Donald Trump has jumped headfirst into his role as President of the United States, leaving a whirlwind of activity in his wake during his first week. With a slew of executive orders and policy shifts, it’s been a momentous start to his presidency.
Taking Office
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20th. This marked the beginning of a challenging time as he set about reversing many of the initiatives put in place by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Aiming for what he describes as a ‘golden age,’ his actions have been varied and notable.
Immigration Policies
One of President Trump’s top priorities is addressing immigration concerns. He’s declared a national emergency at the southern border and deployed over a thousand troops to strengthen border security. His agenda includes constructing a border wall along the US-Mexico boundary. During his inauguration, he humorously suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, much to the amusement of many, including Hillary Clinton.
Regarding immigration, Trump has directed Homeland Security to halt refugee and asylum admissions, focusing on removing individuals unlawfully residing in the country. He’s attempted to end birthright citizenship, but this move was blocked by a federal judge.
Gender and Rights
Trump has swiftly made changes concerning gender rights, reinstating definitions of sex as strictly male or female. This change affects the legal recognition of transgender individuals, barring them from altering legal documents, such as passports, to reflect their gender identity.
TikTok Negotiations
President Trump promptly suspended the planned TikTok ban, allowing the company more time to secure an American buyer. This move has granted TikTok a 75-day extension to facilitate a purchase deal.
Diversity and Inclusion
Another significant policy shift involves the elimination of government diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. These programs had aimed to prevent discrimination based on various personal attributes. Trump’s order criticized these initiatives as discriminatory, positioning his actions as a move towards ‘merit-based opportunity’.
Personnel Changes and International Relations
Trump has revealed plans to remove over 1,000 presidential appointees from the previous administration, including significant figures such as retired Army general Mark Milley. Additionally, he has withdrawn the US from the World Health Organization, citing dissatisfaction with its pandemic response.
His interactions with foreign leaders have been strategic, aiming to strengthen the US stance while maintaining his ‘America First’ policy. Notably, Trump advised Russian President Putin to desist in Ukraine, threatening sanctions otherwise.
Presidential Pardons
Trump has issued numerous pardons, including high-profile cases from the Capitol riot and beyond. Ross Ulbricht, creator of Silk Road, was among those pardoned, bringing significant attention to Trump’s decisions in this arena.
Public Justice and Safety
In matters of justice, Trump has advocated for the reinstatement of capital punishment for severe federal crimes, especially involving law enforcement or violent actions by illegal immigrants.
Women’s Rights and Abortion
Championing anti-abortion measures, Trump has reinstated various policies limiting federal funding for abortion services abroad, aligning with conservative values.
Symbolic Measures
Symbolically, Trump ordered that only the American flag be displayed at US embassies, emphasizing national pride and unity.
Environmental and Energy Policies
Trump has withdrawn the US from the Paris Climate Agreement and declared a national energy emergency. His focus on reviving oil and gas industries stands in contrast to global efforts addressing climate change. His address highlighted the US’s vast energy resources, promising to tap into this potential.
He also rolled back regulations on energy-efficient household devices and halted federal mandates for electric vehicles.
Economic Measures
Among his economic strategies are orders aimed at easing costs in housing and healthcare sectors, adjusting climate policy impacts, and pausing foreign assistance.
As Trump begins his presidency, these early actions offer glimpse into potential future policies and their impacts, both domestically and globally.
