On his first day in office, US President Donald Trump enacted a series of executive orders addressing climate policy, immigration, and pardon for 6 January rioters.
Among the most notable actions was the withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that caught many by surprise, reports the AFP.
Trump’s immigration policy took a hard-line stance, declaring a national emergency at the southern border and proposing a military-backed deportation of what he termed "criminal aliens."
He also signed an order attempting to revoke birthright citizenship, a constitutional guarantee, likely setting the stage for significant legal battles.
In a controversial move, Trump issued pardons for many involved in the 6 Januar 2021 Capitol riots, referring to the convicted individuals as "hostages."
He also repealed several executive orders promoting diversity and LGBTQ rights, aligning with his campaign's promise to curtail "woke" culture.
Additionally, Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Accord, continuing his previous term’s stance against international climate agreements.
Declaring a "national energy emergency," Trump authorized expanded drilling operations, emphasising energy independence.
Federal employees were ordered to return to full-time office work, rolling back pandemic-era remote work policies.
Trump's decision to exit the WHO, citing financial disparities with China, and to delay the implementation of a law banning TikTok pending a sale agreement, further underscored the dramatic policy shifts of his first day.
Reversing recent decisions by his predecessor, Trump removed sanctions on Israeli settlers and reinstated Cuba’s status on the state sponsor of terrorism list.
These actions signal a significant pivot in US foreign policy under Trump's renewed leadership.
