After being inaugurated as the new president of the United States of America, Donald Trump signed 200 executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations, on his first day in the office to kick off his policies of “America first.”
Among the 200 executive orders, some of which roll back former president Biden’s administration mandates, while others will significantly affect the US and the world.
Pardon
The first executive order Trump ordered after just arriving at the Oval Office was to give a full pardon to 1,500 people who were involved in the assault on the US capitol on January 6, 2021. Although some may not receive the full pardon, Trump has stated that it is at least for now.
Gender and racial
Trump also revoked 78 executive actions from Biden, some of which supported racial equity and combat discrimination against gay and transgender people. Furthermore, he also ended the order that combat discrimination against gay and transgender people (D.E.I.) and rights for LGBTQ+ people and racial minorities.
Climate
Furthermore, Trump also signed an order to end Biden’s policy that supports the US in combating global warming by withdrawing the nation from the Paris climate treaty.
Immigrant
Another series of orders related to immigration at the southern border were also issued as Trump had deemed them a national emergency. He named criminal cartels as terrorist organizations and suspended the US refugee resettlement program for at least four months. The president also targeted automatic citizenship for US-born children of immigrants in the country.
TikTok
There is also an order to delay a ban on TikTok by 75 more days after the application was shuttered on January 19. The order will bar the attorney general to enforce the law. Trump promised to seek a US buyer to hold at least a 50% stake that can protect national security interests while leaving the application open for the public.
WHO withdrawal
Trump has also criticized the World Health Organization, accusing it of poor management during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has now withdrawn the US from the organization and named several fellow critics, such as vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to top public health positions.
Inflation
In a bid to alleviate financial pressure on citizens, President Donald Trump directed all executive branches to implement immediate strategies for economic relief. Among these measures, the administration targeted the reduction of regulatory burdens and climate-related policies that contribute to higher costs. Additionally, concerted efforts were urged to decrease housing expenses and stimulate the growth of available housing stock, with the broader aim of enhancing the prosperity and financial well-being of the American worker.
Energy
Trump unveiled an expansive strategy designed to elevate the production of US oil and gas, a move he claims will not only lower consumer prices but also fortify the nation’s security. Central to this plan are orders aimed at fast-tracking oil and gas development in Alaska, an area that had been under environmental protections during Biden’s administration in a bid to shield the Arctic’s sprawling lands and waters from exploration activities. With these new directives, Trump aims to recalibrate US energy policy towards greater self-reliance and economic benefit. Meanwhile, he revoked what he called the electric vehicle (EV) mandate.
Freedom of speech
Trump also signed an executive order that aims to restore freedom of speech and end federal censorship.
Tariffs
Additionally, President Trump has deferred the immediate imposition of tariffs on imported goods, opting instead to sign an executive order that mandates federal agencies to conduct an extensive review of trade issues. This study could pave the way for potential tariffs on products from countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico in the future. This preliminary step reflects an approach aimed at reshaping trade relationships to better serve U.S. interests over the coming months.
