On his first day back in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at dramatically altering the nation’s domestic and international policies. These moves, aligned with his “America First” agenda, underscore his commitment to reshaping key sectors, including healthcare, immigration, energy, and federal operations.
In a highly anticipated move, President Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the organization’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and a perceived bias towards China. This marks the second withdrawal from WHO during Trump’s tenure, following a similar decision in 2020 that was later reversed under the Biden administration.
Simultaneously, the U.S. retracted its commitment to the Paris Climate Accord, a global framework aimed at combating climate change. The Trump administration criticized the agreement as detrimental to American energy independence and economic growth. The President declared, “We will no longer sacrifice American jobs for a globalist climate agenda.” Environmental groups and international allies expressed immediate concern over the potential implications for global climate efforts.
In domestic policy, Trump issued an executive order mandating the return of all federal employees to their offices, effectively ending remote work arrangements introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration framed the decision as a step toward restoring normalcy and improving productivity in federal operations. Critics argue the decision disregards the successes of flexible work policies and the potential risks for employees with ongoing health concerns.
The President took a hardline stance on immigration by ordering the deployment of U.S. troops to the southern border to enhance security and deter illegal crossings. Trump also announced plans to pursue the elimination of birthright citizenship, calling the policy a “magnet for abuse” that encourages undocumented immigration. Legal experts have already raised questions about the constitutional validity of such an action, signaling potential court battles ahead.
Trump issued pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil rights groups. The move reflects his continued focus on what he has described as “justice for political prisoners,” a theme emphasized during his campaign. Many see the pardons as polarizing and potentially damaging to national unity.
Trump declared a national energy emergency to prioritize domestic energy production. This order aims to expand drilling operations, accelerate the approval process for fossil fuel projects, and position the United States as a dominant energy exporter. The administration emphasized the need for energy independence, while environmental activists warned of long-term damage to ecosystems and public health.
President Trump’s swift actions on his first day back in office signal his intent to deliver on campaign promises and reshape U.S. policy in line with his conservative platform. While his supporters praise the decisive moves, critics argue they could deepen political divisions and alienate international allies. With a polarized Congress and legal challenges likely to follow, the next steps for these executive orders remain under intense scrutiny.
