On January 20, in a sweeping display of executive authority, President Donald Trump marked the beginning of his second term with a flurry of executive orders, upending many of his predecessor’s policies and delivering on several of his 2024 campaign promises. Among the most notable actions were pardons for January 6 Capitol rioters, withdrawal from international agreements, and significant shifts in immigration, energy, and diversity policies.
Pardons for Capitol Rioters
One of the most controversial actions was Trump’s decision to pardon nearly everyone charged for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Referring to the convicted individuals as “hostages,” the move absolves legal consequences for all but 14 of the 1,590 individuals charged in connection with the riots. Trump’s show of solidarity with his supporters was met with applause from a packed arena in Washington, D.C.
Immigration Crackdown
In a return to hardline immigration policies, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, ordered the deployment of U.S. troops to support immigration agents, and temporarily suspended the U.S. Refugee Admission Program. He also reinstated a policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico and promised a mass deportation campaign targeting “criminal aliens.”
Withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord and WHO
Trump’s environmental and global health policies marked a sharp pivot. He announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, citing the need to prioritize American energy independence. In another significant move, Trump ordered the U.S. to exit the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the agency of mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic and favoring China. The withdrawal will take effect in 12 months, halting all U.S. financial contributions to the WHO.
LGBTQ and Diversity Rollbacks
Reversing federal policies on diversity and LGBTQ rights, Trump signed orders limiting federal recognition of gender to male and female only. He also barred federal funding for gender transition services and ordered federal facilities like prisons and shelters to segregate by sex.
Energy Expansion in Alaska
Trump declared a “national energy emergency” and signed an order promoting expanded oil and gas drilling in Alaska. The administration aims to lower energy costs and bolster national security by increasing domestic fossil fuel production.
Symbolic Orders and Trade Policies
In symbolic gestures, Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and reverted Denali’s name to Mount McKinley. He also signed an order mandating that flags remain at full height on future Inauguration Days. On trade, Trump proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports starting February 1 but did not provide details on China tariffs.
TikTok Reprieve
In a surprising move, Trump signed an order delaying the ban on TikTok for 75 days. He demanded that TikTok’s Chinese parent company sell a 50% stake to U.S. interests, citing national security concerns.
Reversals on AI and EV Policies
Trump repealed Biden-era executive orders on artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EV). He halted funding for EV infrastructure, ended California’s waiver to enforce zero-emission vehicle rules, and rescinded requirements for AI safety testing.
Foreign Policy Shifts
Trump revoked sanctions on far-right Israeli settler groups and reinstated Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The Cuba decision reverses a late Biden administration deal aimed at freeing political prisoners.
Federal Workforce Changes
Trump imposed a federal hiring freeze, except for the military, and ordered federal employees to return to the office full-time, ending many remote work allowances.
Criticism and Reactions
The wave of orders has drawn praise from Trump’s supporters but sparked outrage among critics. Civil rights groups condemned the LGBTQ rollbacks, environmental advocates decried the Paris Accord withdrawal, and public health experts warned of the consequences of leaving the WHO.
With these sweeping changes, Trump has set the tone for a presidency poised to disrupt domestic and international norms. As his administration takes shape, the nation braces for the ripple effects of his bold agenda.
