Trump’s Executive Orders: Major Actions Since Returning to Office
President Donald Trump has wasted no time in issuing a series of executive orders and directives after returning to the White House. His actions focus on immigration, the economy, government restructuring, energy, and national security, among other areas. Some of these orders have sparked controversy and legal challenges, while others signal a sharp reversal of Biden-era policies.
Government Spending and Federal Workforce
Halt on Federal Aid: A memo from the Office of Management and Budget temporarily paused all federal grants and loans to ensure alignment with the administration's agenda. However, a federal judge blocked the move at the last minute.
Creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge): Trump established a new advisory body focused on cutting government costs, with Elon Musk expected to lead it.
Freeze on Federal Hiring: Trump halted new federal hiring, with exceptions for military and essential personnel, until his administration gains full control of government operations.
End to Remote Work for Federal Employees: A new order mandates federal employees return to in-office work, ending work-from-home arrangements.
Defense and National Security
Missile Defense Initiative: Trump signed an order to develop an Iron Dome-style missile defense system for the U.S.
Military Overhaul: His orders eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the military and ban transgender recruits from enlisting.
Immigration and Border Control
National Emergency Declaration: Trump proclaimed that America’s sovereignty is under attack, allowing him to redirect funds for border security.
Border Wall Construction: He revived plans to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall, though funding details remain unclear.
Birthright Citizenship Restriction: A new order seeks to deny automatic citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and those on temporary visas, though legal challenges are expected.
Cartels and Gangs as Terrorist Organizations: Drug cartels and international gangs, including MS-13, were designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
Shutting Down Legal Immigration Pathways: He ended a Biden-era sponsorship program that allowed up to 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to legally enter the U.S.
Refugee Resettlement Suspension: Trump put the U.S. refugee resettlement program on hold, though details are still emerging.
Trade and Tariffs
Potential Blanket Tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico: Trump has threatened new tariffs starting February 1 to combat what he calls "unfair trade practices."
Trade Relations Review: Federal officials have been directed to review all trade agreements for possible renegotiation.
Colombia Trade Dispute: A disagreement over deportations nearly led to 25% tariffs on Colombian goods, but a last-minute deal averted a trade war.
Climate and Energy Policy
Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement (Again): Trump reinitiated the U.S. exit from the international climate deal, a move that will take one year to complete.
National Energy Emergency: He declared an energy emergency to increase domestic fossil fuel production, vowing to "drill, baby, drill."
Alaska Resource Extraction: A new order, “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential,” seeks to expand oil, gas, and mineral extraction in the state.
End of the Green New Deal: Trump scrapped Biden-era climate policies that promoted green energy and environmental regulations.
International Organizations and Diplomacy
Withdrawal from the WHO: Trump signed an order to exit the World Health Organization (WHO) over concerns about its handling of global health crises.
Pause on Foreign Aid: His administration is reviewing all foreign assistance programs to ensure they align with “America First” priorities.
Israeli Settler Sanctions Reversal: Trump lifted sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on Israeli settlers in the West Bank accused of attacking Palestinians.
Social Policies and Cultural Issues
Transgender Rights Rollback: Trump declared that the U.S. will only recognize two sexes (male and female), impacting official documents like passports and visas.
Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: An order titled “Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation” restricts access to hormone therapy and surgery for individuals under 19.
Abolishing DEI Programs: Trump eliminated all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices within the federal government.
Technology and Digital Policy
TikTok Policy Reversal: Trump delayed a law banning TikTok in the U.S. by 75 days, despite previously supporting a ban.
AI and Crypto Regulation:
Artificial Intelligence: A new directive, “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI,” positions the U.S. as a global leader in artificial intelligence research and development.
Crypto Industry Oversight: Trump signed an executive order to regulate cryptocurrency and explore digital assets as part of financial innovation.
Creation of the President’s Council on Science and Technology: A 24-member advisory group will focus on AI, crypto, and innovation policies.
January 6 Capitol Riot and Pardons
Mass Pardons for Capitol Rioters: Trump pardoned nearly 1,600 people arrested in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, calling them "hostages."
Commuted Sentences for Far-Right Groups: He reduced sentences for members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, convicted of seditious conspiracy related to the riot.
Pardons for Anti-Abortion Activists: Trump pardoned 23 activists convicted of blocking abortion clinics.
Silk Road Founder Pardon: Ross Ulbricht, creator of the dark web drug marketplace Silk Road, was granted a full and unconditional pardon.
Reversing Biden Policies
Regulatory Freeze: Federal agencies were ordered to pause issuing new regulations until the administration completes its review.
Covid Vaccine Mandate Reversal: Trump revoked vaccine mandates for federal employees and promised to reinstate 8,000 discharged military members who refused the shot.
Economic and Scientific Policies
Tackling Inflation: A new directive instructs federal agencies to address the rising cost of living, particularly for housing, healthcare, fuel, and groceries.
$500 Billion AI Initiative (Stargate): Trump unveiled a massive AI data center project, aiming to position the U.S. as a global technology leader.
Historical and Cultural Directives
Declassification of JFK, RFK, and MLK Assassination Records: Trump ordered the release of classified documents on the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy, as well as the 1968 killings of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico: Trump directed officials to rename the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America."
Restoring “Mount McKinley” Name in Alaska: Trump reversed the Obama-era decision to rename Mount McKinley to Denali.
Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe: Trump granted full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, securing legal rights and government benefits for its 55,000 members.
Trump’s flurry of executive orders marks one of the most aggressive policy shifts in modern U.S. history. While some actions may face legal battles or congressional pushback, his administration has signaled a clear break from Biden-era policies, prioritizing border security, economic nationalism, deregulation, and conservative social policies.
