On the first day of his second presidency, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders including rescinding 78 Biden-era executive actions, giving time to TikTok to avoid ban in US and announcing US’ pullout from WHO. The first set of orders were signed at the Trump’s inaugural parade.
Here’s a look at the first set of orders signed by President Donald Trump
Trump and TikTok: Extending the deadline
In an effort to preserve the popular social media platform TikTok, Trump signed an executive order extending its operating timeline by 75 days. The order gives TikTok’s China-based parent company more time to find a US buyer, following national security concerns about the platform’s ownership. Trump’s intervention comes after his earlier push to ban TikTok during his first term.
US pulls out of WHO
The executive order signed by President Donald Trump begins the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the second attempt in less than five years.
The order cites the WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to adopt necessary reforms, and its perceived political bias as primary reasons for the withdrawal. It also criticises the WHO’s disproportionate financial demands on the US, noting that China, with a larger population, contributes significantly less.
The order states that the US intends to formally notify the United Nations of the withdrawal. Trump had previously attempted to withdraw in 2020, but President Biden reversed the decision upon taking office. This new order will go into effect while Trump remains in office for his second term.
Tough immigration measures: Deportations and border actions
In a bold move to reshape US immigration policy, Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice and Homeland Security to prepare for invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This law could allow the deportation of gang members deemed foreign terrorists. Trump’s order targets criminal organizations such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, which he claims control illegal traffic across the southern border.
Trump also reinstated a policy to end federal grants to sanctuary cities and communities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This action aligns with his broader approach to reducing illegal immigration and reasserting federal authority on the issue.
Actions on birthright citizenship
Trump revived his efforts to challenge birthright citizenship in the US, an issue that has been part of his immigration agenda for years. His order seeks to end the automatic citizenship granted to anyone born on US soil, a practice enshrined in the 14th Amendment. Though legal challenges are expected, Trump insists that this move will bring the country closer to his vision of stricter immigration control.
Execution order to reinstate federal death penalty
Trump signed a sweeping execution order on Monday directing the attorney general to ensure states have adequate lethal injection drugs for executions.
The order also mandates the pursuit of the death penalty in federal cases involving law enforcement officers or crimes committed by illegal immigrants. Trump’s directive comes after a federal execution moratorium imposed under the Biden administration, with only three inmates left on federal death row. The move also aims to override Supreme Court rulings limiting capital punishment.
Stance on offshore wind expansion
Trump signed an order halting offshore wind lease sales and pausing permits and approvals for onshore and offshore wind projects. Citing environmental concerns and economic costs associated with intermittent electricity generation, this order calls for a comprehensive review of wind leasing practices. Trump’s energy policies aim to promote drilling for oil and gas over renewable energy sources like wind power.
Security clearances for White House aides
Trump signed a memorandum allowing interim six-month security clearances for some of his aides while their federal background checks are pending. These clearances, which grant access to classified government information, will expedite the transition of his staff and ensure they are able to function effectively in their roles, particularly in areas related to national security.
Executive orders impacting foreign policy
Trump made bold statements on international relations with a series of executive orders, including temporarily suspending all US foreign assistance programs for 90 days while reviews are conducted to ensure they align with his administration’s goals.
Pardon and commutation for January 6 rioters
In one of his most controversial moves, Trump issued pardons and commutations for about 1,500 people involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The pardons were seen as a fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promise to release his supporters convicted in the violent attack. This act signals his unwavering support for those who stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the 2020 election certification.
From rescinding 79 Biden era policies to federal workforce changes: Trump’s initial set of executive orders
Trump began the signing of orders with first eight signed at the inaugural parade before he moved on to sign other orders at the White House.
His initial set of orders included revoking 78 Biden-era measures, including protections for sex discrimination, transgender military service, and private prison contracts. He also froze new federal regulations, except for emergency regulations, to reduce federal oversight.
Trump imposed a federal hiring freeze, halting the filling of vacant civilian positions with exceptions for military and public safety roles. He also mandated federal employees return to in-person work, ending remote work arrangements.
To address the cost-of-living crisis, Trump signed an order targeting rising housing, fuel, and healthcare costs, blaming Biden’s policies. His plan focuses on reducing regulations that increase prices, with agencies required to implement cost-reducing measures.
The US also withdrew from the Paris climate agreement, continuing Trump’s 2017 stance. An order to protect free speech was also signed, preventing federal censorship and criticizing previous efforts to limit speech on social media.
Trump also aimed to end the “weaponization” of the federal government, directing reviews of misconduct by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
