What Are Executive Orders?
Executive orders are directives issued by the president that carry the force of law. They allow the president to act unilaterally without needing congressional approval. Donald Trump issued 220 executive orders during his first term—more than any president in a single term since Jimmy Carter. These orders ranged from a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries to expanding offshore oil leasing.
Here’s a breakdown of the key executive orders Trump signed on his first day back in office:
Pardons
Trump granted pardons to about 1,500 people involved in the January 6 Capitol riots, including 14 members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers convicted of seditious conspiracy. He even directed the attorney general to drop pending cases related to the riots.
Immigration
Trump declared illegal immigration at the US-Mexico border a national emergency. He also labeled criminal cartels as terrorist organizations and targeted automatic citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. Additionally, he suspended the US refugee resettlement program for at least four months to review security protocols and possibly reinstate travel bans for certain countries.
Undoing Biden’s Actions
Trump revoked 78 executive orders signed by President Biden, covering topics like COVID-19 relief, clean energy promotion, and diversity initiatives. He also ordered all agencies to preserve records of what he called "political persecutions" under Biden's administration.
Diversity Rollbacks
Trump rescinded measures promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as protections for LGBTQ+ people and racial minorities. At least a dozen orders related to racial equity and anti-discrimination efforts were overturned.
TikTok Ban Delay
Trump signed an order to delay the enforcement of a TikTok ban by 75 days to reassess its future.
Federal Hiring and Regulation Freezes
Trump froze government hiring and new regulations. He also mandated federal employees to return to full-time, in-person work, aiming to reduce the civil service workforce and make room for loyal appointees.
Inflation Relief
To combat inflation, Trump directed agencies to cut regulations and climate policies that increase costs. He also outlined plans to expand housing supply and lower housing costs.
Climate Policy Reversals
Trump withdrew the US from the Paris climate treaty, repealed Biden’s ban on Arctic drilling, and rolled back electric vehicle mandates. He emphasized maximizing oil and gas production while reducing regulations.
Health Policy Changes
Trump pulled the US out of the World Health Organization, criticizing its handling of COVID-19. He also nominated vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head health agencies.
Government Cuts
Trump created an advisory group called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to dramatically cut federal jobs and agencies.
Targeting the ‘Deep State’
Trump ordered investigations into alleged misconduct by federal agencies over the past four years, aiming to address what he called the “weaponization” of government.
Free Speech Protections
Trump signed an order to combat alleged federal censorship, particularly on social media, under the guise of fighting misinformation.
Energy Policies
Trump declared a national energy emergency, focusing on maximizing oil and gas production, filling strategic reserves, and boosting exports. His orders aimed to reduce consumer costs and bolster national security while reversing Biden’s push for clean energy.
Trump’s actions mark a sharp turn in policies, undoing many initiatives from the previous administration and setting a new course for the country.
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