Donald Trump has not let the grass grow under his feet since taking back the reins in the White House. With his return to office for a second time on January 20, Trump has been making headlines with a flurry of executive actions right from the get-go. Let’s delve into what’s been brewing during his first week back as President of the United States.

Reclaiming the Oval Office
President Trump re-entered the White House on January 20, having clinched another electoral victory. His arrival marked a significant shift from the previous administration. Although he chose not to participate in the traditional inauguration activities, including attending Joe Biden’s ceremony, the atmosphere was one of firm resolve as the Trumps settled back into the nation’s capital.
This return was not just ceremonial; it set the tone for what many expect to be a period of sweeping changes. Indeed, within days, President Trump began implementing policies that demonstrate a robust agenda aimed at reshaping aspects of American governance.
The momentum that propelled him back to power was largely driven by a strong Republican push nationwide, resulting in his election. Now, as the commander-in-chief once again, Trump’s actions are attracting attention both at home and abroad.
Tackling Immigration
One of the hallmark issues of his previous presidency, immigration, is once again at the forefront. Trump’s approach this time involves a significant bolstering of forces at the US-Mexico border. The Pentagon plans to send 1,500 active-duty troops to reinforce security, supplementing the existing 2,500 National Guard and Reserve members already present.
This border strategy indicates a renewed focus on strict immigration policies, including a halt to the admission of refugees—a move that has reignited debates over America’s role as a sanctuary nation. Such measures are part of Trump’s broader agenda to implement more stringent controls over who enters the United States.

Employment and Workplace Policies
Shifting gears to employment, Trump has expressed a clear intention to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. As of January 22, all DEI staff have been placed on paid leave, signaling an impending overhaul of these initiatives.
While DEI efforts have been praised for fostering inclusivity, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, Trump’s administration posits that hiring should focus purely on merit, untethered from considerations of race or gender. He has also mandated a return to traditional office work, rolling back flexible work-from-home policies instituted during the pandemic. This move aligns with his broader stance of prioritizing productivity and accountability within federal workplaces.
Additionally, Trump has initiated a hiring freeze across almost all federal agencies, sparing only those deemed critical to national security and safety, according to Reuters. These labor-related directives are seen as a push to streamline government operations.
Environmental Policies
Taking the environment into account, Trump has once again decided to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, which the country had rejoined under Joe Biden. This decision may raise eyebrows internationally as it marks Trump’s second refusal to participate in the accord—a step that underscores his administration’s skepticism about climate change agreements.

In direct opposition to the global move away from fossil fuels, Trump has greenlit initiatives to expand oil and gas production, particularly in states like Alaska. The President advocates for leveraging America’s vast natural resources to strengthen the economy, as made clear in his recent inauguration address.
Trump’s environmental policies may lead to fervent discussions both within the U.S. and in international circles, amidst the urgent global narrative on environmental preservation.
Changes in the Oval Office
Inside the Oval Office, Trump has wasted no time making it personal. Reflections of his character and demeanor are visible in the decor changes, including bringing back his famous Coca-Cola button. He has also personalized his workspace with photographs and swapped out the previous darker rug for a neutral one, aligning with his aesthetic of maintaining a more accessible, down-to-earth atmosphere.
The physical transformation of his working environment mirrors the shifts he aims to implement throughout the country. For Trump, these changes are not merely cosmetic; they represent an administration eager to reclaim its identity and legacy.

With such sweeping changes in just the first week, it’s evident that President Trump’s second term is set to be as transformative and contentious as his first. The policies and decisions from this early stage might be seen as an effort to cement his legacy as a leader who reshaped America to his vision.