On his first day in office, President Donald Trump vowed to take swift and drastic action through a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping US immigration policies, curbing transgender rights, and unleashing a new wave of oil drilling.

These executive orders—previewed by incoming White House officials—mark a sharp departure from previous administrations and are poised to stir significant legal and social challenges.

With a focus on national security, public safety, and energy independence, Trump’s executive orders lay the groundwork for a controversial and sweeping agenda.

Overhaul of US immigration policy

One of the most striking aspects of Trump’s Day One executive orders is his aggressive stance on immigration.

Trump has pledged to sign a series of 10 executive orders designed to overhaul US immigration policy, aiming to stem what he refers to as an “invasion” of immigrants entering the country.

According to a senior administration official, these actions are a response to the “unconscionable risk” posed by illegal immigration to public safety and national security.

Among the key measures is the declaration of a national emergency at the US-Mexico border.

This emergency order would authorize the deployment of military personnel to the southern border, though the exact number of troops is yet to be determined.

Trump’s administration plans to reintroduce the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which mandates that migrants stay in Mexico while awaiting US asylum hearings.

In a controversial move, Trump is also aiming for birthright citizenship, arguing that the 14th Amendment does not apply to children born on US soil to undocumented immigrants.

The decision to freeze asylum claims and suspend refugee resettlement for at least four months further underscores Trump’s hardline approach to immigration.

Additionally, the executive orders will designate criminal cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, potentially increasing US military involvement in combating them.

Transgender rights and LGBT+ rollbacks

Trump is also making a decisive move to roll back the protections and recognitions of transgender individuals that were instituted during the Biden administration.

One of the most contentious orders will establish that the US government will only recognize two sexes: male and female.

The order goes as far as to declare that these distinctions are immutable and grounded in biology, disregarding the lived experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals.

The new administration also intends to revise policies concerning gender identity, specifically requiring government documents—such as passports and visas—to reflect a binary understanding of sex.

This order could have far-reaching implications, particularly for federal recognition of gender identities.

Alongside this, Trump’s administration will work to eliminate what they view as “radical gender ideology” from federal programs.

A second executive order will target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which Trump views as discriminatory.

The order will halt funding for such programs and roll back initiatives that have sought to address systemic inequalities.

The administration argues that these programs have contributed to illegal discrimination and aim to return the country to a merit-based system.

Energy independence and oil drilling expansion

Trump’s Day One executive orders are also set to reshape America’s energy landscape.

In line with his campaign promise of “drill, baby, drill,” the president is taking swift action to boost domestic oil production.

One of the most significant moves is the declaration of a national energy emergency, which will facilitate new oil drilling projects, particularly in Alaska.

Trump’s administration argues that this action is essential for addressing rising energy prices and maintaining the country’s global competitiveness, especially in the race to develop artificial intelligence technologies.

The executive order to leave the Paris Climate Accord further solidifies Trump’s commitment to maximizing US energy production without the constraints of global climate agreements.

The US will join only a few other nations, such as Iran and Libya, in withdrawing from the landmark 2015 accord.

Trump’s stance on energy is expected to face sharp criticism from environmental groups and international leaders, but the administration believes that these actions will strengthen US energy independence and economic prosperity.

Legal and social backlash looms

While Trump’s executive orders reflect his bold vision for America’s future, they are also likely to face significant legal challenges.

Civil rights organizations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and environmental activists are already preparing to contest these actions in court.

Trump’s attempts to redefine citizenship, limit transgender rights, and eliminate key environmental regulations will undoubtedly provoke extensive legal battles that could define his presidency in the years to come.

As Trump embarks on his second term, his Day One executive orders signal a stark shift in the direction of US policy on immigration, LGBT+ rights, and energy production.

These actions will undoubtedly shape the national debate on these critical issues, setting the stage for a contentious and polarized political landscape.

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President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada as soon as February 1. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump suggested levies of 25%, citing concerns over border security and trade imbalances.

Trump said:

We’re thinking in terms of 25% (levies) on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing a vast number of people over the border.

The president specifically labeled Canada “a very bad abuser” and hinted that the tariffs could be broad-based, with additional details yet to be revealed.

Trump’s tariff strategy

While Trump’s intent to implement wide-ranging tariffs has been clear, the timing and scope have been under speculation.

