President Donald Trump has wasted no time in making sweeping changes during his first hours back in the White House, signing a series of executive orders and declaring several national emergencies.
Key Executive Orders
At a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump announced several bold directives that signal the start of his second term. These include:
- Pardoning and commuting sentences for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots.
- Declaring illegal immigration at the US-Mexico border a national emergency.
- Designating criminal cartels as terrorist organizations.
- Suspending the refugee resettlement program for four months.
- Exiting the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Creating the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.
- Introducing measures to combat what Trump described as “radical gender ideology”.
The president also hinted at forthcoming actions, including mass immigration raids and expanded energy extraction efforts.
A Symbolic Moment
During the signing, Trump paused to answer media questions, offering glimpses of his priorities and style. When prompted about the tradition of the outgoing president leaving a letter, Trump discovered an envelope from Joe Biden addressed to “47”, referring to Trump’s status as the 47th president.
“Thank you very much,” Trump told the reporter. “I may not have seen this for months.”
Immigration Raids on the Horizon
When asked about immigration enforcement, Trump reiterated his commitment to mass deportation programs, stating:
“I don’t want to say when, but it has to happen.”
Reports suggest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing a multi-day operation targeting undocumented immigrants.
Public and Political Reactions
Trump’s swift actions have drawn a mix of praise and criticism:
- Supporters see the moves as a decisive return to “America First” policies.
- Critics argue that the orders, particularly on immigration and gender policies, will deepen divisions and strain international relations.
What’s Next?
As celebrations continue with Trump scheduled to speak at three inaugural balls, the president’s actions are already setting the tone for a contentious and transformative term.
