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President Donald Trump officially began his second term as the 47th president of the United States on Monday. Following the indoor swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda, Trump wasted no time implementing his agenda, signing numerous executive orders from the Oval Office and later at a celebratory rally at Capital One Arena.
In his inaugural address, Trump pledged to focus on “restoring national security, upholding American values, and undoing the policies of the previous administration.” This vision was reflected in his immediate actions on immigration, global relations, and domestic governance.
Sweeping Immigration Orders Redefine U.S. Policy
Among the most significant actions taken Monday, Trump signed several executive orders reshaping U.S. immigration policy:
- Suspension of Refugee Resettlement: Trump halted all refugee resettlement programs, stating the need for stronger vetting processes and a focus on domestic priorities.
- End of Migrant Parole Program: The parole program that allowed limited legal entry for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans was terminated. Trump argued that this program was being abused and did not align with broader immigration enforcement objectives.
- Reinstatement of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy: Migrants crossing the US-Mexico border must now wait in Mexico until their immigration court hearings in the U.S. This policy, initially implemented during Trump’s first term, aims to reduce the strain on U.S. immigration facilities but has faced criticism for endangering migrants forced to wait in unsafe conditions.
“These actions ensure we are protecting American jobs, enhancing border security, and reinforcing the rule of law,” Trump said during the signing ceremony.
A Flurry of Executive Actions
Trump’s initial executive orders extended beyond immigration, targeting key priorities from his campaign:
- Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO): Trump ended U.S. membership in the WHO, citing its mishandling of global health crises and reliance on “political influence from foreign states.”
- Hiring Freeze for Federal Workforce: An order halting federal hiring, excluding military and public safety roles, was signed to reduce government size.
- Return-to-Office Mandate: Federal employees were ordered back to in-person work, reversing the remote work policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Delaying TikTok Ban: Trump extended enforcement deadlines for a law requiring TikTok’s sale, giving the app’s parent company, ByteDance, additional time to negotiate.
January 6 Pardons Ignite Controversy
Trump issued sweeping pardons for nearly 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. Critics argue the pardons undermine accountability, while supporters claim they reflect Trump’s commitment to “justice for patriots.”
Return to Tough Foreign Policy Stance
Trump’s administration reinstated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism and announced plans to increase tariffs on Mexico and Canada starting February 1. He also reiterated his intent to broker a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and hinted at forthcoming diplomatic meetings with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A Divided Nation Faces Bold Leadership
President Trump’s sweeping Day One actions have already drawn praise and criticism. Supporters view his bold moves as a necessary correction to Biden-era policies, while opponents warn of increased polarization and humanitarian concerns.
As his administration begins, Trump’s leadership will shape U.S. policy on immigration, foreign relations, and domestic governance for the years ahead.
