In his second Inaugural speech, President Donald Trump addressed signing “close to 100” executive orders into effect during his second inauguration speech on Monday morning– let’s break this down.
First, what is an executive order? According to the American Bar Association, an executive order is a directive (law) that is made by a current president that does not require congressional approval and cannot be directly overturned by law makers. However, congress can still block an order by removing funding or creating other obstacles. As of January 21, 2025 12:01 a.m., President Trump has signed 26 executive orders. How do these signatures directly impact Americans, and what do they mean? Here are key takeaways from the President’s first half day in office.
Pardoning January 6, 2020 rioters– as promised throughout his 2024 campaign, President Trump pardoned 1,500 citizens criminally charged and convicted.
The economy and trade– Trump repealed former President Biden’s ban on offshore oil and gas drilling in most federal waters, as well as added directives to the repeal that he promises will bring down costs of necessities. The president also expects to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting Feb. 1, but did not elaborate plans for taxing Chinese imports.
Immigration– Staying consistent to his promise, Trump reversed a large number of Biden’s immigration policies and signed a new order. This order narrowed deportation priorities to people who commit serious crimes, are deemed national security threats or were flagged at the border.
TikTok– Trump also signed an order to pause Congress’ TikTok ban for 75 days, the president says he will seek a U.S. buyer in a deal that can preserve national security while leaving the platform accessible to Americans.
World Health Organization– as in 2017, the President pulled the U.S from the WHO.
America First– Trump has ordered a comprehensive review of foreign aid spending and international affairs.
Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness– Trump signed an order renaming the Gulf of Mexico, to the Gulf of America. The highest mountain in North America, currently known as Denali, will revert back to Mount McKinley.
U.S Mexico Border– The president declared the U.S/Mexico border a National Emergency, is sending troops and restricting refugees. This included suspending the U.S Refugee Admission Program: ending the CBP One app.
Paris Climate Agreement– As expected, Trump signed documents to formally withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreements.
“Drill, baby, drill”– Trump declared an energy emergency and said he will revoke what he calls “Biden’s electric vehicle mandate.”
Federal Government Gender Recognition– The order declares that the feds would recognize only two sexes: male and female. They’re defined based on whether people are born with eggs or sperm, rather than their chromosomes, according to details of the upcoming order.
No more DEI Hires– The president has removed all Diversity, Equality and Inclusion programs from the federal government.
Here are all 26 signed executive orders:
- Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
- Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship
- Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government
- Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements
- Application of Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to TikTok
- Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization
- Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce
- Holding Former Government Officials Accountable For Election Interference And Improper Disclosure Of Sensitive Governmental Information
- Clarifying The Military’s Role In Protecting The Territorial Integrity Of The United States
- Unleashing American Energy
- Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program
- Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
- Securing Our Borders
- Restoring The Death Penalty And Protecting Public Safety
- Declaring a National Energy Emergency
- Reevaluating And Realigning United States Foreign Aid
- Protecting The American People Against Invasion
- Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential
- Protecting The United States From Foreign Terrorists And Other National Security And Public Safety Threats
- America First Policy Directive To The Secretary Of State
- Establishing And Implementing The President’s “Department Of Government Efficiency”
- Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government
- Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing
- Reforming The Federal Hiring Process And Restoring Merit To Government Service
- Designating Cartels And Other Organizations As Foreign Terrorist Organizations And Specially Designated Global Terrorists
- Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness
