President Donald Trump has initiated a series of policy actions at the start of his second administration, focusing on reorienting the U.S. government. These executive orders span a wide range of issues, including trade, immigration, foreign aid, demographic diversity, civil rights, and federal hiring practices. Some of these directives have immediate policy implications, while others are more symbolic in nature. Several of the orders have already faced legal challenges in federal courts.
Trump's executive actions align closely with his campaign promises and his goal of consolidating executive branch power in the West Wing, steering the country towards a more conservative direction. Here is an overview of the directives issued by Trump in the initial three days of his second term:
Immigration and U.S. Borders
- Designation of an 'invasion across the southern border of the United States,' triggering executive branch powers to address the situation.
- Authorization for U.S. military service members to participate in immigration and border enforcement activities as part of a mass deportation program.
- Suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admission Program for 90 days pending a review.
- Redefinition of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
- Prioritization of the construction of a wall and other barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Creation of Homeland Security Task Forces in all 50 states to combat criminal cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
- Expansion of agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws.
- Collection of DNA samples and fingerprints from immigration detainees.
- End of 'catch-and-release' policy in favor of detention and deportation of undocumented individuals.
- Review of cases of immigrants under Temporary Protected Status.
- Reinstatement of vetting and screening standards for visa applicants.
- Threat of sanctions against nations impeding the return of deported citizens.
- Denial of federal funding to 'sanctuary' cities.
- Pause on funding to NGOs supporting illegal immigrants.
- Designation of international cartels as terrorist organizations.
International Trade, Business, and the Economy
- Directive for executive agencies to reduce consumer prices.
- Examination of causes of U.S. trade deficits and unfair trade practices.
- Review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement for potential renegotiation.
- Establishment of an 'External Revenue Service' for trade-related revenues.
- Review of U.S. trade relations with China.
- Review of fentanyl flows into the U.S. from specific countries.
- Suspension of U.S. participation in the Global Tax Deal.
- Temporary pause on the ban of TikTok.
- Prohibition of government officials from influencing social media companies on misinformation.
Climate, Energy, and the Environment
- Withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.
- Declaration of a 'national energy emergency.'
- Acceleration of energy projects through emergency permitting provisions.
- Elimination of policies promoting electric vehicle development.
- Review of regulations hindering domestic energy production.
- Repeal of multiple Biden-era climate-related orders and memoranda.
