Donald Trump signs dozens of executive orders on his first day in the White House: immigration, TikTok and more
Donald Trump begins his second term with a wave of executive orders targeting immigration, technology, and the economy. Learn about his sweeping changes and their implications.
Donald Trump returned to the White House as the 47th President of the United States, and he wasted no time in taking action. Within hours of his inauguration, Trump signed dozens of executive orders targeting various policy areas, including immigration reform, social media regulations, and government efficiency. These sweeping measures reflect his campaign promises and signal a return to the “America First” agenda that defined his first term.
From revoking prior executive orders to introduce new policies, the administration's rapid-fire approach has drawn both praise and criticism. With immigration enforcement, technology bans, and economic policies taking center stage, the orders aim to reshape the nation’s priorities.
Trump's executive orders: immigration crackdown tops the agenda
One of Trump’s first actions was to declare a national emergency at the southern border, reinstating strict immigration policies. Among these was the return of the controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed in U.S. courts. Trump also ordered the termination of the CBP One app, a tool that facilitated legal entry for migrants during the Biden administration.
In a further escalation, Trump signed orders aimed at expediting deportations and classifying certain drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The administration’s aggressive stance on immigration underscores its commitment to national security and stricter border enforcement.
Targeting TikTok and Social Media
In a move that surprised many, one of Trump’s executive orders extended the ban on TikTok, citing concerns over national security. The ban, initially implemented under his first administration, had been softened during Joe Biden’s presidency. Trump’s renewed crackdown on the Chinese-owned app includes measures to block its operations unless it is sold to a U.S.-based company.
Additionally, the administration proposed stricter regulations on social media platforms, claiming the need to protect user data and combat foreign interference. This policy shift has reignited debates over digital privacy and free speech.
Donald Trump, sworn in as president in the US Capitol due to bad weather. Photo: AFP
Economic and Environmental Shifts
Economic policy also featured prominently in Trump’s executive orders. He withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing that the accord unfairly burdened American industries. Trump also announced plans to expand domestic fossil fuel production, rolling back restrictions on fracking and offshore drilling.
In the financial sector, Trump introduced measures to cut corporate taxes and reduce federal oversight, aligning with his promise to create a more business-friendly environment. These policies aim to boost economic growth but have sparked criticism from environmental advocates and fiscal watchdogs.