President Donald Trump signed XX executive orders on inauguration day that end many mandates related to climate change, securing the border, freeing TikTok from an immediate ban, and making good on his promise to free those arrested in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
He also welcomed business from two major companies, although those are considered controversial moves.
Here is a look at all that Trump has done since his inauguration:
Pardon of J6 Prisoners – Approximately 1,500 people who have either pleaded guilty, been convicted, or remaining in jail awaiting trial received full pardons Monday night. Trump said there are six of the more violent cases he commuted but those will undergo review to see if they qualify for a full pardon.
Prisoners were beginning to be released Monday night from facilities around the country except the DC jail where they continued to hold prisoners through Tuesday.
Securing the Border – Trump signed EOs to strengthen border security including signing an emergency order for securing the Southern border Monday and ending birthright citizenship for non-citizens having babies on American soil. He also revived his previous “Remain in Mexico” policy and signed an EO designating criminal cartels as terrorists.
The military was sent Monday night to secure the border, allowed by Trump’s emergency order and designating cartels as terrorists. Another order allowed for funding the final construction needed for the wall. A Biden-era immigration app used by illegals was shut down. A caravan of migrants headed toward the border turned back.
Additionally, local police and military descended on Chicago Monday night ending the night by capturing at least 500 illegal aliens and continuing with arrests through Tuesday after Trump formalized his plans for mass deportations.
Withdrawing from Global Groups – Trump signed EOs to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization (WHO). This will save the U.S. around $1.13 billion that is currently going to these two groups.
Revoking Electric Vehicle Mandates – Former President Biden’s non-binding order to encourage auto manufacturers to make 50 percent of all new vehicles EVs by 2030 is no longer in effect after Trump revoked it. They will still make EV cars as the market dictates but aren’t mandated to meet a goal.
Reversing Actions Relating to Climate Change – Trump reversed numerous executive orders from the previous administration that were meant to address climate change with manufacturing mandates. This includes ending mandates for low-pressure showerheads, and low-flow toilets, and bans on gas stoves and gas heat.
Reversing Workplace and Culture Orders – Another stack of Biden’s EOs regarding workplace mandates no longer exists. This includes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates, transgender policies, bathroom policies, and allowing transgender men into women’s sports.
Social Media – Trump formalized an agreement made Sunday to give a 90-day extension on the popular social media app TikTok before enforcing a ban. This allows time to find a solution that meets the criteria of a recent court decision stating the platform must be American-owned or be banned in the U.S.
Foreign Aid – Trump signed a 90-day order pausing giving money to other countries to review if their country’s assistance programs align with U.S. foreign policy. It doesn’t include money spent specifically on military assistance, like what is offered to Ukraine and Israel, but those instances must be approved by Congress. Other money can’t be sent to those two countries outside of military help.
Pausing Government Functions – One order forbids introducing new federal regulations for 60 days. This is to presumably get Trump’s appointments on board, review proposed regulations, get public comment, and a budget agenda fixed. Trump also signed an EO initiating a federal hiring freeze in all departments except the military and other crucial sectors.
Allowing Return of Military Personnel and Dismissing Others – A series of EOs allows for the re-enlistment and return of all military personnel discharged for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine with back pay. This affects approximately 8,000 people. It also discharges transgender personnel from the military, affecting 15,000 people.
Creating of Two New Government Agencies – Several EOs dealt with managing federal bureaucracy. One EO created the External Revenue Service (ERS), which will be charged with collecting new tariffs Trump plans to impose on imported foreign goods. Another makes the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) official. DOGE, headed by entrepreneur Elon Musk, is set to reduce government spending.
DOGE eliminated two government departments and their websites. The Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices were shuttered Monday.
Governmental Changes – Trump signed an EO forcing all federal workers to return to work Tuesday. He also signed orders to investigate past allegations of government misconduct aimed at silencing political opponents and election interference. These were a series of EOs to investigate election interference targeting alleged 2020 election fraud, leaks and unauthorized release of classified information, and actions of those in past administrations who deliberately interfered with Trump’s administration and re-election.
One order establishes a task force to look at those in government who may have manipulated past elections or mishandled sensitive government information and determine if there was illegal activity or a breach of duty.
Trump has also been busy promoting businesses to the U.S. A deal with Damac Properties was announced on Jan 9 to build a $20 billion data center in the Midwest. Trump held a press conference Tuesday announcing an investment by a new company to create a $500 billion AI-architecture program. The company, dubbed The Stargate Project, is the collaboration of four high-powered companies, SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX. Other lesser partners are Microsoft and Nvidia.
Trump can’t take credit for Stargate, which includes many data centers constructed in the U.S. over the next four years. The project started construction on a data center in Texas before Trump came back into the Oval Office. However, Trump said he wanted to clear a lot of red tape to move the project along. It is estimated to open up at least 100,000 jobs in the U.S. However, the use of AI and the company’s target of developing mRNA research has many buzzing online with many in the MAGA movement disheartened by Trump’s support.