President Donald Trump wasted no time in making bold policy moves on his first day back in office. Within hours of his inauguration, he signed a series of executive orders targeting immigration, energy production, social policies, and international agreements. Here’s a breakdown of the key actions shaping Trump’s return to the White House.
Immigration Overhaul: Mass Deportations and Border Crackdowns
Trump signed sweeping orders to intensify immigration enforcement, including:
- Mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
- Ending advance appointments for migrants with Customs and Border Protection.
- Military deployment to the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
He also reinstated his controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy, which forces many asylum seekers to wait outside the U.S. while their cases are processed. Other actions include suspending parole programs for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and attempting to limit birthright citizenship—a move already facing legal challenges.
TikTok Ban Delayed
Trump temporarily postponed enforcement of the TikTok ban, granting a 75-day delay to allow negotiations toward a sale. This decision, however, raises legal questions about presidential authority, as the Supreme Court previously upheld the ban’s legality.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Musk at the Helm
In a move designed to streamline government spending, Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and appointed Elon Musk to lead it. Musk’s role includes identifying areas to cut waste and proposing reforms aimed at saving billions in federal expenditures.
DEI Programs Dismantled
Trump eliminated all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, calling them “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.” He also reversed a Biden-era rule allowing gender-neutral markers on passports, stating the federal government will only recognize two genders, male and female.
Renaming Landforms: A Return to Tradition
Trump ordered the renaming of Denali—North America’s tallest peak—back to Mount McKinley, reversing a 2015 decision that honored Alaska Native traditions. He also renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in a symbolic nod to American dominance.
Energy and Climate: A Push for Fossil Fuels
Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, reinstated a “national energy emergency” to expand fossil fuel production, and halted all offshore wind leasing in federal waters. He also issued an order prioritizing resource extraction in Alaska, signaling a return to pro-oil policies.
Trade and Tariffs
Although no new tariffs have been implemented, Trump directed federal agencies to review trade practices, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and explore the feasibility of creating an External Revenue Service to collect tariffs.
Federal Workforce Reforms
Trump implemented a federal hiring freeze and terminated remote work arrangements for federal employees, setting up potential legal battles with unions that have agreements protecting telework policies.
Withdrawal from the WHO
Citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking his administration’s renewed skepticism toward global organizations.
Conclusion
President Trump’s aggressive first-day agenda reflects a clear effort to reverse many of his predecessor’s policies while prioritizing his long-standing goals. From immigration crackdowns to sweeping changes in energy and social programs, these executive orders signal a transformative direction for the administration.
