Trump’s Executive Order Blitz: Revoking Biden Policies, Defining Borders, and Declaring a New Era

President Donald J. Trump has begun his second term with a flurry of actions aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises and reshaping federal governance. On his first day in office, he signed an estimated 200 executive orders addressing key policy areas such as border security, gender definitions, diversity programs, and economic reforms. The signing ceremonies took place both on Capitol Hill and at a rally in Capital One Arena and later at the White House, where Trump revoked 78 executive orders issued by former President Joe Biden.

Resources for this report:

Presidential Actions

President Trump’s America First Priorities

Key Executive Orders Signed:

Border Security:

1. National Emergency at the Southern Border: Declared to enable rapid deployment of armed forces and resources.
2. End of Catch-and-Release: Discontinued the practice of releasing migrants while awaiting asylum decisions.
3. Reinstatement of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy: Asylum-seekers are required to stay in Mexico while their claims are processed.
4. Resume Border Wall Construction: Revived building efforts to curb illegal crossings.
5. Designation of Cartels as Global Terrorists: Aimed at combating drug trafficking and violence.
6. Suspension of Refugee Resettlement: Halted new resettlement programs for four months.
7. Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship: Initiated a controversial challenge to the 14th Amendment’s interpretation.
8. Enhanced Border Vetting: Tightened the screening process for migrants.

Gender and Inclusion Policies:

1. Definition of Gender as Two Sexes: Federal policies and documents will reflect “male” and “female” based on biological sex at birth.
2. End of Federal DEI Programs: Terminated funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to ensure “equal treatment.”
3. Merit-Based Hiring: Instituted merit as the primary criterion for federal employment decisions.

Economic and Environmental Measures:

1. National Energy Emergency: Declared to expand domestic drilling and energy production.
2. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: Reversed commitments to the international climate pact.
3. End of Electric Vehicle Mandate: Rolled back EPA rules requiring reduced vehicle emissions by 2027.
4. Cost-of-Living Directives: Ordered agencies to address inflation and high living costs.

Government Efficiency and Operations:

1. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Established to reduce overspending, initially proposed to be co-led by Elon Musk.
2. Federal Workforce Orders: Implemented a hiring freeze and mandated the return to full-time in-office work.
3. ‘Weaponization of Government’ Prohibition: Prohibited the federal government from targeting prior administrations.

Military and National Security:

1. Reinstatement of Expelled Service Members: Restored positions with back pay to those removed over vaccine objections.
2. Border Defense Prioritization: Directed the military to focus on border protection, including barrier construction and surveillance.

Additional Orders:

1. Jan. 6 Pardons: Issued clemency to over 1,500 individuals involved in the Capitol events.
2. Free Speech Protection: Promised measures to combat government censorship.
3. WHO Withdrawal: Withdrew U.S. membership from the World Health Organization, citing national sovereignty.
4. Renaming Landmarks: Ordered the Gulf of Mexico renamed as the “Gulf of America” and Mount Denali restored to “Mount McKinley.”
5. TikTok Ban Delay: Extended the implementation period of the app’s ban by 75 days.
6. Inauguration Day Flag Policy: Mandated U.S. flags to fly at full staff on future Inauguration Days, with an exception for former President Carter’s mourning period.

Implications and Legal Challenges:

Many of these executive actions are expected to face significant legal opposition and scrutiny in the coming days. Trump’s bold moves highlight his intent to prioritize his vision for America, with a focus on sovereignty, security, and traditional values.