Donald Trump begins his second term in office.
Donald Trump wasted no time in making his mark upon returning to the White House. His bold first day included the signing of a significant number of executive orders, signalling his intent to reverse course from the previous administration and reshape America in line with his vision. Estimates suggest these orders could total as many as 200, making this one of the most aggressive policy reversals in modern presidential history.
Key Executive Orders
Some of Trump’s most notable executive actions include:
- Rescinding 78 Biden-era Executive Orders
- These reversals target regulations and policies implemented during Joe Biden’s term, including measures tied to environmental protections, healthcare reforms, and immigration policy.
- Declaration of National Emergency at the Southern Border
- Trump has reinstated his focus on border security, emphasising the construction and completion of the southern border wall. This move is expected to reignite debates over immigration policy and national sovereignty.
- Pardoning January 6 Protesters
- Labelling them as “January 6 hostages,” Trump issued a sweeping pardon for approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the Capitol events. This decision underscores his narrative of political persecution.
- Revocation of Electric Vehicle Targets
- In a direct challenge to Biden’s green energy agenda, Trump has dismantled federal electric vehicle mandates, calling them costly and ineffective.
- Elimination of Gender Ideology Guidance
- Trump’s executive order now officially recognises only two genders, male and female, removing federal support for programs promoting gender identity inclusivity.
- Delay of TikTok Ban Enforcement
- Contrary to expectations, Trump has chosen to delay enforcing a ban on TikTok for 75 days, citing the need for further review.
- Withdrawal from Global Agreements
- Reaffirming his “America First” stance, Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization, citing these as costly endeavours that undermine national interests.
A Return to Bold Leadership
Trump’s inauguration was accompanied by the characteristic flair and assertiveness that defined his first term. His supporters see this as a restoration of strength and decisiveness. His swift actions leave no doubt that Trump plans to govern with urgency and purpose.
Biden’s Controversial Last-Minute Pardons
In his final hours as president, Joe Biden issued a slew of controversial pardons that have drawn widespread criticism. In what appears to be a pre-emptive move to shield his family and key allies from future legal scrutiny, Biden set a record for the most individual pardons and commutations issued by any U.S. president.
Family Pardons
Biden granted clemency to five family members:
- His brother James and sister-in-law Sara Biden.
- His sister Valerie and her husband John Owens.
- His brother Francis Biden.
Biden defended his actions, stating that these pardons were necessary to protect his family from “unrelenting attacks” and emphasised that the pardons were not admissions of guilt.
Protecting Allies
Biden’s pardons extended to high-profile figures, including:
- Dr. Anthony Fauci: The nation’s leading infectious disease expert, who has faced scrutiny from Trump and his allies.
- Retired General Mark Milley: The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has also been a target of Trump’s criticism.
Both Fauci and Milley welcomed the pardons, citing a desire to avoid retaliation.
Record-Breaking Clemency
Biden’s clemency actions also included:
- Reducing sentences for nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders.
- Commuting death sentences for 37 individuals, converting them to life imprisonment.
While Biden’s supporters applaud these actions, critics argue they were politically motivated and undermine accountability.
Looking Ahead
As Donald Trump embarks on his second term, the stark contrast between his leadership style and that of Joe Biden could not be more evident. Trump’s focus on bold, immediate action contrasts sharply with Biden’s controversial and, at times, polarizing final decisions. The coming months will reveal the long-term impacts of these divergent approaches on the United States and its place in the world.
