The Daily Star Ireland
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed a slew of executive orders on everything from border security to gender identity. These actions reflect many of his campaign promises and priorities, which have sparked much discussion and potential legal challenges.
Border Security
To further bolster the United States’ control of its borders, Trump moved to brand the cartels as global terrorists, declare a national emergency at the southern border, reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, terminate the federal “catch-and-release” program, restart the building of the border wall, and rescind birthright citizenship.
Economic Initiatives
An executive memorandum was issued to federal agencies to deal with the cost of the living crisis, and a temporary suspension of all U.S. foreign assistance programs for 90 days. Another “America First” foreign policy approach was implemented by Trump to put America’s interests first.
Gender Identity Policy
One such order recognized only two genders—male and female—based on a person’s biological, at-birth sex. Another one ordered federal agencies to halt any activity encouraging ideas about gender transition. That decision would also be in litigation.
Leaving WHO
Trump issued an executive order for the United States to pull out of the WHO; a continuation of earlier beliefs concerning its competence to take up its duties related to worldwide health.
TikTok’s Temporary Extension
An executive order granted TikTok a 75-day operational extension, a relief for its users amid ongoing national security concerns surrounding the platform.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico
Trump issued an order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a decision likely to generate debate over its feasibility and rationale.
Trump Pardons
Fulfilling one of the campaign’s principal promises, Trump issued almost 1,500 pardons to defendants charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, riot at the United States Capitol. Among them are those found guilty of assaulting law enforcement members. All in all, 1,583 defendants were charged and received pardon for almost all of them.
Biden’s Last Pardons
In the final hours as President, Joe Biden issued blanket pardons to several family members, including his brother James Biden, sister-in-law Sara Biden, and son Hunter Biden, to name a few. The list also included others such as Gen. Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci, two of the more central figures to his presidency.
These executive orders and pardons highlight sharp policy divides between Trump and his predecessor. They also signal some of the key priorities of Trump’s presidency, foreshadowing significant political and legal battles in the months to come.
