On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump wasted no time in implementing his campaign promises, signing several executive orders on his first day back in office. These actions aimed to address key issues ranging from immigration and national security to energy policy and the federal workforce. Here’s a breakdown of the significant orders signed by Trump:
Key Executive Orders on Day 1
- Reversal of Biden-Era Orders
Trump began his tenure by halting 78 executive actions taken by the Biden administration. He also implemented a regulatory freeze, preventing bureaucrats from issuing new regulations until his administration gained full control of the government. - Federal Workforce Changes
A freeze on federal hiring was imposed, with exceptions made only for military and critical positions. Trump also mandated that federal workers return to full-time in-person work, marking the end of work-from-home policies introduced during the pandemic. - Energy and Environmental Policies
Trump initiated the process of withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and invoked emergency powers to expand U.S. energy production. The order included measures to reverse climate-related policies, promote offshore drilling, and facilitate oil, gas, and mining activities. - Border and Immigration
Trump took a firm stance on immigration, declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and ordering the deployment of troops to address what he referred to as a “disastrous invasion.” He signed orders aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration and birthright citizenship, with plans to end automatic citizenship for children of non-permanent residents. - Death Penalty for Illegal Immigrants
The Department of Justice was directed to seek the death penalty for illegal immigrants who harm Americans, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement. - Withdrawal from WHO
Trump also ordered the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that follows his previous criticisms of the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. - Regulation of Gender Identity
In a controversial decision, Trump made it official policy that only two sexes—male and female—would be recognized in federal regulations and documents, solidifying a stance on gender identity in U.S. law. - Pardons and Clemency
One of the most notable executive actions was the full pardon of around 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This move sparked immediate controversy, with critics questioning the president’s commitment to upholding law and order. - Economic and Inflation Measures
Trump addressed economic concerns by ordering actions aimed at reducing inflation, particularly in housing and healthcare. He also ordered agencies to take steps to reduce energy prices by removing climate policies that were believed to contribute to higher costs. - Reinstate Vaccine Objectors
In a move aimed at military personnel, Trump signed an order to reinstate military service members who had been expelled for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, offering them full back pay.
Conclusion
Trump’s first day in office as the 47th president was marked by a series of sweeping orders that align with his long-standing political agenda, including strong positions on immigration, energy, and national security. While his pardon of January 6 rioters and actions on birthright citizenship have sparked controversy, his administration has already begun implementing his vision for the U.S. Moving forward, the focus will likely remain on his aggressive stance on national security and economic reforms.
