On the first day to his return to office, US President Donald Trump has introduced a slew of executive orders, repealing dozens of directives issued by former president Joe Biden. From pulling out of Paris Agreement and the World Health Organisation, here are five major executive ordered signed by Trump on his first day.
Withdrawal from Paris Agreement, WHO
Trump signed executive orders declaring a national energy emergency and withdrawing from the 2015 Paris Agreement. He also signed orders aimed at promoting oil and gas development in Alaska and reversing Biden’s efforts to protect vast Arctic lands and U.S. coastal waters from drilling.
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He also pulled Washington from World Health Organisation, alleging that the agency mishandled the Covid-19 pandemic, among other health crises.
Crackdown on Birthright citizenship, and immigration
Trump cracked down on birthright citizenships in the United States, which stands contrary to the 14th amendment of the US Constitution. He said, “The federal government will not recognize automatic birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens born in the United States”.
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He also added that he would invoke a 1798 wartime law known as the Alien Enemies Act to target foreign gang members in the US. The said legal authority was last used during World War Two.
Recognition of only two genders
On his first day back to White House, Trump said that the United States will now recognize only two genders – male and female. He also repealed dozens of orders of the Biden administration supporting racial equity and combating discrimination against gay and transgender people.
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Delay on TikTok ban
Trump signed an executive delaying the ban on short-video application TikTok by at least 75 days. The ban was scheduled to be imposed on January 19, 2025. When asked on the purpose of the TikTok order, he said, “just gave me the right to sell it or close it”….”and we’ll make that determination”.
Back to office order
Trump also ordered all federal workers to return to office with immediate effect, and impose a hiring freeze for all government agencies. He also said that he will also “issue a temporary hiring freeze to ensure that we’re only hiring competent people who are faithful to the American public.
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Pardon for Capitol Hill violence
The Republican also issued roughly 1,500 pardons and commuted the sentences of 14 of his supporters in connection with the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, when thousands of his supporters stormed. The riot started after Trump made false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against him.
