US president Trump signs multiple executive orders

WASHINGTON,— U.S. President Donald Trump hit the ground running on his return to the White House, issuing a cascade of executive orders and directives aimed at undoing key policies of the Biden administration and advancing his own agenda.

From pardons linked to the January 6 Capitol attack to sweeping changes in immigration, energy, and economic policy, Trump’s actions mark a dramatic shift in federal priorities.

Mass Pardons for January 6 Offenders

In one of his most controversial moves, Trump pardoned around 1,500 individuals convicted or charged for their roles in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He called the prosecutions politically motivated and vowed to end what he termed the federal government’s “weaponization” against his supporters.

The president also issued an order halting federal cases against allies of his administration while framing his actions as part of an effort to restore fairness in the justice system. Critics argue the move undermines accountability and benefits only his base.

Economic Initiatives and TikTok Delay

Speaking at an event in Washington’s Capital One Arena, Trump signed an order directing federal agencies to address inflation by easing regulations on oil and gas production. Trump argued that increasing energy output, particularly in Alaska, would lower costs for consumers and stimulate the economy.

Trump also announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports starting February 1 but offered little detail on how this would impact trade with China. Separately, he issued a 75-day reprieve for TikTok, temporarily pausing Congress’s ban on the app to negotiate a deal that protects national security while keeping the platform operational in the U.S.

“America First” Returns to Foreign Policy

Reinstating his hallmark “America First” agenda, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) and ordered a full review of foreign aid spending. Additionally, he signed symbolic measures, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and restoring the name Mount McKinley to the peak officially renamed Denali by the Obama administration.

An order requiring flags to remain at full staff on future Inauguration Days, even during national mourning, also drew attention. Trump cited the recent death of former President Jimmy Carter as the reason behind his directive, which overturned the tradition of lowering flags in such instances.

Immigration Crackdown Intensifies

Immigration policy saw some of the most dramatic changes, with Trump reversing Biden-era limits on deportation and reinstating a policy prioritizing all undocumented immigrants for removal. Declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, Trump pledged to send military support to bolster immigration enforcement.

The president also suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program pending a security review and moved to revive the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers. Plans to end birthright citizenship—protected under the Constitution—are likely to face legal challenges.

Trump scrapped the CBP One app, a Biden initiative that facilitated legal migration for nearly a million people, arguing it undermined border security.

Climate Policy and Energy Production

Trump formally withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accords, claiming the move would prioritize American jobs and energy independence. Declaring an energy emergency, he pledged to expand fossil fuel drilling and dismantle what he referred to as Biden’s electric vehicle “mandate.”

Federal Reforms and Social Policy Reversals
Trump froze hiring across the federal government, with exceptions for military roles, and paused all new federal regulations while he builds his administration. He also empowered the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, to propose cuts to federal programs and spending.

In a sharp reversal of Biden-era policies, Trump ended federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. He signed an order limiting federal recognition to two biological sexes, defined by reproductive capacity. The move affects policies on transgender rights in federal prisons, shelters, and funding for medical transition services.

Targeting Political Adversaries

In a move targeting his critics, Trump revoked security clearances for several high-profile figures, including former CIA Director John Brennan, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, and ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Trump’s sweeping policy changes set the tone for his second term, signaling a return to his hardline stances and a focus on reshaping the federal government to align with his vision.

(With files from AP)