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Trump Signs First Executive Orders of Second Term

Staff Writer


Top Points:

  • Immigration and Border SecurityPresident Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" policy, expedited the border wall construction, and designated certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations to combat illegal immigration and organized crime.

  • Rollback of Gender Identity Protections and DEI ProgramsTrump redefined gender in federal policies as strictly male or female based on biological traits, affecting various federal programs, and ended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal agencies.

  • Energy Policy OverhaulTrump declared a national energy emergency, expanded domestic oil and gas production, accelerated permitting for energy projects, and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord to achieve energy independence and stimulate economic growth.


Full Report:

On January 20, 2025, immediately following his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping federal policies on immigration, gender identity, diversity programs, and energy production.


Immigration and Border Security

President Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, initiating measures to halt all illegal immigration. He authorized the deployment of U.S. troops to the border and directed the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense to expedite the completion of the border wall. Additionally, he reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico during their U.S. immigration proceedings.

Reuters


In a move to combat organized crime, President Trump designated certain international cartels and criminal organizations, including Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation aims to enhance the federal government's ability to target and dismantle these groups.



Gender Identity and DEI Programs

Aligning with his campaign promises, President Trump signed executive orders to roll back protections for transgender individuals and terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. One order redefined sex as strictly male or female based on reproductive capabilities, affecting policies in federal prisons, shelters, and funding for gender-transition services. Another order aimed to halt DEI initiatives in federal agencies, which had been criticized by conservatives for allegedly using preferences based on race, gender, and sexual orientation.



Energy Policy

President Trump declared a national energy emergency, emphasizing a "drill, baby, drill" approach to increase U.S. oil and gas production. He signed orders to accelerate permitting for energy projects, expand drilling in resource-rich areas, and withdraw from international climate agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord. These actions aim to achieve energy independence and stimulate economic growth.



Birthright Citizenship and Trade Policies

Among the executive orders signed, President Trump moved to end the recognition of automatic birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, a policy likely to face legal challenges. On trade, he directed federal agencies to study existing trade policies and evaluate U.S. trade relationships, particularly with China and neighboring countries, signaling potential shifts in future trade agreements.



These executive actions reflect President Trump's commitment to implementing his campaign promises and mark a significant shift in federal policies across various sectors.


References

  1. Reuters. "Trump declares national emergency, deploys troops to border." Link

  2. New York Post. "Trump names Venezuela's Tren de Aragua a terrorist group." Link

  3. AP News. "Trump rolls back protections for transgender individuals, ends DEI programs." Link

  4. Business Insider. "Trump declares energy emergency, expands drilling." Link

  5. Politico. "Trump targets birthright citizenship, trade policies in new orders." Link


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