The Executive Orders Trump Signed First Day in Office

On his first day back in office, Donald J. Trump, now the 47th president of the United States, wasted no time in making his mark. Following his inauguration, Trump swiftly moved to sign a series of executive orders, executive actions, and presidential memorandums. 

These actions reflect his commitment to issues he championed during his campaign, many of which were reversals of policies implemented during Joe Biden’s presidency. Trump’s return to power came with bold promises to address immigration, government reforms, and energy policies. Here’s a closer look at the executive orders he signed on his first day:

Immigration policies

1. National Emergency at the Border
   Trump declared a national emergency to address ongoing issues at the southern border, citing illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
2. Ending Birthright Citizenship
   One of his most controversial orders, this aimed to stop automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
3. Suspension of Refugee Resettlement
   The U.S. refugee program was paused for four months to reassess its policies.
4. Sealing the Southern Border
   Trump ordered the military to secure the border, emphasizing concerns about crime and smuggling.
5. Terrorist Designations for Gangs and Cartels
   International gangs, including MS-13, were labeled as foreign terrorist organizations.
6. Resumption of Border Wall Construction
   The effort to build a border wall was relaunched, a hallmark of Trump’s first-term agenda.
7. Reimplementing ‘Remain in Mexico’
   Asylum seekers were once again required to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed.
8. Ending the CHNV Migration Policy
   Trump ended migration policies that allowed legal entry from select countries under Biden’s administration.
9. Death Penalty for Certain Immigrants
   He reinstated the death penalty for capital crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
10. Ending ‘Catch and Release’
    Migrants awaiting court hearings were ordered to remain in custody.

Government and technology reforms

11. Delaying TikTok Ban
    Trump postponed a law banning TikTok while encouraging its sale to a U.S. company.
12. Creation of a Department of Government Efficiency
    A new advisory body, headed by Elon Musk, was created to reduce government costs.
13. Federal Hiring Freeze
    All federal hiring was halted except for military and essential roles.
14. Mandating Federal Employees to Return to Offices
    Remote work was ended for federal employees, requiring in-office attendance.
15. Investigating Political Censorship
    Trump directed inquiries into alleged censorship during the Biden administration.

Energy and Climate Actions

16. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement
    Trump resumed the process of leaving the international climate accord.
17. Declaration of a National Energy Emergency
    He prioritized fossil fuel production, focusing on energy independence.
18. Halting Green Energy Initiatives
    Funding for wind farms, electric vehicles, and other green projects was stopped.

Social Policies

19. Recognition of Two Genders
    The federal government was directed to recognize only male and female genders.
20. Ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs
    Trump dismantled all federal DEI initiatives.

Foreign Affairs

21. Pause on Foreign Aid
    A review of foreign aid programs was ordered under an “America First” policy.
22. Sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela
    Trump reinstated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism and promised harsher sanctions on Venezuela.

Symbolic and Controversial Actions

23. Renaming the Gulf of Mexico
    Trump ordered it to be called the “Gulf of America.”
24. Restoration of Mount McKinley’s Name
    Denali was renamed Mount McKinley to honor President William McKinley.
25. Pardons for Capitol Rioters
    Perhaps the most controversial act, Trump granted pardons to nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots.