Mel Rising Dawn Cordeiro
News Editor
Donald Trump’s first few days as the 47th President of the United States were marked by a swift return to the aggressive, nationalist policies that characterized his first term. Within hours of taking office, President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at reversing key policies from the Biden administration, particularly in areas such as immigration, energy, and trade. Shortly after, many states filed lawsuits against the president.
One of his first actions was to reinstate the "America First" immigration policies, including the expansion of border security measures and changes to asylum processes. Trump also announced plans to roll back environmental regulations, citing the need to boost American industry and energy production. His stance on climate change was made clear with an executive order aimed at dismantling renewable energy incentives and increasing support for fossil fuel industries.
Internationally, Trump reaffirmed his "America First" foreign policy, withdrawing the U.S. from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, UNESCO, the Iran nuclear deal, and the UN Human Rights Council, and reasserting his stance on renegotiating trade deals. Relations with China and other countries were at the forefront, with Trump pledging to enforce stricter tariffs to protect American manufacturing jobs.
Domestically, his administration quickly began to focus on economic growth through tax cuts and deregulation. Trump’s messaging emphasized a return to American greatness, framing his policies as essential to restoring the nation's dominance in global markets.
Trump also signed executive orders proclaiming that the U.S. government will recognize only two sexes, male and female, and ending "radical and wasteful" diversity, equity and inclusion programs inside federal agencies.
The gender order states that it will "defend women’s rights and protect freedom of conscience by using clear and accurate language and policies that recognize women are biologically female, and men are biologically male." It requires that the federal government use the term “sex” instead of “gender,” and directs the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to “require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, accurately reflect the holder’s sex."
Nearly every American is affected in some way because of these executive orders, and not in beneficial ways. Many Americans have been forced to take paid leave and are now under scrutiny simply for being themselves. Trump’s approach was, and remains combative, with frequent attacks on the media and political opponents as well. This has set the tone for what is expected to be a highly contentious and partisan administration.
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