President Trump Signs Sweeping Executive Orders on First Day Back in Office, Targeting Immigration, Energy, and Military Policies
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders immediately after taking office, marking a significant shift in federal policies. Key actions included:
Immigration and Border Security:
Deployment of U.S. Troops to the Border: Trump authorized the deployment of U.S. troops to the southern border to enhance security measures.
Designation of Cartels as Terrorist Organizations: He designated certain international cartels and criminal organizations, such as the Tren de Aragua gang, as terrorist groups, granting the federal government more authority to act against them.
Ending Birthright Citizenship: An executive order was issued to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and those on temporary visas, challenging the 14th Amendment. This policy is set to take effect in 30 days and is expected to face legal challenges.
Gender and Diversity Policies:
Reversal of Transgender Protections: Trump signed an order defining gender strictly as male or female at birth, rescinding protections for transgender individuals and revoking federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Ban on Transgender Military Service: He initiated steps to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military, echoing policies from his first term.
Energy and Environmental Policies:
Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord: Trump directed the immediate withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement, marking the second time the U.S. has exited the international climate pact under his leadership.
Declaration of National Energy Emergency: He declared a national energy emergency to relax environmental standards and promote domestic energy resource development, including increased drilling and mining.
Reversal of Electric Vehicle Policies: An executive order was signed to reverse incentives for electric vehicle adoption and halt funding for EV charging infrastructure, aiming to bolster traditional energy sectors.
Other Notable Actions:
Pardons Related to January 6 Capitol Riot: Trump issued pardons for individuals convicted in relation to the January 6 Capitol riot, including commutations for certain extremist group leaders.
Establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency: He established a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to streamline federal operations and reduce bureaucratic processes.
Temporary Reprieve for TikTok: An executive order granted a 75-day delay in enforcing a ban on TikTok, allowing time to assess the platform's national security implications.
These executive actions reflect President Trump's commitment to implementing his campaign promises and signify a substantial shift in federal policies across various sectors.