Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office as the 47th President of the United States has been nothing short of eventful. In his first week back, Trump has issued a flurry of executive orders addressing immigration, climate policy, gender recognition, and international relations, among other topics. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant actions he’s taken so far.
Immigration and Border Policy Overhaul
Trump’s first major action was to declare Mexican drug cartels as a “foreign terrorist organization,” a move aimed at combating drug trafficking. Additionally, he labeled border crossings from Mexico as an “invasion,” paving the way for deploying U.S. military personnel to enforce immigration laws.
Key changes include:
- Suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admission Program, subject to review every 90 days.
- An end to automatic birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
- Plans to accelerate a mass deportation program, fulfilling a long-standing campaign promise.
These measures have reignited debates about human rights and immigration policies, with supporters praising the decisive action and critics warning of humanitarian consequences.
Climate Change and Energy Policies
In a dramatic shift from his predecessor’s policies, Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, citing concerns about its impact on American industry. Additional actions include:
- Eliminating a Biden-era policy promoting electric vehicle production.
- Rolling back restrictions on fossil fuel extraction on federal lands.
Environmental advocates have expressed alarm over these changes, arguing they could set back global climate efforts and harm natural ecosystems.
World Health Organization Withdrawal
Reiterating his criticism of the World Health Organization (WHO), Trump signed an order withdrawing the U.S. from the international body. He accused the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged unfair financial contributions by the U.S. compared to other nations.
The order also pointed to China’s significantly lower contributions to the WHO, despite its larger population, as a key reason for the withdrawal.
TikTok Ban Delayed
A previously enacted ban on TikTok was temporarily paused for 75 days. This extension aims to give the app’s parent company, ByteDance, time to comply with U.S. security regulations.
Although the app was briefly unavailable to American users, Trump’s decision provides a window for negotiation, possibly averting a total ban.
Gender and Biological Sex Recognition
In a move that has drawn widespread criticism, Trump issued an executive order mandating that federal agencies recognize only two sexes—male and female. The order stated:
- Agencies must revise forms and policies to remove references to gender identity.
- Federal funding for initiatives promoting gender ideology will be discontinued.
The decision has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who view it as a rollback of rights gained during the Biden administration.
Pardons for January 6 Rioters
One of the most controversial actions was Trump’s decision to pardon approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots. The executive order framed these pardons as a step toward “national reconciliation,” though critics argue it undermines accountability for one of the darkest days in modern American history.
Changes to Artificial Intelligence and Technology Policies
Trump revoked a 2023 executive order aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) risks. The original policy required developers to share safety assessments for AI systems that posed security or health risks.
This move has raised concerns about unchecked AI development and its potential implications for public safety.
Other Notable Actions
- CBP One App Shutdown: Trump ended the use of the CBP One app, which had facilitated migrants’ entry into the U.S. under Biden. This led to the cancellation of thousands of processing appointments scheduled for February.
- Federal Worker Policies: An executive order mandated all federal employees return to full-time in-person work, ending remote work flexibility introduced during the pandemic.
The Road Ahead
With 25 executive orders signed in less than a week, Trump has set the tone for a presidency focused on rapid, sweeping changes. While his supporters applaud his decisive leadership, critics warn that his policies could deepen divisions and reverse progress on key issues.
As the nation grapples with these changes, one thing is certain: Trump’s second term promises to be as polarizing and eventful as his first.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Trump has also signed an executive order to change the name ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’, with his executive order stating: “”It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes.”