His comments dispelled earlier assumptions that tariffs might focus on specific items or be delayed.

Earlier reports have also suggested the administration is considering 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% duties on all other trading partners, potentially escalating over time.

Such measures could significantly impact Canada’s economy, given that US-Canada trade exceeds half a trillion dollars annually.

Trump also indicated the tariffs aim to pressure Canada and Mexico to combat fentanyl trafficking, tying trade policy to his broader pledge to fight international drug gangs, which he plans to designate as terrorist groups.

Trump also announced the creation of the “Eternal Revenue Service” to collect the tariffs, claiming this new mechanism would bring “massive amounts of money” into federal coffers. Currently, the US Customs and Border Protection handles this role.

“We will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump emphasized, framing the tariffs as part of his broader agenda to protect American workers and reduce reliance on foreign nations.

Trump on China tariffs

Donald Trump suggested he “certainly could” impose tariffs on China if it failed to approve a deal to sell TikTok to a U.S. company.

“If we wanted to make a deal with TikTok, and it was a good deal, and China wouldn’t approve it, then I think ultimately they’d approve it because we’d put tariffs on China,” Trump said, adding, “I’m not saying I would, but you certainly could do that.”

He also noted that the tariffs could reach as high as 100%.

Trump further remarked that the U.S. “should be entitled to get half of TikTok” as he signed an order extending the app’s operations in the country for another 75 days.

Stocks futures fall, dollar shaky

The announcement had an immediate but mixed impact on financial markets.

Stock futures remained flat as Trump spoke, but Treasury yields dropped, reflecting investor concerns over potential economic disruptions.

The dollar also weakened, falling nearly 1% against a basket of global currencies.

Additionally, Trump signed an executive order targeting inflation through “emergency price relief” measures.

These policies aim to address costs in housing, healthcare, and other sectors, signaling a domestic policy push alongside the trade measures.

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Donald Trump was sworn in as the President of the United States on Monday, delivering a fervent inaugural speech that promised the dawn of “The Golden Age of America.”

“My recent election is a mandate to completely reverse a horrible betrayal and all these many betrayals that have taken place and give people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and indeed their freedom. From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump said. 

True to form, the speech featured sweeping rhetoric, but it was also marked by numerous unsubstantiated claims and factual inconsistencies.

Here’s a detailed fact-check by Invezz:

Claim 1: Migration policies protect dangerous criminals

What Trump said: In his inaugural address, Trump claimed the Biden administration “provides sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals, many from prisons and mental institutions, that have illegally entered our country from all over the world.”

Fact-check: Trump has previously alleged that foreign governments deliberately empty their prisons and mental institutions to send migrants to the US, but no evidence supports this claim. His campaign has not provided data to corroborate these accusations.

The president has sometimes tried to support his narrative by asserting that the global prison population is down. But that’s incorrect.

The World Prison Population List, compiled by experts in the UK, shows that the global prison population increased from approximately 10.77 million in October 2021 to 10.99 million in April 2024, contradicting any narrative of declining prison populations due to migration.

Context: While some migrants may have a history of incarceration or mental health treatment, there is no substantiated evidence to suggest a systemic effort by foreign governments to send such individuals to the US.

Claim 2: China controls the Panama Canal

What Trump said: “China is operating the Panama Canal… we gave it to Panama, and we are taking it back,” Trump declared in his speech.

Fact-check: The Panama Canal is operated by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), a government agency in Panama.

Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, leader of the ACP, confirmed to The Wall Street Journal earlier this month that “China has no involvement whatsoever in our operations.”

Trump’s claims likely stem from the fact that Chinese companies, such as the Hutchison Ports subsidiary Panama Ports Company, manage ports near the canal.

These companies operate the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, which serve as entry and exit points to the canal, under long-term leases.

Context: Although Trump’s assertion about China’s control of the canal is false, growing Chinese influence in global shipping and port infrastructure has raised bipartisan among US officials, who worry that the Chinese government could pressure private companies to disrupt commercial and military shipments during a conflict.

Claim 3: Biden-era inflation is ‘record-breaking’

What Trump said: Trump referred to inflation during Biden’s presidency as “record inflation,” promising to address it quickly.

“Next, I will direct all members of my Cabinet to martial the vast powers at their disposal to defeat what was record inflation and rapidly bring down costs and prices,” he said.

