Donald Trump, now the 47th President of the United States, wasted no time in making his presence felt on his first day back in office. After taking the oath at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, Trump delivered a fiery inaugural speech, laying the foundation for what he calls “Trump’s America.” As promised during his campaign, the President signed a slew of executive orders that would change the course of American policies across several sectors.
Pardoning January 6 Rioters
One of the most shocking moves Trump made was his decision to pardon nearly 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. The rioters, who stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, will now have their criminal cases dismissed. Among those pardoned was Enrique Tarrio, leader of the far-right Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, both convicted for their roles in the insurrection. Trump’s action sparked outrage, with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemning the move as an “outrageous insult” to those who protected the Capitol.
Defining Gender and Diversity Policies
In his bid to reshape U.S. government policies, Trump also signed executive orders that rolled back protections for transgender individuals and terminated diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the federal government. In his inaugural address, Trump stated, “There are only two genders, male and female,” signaling a firm stance against what he described as “gender extremism.” The new policies redefine sex as determined by biological sex at birth, a stark departure from previous administration efforts to include gender identity in federal policies.
Cracking Down on Immigration
Immigration policy was another area of focus on Trump’s first day. He declared a national emergency at the southern border and reversed several immigration policies set by President Biden, reinstating tougher deportation priorities. Trump has also made good on his promise to combat illegal immigration, sending U.S. troops to the border and limiting asylum seekers’ ability to enter the country. Additionally, the president is pushing for an end to birthright citizenship, a move that will likely face legal challenges.
Reversing Environmental and Global Health Policies
In another blow to global climate efforts, Trump signed an executive order pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement once again. This decision follows his 2017 exit from the pact aimed at combating global warming, signalling his continued opposition to environmental regulations. Trump also declared a “national energy emergency,” aiming to expand drilling and reverse fuel efficiency standards, much to the disappointment of climate change advocates.
Moreover, Trump reinitiated his stance on withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its political ties to China. This marks a continuation of his previous administration’s policies on global health and international cooperation.
Ending Work-from-Home for Federal Employees
Trump’s first day also saw a significant shift in federal employment policy. He signed an executive order requiring all federal employees to return to the office full-time, effectively ending the remote work flexibility that became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. This order is expected to face resistance, particularly from unions and workers who appreciated the flexibility. Trump’s decision aligns with the views of his supporters, including tech mogul Elon Musk, who have criticised remote work as inefficient.
In just his first day, Trump set the tone for his second term, implementing policies that aim to reshape the U.S. government in a manner consistent with his vision. From pardoning Capitol rioters to redefining gender policies, his bold actions reflect his commitment to reversing many of his predecessor’s policies. As Trump pushes forward with these controversial decisions, the nation braces for a period of intense political and social change.
