Donald Trump officially began his second term as the 47th President of the United States on January 20. His inauguration, held at the U.S. Capitol, marked the start of a new chapter for the country, with Trump quickly setting the tone through a series of sweeping executive orders. These orders covered a wide range of topics, from immigration reform to energy policy, and reflected his administration’s bold approach to key issues.
Key Inaugural Moments And Market Reactions
Trump’s swearing-in ceremony was attended by key political figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance, members of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, and all four living former presidents. The Senate promptly began confirming his cabinet nominees, including prominent figures such as Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Marco Rubio for Secretary of State. Trump’s team also includes high-profile individuals like Elon Musk, who will head the new “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE).
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While the U.S. stock markets were closed on Monday, international markets were impacted by Trump’s policies. Stock futures dropped after he floated the idea of imposing tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and Asian markets showed mixed reactions. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose nearly 1%, while South Korea’s Kospi index dipped slightly due to rising inflation.
Trump’s Executive Orders: Immediate Reversals And Bold Moves
Reversals Of Biden-era Actions
Within hours of taking office, Trump rescinded 78 executive orders and actions from the Biden administration. These reversals covered various policies, including those aimed at combating racial inequality, addressing climate change, and regulating migration.
End Of Birthright Citizenship
Trump issued an executive order ending the recognition of birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants or those on temporary visas, signaling a tough stance on immigration.
Immigration Crackdown And National Emergency
Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration. He ordered the cessation of refugee admissions for at least four months and designated cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. His administration also made it clear that asylum seekers crossing the border illegally would no longer be allowed entry.
Federal Employee Changes
Trump signed measures targeting the federal workforce, including a move to eliminate remote working arrangements and a directive to hold senior civil servants accountable for performance. These orders aim to reshape the federal government’s operations and ensure that agencies align with his administration’s agenda.
Exit From The Paris Agreement
Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, expected by many, was made official. The move comes as global climate data reveals 2024 as the hottest year on record, further amplifying the debate on the future of climate policy.
Energy And Environmental Policies
Trump rolled back environmental regulations from the previous administration, aiming to boost American energy production. He declared a national emergency to expand natural resource extraction and removed restrictions on the export of liquefied natural gas while scaling back efforts to transition to electric vehicles.
TikTok And Trade Policies
In a move that could have significant implications for China-U.S. relations, Trump ordered a delay on the federal ban of TikTok, giving ByteDance more time to negotiate with American buyers. Meanwhile, Trump’s trade policies were outlined in an order to assess U.S. relations with Mexico, Canada, and China, and he announced a plan to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, effective February 1. This sent the Mexican peso and the Canadian dollar down and triggered a reversal of stock market gains globally.
Pardons And Social Issues
On a more personal note, Trump issued pardons for 14 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, as well as others convicted of crimes tied to the events. In addition, he signed an order affirming the recognition of only two genders (male and female), based on biological sex at conception. This order aims to curtail the use of gender identity terms in government documents and restrict access to certain facilities and services for transgender individuals.
Other Notable Orders
Trump’s first day in office also saw orders related to censorship, the cost of living crisis, and the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization. He also initiated a controversial plan to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and reverse a name change to Mount Denali, renaming it to its original title, Mount McKinley. Additionally, Trump’s administration began efforts to streamline government operations through the reorganization of the United States Digital Office.
Trump’s actions on his first day underscore his determination to implement his vision for the country, with a clear emphasis on immigration control, economic nationalism, and a more deregulated approach to energy and business. These moves are sure to shape his presidency in the months and years ahead, with significant implications for both domestic and international policy.
