Trump’s Day 1 Executive Orders: Key Priorities and Actions
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump is set to sign a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. policy in several key areas. These actions will address issues like immigration, the economy, energy production, and social policies. Here’s a closer look at some of the most significant plans for Trump’s first day in office:
America First: Renaming and Symbolic Actions
- Renaming Landmarks: Trump plans to sign an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” He will also restore the name of North America’s highest peak, reverting Denali back to Mount McKinley, its original name until President Obama changed it. These actions are framed as honoring “American greatness,” according to Trump’s press secretary.
- Flag Protocol: Trump will also sign an order requiring flags to be flown at full height on every future Inauguration Day. This comes after the death of former President Jimmy Carter, during which flags were flown at half-staff. Trump wants flags returned to full height immediately.
Immigration: A Return to Tough Border Policies
- National Emergency Declaration: Trump plans to declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, reinforcing his tough stance on immigration from his first term. This will include sending U.S. troops to assist immigration agents.
- Asylum Restrictions: Trump will reintroduce the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which forces asylum seekers to wait on the Mexican side of the border. However, the specifics of whether Mexico will agree to accept migrants again remain unclear.
- Birthright Citizenship: One of Trump’s most controversial pledges is to end birthright citizenship, though how he will achieve this is uncertain, as the policy is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
- Ending CBP One App: Trump will also discontinue the Biden-era CBP One app, which provided legal entry to nearly 1 million migrants.
The Economy: Deregulation and Trade Moves
- Energy Production: Trump will sign orders aimed at easing regulations on oil and natural gas production, with a particular focus on Alaska.
- Inflation Reduction: Trump will issue a memorandum to address inflation, taking a broad-based approach to help reduce prices. While he has spoken about issuing tariffs on countries like China, Mexico, and Canada, it appears that move is currently on hold.
- Study of Trade Issues: Trump is also expected to sign a memorandum instructing federal agencies to study trade issues rather than imposing immediate tariffs or higher taxes on imports.
Social Policies: Rollbacks on DEI and Transgender Rights
- Transgender Rights: Trump plans to roll back protections for transgender individuals, including an order that defines sex as either male or female based on birth biology (sperm or eggs). This order would affect federal prisons, shelters for migrants, and rape victims, where facilities would be segregated by sex as defined in the order.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Trump is set to terminate DEI programs within the federal government, as part of his broader effort to eliminate what he views as wasteful and politically driven initiatives. A separate order will direct the White House to identify and end these programs.
Pardons for January 6 Capitol Attack Participants
Trump has indicated that he will issue pardons for those convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. While he did not mention this in his inaugural speech, he has expressed his intent to take action on this issue.
Energy: Declaring an Energy Emergency
In line with his “drill, baby, drill” slogan, Trump will declare an energy emergency and work to undo policies he views as restrictive to energy production. He has also pledged to eliminate the electric vehicle mandate set by the Biden administration.
Conclusion: A Day of Bold Actions
President Trump’s first day is set to be marked by sweeping executive actions that aim to undo many of the policies enacted by previous administrations. Whether these promises will be fully realized remains to be seen, but the focus on immigration, energy, and social policy is clear. Trump’s early actions will set the tone for his presidency and likely spark significant debate across the nation.
