By Aroonim Bhuyan
WASHINGTON, January 21. On his first day back in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump wasted no time making sweeping changes, signing a series of executive orders that rolled back key Biden-era policies and fulfilled his campaign promises.
Among the most significant actions were rescinding environmental commitments, tightening immigration policies, and withdrawing the US from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord. Trump’s agenda, which he has framed as a “complete restoration of America”, signals a bold return to his signature governing style.
Here’s a closer look at the major executive actions Trump signed on his first day:
Ending birthright citizenship
Trump signed an order targeting birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, set to take effect 30 days from January 30. The order stipulates that children born in the US to mothers unlawfully present or temporarily in the country would not be granted citizenship.
Legal experts believe this move will face immediate challenges, as birthright citizenship is protected under the 14th Amendment. However, the administration appears set on curbing what Trump has described as the exploitation of immigration laws.
Exiting the World Health Organisation (WHO)
Trump also signed an order withdrawing the US from the WHO, accusing the agency of mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. He declared that the US would cease financial contributions and officially exit in 12 months. As the WHO’s largest financial contributor, the decision marks a significant blow to the global health body.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico and Mount Denali
In a symbolic gesture, Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the “Gulf of America” and reinstated the name “Mount McKinley” for Alaska’s Mount Denali. Trump justified the changes as part of his effort to restore “common sense to government”.
Rolling back environmental policies
A major environmental rollback included revoking a Biden-era target to have half of all vehicles sold by 2030 be electric. Trump criticised the initiative as detrimental to US industries, vowing to prioritise traditional energy sources and loosen restrictions on oil drilling and gas exports.
Trump also declared a national energy emergency, enabling the fast-tracking of fossil fuel projects. Environmental advocates anticipate legal challenges to this broad executive action.
Tightening federal employment rules
Reinstating a controversial order from his first term, Trump reclassified thousands of federal employees as political appointees, making them easier to dismiss. This move aligns with his long-standing agenda to overhaul the federal bureaucracy and reduce the influence of what he calls the “deep state”.
Reversing LGBTQ+ and gender policies
Trump signed an order mandating that federal policies recognise only two genders – male and female – reversing Biden-era protections for gender identity. Critics view the order as a step back in civil rights protections, while Trump supporters see it as a return to traditional values.
Pardoning January 6 Defendants
True to his campaign promises, Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including six commutations. This controversial action is expected to draw backlash but aligns with Trump’s messaging about defending those he calls “political prisoners”.
Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord
Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, reversing President Biden’s reentry into the accord. Trump dismissed Biden’s clean energy initiatives as harmful to US industries and doubled down on his commitment to roll back climate policies.
Declaring a border emergency
In a sweeping move, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border. The order includes deploying troops to curb illegal entry and initiating what Trump calls “the largest deportation program in American history”. Immigration advocates and legal experts anticipate significant challenges in implementing these policies.
To sum up, Trump’s rapid-fire orders set the tone for his second term, with a clear focus on reversing his predecessor’s policies and pursuing his agenda of “restoring America”. While his supporters have praised the bold moves, critics warn of legal and logistical challenges that could hinder the implementation of many of these actions.
As the nation grapples with the implications of Trump’s return to power, the coming weeks will reveal the impact of these sweeping changes – and the battles likely to be waged in courts, Congress, and beyond.
