Donald Trump in Action: Key Executive Orders Signed During Inauguration

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office for a second term, marking his inauguration with a dramatic signing of executive orders during a parade at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Thousands of supporters witnessed Trump combining the pageantry of his campaign rallies with the powers of the presidency. The series of executive actions ranged from climate policy reversals to changes in federal workforce regulations, drawing immediate national and global attention.

Key Executive Orders and Presidential Actions

1. U.S. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement

Trump reinstated the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, echoing his 2017 move. The order rejects international climate agreements, stating they misalign with American values and divert taxpayer funds to undeserving nations. Trump emphasized the U.S. would rely on its economic and environmental achievements as a global model.

This decision was met with sharp criticism from global climate advocates, including Laurence Tubiana of the European Climate Foundation, who called it a setback to global efforts against climate change.

2. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)

For the second time, Trump signed an order initiating the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO. Critics argue the move could jeopardize progress in combating infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness. Public health experts warn it risks decades of global health collaboration.

3. Pardons Related to January 6 Capitol Attack

Trump issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This included leaders of extremist groups convicted of seditious conspiracy and others accused of violent offenses against law enforcement. The clemency drew backlash from lawmakers and the Justice Department, raising concerns about undermining accountability for one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history.

4. TikTok Operations Extended

Trump temporarily allowed TikTok to operate for 90 more days, granting its China-based parent company additional time to secure a U.S. buyer. Trump suggested the U.S. should own a share of TikTok’s profits, estimating its worth at $1 trillion.

5. Reversal of Cuba’s Terrorism Designation Removal

Trump froze Biden’s recent executive action lifting Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. This move was part of a broader strategy to reset U.S.-Cuba relations, reversing progress made by the Biden administration.

6. Federal Workforce Changes

Trump issued orders to:

• Mandate federal employees return to in-office work five days a week, ending the work-from-home culture initiated during the pandemic.
• Impose a federal hiring freeze, excluding national security and public safety roles. This action mirrors Trump’s 2017 effort to reduce government size.

7. Rescission of Title IX Protections

Trump rescinded Biden-era Title IX protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. This cleared the way for future policy changes under his administration.

8. Restoration of 2017 Deportation Policies

Trump reinstated his 2017 immigration policies, including:

• Pursuing deportation of all undocumented immigrants, not just those posing safety threats.
• Encouraging state and local governments to assist in federal immigration enforcement through 287(g) agreements.
• Cutting federal funding to “sanctuary” jurisdictions.

9. Death Penalty Execution Order

Trump directed the attorney general to ensure states have access to lethal injection drugs, criticizing opponents of capital punishment for undermining justice.

Implications and Reactions

Trump’s sweeping executive actions reflect his commitment to reversing Biden administration policies and reinstating his first-term agenda. Critics argue these moves will polarize the country further, with global allies and domestic policy experts voicing concerns about their long-term consequences.

As Trump begins his second term, his administration’s aggressive policy shifts set the tone for what promises to be a contentious presidency.

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