Trump signals major policy changes as he begins his second term
As Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term as President of the United States, he wasted no time in implementing his ambitious agenda through a flurry of executive orders. On January 20, 2025, Trump signed a series of actions that aim to reshape federal policies across multiple fronts, from immigration to energy policy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant executive orders signed on Trump’s first day back in office.
Immigration and Border Security
Trump’s focus on immigration remained a cornerstone of his policy initiatives. He declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, authorizing the deployment of U.S. troops to support immigration agents[1][3]. The president also moved to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed[1][3]. Additionally, Trump ended the CBP One app, a Biden-era program that had facilitated legal entry for nearly one million migrants[1][6].
Energy and Climate Policy
In a stark reversal of his predecessor’s policies, Trump signed an order withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement once again[17]. He also declared a “national energy emergency” aimed at streamlining environmental permitting processes and promoting domestic energy production[17]. These actions signal a significant shift away from Biden-era climate initiatives and towards increased fossil fuel development.
Federal Workforce and Bureaucracy
Trump enacted a hiring freeze for federal government employees, with exceptions for military positions and roles related to national security or public safety[17]. He also mandated that federal employees return to in-person work, terminating remote work arrangements implemented during the previous administration[17].
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs
One of Trump’s executive orders aimed to end all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and directed a review to identify and terminate related initiatives across government agencies[4].
Pardons and Legal Actions
In a controversial move, Trump issued pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol[4][20].
Symbolic Actions and Name Changes
Trump signed orders to rename certain landmarks, including changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and reverting Alaska’s Denali back to Mount McKinley[9][23]. He also mandated that flags be flown at full staff on all future Inauguration Days[9].
Other Notable Actions
- Trump signed an order defining gender as a binary concept, recognizing only male and female as biological realities[4].
- He initiated steps to end birthright citizenship, though this action is likely to face significant legal challenges[13].
- The president moved to ease regulations on oil and natural gas production, particularly in Alaska[5].
Trump’s Day 1 executive orders represent a dramatic shift in federal policy across multiple domains. While many of these actions fulfill campaign promises and appeal to his base, they are also likely to face legal challenges and opposition from Democrats and various advocacy groups. As the new administration settles in, the full impact of these executive orders will unfold in the coming months and years.
Citations:
[1] https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-take-more-than-200-executive-actions-day-one
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/politics/executive-actions-trump-day-1/index.html
[3] https://www.opb.org/article/2025/01/20/trump-has-begun-signing-slew-of-executive-orders-on-day-1-what-are-his-priorities/
[4] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/donald-trump-inauguration-full-list-of-executive-orders-signed-by-donald-trump-today-ending-birthright-citizenship-delaying-tiktok-ban-who-exit/articleshow/117411084.cms
[5] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-energy-emergency-executive-orders-inflation/
[6] https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-01-20/trump-has-begun-signing-slew-of-executive-orders-on-day-1-what-are-his-priorities
[7] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/trump-executive-orders-list.html
[8] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/01/president-trumps-america-first-priorities/
[9] https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/donald-trump-executive-orders-2025/3820284/
[10] https://unblock.federalregister.gov
[11] https://www.npr.org/2025/01/20/g-s1-43698/trump-inauguration-executive-orders-2025-day-1
[12] https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-statement-trump-s-first-day-executive-orders
[13] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-prepares-slew-day-1-orders-immigration-gender-rcna187164
[14] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/01/20/trump-executive-orders-list/
[15] https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/20/us/trump-executive-orders
[16] https://6abc.com/post/what-is-executive-order-look-trumps-tool-quickly-reshaping-government/15820791/
[17] https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/politics/executive-actions-trump-day-1/index.html
[18] https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-inauguration-01-2025/index.html
[19] https://apnews.com/article/trump-day-1-executive-orders-3a035a0bbd37b5c12630b92c8c8a9625
[20] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/triumphant-trump-returns-white-house-launching-new-era-upheaval-2025-01-20/
[21] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ced961egp65o
[22] https://www.npr.org/2025/01/20/g-s1-43650/trump-inauguration-day-one-immigration
[23] https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/donald-trump-executive-orders-2025/3820284/
[24] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_executive_orders_in_the_first_presidency_of_Donald_Trump
[25] https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-executive-orders-list-president-signed-2016864
