Donald Trump: Controversial Executive Orders Define His Return to the U.S. Presidency

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, kicking off his second term with a series of bold and contentious moves. From his first day in office, he signed multiple executive orders that signal dramatic shifts in policy on immigration, climate, health, and social issues.

A Flurry of Executive Orders on Day One

Barely inaugurated, Donald Trump issued a wave of announcements, many of which carry significant symbolic and practical implications:

• Pardons for Capitol Rioters
  Over 1,500 individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol assault received pardons. For 14 others, sentences were reduced to time already served. This decision, heavily criticized by Democratic opponents, has been labeled an affront to the justice system by figures such as Nancy Pelosi.

• Withdrawal from International Agreements
  The Republican president signed orders to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO). He described these institutions as “unfair” and “inefficient,” pledging to redirect U.S. funding toward “more reliable” partners.

• State of Emergency at the Mexican Border
  Announcing a hardline approach to immigration, Donald Trump declared a “state of emergency” at the southern border. Planned measures include the expulsion of “millions” of undocumented immigrants, resumption of the border wall’s construction, and an end to the right to asylum.

Social and Societal Measures Reflecting Conservative Values

• Elimination of Inclusive Policies
  Donald Trump repealed initiatives addressing racial and gender discrimination, stating that “only two biological sexes, male and female, exist.” Federal agencies have been directed to cease funding or supporting programs related to gender ideology.

• Reinstating Cuba on the Terrorism Sponsor List
  Cuba, recently removed from the list by the Biden administration, was reinstated by Trump. This move, decried by the Cuban government as “arrogant,” aims, according to Trump, to increase pressure on the island nation.

An Inauguration That Divides the World

The inauguration ceremony, held under the Capitol dome, drew mixed reactions from global leaders:

• International Support
  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the event as heralding a new era in U.S.-Israel relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope for “close cooperation.”

• Tensions with Other Actors
  While Vladimir Putin extended an olive branch to discuss Ukraine, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel strongly condemned Trump’s policies, accusing the U.S. of seeking economic domination over the island.

A Term Likely to Spark Legal Challenges

Many of Trump’s decisions, particularly those on immigration, climate, and social issues, are expected to face significant legal opposition. Some measures may even be deemed unconstitutional, raising doubts about their implementation.

By taking this path from day one, Donald Trump has made clear his intent to leave a lasting imprint on American politics, even at the risk of deepening polarization both domestically and internationally.