthright citizenship for children of non-permanent residents.
Asylum and refugees: Trump halted refugee resettlement for six months and issued orders to eliminate “catch and release” policies, with intentions to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
Death penalty for illegal immigrants: The Department of Justice was instructed to pursue the death penalty for illegal immigrants who inflict harm on Americans.
Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: Donald Trump mandated the initiation of the withdrawal process from the Paris Climate Agreement. He also invoked emergency powers to enhance US energy production by reversing climate-related regulations and promoting oil, gas, and mining activities.
Withdrawal from WHO: Donald Trump signed an order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Only two sexes: Donald Trump established an official policy recognizing only two sexes, male and female, thereby reinforcing these definitions in all federal regulations and documents.
Death penalty directive: Donald Trump has enacted a comprehensive execution directive concerning the death penalty, instructing the attorney general to “take all necessary and lawful action” to guarantee that states possess sufficient lethal injection drugs for the execution process.
Reinstatement of vaccine objectors: Donald Trump has committed to reinstating military personnel who were discharged for their refusal to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, ensuring they receive full back pay.
Return to in-person work: Donald Trump has mandated that federal employees return to in-person work, thereby terminating remote work arrangements.
Hiring restrictions: Donald Trump has instituted a hiring freeze for federal employees, with exceptions made for critical sectors such as immigration enforcement and national security.
Establishment of External Revenue Service: Trump has announced the formation of an “External Revenue Service” tasked with collecting tariffs, which he claims will generate substantial revenue for the US Treasury.
Inflation reduction measures: Trump has directed agencies to implement measures aimed at curbing inflation, with a particular emphasis on housing, healthcare expenses, and the elimination of climate policies that contribute to rising energy costs.
Increased offshore drilling: Donald Trump has ordered an expansion of offshore drilling activities and intends to replenish the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve to its full capacity.
On January 20, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States, making history as the second individual to serve nonconsecutive terms and the first convicted felon to assume the presidency. The inauguration took place within the rotunda of the US Capitol building at 12:00 pm ET (10:30 pm IST). Due to severe cold weather, the swearing-in ceremony was relocated indoors at the last moment.
