1/21 – National News Story and Update

Donald J. Trump was just inaugurated for the second time in Washington D.C., this time as America’s 47th president.

In a sweeping series of executive orders on day one, former and now-current President Trump implemented several controversial policies targeting immigration, environmental protections, federal employment, gender identity, and international relations. These actions, many reversing Biden-era policies, are already sparking significant debate and potential legal challenges.

Ending Birthright Citizenship

One of the most contentious orders announced was aimed at restricting birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment. This policy seeks to deny automatic citizenship to individuals born in the United States if their parents are not lawful residents or citizens. Trump stated the order applies when “the mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of the person’s birth.” Legal experts anticipate immediate challenges, as the move directly contradicts constitutional protections. The policy is set to take effect 30 days after the order was signed, leaving immigrant communities concerned about its implications.

Exiting the Paris Agreement

In a stark departure from global climate commitments, Trump issued an order withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. “I am immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris Climate Accord rip off,” Trump declared during a rally. This action underscores his administration’s broader agenda to dismantle environmental protections and reverse Biden-era efforts to combat climate change.

Declaring Border Emergency

Fulfilling a campaign promise, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, initiating plans for what he called “the largest deportation program in American history.” This executive action authorized the deployment of troops to the border and laid the groundwork for aggressive immigration enforcement policies. Trump reiterated his stance, stating, “All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.” Despite its ambitious scope, the plan faces legal and logistical hurdles, with immigrant communities already mobilizing against its enactment.

Revoking Electric Vehicle Targets and Environmental Standards

As part of a broader rollback of environmental protections, Trump rescinded an executive order from President Biden aimed at transitioning to electric vehicles by 2030. “The United States will not sabotage our own industries while China pollutes with impunity,” Trump said. This move aligns with his administration’s pro-fossil fuel agenda, including declaring a national energy emergency to fast-track fossil fuel infrastructure development.

Reinstating ‘Schedule F’: Reclassifying Federal Employees

Trump revived “Schedule F,” an executive order first introduced during his previous term, reclassifying thousands of federal employees as political appointees. This reclassification makes it significantly easier to terminate these employees. Trump’s aides have framed the move as an effort to dismantle the so-called “deep state.” Project 2025, a right-wing initiative supporting mass firings of federal employees deemed politically unreliable, heavily influenced the policy.

Rescinding Biden-Era Diversity Measures

Trump targeted Biden’s racial equity initiatives by rescinding 78 executive orders, including measures designed to combat discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and promote diversity in federal hiring practices. Speaking in Washington, Trump said, “I’ll revoke nearly 80 destructive and radical executive actions of the previous administration,” vowing to replace them with a “color-blind and merit-based” system.

Rebranding Geographic Landmarks

In a symbolic move, Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and reinstated the name “Mount McKinley” for Alaska’s Denali. These changes, he argued, reflect his commitment to restoring “the pillars of American civilization.” Critics view the rebranding as a politically motivated move to erase progressive legacies.

Restricting Gender Identity Policies

Trump signed an order mandating federal agencies to recognize only two genders—male and female—reversing Biden-era protections for gender identity. The policy also eliminates “gender ideology guidance” in federal communications and forms. According to Trump, “Agencies will cease pretending that men can be women and women can be men when enforcing laws that protect against sex discrimination.”

Revisiting TikTok Ban

While Trump previously supported a ban on TikTok due to national security concerns, he issued an order pausing enforcement for 75 days. “I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok that I didn’t have originally,” Trump said, citing his popularity on the app as a factor in reconsidering the ban.

Pardoning January 6 Defendants

Trump made good on a campaign promise to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, issuing over 1,500 pardons and commutations. “We’ll be signing pardons for a lot of people, a lot of people,” Trump said, framing the initiative as justice for what he termed “J6 hostages.” This move has reignited debate over accountability for the Capitol riots.

Leaving the World Health Organization

Citing dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump signed an order to withdraw the United States from the international health agency. “World Health ripped us off, everybody rips off the United States,” he said, emphasizing the decision to halt financial contributions to the organization. The withdrawal will take effect in 12 months, barring a reversal by future administrations.

Conclusion:

Trump’s extensive series of executive orders marks a significant shift in U.S. domestic and foreign policy, reflecting his administration’s focus on redefining national priorities. These actions, spanning immigration, environmental regulation, federal employment, and national identity, signal a concerted effort to reverse policies from the previous administration and assert a more unilateral vision for a resurgent America. Notably, initiatives such as renaming geographical landmarks—the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and the reinstatement of “Mount McKinley”—hint at a symbolic resurgence of expansionist rhetoric, emphasizing national sovereignty and reasserting traditional American identity.

While supporters argue that these measures restore traditional values, streamline government operations, and bolster national prominence, critics warn they risk undermining established rights, environmental safeguards, as well as international commitments and allies. The broader implications of these policies, including their potential to shape domestic unity and U.S. global positioning, will become clearer as legal and political challenges unfold over a what will likely be a tumultuous four years.