Unveiling Trump’s Initial Moves: Orders and Policy Changes on Day One

Typewriter typing "Executive Order" on paper.

President Donald Trump marks his return to the White House with a flurry of executive orders, drastically reshaping U.S. policy on his first day back in office.

Quick Takes

  • Trump signs approximately 200 executive actions, memoranda, and proclamations on day one
  • Pardons issued for about 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot
  • U.S. withdraws from Paris climate agreement
  • National emergency declared at southern border, involving military resources
  • Federal death penalty reinstated, particularly for crimes against law enforcement

Trump’s Whirlwind First Day Back in Office

President Donald Trump wasted no time implementing his agenda upon returning to the White House, signing a staggering number of executive orders that touched on nearly every aspect of American life. The rapid-fire approach to governance saw Trump tackling issues from immigration and energy to federal hiring practices and social policies, setting a tone of urgency and determination for his new term.

Among the most significant actions was Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. This move aligns with his long-standing criticism of international climate accords and his commitment to American energy independence. Trump justified this action by stating, “The United States will not sabotage our own industries while China pollutes with impunity.”

Border Security and Immigration Overhaul

Trump’s focus on border security was evident as he declared a national emergency at the southern border, authorizing the use of military resources to address what he has long described as a crisis. This declaration was accompanied by a series of executive orders aimed at restructuring immigration enforcement, including ending the practice of “catch and release” and denying birthright citizenship to children of unauthorized immigrants or temporary visa holders.

The President also took aim at what he views as lax enforcement of immigration laws, signing an order to seek the death penalty for unauthorized immigrants committing capital crimes. This move underscores Trump’s tough stance on immigration and his commitment to law and order.

Domestic Policy and Government Reform

On the domestic front, Trump made sweeping changes to federal employment practices. He imposed a federal hiring freeze and required federal workers to return to the office, signaling an end to widespread remote work policies. In a move that could significantly alter the federal workforce, Trump reclassified many federal employees as political hires, making them easier to dismiss.

Trump also took aim at diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government, defining “sex” as biologically male and female in federal regulations. This action effectively ends many DEI initiatives implemented during previous administrations.

Energy and Economic Policies

In a move aimed at boosting American energy production, Trump declared a national energy emergency to reduce regulations on the energy industry. He also revoked an order by his predecessor that set a goal for half of new vehicles to be electric by 2030, signaling a shift away from electric vehicle mandates.

Trump’s economic focus was evident in his directive for “emergency price relief” to combat inflation and increase American worker prosperity. This order instructs heads of executive departments and agencies to take steps to provide relief to American consumers and boost economic growth.

Conclusion

President Trump’s first day back in office was marked by an unprecedented number of executive actions, reflecting his desire to quickly implement his agenda and reverse many policies of the previous administration. While supporters praise the swift action, critics argue that such extensive use of executive power may overstep the bounds of presidential authority. As the dust settles on this whirlwind first day, it’s clear that Trump’s second term is off to a dramatic and consequential start.