In a bold start to his term, Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders just hours after being inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. The orders address key issues, from pardoning Capitol Hill rioters to withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement for a second time, showcasing his administration’s priorities.
During a rally at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Trump signed eight executive orders in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Later, additional orders were finalized in the Oval Office. Among his first actions, Trump declared his intent to reverse numerous Biden-era policies.
The Initial Eight Executive Actions:
- Halting 78 Biden-era executive actions
- Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement—a controversial move aimed at prioritizing domestic energy policies over global environmental agreements.
- Federal hiring freeze (excluding military and essential services).
- Mandatory return to in-person work for federal employees.
- Addressing the cost of living crisis by directing federal agencies to take immediate action.
- Regulatory freeze to halt bureaucratic processes until the new administration assumes full control.
- Restoration of free speech protections, aiming to prevent censorship.
- Ending weaponization of government against political adversaries.
Pardoning Capitol Hill Rioters
One of Trump’s most polarizing decisions was granting full pardons to nearly 1,270 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021 Capitol Hill riots. The Justice Department has also been directed to dismiss 300 pending cases and release 14 defendants charged with sedition.
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“These are the hostages. Approximately 1,500 for a pardon, full pardon. We hope they come out tonight, frankly,” Trump stated after signing the order.
TikTok Ban Delayed
Trump signed an order delaying the TikTok ban by 75 days. This gives his administration time to assess the app’s future in the U.S. The Justice Department has been instructed to communicate with Apple, Google, and Oracle, assuring them of no liability during this period.
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When questioned, Trump remarked, “Just gave me the right to sell it or close it,” signaling possible future action against the platform.
Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)
Trump announced the U.S. would withdraw from the WHO, citing the organization’s alleged failures during the Covid-19 pandemic and its perceived political influences. The order criticized the WHO’s inability to reform and its “unfair” financial demands on the U.S.
Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border
Addressing immigration, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. This move includes deploying additional Pentagon resources and designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Furthermore, the administration aims to end birthright citizenship, though Trump emphasized his support for legal immigration.
Additional Executive Orders
Other notable orders signed include:
- Renaming U.S. landmarks like Mount McKinley.
- Reinstating Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
- Revoking security clearances for 51 officials linked to the Hunter Biden laptop letter.
- Initiating broad investigations into alleged censorship and weaponization of government agencies by the previous administration.
Trump’s Vision for the Future
As the new administration takes charge, Trump’s early actions reflect his commitment to reversing the policies of his predecessor and focusing on key conservative priorities. With a mix of domestic and international policies, his presidency is set to chart a path marked by decisive and often controversial measures.
