Trump’s Post-Inauguration Priorities: Sex, TikTok Ban, Paris Agreement, and More
- Yastika Chouhan
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Donald Trump made a striking return to the White House today with a whirlwind of executive orders signed within hours of his inauguration. These actions, ranging from environmental policies to social issues, reflect his ambitious agenda to reshape America. Let’s break down some of his priorities and what they mean for the nation.
United States Senate - Office of Dan Sullivan on Wikimedia Commons
Undoing Biden’s Executive Orders
President Donald Trump, on his first day back in office, took decisive action by revoking nearly 80 executive orders implemented during Joe Biden's presidency.
Reuters
Key Reversals Include:
Voter Registration Promotion: Trump rescinded Biden's directive that encouraged federal agencies to facilitate voter registration, a move that had aimed to increase electoral participation.
Federal Workforce Policies: He ended remote work options for federal employees, mandating a return to in-person duties, and imposed a hiring freeze across federal agencies.
Regulatory Framework: Trump nullified Biden's orders that had revoked certain federal regulations, thereby reinstating policies from his earlier term.
LGBTQ+ Protections: The administration rescinded protections against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, which had been established under Biden's Executive Order 13988.
Pardons Related to January 6th
One of Trump’s first actions was granting pardons to individuals charged with offenses related to the January 6th Capitol riots. While his supporters argue this decision aims to “bring healing” and recognize what they see as “political persecution,” critics worry it could embolden future violent unrest. A poll conducted last month found that 45% of Americans believe these pardons could deepen political divisions. As of now, over 1,000 individuals have faced charges linked to that day, making this move highly controversial.
TikTok Ban on Hold
Another headline-grabbing decision was Trump’s pause on his administration’s previous TikTok ban. In his speech, he explained, “We need to focus on the bigger threats to national security before banning an app millions of Americans enjoy.” Analysts suggest this move might signal a shift in his approach to technology diplomacy, prioritizing broader concerns over a specific company, while satiating the needs and gaining the support of many.
Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement—Yet Again
Sticking to his long-held skepticism of climate agreements, Trump signed an order to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord. He called the deal “a disaster for American workers” and stated, “We need solutions that work for America, not global bureaucracies.” This withdrawal marks the second time the U.S. has exited the agreement under his leadership, reigniting debates on the country’s role in addressing global warming.
Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border
Immigration remains a top priority. Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the southern border aims to allocate funds for border wall construction (again). While his supporters praise it as a measure to enhance security, opponents argue it’s a costly and ineffective solution. According to Customs and Border Protection, encounters at the border surged by 30% last year, making this an issue with no easy answers.
Actions on Gender and Sex Policies
Trump also signed an order reinforcing a binary view of gender in government policies, stating, “We must return to common sense in defining basic biological truths.” This decision overturns several Biden-era rules that expanded protections for transgender individuals, sparking immediate backlash from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Addressing the "National Energy Emergency"
Declaring a “national energy emergency,” Trump promised to “bring back coal” and reduce restrictions on fossil fuel production. He argued that “energy independence is critical for national security and economic strength.” However, environmentalists warn this move could reverse progress in renewable energy development, and cause future implications.
Combatting “Weaponization of the Government”
Finally, Trump emphasized his commitment to addressing what he called the “weaponization of the government.” His executive order establishes a special task force to investigate potential political biases within federal agencies. “We must ensure fairness and impartiality in every corner of our government,” he stated. Critics, however, question whether this will lead to genuine reform or further politicization and polarization.
What Does This Mean?
Trump’s actions reflect his determination to leave a mark on nearly every aspect of American life. From pardons to policies on gender, climate, and energy, his agenda is bold and controversial. Middle and high school students, as future voters, will inherit the consequences of these decisions. Understanding these actions and their potential impacts is crucial for shaping informed opinions. What do you think about these policies? Do they pave the way for progress or create new challenges?
One thing’s for sure—Trump’s presidency is far from ordinary, and these early moves set the tone for what promises to be a turbulent term.
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