Donald Trump, sworn in as the 47th U.S. president, quickly moved to implement his agenda with a series of executive orders on his first day in office. Among the most significant actions were pardons for 1,500 individuals, including 14 of his supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. Trump echoed claims about the 2020 election being “rigged” while referring to the defendants as “J6 hostages.” These actions aligned with his ongoing efforts to challenge the election results and solidify his political base.
Controversial Immigration Orders and Legal Challenges
In addition to the pardons, Trump signed several executive orders targeting immigration. These included a directive to end birthright citizenship, challenging the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, and a national emergency declaration at the southern border. The orders also designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Legal challenges to these actions are expected, particularly concerning birthright citizenship and the controversial border wall funding, which may find its way to the courts, testing Trump’s authority and the U.S. legal system’s response.
Donald TrumpTrump also addressed the ongoing situation with TikTok. The president signed an executive order granting the Chinese-owned app a 75-day extension, during which the U.S. would not enforce a law requiring the company to sell an 80% stake to a U.S. firm. This move extends the status quo from the Biden administration’s approach, which refrained from forcing an immediate sale despite bipartisan support for the law passed in the previous year. The future of TikTok hinges on compliance with the law or potential bans.
U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement
Another major action from Trump’s first day was his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. This agreement aimed to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with wealthy nations, including the U.S., pledging to help developing countries with climate change mitigation.
Trump’s order repudiated the commitment, focusing on his opposition to the financial obligations linked to the agreement and further solidifying his stance on limiting U.S. involvement in global environmental agreements.
Trump’s executive actions also included the federal recognition of only two sexes, a reversal of President Biden’s AI safety measures, and the creation of a new Department of Government Efficiency. He withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization and mandated federal workers to return to in-office work. These bold moves marked a day of high-profile events in Washington, D.C., including the inaugural parade, attended by dignitaries and supporters, as Trump and First Lady Melania Trump celebrated their victory.