Fact-check: Inflation during Biden’s presidency peaked at 9% in June 2022, the highest level in 40 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

However, historical inflation rates in the 1970s and 1980s often exceeded 10%, with March 1947 witnessing a post-World War II inflation peak of 19.7%.

During Trump’s presidency, inflation peaked at 2.9% in mid-2018 and fell as low as 0.1% during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020.

Context: While Biden’s inflation rates were indeed high, framing them as “record-breaking” ignores historical context, particularly inflation spikes in prior decades due to varying economic conditions.

Claim 4: Tariffs enrich Americans and are paid by foreign countries

What Trump said: Trump reiterated his long-standing claim that tariffs imposed during his presidency were paid by foreign exporters, enriching the US.

Fact-check: Studies, including one by the bipartisan US International Trade Commission, have consistently shown that US importers, not foreign exporters, pay the tariffs.

These costs are often passed on to US consumers in the form of higher prices.

Specific examples include higher costs for household goods, electronics, and other imports from China during Trump’s first term.

Context: While Trump proposed the creation of an “External Revenue Service” to collect tariff revenue, the economic reality is that the burden of tariffs disproportionately falls on US businesses and consumers, not foreign governments.

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US President Donald Trump had a busy day in office.

On his first day back in the White House, President Trump signed a series of executive orders that quickly garnered attention due to their far-reaching implications.

These orders ranged from withdrawing the US from international agreements to reshaping domestic policies, signaling his intent to undo several initiatives from the previous administration.

Pulling out of the World Health Organization

In a move that echoed his previous criticisms of the WHO, Trump signed an executive order directing the US to exit the organisation, citing mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises.

The US is the largest financial contributor to the WHO, and the withdrawal will take effect in 12 months, halting future contributions.

Pardons for Jan 6 defendants

Trump issued pardons and commutations to those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, effectively clearing the legal charges for many defendants and halting further Justice Department investigations into the incident.

The move fulfills a campaign pledge to support the individuals arrested and charged in connection with the insurrection.

Ending birthright citizenship

Trump issued an order targeting the automatic citizenship granted to children born in the US to undocumented immigrant parents.

The executive order aimed to restrict birthright citizenship for those born to parents unlawfully present in the country or whose status was temporary.

While the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship, the order is expected to face immediate legal challenges, potentially making this a contentious issue moving forward.

Renaming the Gulf of Mexico and Mount Denali

In an unusual move, Trump signed an order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and revert Alaska’s Mount Denali to its former name, Mount McKinley.

While the rebranding does not affect international usage, the decision reflects Trump’s broader stance on reasserting American identity and pushing back against previous administration’s decisions, including Obama’s renaming of the mountain in 2015.

Revoking EV targets

Trump revoked an executive order from the Biden administration that set a target for half of all new cars sold in 2030 to be electric.

This is part of Trump’s broader strategy to reverse Biden’s environmental policies and emphasize the protection of American industries, particularly in contrast to China’s energy policies.

Trump’s order also targets auto pollution standards that Biden’s administration had introduced.

Rescinding 78 Biden-era executive actions

Trump signed an order to rescind 78 executive actions from the Biden administration, focusing particularly on policies aimed at advancing racial equity and supporting marginalized communities.

He expressed his desire to dismantle policies he viewed as attempts to socially engineer race and gender in public life.

Reclassifying federal employees

Trump’s new order aimed at reclassifying thousands of federal workers as political hires, making it easier to dismiss them.

This decision reestablishes the “Schedule F” classification, which Trump initially instituted in the final year of his first term to reduce the influence of what he described as the “deep state” within government agencies.

National energy emergency declaration

Trump declared a national energy emergency, effectively fast-tracking permits for fossil fuel infrastructure.

This order, part of a broader set of pro-fossil fuel actions, seeks to remove restrictions on drilling in Alaska and other energy production areas.

The declaration is expected to face legal challenges due to its potential environmental impact.

Establishing a gender binary policy

In a move that reverses Biden-era policies, Trump signed an executive order declaring that there are only two genders: male and female.

This order removes the acceptance of gender identity from federal communication and policies, aligning with Trump’s stance against gender-related changes to laws protecting against sex discrimination.

Pause on the TikTok ban for now

Trump delayed the enforcement of a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok for at least 75 days, stating that he would use the time to chart an “appropriate course forward.”

