What Trump signed on his first day back in office
Just a day into his second term, Trump has issued a number of executive orders intended at changing the political and social environment in the United States.
Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office, and his pen is already on fire. Just a day into his second term, Trump has issued a number of executive orders intended at changing the political and social environment in the United States. From immigration crackdowns to energy plans, here’s a rundown of his most controversial moves so far.
Immigration Crackdown
Declaring a “national emergency,” Trump revived efforts to build his infamous border wall, citing threats to U.S. sovereignty. He also ordered the military to “seal the borders,” blaming drug trafficking and human smuggling.
In a controversial twist, Trump signed an order denying citizenship to children of undocumented migrants and those on temporary visas—a direct challenge to the 14th Amendment. The move is already facing legal battles.
Trump reinstated his “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait across the border for hearings, while ending Biden’s sponsorship program for migrants from countries like Cuba and Venezuela. Additionally, he called for the “largest deportation program in history” and reinstated the federal death penalty for immigrant criminals involved in “capital crimes” or the murder of law enforcement officers.
Tough Stance on Crime
Drug cartels and international gangs like MS-13 were designated as foreign terrorist organisations, a move that adds severe penalties for their activities. Trump aims to dismantle these groups through aggressive law enforcement measures.
Climate and Energy: Full Fossil Fuel Ahead
Trump has declared a “national energy emergency” and ordered the U.S. to “drill, baby, drill.” He’s pulled out of the Paris climate agreement—again—and canceled the Green New Deal initiatives, including renewable energy projects and electric vehicle subsidies.
His “unleash Alaska” order greenlights oil and gas extraction in the state, while halting federal funding for wind farms. Trump promised to replenish U.S. oil reserves and roll back regulations on fossil fuel industries.
Culture Wars: Gender and Diversity
Trump has wiped out all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, labeling them “radical and wasteful.” He also declared that the U.S. will officially recognise only two genders—male and female. This impacts civil rights protections, federal funding, and official documents like passports. Policies promoting “gender ideology” have been eliminated.
Global Health and Big Tech
Trump, who has criticised the World Health Organizsation’s (WHO) handling of COVID-19, has started the process of the United States withdrawing from the organisation for the second time.
Meanwhile, he delayed the implementation of a TikTok ban by 75 days, buying time to secure an American owner for the Chinese-owned platform. Critics, however, argue the delay serves Trump’s interests, as TikTok played a role in his campaign’s outreach.
What’s Next?
With executive orders carrying the weight of law but facing potential legal challenges, Trump’s bold policies are already sparking national and international debates. From immigration to energy, his administration is doubling down on reshaping the country—and the world. He assured Americans during his inaugural speech on Monday, January 20, that “I will win for you, I’ll fight for you like never before.”
