On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump began his second term by signing an unprecedented number of executive orders, many of which directly address key campaign promises. This historic wave of executive actions reflects his administration’s focus on issues such as immigration, energy policy, cultural reform, and government efficiency. Below is a comprehensive overview of the most notable executive orders signed on Inauguration Day, along with additional actions that underline his ambitious agenda.
Highlighted Executive Orders
- Pardon of Jan. 6 Defendants
- President Trump granted pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. During the signing, he stated, “These individuals were hostages of the Biden administration’s political witch hunt, and we are righting that wrong today.”
- Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord
- Trump officially withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, stating that the deal “overburdens American businesses with regulations” and has “exploded inflation through climate extremism.” He emphasized the need for policies that prioritize American economic interests.
- Declaration of a National Border Emergency
- One of Trump’s key actions was declaring a national emergency at the southern border. This directive instructed the U.S. military to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security to secure the border fully. Measures included resuming construction of the border wall, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and enabling the swift deportation of illegal entrants. Trump commented, “We will secure our borders and protect American sovereignty like never before.”
- Designation of Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)
- Trump’s administration designated international cartels, including MS-13, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This move unlocks additional legal tools to combat organized crime and disrupt the flow of drugs and human trafficking. The order called cartels “a national security threat” and invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to halt their operations.
- Rescission of DEI Programs
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives were abolished across federal agencies, with Trump stating that such programs had replaced “hard work, merit, and equality with a divisive and dangerous preferential hierarchy.”
- Rollback of Climate Regulations
- In an “energy-omnibus” executive order, Trump revoked several Biden-era climate policies, including the electric vehicle mandate and restrictions on oil and gas drilling. He announced the termination of offshore wind energy leases and highlighted his administration’s commitment to “unleashing Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential.”
- Restoration of Biological Sex Definitions
- The administration issued an order defining sex based on biological characteristics, reversing federal policies recognizing gender identity as a separate classification. Official documents, such as passports, will now reflect biological sex.
- End of Federal Censorship
- Trump signed an order banning federal agencies from engaging in censorship of Americans’ speech. He directed the Attorney General to investigate past instances of government involvement in content moderation, declaring, “No government employee should ever abridge the free speech of American citizens.”
- Suspension of Transgender Military Service
- Reversing a Biden-era policy, Trump reinstated a ban on military service for individuals identifying as transgender. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring “merit-based service standards.”
- Establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency
- Elon Musk was appointed to lead this newly established department, tasked with streamlining government operations and reducing waste. Trump described the move as a “game-changer for making government work for the people.”
- Reevaluation of U.S. Foreign Aid
- A comprehensive review of foreign aid expenditures was ordered to ensure alignment with American interests. Trump pledged that “every dollar of foreign aid will work for the American taxpayer.”
- End to Offshore Wind Leases
- Trump ordered a temporary halt to offshore wind energy leasing, citing economic and environmental concerns. He emphasized that the administration would “review all permitting practices for wind projects.”
- Freeze on Federal Hiring
- A federal hiring freeze was implemented as part of Trump’s effort to reform government operations and reduce costs. The freeze applies across all non-essential federal positions.
- America-First Environmental Policy
- This policy directive prioritizes domestic environmental interests over global climate agreements. Trump stated, “We will no longer sacrifice American jobs and sovereignty on the altar of climate extremism.”
- Reinstitution of “Schedule F”
- The controversial classification known as Schedule F was reinstated, allowing for the dismissal of federal employees in policy-making roles. Trump called it a necessary step to ensure accountability.
- Renaming the Gulf of Mexico
- In a symbolic move, Trump issued an order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” asserting it as a “testament to American heritage and pride.”
- Ending Birthright Citizenship
- Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship, arguing that it incentivized illegal immigration. Legal challenges are anticipated.
- Addressing Water Crises in Southern California
- An order aimed at redirecting water resources to Southern California’s agricultural sector was signed, with Trump declaring, “We are putting people over fish and stopping radical environmentalism.”
- Restoration of the Death Penalty
- Trump reinstated the federal death penalty, emphasizing its role in deterring violent crime and ensuring justice.
- America-First Trade Policy
- A memorandum directed agencies to prioritize American interests in all trade negotiations. Trump announced that tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico would be raised to 25% starting February 1, 2025.
- Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture
- This order mandates the use of classical architectural styles for federal buildings, aligning with Trump’s vision of “timeless beauty.”
Additional Executive Orders (Briefly Listed)
- Revocation of 78 Biden-era executive actions.
- Memorandum addressing the security clearance backlog.
- Regulatory freeze pending review.
- Declaration of a national energy emergency.
- Realignment of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
- Temporary suspension of international travel bans for national security reviews.
President Trump’s inaugural day actions represent a sweeping effort to realign the federal government with his administration’s vision. From securing the southern border to abolishing DEI programs, these executive orders underscore a “promises made, promises kept” agenda. While these measures set a bold tone for his second term, many are likely to face legal and political challenges. However, Trump’s focus on fulfilling campaign promises establishes a clear and ambitious roadmap for the years ahead.