This is a shift from his previous stance, as he had once pushed for a complete ban on the app due to national security concerns but now appears more ambivalent, partly due to his popularity on the platform.

Declaring a National Border Emergency

Trump declared an emergency at the southern US border, setting the stage for a broader immigration crackdown.

This order would likely allow for the deployment of US troops to the border and lay the groundwork for large-scale deportations, a key part of Trump’s campaign promises.

Exiting the Paris Climate Agreement

Trump signed an order withdrawing the US from the Paris climate agreement.

This decision reverses Biden’s action of rejoining the agreement upon taking office in 2021 and continues Trump’s long-standing opposition to international climate accords.

It signals his intent to pursue policies that prioritize American industries over global environmental commitments.

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On the first day of his presidency, US President Donald Trump took swift and decisive action to prioritise American energy production and dismantle the environmental policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden. 

In a series of executive orders, President Trump sought to unleash the nation’s vast oil and gas reserves, aiming to elevate domestic production to unprecedented levels. 

This move signaled a stark departure from the Biden administration’s focus on combating climate change and transitioning towards renewable energy sources. 

Trump’s agenda emphasized energy independence and economic growth, with the belief that expanding fossil fuel production would create jobs and bolster the American economy. 

However, this approach drew sharp criticism from environmentalists and scientists who warned of the devastating consequences of increased greenhouse gas emissions and the urgent need to address the global climate crisis.

Following are some of the key decisions:

Trump declares energy emergency

President Trump declared a national energy emergency, granting him the authority to expedite energy infrastructure projects by easing environmental restrictions and streamlining the permitting process for new transmission and pipeline infrastructure.

“It allows you to do whatever you’ve got to do to get ahead of that problem,” Trump was quoted in a report by Reuters. 

And we do have that kind of an emergency.

He attributed the inflation crisis to excessive spending and rising energy prices, which prompted him to declare a national energy emergency, according to the report. Trump also vowed to increase drilling to address the crisis.

Withdrawal from Paris Agreement

In a move that drew criticism from environmentalists and world leaders, President Trump officially withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement.

This international accord, signed by nearly every nation in 2015, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the effects of climate change. 

Trump had previously announced his intention to withdraw during his first term, citing concerns about the agreement’s potential economic impact on the US and arguing that it unfairly burdened American businesses. 

The withdrawal, which took effect in 2020, marked a significant setback for global efforts to address climate change and isolated the US from the international community on this critical issue.

Reuters quoted Trump:

I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip off. The United States will not sabotage our own industries while China pollutes with impunity.

Policy on EV

In a move that signifies a stark contrast in policy directions, President Trump revoked a 2021 executive order implemented by Biden. 

This executive order had set an ambitious target of ensuring that 50% of all new vehicle sales in the US would be electric by 2030.

While not legally binding, Biden’s 50% target had garnered significant support from both domestic and foreign automakers. 

The Trump administration’s decision potentially signals a shift away from promoting electric vehicles and could impact the trajectory of the automotive industry and the broader energy landscape.

Reversing Biden era decisions

In a move to bolster domestic energy production and reverse the policies of his predecessor, Trump signed an executive order that effectively nullified Biden’s attempts to restrict oil and gas drilling in environmentally sensitive areas. 

The executive order specifically targeted Biden’s initiatives to halt oil exploration in the Arctic and along vast stretches of the US coastline.

Furthermore, the Trump administration revoked a 2023 presidential memorandum that had placed a moratorium on oil drilling activities across approximately 16 million acres in the Arctic region. 

Earlier this month, ahead of Trump taking office, Biden prohibited new offshore oil and gas development along the majority of US coastlines.

Former US President Joe Biden had placed a pause on processing export permit applications from new liquefied natural gas projects to Asia and Europe in early 2024 to study the environmental and economic effects. 

Trump on his first day, reversed this pause with an order to resume processing the applications.

The US is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and in 2023 had set a record figure for exports. 

Refilling of reserves

Trump on his inauguration day also vowed to refill strategic reserves “right to the top”.

Trump was likely referring to the US’ Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) that stores crude oil. 

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Biden administration had authorised the sale of 180 million barrels of crude oil from the SPR, which was a record amount. 

Trump said:

We will bring prices down, fill our strategic reserves up again, right to the top, and export American energy all over the world.

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