Kathmandu: President Donald Trump began his second term with a flurry of executive actions, swiftly overturning key policies from the Biden administration and implementing his campaign promises. Among his first moves, Trump issued pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot and ordered the dismissal of federal cases against his political allies, calling it a step to end the “weaponization” of law enforcement.
On immigration, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, reinstating his first-term policy of prioritizing deportation for all undocumented immigrants and suspending the refugee admissions program. He announced plans to end birthright citizenship, a move likely to face legal challenges, and revoked the Biden-era CBP One app, which had facilitated legal entry for migrants.
Trump also withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and declared an energy emergency, emphasizing expanded fossil fuel production and repealing electric vehicle mandates. His economic policies included pausing a congressional TikTok ban to negotiate a security-compliant U.S. buyer and imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
In federal governance, Trump froze hiring for most government roles, tasked Elon Musk with leading a new Department of Government Efficiency, and ordered a halt to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across federal agencies. He rolled back protections for transgender individuals, redefining federal recognition of sex and restricting taxpayer funding for gender transition services.
These actions reflect Trump’s aggressive commitment to his “America First” agenda, aimed at reshaping U.S. domestic and international policy while reversing the legacy of his predecessor.
Source: AP