On January 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump began his second term by issuing a series of executive orders aimed at reversing several policies implemented by the Biden administration. These actions signal a return to his “America First” agenda, with significant changes in international agreements, immigration policies, and domestic governance.
Withdrawal from International Agreements
President Trump issued executive orders to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Paris Climate Agreement: Trump criticized the agreement as being one-sided and stated that his administration is committed to prioritizing America’s energy needs over global environmental policies. This marks the second time the U.S. has exited the agreement, following a similar move in 2017 during Trump’s first term.
- World Health Organization: Trump cited concerns over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged undue influence from China as reasons for withdrawal. This process, which will take approximately a year to complete, could impact global health monitoring and response efforts.
Reversal of Biden-Era Executive Orders
Trump has nullified 78 executive orders signed by the Biden administration. Key reversals include:
- LGBTQ+ Policies: Trump reinstated policies limiting considerations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including restrictions on transgender individuals serving in the military.
- Immigration Policies: A national emergency was declared to address immigration challenges, with troops deployed to secure borders. Policies requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their applications are processed have been reinstated, along with stricter measures for refugee acceptance.
Economic and Energy Policies
Trump’s administration is focusing on:
- Energy Independence: Executive orders have been signed to relax regulations on oil and natural gas emissions, particularly promoting oil drilling in Alaska.
- Economic Stabilization: Agreements aimed at controlling inflation through deregulation have been initiated, with emphasis on reducing federal oversight.
Defense and National Security Measures
Trump has directed the military to develop a missile defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, strengthening national defense capabilities.
Federal Workforce and Diversity Programs
- Hiring Freeze: Federal hiring has been temporarily halted, except for national security and immigration enforcement positions.
- Return to Offices: Federal employees are required to resume in-person work, ending remote work policies introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cuts to DEI Programs: Funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has been reduced, with Trump arguing that such programs undermine merit-based systems and foster societal divisions.
Immigration and Citizenship
Efforts to eliminate birthright citizenship have been proposed, but constitutional challenges may delay or prevent implementation.
These sweeping changes underline Trump’s commitment to reinstating his policy priorities. However, many of these actions are likely to face significant legal challenges and may require further legislative approval to be fully enacted. Observers anticipate heated debates as the administration implements its agenda.