In his first two days back in the White House, President Donald Trump wasted no time implementing his agenda, issuing sweeping executive orders and making headlines with bold moves that have already sparked national and global conversations. Here’s a breakdown of the major actions taken by Trump during his first 48 hours in office:
Trump Returns to Washington with Republican Support
President Trump was welcomed back to Washington with open arms by Republican leaders, marking a sharp contrast to the divided atmosphere of his previous tenure. During his inauguration ceremony inside a packed Rotunda Chamber, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the “America First” agenda, signaling a new era of Republican unity and policy direction.
Day 1: Executive Orders on Immigration, Gender, and More
Trump began his presidency by signing a series of executive orders targeting key campaign promises. These include declaring a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border, resuming construction of the border wall, and terminating diversity programs across federal agencies. The orders reflect a sharp pivot in government priorities, emphasizing border security and traditionalist policies.
In a controversial move, Trump signed an executive order delaying the implementation of a law restricting TikTok, citing freedom of expression and economic reasons. He also issued pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6th Capitol riots, fulfilling a campaign promise to address what he called “unjust persecution.”
Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden issued a flurry of pardons, including for figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and several members of the January 6th committee. These last-minute pardons drew criticism from Republicans and set the stage for heightened political tensions.
Free Speech and Censorship Investigation
Trump signed an order directing federal agencies not to infringe on Americans’ free speech rights. He also launched an investigation into alleged government censorship, framing the initiative as a fight against unconstitutional suppression of citizens’ voices.
Declaring a U.S. Energy Emergency
Trump’s declaration of a national energy emergency has led to expedited oil and gas production, halting federal support for renewable energy projects. His withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and rollback of policies promoting electric vehicles and wind energy have drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists.
Markets reacted swiftly to speculation over Trump’s pro-cryptocurrency stance. Bitcoin prices skyrocketed past $109,000 amid rumors of early legislative action to support and regulate cryptocurrencies, signaling a potential policy shift under the new administration.
Proclamation on Biological Sexes and Diversity Programs
In a move that has already sparked protests, Trump signed an executive order proclaiming there are only two biological sexes and halting diversity programs in federal agencies. The administration framed the order as a rollback of progressive policies, promising a return to traditional values.
Conclusion
Trump’s first 48 hours in office have showcased his determination to act decisively on his campaign promises, but his actions have also ignited fierce debates across the nation. As his administration moves forward, the country remains sharply divided over the direction of his presidency.
This whirlwind start highlights the challenges and controversies that are likely to define Trump’s return to power. The coming weeks will determine whether these bold actions will strengthen his presidency or deepen divisions within the nation.