U.S. President Donald Trump wasted no time in initiating a series of executive actions on his first day in office. Just after his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, January 20, Trump repealed numerous policies implemented by former President Joe Biden.
The executive orders address a broad spectrum of issues, including mandating federal employees return to full-time office work, revoking birthright citizenship, and withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement. He also took steps to ensure TikTok remains operational in the U.S. Additionally, he issued pardons to hundreds of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Here’s an overview of Trump’s early actions and what’s on the horizon:
U.S. To Exit From The WHO
President Trump signed an executive order for the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the agency of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. “World Health ripped us off, everybody rips off the United States. It’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump stated at the signing. The withdrawal will take effect in 12 months, during which all U.S. financial contributions, as the WHO’s largest backer, will cease, potentially affecting the organization’s global health initiatives.
Pardons For Jan. 6 Offenders
Trump issued pardons and commutations for individuals involved in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and directed the Department of Justice to halt ongoing prosecutions related to the incident. During a rally, Trump stated, “I’m going to be signing on the J6 hostages, pardons, to get them out,” adding that he had pardoned around 1,500 defendants and issued six commutations.
This move fulfills a key campaign promise, as Trump frequently highlighted his intention to pardon those convicted in connection with the Capitol attack, even featuring the national anthem sung by prisoners on the campaign trail. With Trump back in office, Justice Department investigations into January 6 crimes are expected to end.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
Trump issued a series of immigration-related orders, including one targeting automatic citizenship for U.S.-born children of immigrants who are in the country illegally. The order, effective 30 days from its signing, seeks to limit birthright citizenship by specifying that a child born in the U.S. will not automatically be granted citizenship if the mother was unlawfully present at the time of birth or if her legal presence was temporary, and the father was not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
While birthright citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment, this order attempts to block official recognition of U.S. citizenship for individuals meeting these criteria. The move is likely to face immediate legal challenges.
Trump Delays TikTok Ban
Trump signed an executive order temporarily delaying the enforcement of a federal ban on TikTok for at least 75 days. Speaking at the White House, Trump remarked, “I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok that I didn’t have originally.” The order instructs his attorney general not to enforce the law requiring TikTok’s sale, providing time to determine an “appropriate course forward” to safeguard national security without abruptly shutting down the popular app.
While Trump previously supported banning TikTok, he has since shifted his stance, influenced by factors such as his own popularity on the platform.
National Emergency Declared At Border
Trump declared a national emergency at the southern U.S. border, alongside several other immigration-focused policies. This move sets the stage for deploying U.S. troops to the border and fulfills campaign promises to enforce strict immigration measures.
While the administration has provided few details on how these sweeping actions will be implemented, they are expected to encounter legal and logistical challenges. Immigrant communities nationwide are preparing for Trump’s vow to launch the “largest deportation program in American history,” which could begin as early as Tuesday morning.
Gender Ideology Guidance Removed
Trump signed an executive order removing “gender ideology guidance” from federal government communications, policies, and forms, establishing the official policy that there are “only two genders, male and female.”
The order specifies that agencies will no longer recognize the concept of men being women or women being men when enforcing laws that protect against sex discrimination. This action effectively reverses a Biden-era executive order that recognized and accepted gender identity as part of federal policy.
