President Donald Trump today began his second term in office by signing a series of executive actions aimed at transforming the federal government. The moves, which were expected, are a fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promises and include measures to promote “common sense” and “secure the border.”
Among the actions taken was the removal of the US from the Paris climate agreement, the freezing of hiring in the federal government, and the requirement for federal workers to return to the office. Trump also signed pardons for a portion of those convicted of their roles in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
The president has also extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company to find a new owner or face a ban in the US, and revoked a number of executive actions signed by his predecessor, Joe Biden. These actions include an executive order that required federal agencies to extend prohibitions on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity, and an order that allowed transgender people to serve in the US military.
On the topic of immigration, Trump declared a national emergency on the southern border, signed an order to redefine birthright citizenship, and banned the use of an app that allows migrants to notify US Customs and Border Protection that they intend to enter the US and schedule appointments to claim asylum. He also signed an order declaring two major drug cartels as terrorist organizations, which could precede the use of American military force on Mexican soil.
The actions taken by Trump are expected to face legal challenges, including challenges to his redefinition of birthright citizenship and his move to ban TikTok. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the fate of these actions, Trump has stated that he believes his policies will lead to a “golden age of America” and a “revolution of common sense.”