By: CA Staff Writer | Jan 21, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – On his first day back in office as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump signed a flurry of executive actions addressing a wide range of issues. These orders, many of which are expected to face legal challenges, signal a bold start to his second term. Below is a summary of the key actions taken during his inauguration day:
Rescinding Biden-Era Policies
Trump’s first executive action rescinded 78 policies implemented by the Biden administration, targeting issues such as racial equity, climate change, COVID-19 response, gender discrimination, and offshore drilling. He also reversed Biden’s repeal of Trump’s 2017 ban on transgender personnel serving openly in the military. Additionally, Trump froze all pending federal regulations for review.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
Trump signed an order to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to immigrants without legal status, as well as those on temporary visas. The directive reinterprets the 14th Amendment, sparking immediate legal debates.
Immigration and Border Security
Trump declared a “national emergency” at the U.S.-Mexico border and signed orders halting refugee resettlement for at least four months. His actions directed the military to prioritize sealing the border and restoring the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers. Migrants entering the U.S. illegally would now be ineligible for asylum. Additionally, the attorney general was authorized to pursue the death penalty for severe crimes, including those committed by migrants.
Renaming U.S. Landmarks
In a move to “honor American greatness,” Trump ordered the renaming of U.S. landmarks, including Alaska’s Denali and the Gulf of Mexico. Denali, which was renamed by President Barack Obama in 2015, will revert to its original name, Mount McKinley, to honor the assassinated president and his legacy of championing tariffs.
The Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the “Gulf of America,” with Trump directing all federal maps and documents to reflect the change. The order also instructs the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with Alaskan Native entities to preserve local heritage and adopt culturally significant names for other landmarks.
Federal Workforce Changes
Trump ordered the termination of remote work for federal employees, requiring full-time, in-office attendance with limited exemptions. He reinstated a hiring freeze, excluding military, immigration, and public safety roles, and removed employment protections for many federal workers—a policy he introduced during his first term.
Climate and International Agreements
Trump signed a letter withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, reversing the Biden administration’s decision to rejoin the accords.
Addressing Government ‘Weaponization’
A vaguely worded order instructed a review of potential misconduct within federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and intelligence community, during the past four years.
TikTok Ban Delay
Trump delayed enforcement of a federal ban on TikTok, giving its Chinese parent company more time to divest. This decision is likely to face legal challenges, as it contradicts a law passed by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court.
Capitol Riot-Related Pardons
Trump commuted the sentences of 14 individuals linked to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots and issued a blanket pardon for all others convicted for their roles in the event. He also ordered the dismissal of pending indictments against individuals charged for their actions on that day.
Other Notable Directives
- Free Speech Protections: An order prohibited federal censorship of constitutionally protected speech, citing concerns over combating “misinformation.”
- Cost-of-Living Crisis: Trump directed his administration to address rising living costs.
- Withdrawal from the WHO: The U.S. was pulled out of the World Health Organization.
- Revocation of Security Clearances: Trump revoked security clearances of former officials who questioned the Hunter Biden laptop story.
- Beautification of Federal Architecture: Recommendations were ordered to enhance the design of federal civic buildings.
President Trump’s sweeping executive actions mark an aggressive start to his second term, focusing on reversing Biden-era policies, tightening immigration, and reshaping federal operations. However, many of these directives are poised to face significant legal scrutiny, which could delay or block their implementation.
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