On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump began his second term with a bang, delivering on promises that made his “America First” agenda the cornerstone of his presidency. The executive orders he signed on his first day in office are a stark reminder that he is a leader who is unafraid to rattle the status quo, whether at home or abroad. In this article, we’ll break down the key actions from his first day and explore what they mean for the future of the United States. We’ll also take a closer look at his complex, sometimes contradictory, statements and what they tell us about his leadership style.
Key Executive Orders: A Fresh Take on America’s Future
1. The Paris Climate Agreement – Once Again, the U.S. Pulls Out
President Trump wasted no time in once again pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement. After a brief return under the previous administration, Trump is doubling down on his belief that climate change policies should not be dictated by international agreements. His executive order starts the process of removing the U.S. from the deal, a move that will be finalized after 12 months, halting U.S. financial contributions to climate change mitigation efforts.
Implication: Critics of this decision argue that the U.S. is stepping away from its global leadership role in fighting climate change. Environmental advocates warn that this move will hinder global efforts, but for Trump, it’s all about putting America’s interests first – even if it means distancing the U.S. from international alliances.
2. Saying Goodbye to the World Health Organization (WHO)
Another bombshell executive order issued on January 20th is the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). Citing the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its alleged ties to China, Trump has directed the U.S. to sever its relationship with the WHO. This action could have significant global repercussions, as the U.S. is one of the largest financial contributors to the organization.
Implication: For global health advocates, this decision is a blow, as it removes the U.S. from international efforts to tackle pandemics and improve public health. But for Trump, it’s a clear message: America’s health is too important to be subject to what he sees as an ineffective and biased global institution.
3. Transgender Rights and Diversity Programs: A New Direction
President Trump’s executive order aimed at rolling back protections for transgender individuals and ending federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs is another piece of his “America First” strategy. By limiting federal recognition of gender to two categories—male and female—based on reproductive anatomy, Trump is reversing policies put in place by previous administrations.
Implication: This move has sparked controversy, especially among civil rights groups who view it as a step backward in protecting the rights of marginalized groups. However, Trump’s base sees this as an effort to bring the country back to what they consider traditional values.
4. The War on Drugs – A Tougher Stance
In another executive order, President Trump designated Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. By taking this action, Trump is ramping up efforts to fight the opioid crisis and curb drug violence, expanding sanctions against these groups and their leaders.
Implication: This is likely to escalate tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, as it could lead to further militarization of the border. However, it also sends a strong message to drug cartels that the U.S. is willing to take drastic measures to protect its citizens.
5. Reinforcing Border Control: The Return of “Remain in Mexico”
One of Trump’s most well-known immigration policies, the “Remain in Mexico” program, has been reinstated. Under this policy, asylum seekers will be required to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in the U.S.
Implication: Immigration advocates are critical of this decision, arguing that it subjects vulnerable people to dangerous conditions. However, for Trump, this is an essential step in curbing illegal immigration and reinforcing the nation’s borders.
6. Releasing Rioters: The January 6 Pardons
In what many are calling a controversial move, President Trump issued pardons to several individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. While critics argue this undermines accountability, Trump’s decision to pardon these individuals underscores his commitment to his supporters and his resistance to the political establishment.
Implication: These pardons could be a signal of Trump’s willingness to challenge the rule of law when it suits his political agenda. They also suggest that he remains deeply connected to his base, even if it means crossing lines that other presidents have not.
7. A Tougher Stance on Cuba
President Trump signed an order to reimpose sanctions on Cuba, reversing the previous administration’s decision to ease restrictions. This move is seen as part of his broader effort to challenge communist regimes and assert American dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
Implication: The Cuban government is likely to push back, but this decision signals that Trump remains committed to confronting regimes he believes threaten U.S. interests.
8. Israel and the West Bank: A Shift in Policy
In another major reversal, President Trump’s executive order reintroduces sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This represents a shift from the previous administration’s more lenient stance toward Israel’s territorial expansion.
Implication: This decision is likely to strain U.S.-Israel relations, but it also reflects Trump’s unpredictability in foreign policy—he is willing to act independently of long-standing alliances when he believes it serves his interests.
9. Family Reunification Task Force – Disbanded
Trump’s disbanding of the Family Reunification Task Force, created to reunite families separated at the border, has stirred criticism. It reflects his more hardline stance on immigration enforcement and his preference for national security over humanitarian concerns.
Implication: Human rights organizations are likely to push back against this decision, but it signals that Trump remains focused on his priorities of strict immigration control and border security.
10. TikTok and National Security
President Trump has once again ordered action against TikTok, citing national security concerns related to the app’s links to China. His executive order gives TikTok 75 days to comply with U.S. security standards before it faces a ban.
Implication: This is another example of Trump’s “America First” approach, placing U.S. national security concerns above free market principles. It also suggests his administration’s increasing wariness of Chinese influence on American technology.
Trump’s Complex, Contradictory Leadership
President Trump is known for his bold rhetoric and unpredictable leadership style. Throughout his first term, he made statements that often contradicted one another, leading to confusion about his true intentions. Some of his most famous contradictory remarks include:
The Panama Canal: A Baffling Statement
Trump once claimed that the U.S. should have kept control of the Panama Canal, saying, “We built it, we paid for it, it’s ours.” This statement ignores the fact that the canal was handed over to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, a decision that was made to respect Panamanian sovereignty and international agreements.
The “Peace President” Paradox
Trump has referred to himself as a “peace president,” but his actions tell a different story. He authorized military strikes, including the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, and ramped up defense spending. This has led some to wonder if Trump’s idea of peace means making threats and using military force to secure American interests.
Contradictory Trade Stances
Trump has often railed against trade imbalances, particularly with China, and implemented tariffs on Chinese goods. Yet, he has also expressed admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping and praised China’s economic model. This contradictory approach makes it difficult to predict how Trump will handle future trade relations.
Withdrawing from Global Agreements and Institutions
During his first term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from several major international agreements, signaling his “America First” strategy. Here are a few of the most notable withdrawals:
- Paris Climate Agreement: The U.S. pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement not once, but twice, signaling Trump’s skepticism about international climate accords.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Trump’s withdrawal from the WHO further underscores his belief that international organizations often prioritize global agendas over American interests.
- Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA): Trump abandoned the Iran nuclear deal, citing its flaws and the need for a tougher stance on Tehran.
- NATO: While Trump never fully withdrew from NATO, he has repeatedly questioned the organization’s value and pushed for European members to shoulder more of the defense burden.
Conclusion: A Risk-Taker and a Doer
President Trump’s second term is off to a bold start, with a series of executive orders that emphasize his “America First” vision. His policies reflect a preference for unilateral action, a focus on national interests, and a skepticism of long-standing international alliances. While his leadership style can be contradictory, there is no doubt that he is a risk-taker who will push forward with policies that he believes will make America stronger—even if it means shaking up the global order.
As Trump continues to challenge the established norms of international diplomacy and domestic governance, one thing is clear: his second term promises to be just as unpredictable as his first. Whether this approach will ultimately strengthen or isolate the U.S. remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—President Trump is determined to leave his mark on the world.
