Trump’s First Day in Office: A Flurry of Executive Orders

President Donald Trump wasted no time implementing his agenda upon returning to office. The 47th President has officially put pen to paper on a series of executive orders to overhaul the U.S. On his first day in office, Trump made major moves on key issues like immigration, climate policy, and government workforce management.

Pardons for Capitol Rioters

Trump kicked off the day by issuing pardons for nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. That day, a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Encouraged by Trump’s false claims of a stolen election, the rioters sought to disrupt the certification process. The incident resulted in five deaths, including a police officer, and over 170 injuries, with significant damage to the Capitol building. “With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense,” Trump said during his inaugural address.

Tougher Immigration Policies, Border Wall Construction Resumes

Trump took decisive action on border security, fulfilling his long-standing promises for tougher immigration enforcement. Among the key orders, he declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, designated criminal cartels as terrorist organisations, and resumed construction of the border wall. Additionally, Trump ended the federal “catch-and-release” program and reinstated the controversial ‘remain in Mexico’ policy. Trump also declared his executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants.

Trump Pulls U.S. Out of Paris Agreement Again

On the economic front, Trump signed an order directing federal agencies to address the “cost-of-living crisis” and implemented a 90-day freeze on U.S. foreign assistance programs. The president also reaffirmed his “America First” foreign policy.

Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, an action he had previously taken during his first term. This comes after the hottest year ever recorded, with major wildfires still raging in Los Angeles and recent hurricanes causing damage from Florida to North Carolina. “I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off,” Trump said.

Trump Declares There’s Only Two Biological Sexes

Trump also signed executive orders proclaiming that there are only two biological sexes. The gender order halted diversity programs, including preventing taxpayer funds from being used for gender-transition health care and mandates. Trump issued a controversial order recognising only two sexes, male and female, restricting gender identity to those assigned at birth. The order directs federal agencies to cease promoting gender transition policies. This move is expected to face legal challenges.

Trump Extends Deadline for Sale of TikTok

As he promised Sunday, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive action that delays enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days.Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. This move, aimed at addressing national security concerns, provides a temporary reprieve for TikTok users. Trump told reporters Monday that he changed his mind on TikTok because he “got to use it.” He added, “And remember, TikTok is largely about kids, young kids.”

Withdrawal from the World Health Organization

He also withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing unfair financial demands placed on the country. The U.S. is the largest contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO), funding around 18% of its budget, which is crucial for global health efforts. In 2022, the U.S. donated $15.8 billion to global health, with a significant portion directed toward WHO programs like HIV, tuberculosis, and disease prevention. However, Trump claimed that the WHO “ripped off” the U.S. Experts warn that losing U.S. support could severely impact key global health initiatives, including efforts to combat polio, improve maternal and child health, and track new viral threats, potentially weakening the world’s ability to respond to future pandemics.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said it “regrets” President Trump’s move to withdraw from the global health authority, saying it hopes the U.S. will reconsider the decision. This was not the first time Trump has moved to withdraw from the WHO, having previously attempted to do the same in 2020. 

Renaming U.S. Landmarks

The president signed an executive order to rename U.S. landmarks, including the Gulf of Mexico, which he proposed to call the “Gulf of America,” as part of his effort to “honour American greatness.” He also doubled down on his pre-inauguration threat to reimpose U.S. control over the Panama canal. Trump claimed that Panama had “broken” a promise to remain neutral, alleging that “China is operating the Panama Canal.”

But as powerful as the US president is, can Trump really take over the Panama Canal and rename the Gulf of Mexico? And what would that involve?

Trump doesn’t have the authority to change the name globally, and other countries aren’t required to go along with this idea. Mexico, for example, rejected the idea a few weeks back, with President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggesting renaming North America as “Mexican America.” While the new name could be used in the U.S., it’s unlikely to be accepted internationally without an agreement between both nations. Meanwhile, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino said he rejected Trump’s claims that “China is operating the Panama Canal” in their “entirety,” adding there is “no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration.”

What’s Next for Trump’s Executive Orders?

So what happens now with all of Trump’s signed executive orders? The speed and impact of executive orders depend on how straightforward they are and the work needed to carry them out. Simple orders, like Trump’s decision to pardon January 6 rioters, can be quickly implemented. However, more complicated ones, like tackling the cost-of-living crisis, may take longer to put into action. Executive orders can also be undone by future presidents, and they can be challenged in court if someone believes the president is overstepping his legal powers. For example, Trump reversed many of Obama’s policies, and Biden has done the same with Trump’s orders.