President Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office has been anything but conventional, marked by an aggressive push to reverse the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Within hours of his inauguration on Monday, Trump signed a sweeping array of executive orders and initiated personnel changes that signal a stark departure from the progressive ideals championed by the previous administration.
A Blitz of Executive Actions
In just his first 24 hours, Trump about 100 executive actions, overturning several landmark Biden-era policies. These actions span a wide range of issues, including climate change, energy production, immigration, and foreign relations.
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Trump has also made 115 personnel decisions, replacing key officials across government agencies with individuals aligned with his agenda. These orders reflect his bold commitment to dismantling key aspects of the Biden administration’s legacy and charting a new path for the United States. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most significant actions taken so far:
1. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement: Effective immediately, the U.S. has exited the Paris Climate Accord. Trump justified the decision by stating that the agreement unfairly disadvantaged American workers and industries while providing little tangible environmental benefit. He pledged to focus on domestic energy policies that prioritize economic growth over international commitments.
2. Emergency Price Relief: In an effort to address inflation and rising costs, Trump ordered all executive departments and agencies to deliver emergency price relief to the American people. The directive emphasizes increasing the prosperity of American workers while adhering to applicable laws.
3. Temporary Hiring Freeze: Trump imposed a temporary hiring freeze across the federal government until his administration is fully operational. Additionally, within 90 days, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in consultation with other federal offices, must submit a plan to reduce the federal workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition.
4. Regulatory Freeze: Trump issued a sweeping halt to all pending regulations, stating that no department or agency may propose or issue any new rules until they are reviewed and approved by a presidentially appointed agency head. This move is intended to reduce bureaucratic red tape and streamline governance.
5. Return to In-Person Work: Federal agencies must terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to full-time, in-person work at their duty stations. Agency heads are permitted to grant exemptions when necessary. Trump framed this as a step toward restoring normalcy and efficiency in government operations.
6. End the Weaponization of Government: The Attorney General has been tasked with reviewing the enforcement activities of all federal agencies to ensure that they are free from partisan bias. This initiative aims to rebuild public trust in federal institutions.
7. Restoring Freedom of Speech: Trump emphasized his commitment to protecting constitutionally guaranteed free speech. He stated that federal policies must uphold the right of Americans to express their views without fear of censorship or retaliation.
8. Rescinding Biden Executive Orders: Trump nullified 78 executive orders issued during Joe Biden’s presidency. While details of the revoked orders were not specified, the move signals a broad rejection of Biden-era priorities.
9. Pardons Related to January 6th: Trump granted unconditional pardons to individuals convicted of offenses related to the January 6th Capitol events. Critics argue this could undermine accountability, while supporters view it as a step toward reconciliation.
10. Extending the TikTok Deadline: Trump ordered the Attorney General to delay enforcement actions against TikTok for 75 days to allow his administration to determine the best course of action regarding the app’s operations in the U.S.
11. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO): Citing concerns about transparency and effectiveness, Trump ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the WHO, a move he had previously initiated during his first term.
12. Restoring Accountability: Federal employees in politically sensitive roles must implement administration policies without expressing personal or political opposition. Failure to comply will be grounds for dismissal.
13. Election Interference Accountability: Trump revoked security clearances for 51 former intelligence officials, including John Bolton, who allegedly spread misinformation about Hunter Biden’s laptop during the 2020 election. This order aims to prevent the Intelligence Community from engaging in partisan politics.
14. National Emergency at the Border: Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, authorizing the use of military personnel, including the National Guard, to assist the Department of Homeland Security in achieving full operational control.
15. Resolving Security Clearance Backlogs: To address delays in security clearance processing, Trump ordered expedited reviews for individuals awaiting access to critical facilities and information.
16. Trade Policy Reforms: Trump directed the investigation of an External Revenue Service (ERS) to streamline tariff and trade-related revenue collection. He framed this as a step toward addressing unfair trade practices.
17. Energy Independence: Trump reignited his push for energy exploration on federal lands and offshore areas, calling for abundant and reliable energy supplies. He also rescinded mandates promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption, emphasizing the need for public input and scientific analysis in energy policy decisions.
18. Refugee Admissions Overhaul: Trump tightened refugee admission criteria, requiring applicants to demonstrate their ability to fully assimilate into American society. He also emphasized preserving taxpayer resources for U.S. citizens.
19. Restrictive Citizenship Policy: New restrictions on citizenship documentation were introduced, primarily targeting children born to non-citizen parents in certain circumstances. This policy aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to limit birthright citizenship.
20. Water Resource Redistribution: Trump ordered increased water transfers from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to areas in California suffering from water shortages, prioritizing human needs over environmental conservation.
21. Restoring the Death Penalty: The Attorney General has been instructed to seek the death penalty for severe crimes. Trump cited this as a necessary deterrent for heinous offenses.
22. Architectural Reform: Federal buildings must reflect traditional and classical architectural styles. Agencies have 60 days to submit recommendations for implementing this policy, aimed at beautifying public spaces.
23. Border Security Enhancements: Trump reaffirmed his commitment to securing the U.S.-Mexico border, including resuming construction of the border wall and expediting deportations of undocumented immigrants.
24. Accountability in Military Operations: The Armed Forces have been directed to prioritize protecting U.S. sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly along national borders.
Trump’s early actions underscore his determination to reshape the federal government and its policies in line with his vision of “America First.” While supporters hail his decisiveness, critics warn of potential overreach and deepening divisions. The coming months and years will determine the long-term impact of these sweeping reforms.