President Donald Trump’s return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States has been marked by a whirlwind of activity on his first day in office. Sworn in alongside Vice President J.D. Vance on January 20, 2025, Trump wasted no time in outlining his administration’s priorities, issuing 10 executive orders primarily focused on immigration and national security.
Immediate Actions on Immigration
Central to President Trump’s day-one actions is a sweeping set of executive orders targeting immigration policies. Among these are:
- Declaration of a National Emergency at the Southern Border: This executive order enables the deployment of military and National Guard forces to address what Trump described as a “border crisis,” halting illegal entry and initiating the return of millions of undocumented immigrants.
- End of Birthright Citizenship: Trump announced his intent to eliminate automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. Though controversial and seen by critics as unconstitutional, this policy has already sparked significant legal challenges.
- Reinstatement of the Remain in Mexico Policy: Migrants seeking asylum will now be required to stay in Mexico until their claims are processed, a policy aimed at reducing strain on U.S. immigration facilities.
- Expansion of the Border Wall: Construction of the wall along the southern border will resume, with additional funding allocated for its completion.
Trump’s orders also target drug cartels, designating them as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation allows for heightened law enforcement actions, including prosecution for providing material support to these groups.
Gender Policy Reform
In his inaugural address, Trump announced the U.S. government’s official recognition of only two genders: male and female. This move rolls back policies from previous administrations that allowed for non-binary gender identification in federal documents and programs. “This is about putting an end to social engineering and focusing on what’s best for the American people,” Trump stated.
National Security and Public Safety
Heightened concerns over national security have also been at the forefront of Trump’s agenda. His administration plans to:
- Suspend refugee resettlement for four months to reassess vetting procedures.
- Address potential threats like sleeper cells and smuggling of radioactive materials across the border.
- Strengthen measures to counteract gang-related activities, with a focus on organizations such as MS-13.
A Divisive Start
Trump’s bold actions have garnered both applause and criticism. Supporters see his immediate fulfillment of campaign promises as a decisive return to “America First” policies. Meanwhile, critics argue that some orders, such as the elimination of birthright citizenship, challenge constitutional protections and could face significant legal hurdles.
Security Concerns During the Inauguration
Trump’s inauguration took place amid unprecedented security measures, including the relocation of the ceremony indoors due to extreme weather and concerns over potential drone attacks. Vehicles transporting Trump were equipped with advanced technology to block signals from possible threats. These heightened precautions reflect ongoing concerns for the president’s safety following an assassination attempt in July 2024, which Trump referenced in his inaugural speech.
Looking Ahead
President Trump’s return to office signals a dramatic shift in U.S. policies and priorities. With promises of further executive orders and legislative actions in the coming days, his administration is set to make waves both domestically and internationally. As the nation watches closely, one thing is clear: the Trump presidency is determined to leave a lasting impact from day one.
