On January 20, Donald Trump returned to the White House as President of the United States. Within 48 minutes of his inauguration, he signed a series of executive orders that have sparked significant debate across the nation. Here’s a detailed look at his key decisions and their implications.

Overturning Biden-Era Policies

Trump repealed 78 executive orders signed during Joe Biden’s presidency. He criticized the previous administration for implementing “unpopular, inflationary, unlawful, and radical practices.” Notable reversals included:

  • Reinstating Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism.”
  • Abolishing environmental provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act.
  • Banning remote work for federal employees.
  • Revoking COVID-19 vaccination mandates for federal workers.

Restricting Birthright Citizenship

Trump signed an order aimed at eliminating automatic citizenship for individuals born in the U.S., a right protected by the 14th Amendment. This decision has already faced legal challenges from civil rights groups and state attorneys general, with California and New York among those opposing the move.

Immigration Crackdown

A series of measures were introduced to curtail immigration and asylum applications:

  • Declaring a state of emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border to combat illegal migration.
  • Temporarily halting refugee admissions for four months.
  • Requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their cases are processed.
  • Labeling Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, potentially allowing military intervention.

Pardons for Capitol Rioters

In a controversial move, Trump issued blanket pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals implicated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Among those pardoned were leaders of extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

Gender Recognition Rollback

The administration announced that federal documents, such as passports and visas, would recognize only two genders: male and female. This marks a reversal of Biden-era policies that introduced a nonbinary “X” marker for individuals who do not identify within the traditional gender binary. Additionally, Trump terminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government.

Foreign Policy Shifts

Trump reinitiated the process to withdraw the U.S. from both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement. These moves reflect his continued skepticism of global health organizations and climate change initiatives, which he previously criticized as ineffective and burdensome.

Additional Executive Orders

Among his other notable decisions:

  • Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “American Gulf.”
  • Temporarily suspending U.S. foreign aid programs for 90 days.
  • Lifting restrictions on liquefied natural gas exports.
  • Launching internal investigations into alleged censorship and abuse of power during Biden’s presidency.
  • Establishing a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reportedly to be led by Elon Musk.

A Familiar Button Returns

In a lighter moment, Trump reintroduced a personal favorite: a button on the Resolute Desk that delivers a Diet Coke upon request.

The “familiar button” refers to a quirky feature from Donald Trump’s previous presidency—a red button placed on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. When pressed, it would summon a White House staff member to deliver a Diet Coke to him.

This button became a lighthearted topic of discussion during his first term, symbolizing a mix of luxury and humor in how some presidential preferences are accommodated. Its reappearance serves as a playful callback, illustrating a unique personal touch during his time in office.

Public and Legal Backlash

Trump’s rapid policy changes have triggered widespread responses. Legal battles are already underway to challenge key decisions, particularly regarding birthright citizenship and immigration policies. Meanwhile, his actions on gender recognition and climate agreements have ignited fresh debates on civil rights and environmental priorities.

Trump’s return to the presidency has reignited discussions about his governance style, characterized by sweeping actions and polarizing decisions. As the nation watches, the coming months promise to shape the political landscape for years to come.


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