On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump took office for his second term as the 47th President of the United States. Within hours, he issued 46 presidential actions, including consisting of 26 executive orders, 12 memorandums, and 4 proclamations among others as per the list posted on the official website of The White House . These actions cover a wide range of issues, including immigration, energy, global health, and federal governance. Below is a detailed overview of each action and its implications.
Key Executive Orders
1. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)
Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization. Citing alleged mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and misuse of funds, the decision ends the U.S.’s annual contributions of $130 million to the global health body.
2. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement
Trump officially withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. This executive order also halted financial contributions to global climate initiatives and rolled back commitments to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
3. National Energy Emergency Declaration
An executive order declared a national energy emergency, instructing federal agencies to expand domestic oil and gas production. It also paused clean energy subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act and reversed several Biden-era energy regulations.
4. Immigration Policies
Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. Key actions included:
- Reinstating the Remain in Mexico Policy for asylum seekers.
- Resuming border wall construction.
- Ending the Biden administration’s parole programs for migrants from specific countries.
- Directing resources to increase detention capacity and border enforcement.
5. Ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs
Trump dismantled DEI programs across federal agencies, labeling them as divisive and unnecessary. This executive order terminated offices and initiatives promoting equity, diversity, and environmental justice.
6. Death Penalty Expansion
Trump issued an executive order calling for a more aggressive use of the death penalty for federal crimes, particularly those involving law enforcement deaths or crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
7. Reinstating Schedule F
The executive order reintroduced Schedule F, which reclassifies federal employees in policy-making roles, making it easier to hire and fire them. This measure is intended to give the President greater control over the federal workforce.
8. Securing U.S. Borders
Trump signed an order reinstating many of his first-term immigration policies, including:
- Ending the “catch-and-release” practice.
- Revoking the CBP One app, which facilitated legal entry for migrants.
- Criminal charges for individuals and entities assisting undocumented migrants.
9. Revoking Biden-Era Environmental Protections
Through an order titled “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential,” Trump reversed restrictions on oil drilling in Alaska, including areas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
10. Pardons for January 6 Defendants
Trump issued a proclamation granting clemency to over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riots. The decision excluded 14 individuals, for whom sentences were commuted to time served.
Key Memorandums
1. Termination of Remote Work
Trump directed all federal employees to return to in-person work, ending pandemic-era remote work policies.
2. Regulatory Freeze
A memorandum titled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review” instructed federal agencies to halt new regulations until reviewed by department heads.
3. Hiring Freeze
Trump paused federal hiring across executive branch agencies, excluding positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety.
4. Price Relief Memorandum
Trump directed agencies to implement measures to combat the cost-of-living crisis, including reducing housing, healthcare, and energy costs. Specific measures were not outlined, but agencies are required to report progress every 30 days.
5. Trade Policy Review
Trump initiated a review of U.S. trade policies and tariffs, particularly focusing on trade imbalances with China.
Key Proclamations
1. Flying Flags at Full-Staff
Trump issued a proclamation requiring flags to be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day, overriding the Biden administration’s half-staff directive in honor of former President Jimmy Carter. Flags were lowered after the inaugural festivities ended.
2. Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border
This proclamation authorized the deployment of military personnel and resources to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.
3. Clemency for January 6 Defendants
A proclamation titled “Granting Pardons and Commutation of Sentences” provided clemency for individuals involved in the Capitol riots.
4. National Civic Architecture
A proclamation titled “Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture” encouraged federal buildings to reflect traditional and classical architectural styles.
Trump’s Day-One presidential actions mark a significant shift in U.S. policies, reversing many of the Biden administration’s initiatives. These executive orders, memorandums, and proclamations reflect Trump’s commitment to his “America First” agenda, focusing on immigration control, energy independence, and federal reform.
While some actions signal changes to international cooperation, others emphasize domestic priorities, setting the tone for Trump’s second term in office.