US President Donald Trump began his second term by signing a series of executive orders that reignited political debates and brought his sharp and direct style back to the White House. These decisions reflect his priorities and have sparked divisions within political and public circles.
In a controversial move, Trump issued a full pardon for approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. He justified the decision as an attempt to restore justice for those he deemed “defenders of democracy.” However, the decision faced widespread criticism, with opponents arguing that it legitimizes political violence.
Trump also signed an executive order designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, granting the U.S. military the authority to use force against them, particularly along the Mexican border. This action reflects a significant escalation in his security strategy to combat organized crime.
On another front, Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement again, emphasizing that the accord negatively impacts the American economy. He stated that this move would save the country $1 trillion, sparking the ire of environmental advocates.
Trump didn’t stop there; he signed an order targeting what he described as “radical gender ideology,” advocating for traditional, conservative concepts of gender. This decision ignited significant controversy, with critics arguing that it restricts individual rights.
As part of his immigration policies, Trump signed an order ending automatic citizenship for children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants. This step, part of his broader strategy to reform the U.S. immigration system, has sparked legal debates about its implications.
Regarding energy policy, Trump directed the exploration of Alaska’s vast natural resources, positioning the state as a key player in the national energy strategy and aiming to bolster the US’s energy independence.
Trump also reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to stay outside US borders while their applications are processed. This policy reflects his commitment to stringent immigration policies.
Freedom of expression was a top priority for Trump, as he signed an order banning government censorship and emphasizing the importance of free speech. He also ordered government officials’ accountability for leaking sensitive information, raising concerns about the decision’s impact on figures like Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks.
In an unexpected move, Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), designed to enhance government performance and ensure effective policy implementation.
Trump’s clear message to the previous administration was reflected in his decision to overturn 78 executive actions signed by former President Joe Biden, covering issues such as climate policy, immigration, and federal spending. This move sparked widespread reactions on social media, with some interpreting it as a bold declaration of a new era.
Trump ended his first day with a lighthearted moment, throwing pens at attendees after signing the orders, which amused the audience.
Trump’s return to the White House reopens discussions on domestic and foreign policies with perspectives vastly different from those of the previous administration. While his supporters view him as a leader restoring America’s greatness, his critics see him as a divisive figure who fuels conflicts.
The coming days will reveal the true impact of these decisions on the United States’ trajectory.
Source: Aisha Al-Sayed
