Trump declares immigration emergency in first act

On his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump hit the ground running, signing a wave of executive actions aimed at undoing much of his predecessor’s legacy. The day was packed with bold decisions, controversial pardons, and a few unexpected twists.

Sweeping Policy Reversals

In a clear signal of his priorities, Trump rescinded 78 executive actions issued by Joe Biden. These included pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, both global institutions he criticized during his first term.

Trump also reversed several domestic policies, including protections for transgender military members and a ban on renewing private prison contracts. Additionally, he revoked Biden’s ethics pledge for federal appointees, which had imposed stricter accountability measures.

Immigration policies were also a top priority. Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, redirecting Pentagon resources to speed up the construction of the border wall. He ended the use of a migrant notification app and announced plans to redefine birthright citizenship, a move that could have sweeping implications.

Contentious Pardons Stir Debate

One of Trump’s most controversial decisions was granting pardons to approximately 1,500 people charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. Among those pardoned were leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who had been convicted of seditious conspiracy.

While Trump described the pardons as an effort to “heal the nation,” critics have called the move inflammatory and accused him of undermining accountability for one of the darkest days in U.S. history.

TikTok Ban on Pause

In a surprising twist, Trump delayed enforcement of a nationwide ban on TikTok for 75 days, giving the app’s Chinese parent company more time to find a U.S.-based buyer. The decision, Trump explained, balances national security concerns with a chance for the free market to provide solutions.

New Department and Landmark Renaming

Trump also introduced sweeping changes to federal operations. He established a new Department of Government Efficiency, a move aimed at streamlining bureaucracy, and enacted a hiring freeze across the federal government.

In an unusual step, Trump announced plans to rename several U.S. landmarks, including Denali and the Gulf of Mexico. While details remain sparse, the renaming effort is intended to "celebrate American greatness," according to the administration.

A Divisive Start

Supporters of Trump’s actions have hailed his return to “America First” policies, praising the swift undoing of Biden-era decisions. However, critics argue that the pardons and policy reversals risk deepening divisions and harming the country’s international reputation.

With such a dramatic first day, one thing is certain: Trump’s second term is already shaping up to be as eventful and polarizing as his first.

Here's a full list of actions from Trump's first day as US President:

1) Revoked 78 Biden-era executive actions

1) Withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement.

• Pulled out of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Rescinded protections for transgender military members.
• Canceled Biden’s ethics pledge for federal appointees.
• Reversed bans on private prison contracts.

2) Declared a national emergency on immigration.

• Redirected Pentagon resources to speed up border wall construction.
• Ended an app allowing migrants to notify U.S. Customs and Border Protection of their intent to cross.
• Announced plans to redefine birthright citizenship.

3) Granted controversial pardons

• Pardoned approximately 1,500 people charged in the January 6 Capitol attack.
• Commuted sentences for leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

4) Signed a TikTok-related executive action

• Delayed enforcement of the app ban for 75 days to allow more time for a sale.

5) Established a new Department of Government Efficiency

• Enacted a hiring freeze across the federal government.

6) Renamed landmarks

• Announced plans to rename locations like Denali and the Gulf of Mexico.

*With information from CNN