US President Trump Prioritises 'America First' Agenda On His First Day: From WHO Exit To 1,500 Pardons, Here's All You Need To Know

On his first day back in office, United States (US) President Donald Trump signed a slew of executive orders, signalling a dramatic policy shift from his predecessor. 

In a highly publicised event at the Capital One Arena, Trump’s decisions underscored his “America First” agenda, touching on climate, energy, immigration, and federal governance. Let's see what they are:

1. Exit from the Paris Climate Agreement and Energy Policies

As expected, Trump reinitiated the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move he had also taken during his first term but reversed by President Biden.

In addition, Trump declared an energy emergency, reiterating his campaign slogan, “drill, baby, drill.” 

He vowed to eliminate what he called Biden’s electric vehicle mandate, aiming to revitalise fossil fuel production. Alaska was identified as a focal point for expanded oil and gas drilling, a move Trump promised would lower consumer goods costs by easing regulatory burdens on energy production.

2. Sweeping Reversals of Biden-Era Orders

Trump rescinded 78 executive orders from Biden’s presidency, including immigration policies that had limited deportation priorities to serious offenders and national security threats. 

Reverting to his first-term stance, Trump declared that anyone in the country illegally would now be prioritised for deportation. 

Additionally, he declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, announcing plans to send troops to bolster immigration enforcement and restrict refugee and asylum programs.

3. Establishing the Department of Government Efficiency

In one of the most notable developments, Trump officially launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing Elon Musk to lead the initiative. 

DOGE is tasked with streamlining federal operations, a move Trump described as essential for restoring government accountability and reducing bureaucracy.

4. Pardons for Capital Riots Accused

Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 individuals and commuted the sentences of seven political prisoners linked to the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots. 

He also ordered an end to federal cases against his supporters who had opposed the Biden administration. 

5. Federal Workforce and Regulatory Freeze

Trump halted federal hiring, exempting the military and unnamed essential departments, and imposed an immediate freeze on new federal regulations. 

He also mandated that all federal employees return to full-time, in-person work, emphasising a shift away from pandemic-era work culture.

6. Directive to Address Cost of Living Crisis

Trump outlined an aggressive trade policy, announcing plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting First February. 

While he hinted at future taxation on Chinese imports, he provided few details. To address the cost-of-living crisis, Trump signed orders easing regulations on oil and natural gas production, aiming to reduce inflationary pressures.

7. 'America First' Moves

Trump’s symbolic gestures included renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and reverting Denali, North America’s highest peak, to its previous name, Mount McKinley. 

He also signed an order requiring flags to remain at full height on future Inauguration Days, citing a decision to raise them after former President Jimmy Carter’s death prompted them to be lowered.

Reinforcing his isolationist agenda, Trump pulled the US out of the World Health Organisation and ordered a review of foreign aid spending.

8. Transgender Rights and DEI Rollbacks

Trump rolled back protections for transgender individuals and terminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. 

He directed agencies to recognize only two biological sexes and ordered the identification and cessation of DEI initiatives.

9. Relief for TikTok

Additionally, he delayed Congress’s TikTok ban by 75 days, seeking a US-based buyer to safeguard national security while maintaining access to the app.