On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking the beginning of his second term in office. Wasting no time, Trump immediately signed a series of executive orders aimed at reversing key policies of the Biden administration and setting the tone for his ambitious agenda.

Reversing Biden-Era Policies

One of Trump’s first actions was to sign executive orders undoing 78 policies implemented during President Joe Biden’s administration. Key reversals included the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy for asylum seekers and a renewed push for the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. In a significant move, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and proposed ending birthright citizenship.

Energy and Environment

President Trump’s orders included withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, a decision he argued was necessary to prioritize American energy independence. He also lifted restrictions on oil and gas exploration, rolled back mandates for electric vehicles, and pledged to boost domestic energy production.

Pardons and Federal Workforce Changes

Trump issued pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a move that drew immediate criticism from political opponents. Additionally, he implemented a federal hiring freeze and ordered all federal employees to return to in-person work, signaling a shift away from remote operations.

International Relations

In a surprising announcement, Trump stated his intention to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. “We’re going to get this resolved quickly,” he declared during a press briefing. Trump also signed an executive order renaming the United States' highest peak, Mount Denali, back to Mount McKinley, and rebranded the Gulf of Mexico as the "American Gulf."

Controversial Social Policies

President Trump signed an order recognizing only two genders, effectively reversing protections for transgender individuals in federal policies. This directive will also impact the use of “X” as a gender marker on U.S. passports.

Cabinet Appointment

In a rare show of bipartisanship, the Senate confirmed Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) as Secretary of State with a unanimous 99-0 vote. Rubio, known for his foreign policy expertise, is expected to play a key role in shaping Trump’s international agenda.

Delaying the TikTok Ban

In a move that surprised many, Trump signed an executive action delaying the controversial ban on TikTok for 75 days, citing the need for further review and negotiations with the app’s parent company.

A Dramatic Shift

These sweeping executive orders underscore Trump’s determination to reshape U.S. policies both domestically and internationally. Critics warn of the potential for heightened political polarization, while supporters praise the swift action as a necessary course correction.

President Trump’s aggressive first day in office sets the stage for what promises to be a contentious and transformative term. As the nation adjusts to this new chapter, the international community will be closely watching how these decisions impact global relations and domestic stability.