In a decisive start to his second term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Accord and froze federal regulations, among other key actions. He also signed an executive order to give temporary relief to Tik Tok.
BY PC Bureau
On the first day of his second term in office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders to dismantle key policies from the Biden administration. The signing ceremony, held at Washington’s Capital One Arena following an indoor post-inauguration parade, showcased Trump’s swift action in reversing his predecessor’s policies.
Among the orders signed were directives to rescind 78 Biden-era executive actions, including measures addressing racial equity and LGBTQ+ protections, as well as implementing a regulatory freeze on new government rules. The orders reflect Trump’s focus on consolidating control over federal operations while addressing issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, climate policy, and national security.
ALSO READ: Trump Pulls US Out of Paris Climate Accord
Trump rolled back transgender protections, declaring the federal government will recognize only two biological sexes: male and female.
Trump’s First-Day Executive Orders: A Comprehensive Breakdown
On the inaugural day of his second term, President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders reversing key Biden-era policies and implementing his administration’s agenda. Here’s a detailed look at the major actions:
- Recognition of Biological Sex: Trump rolled back transgender protections, declaring the federal government will recognize only two biological sexes: male and female.
- Paris Agreement Exit: Officially withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, marking the second time the U.S. has exited the global climate pact under Trump.
- Energy Emergency: Declared an energy emergency, pledging to expand fossil fuel drilling and eliminate Biden’s electric vehicle mandate.
- Gulf Renaming: Renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
- Combatting Inflation: Signed a memorandum directing federal agencies to address consumer inflation.
- Eased Energy Regulations: Repealed Biden-era regulations to facilitate oil and natural gas production, particularly in Alaska.
- Tariffs on Canada and Mexico: Announced a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico starting Feb. 1, with additional tariffs on Chinese imports under consideration.
- TikTok Ban Delay: Delayed the nationwide ban on TikTok by 75 days to allow for negotiations on national security concerns.
- Denali Name Reversion: Reverted Denali’s name back to “Mount McKinley” as a tribute to “American greatness.”
- Flag Directive: Ordered flags to fly at full height on all future Inauguration Days, citing the lowering of flags for former President Jimmy Carter’s passing as a precedent.
- Immigration Policies:
- Reinstated the first-term policy prioritizing the deportation of all undocumented individuals.
- Declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, deploying troops to support immigration enforcement.
- Restarted the policy requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting U.S. hearings.
- Terminated the CBP One app, which facilitated legal entry for migrants under the Biden administration.
- Pledged to end birthright citizenship, although constitutional challenges remain.
- DEI Program Termination: Ended all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and initiated a review to identify related initiatives for termination.
- Federal Workforce Policies:
- Paused federal hiring except for military and critical areas.
- Proposed reclassifying certain federal employees as political appointees, making them easier to dismiss.
- Segregation Based on Biological Sex: Mandated segregation in federal prisons, migrant shelters, and rape victim facilities based on biological sex as defined in the order.
- Capitol Rioters Pardoned: Pardoned 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
- Foreign and National Security Actions:
- Signed an order for the U.S. to exit the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Suspended U.S. foreign assistance for 90 days pending reviews.
- Designated drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Free Speech Protections:
- Prohibited federal officers or agents from unconstitutionally abridging Americans’ free speech.
- Directed the attorney general to investigate potential free speech violations under the Biden administration.
- Criminal Justice:
- Directed the attorney general to assist states in obtaining lethal injection drugs for executions.
- Ended federal prosecutions of individuals labeled as “political opponents” of the Biden administration.
Understanding Executive Orders
Executive orders are tools that allow presidents to guide federal government operations without legislative approval. These orders can range from routine administrative actions to significant policy shifts. While they provide presidents with a mechanism to bypass Congress, they are often subject to reversal by successors, as seen with Trump’s rapid repeal of Biden’s policies.
Implications of Trump’s Actions
Trump’s early focus on rolling back Biden-era policies signals a dramatic shift in federal priorities. His withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, for instance, repositions the U.S. on the global stage, drawing praise from supporters and criticism from environmental advocates. Similarly, his executive orders on free speech, regulatory pauses, and federal hiring freeze highlight a governance approach centered on control, deregulation, and populist appeal.
As Trump’s second term begins, the impact of these orders will set the tone for the administration’s broader agenda, with significant implications for domestic and international policies.
