FELON47’s First Week Back in Office: Lots of Shock
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House after a four-year hiatus. His first week in office was characterized by a flurry of executive actions, controversial decisions, and a clear intent to rapidly reverse many of his predecessor's policies. This article provides a comprehensive summary and analysis of Trump's activities during this pivotal week.
Executive Orders and Policy Changes
President Trump wasted no time in implementing his agenda through a barrage of executive orders. Within the first week, he signed at least 26 executive orders, covering a wide range of issues from immigration to energy policy.1 Some of the most significant orders included:
1. Withdrawal from International Agreements: Trump signed orders to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and begin the process of leaving the World Health Organization.2 These actions echoed similar moves from his first term and signaled a return to an "America First" approach to international relations.
2. Immigration and Border Security: Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, authorizing the deployment of U.S. troops to support immigration agents.3 He also signed orders to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants4, although this is expected to face legal challenges. The administration reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico during their U.S. immigration proceedings5.
3. Energy and Environmental Policy: Trump declared a national energy emergency, aiming to roll back Biden-era climate policies and accelerate energy production6. He also signed an order titled "Unleashing American Energy" to promote the use of America's natural resources7.
4. Federal Workforce and Operations: A federal hiring freeze was reinstated8, and Trump ended remote work for federal employees. He also reclassified thousands of workers as political hires, making them easier to fire9.
5. Controversial Renaming and Designations: In a move that raised eyebrows, Trump ordered the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America10 and reverted the name of Denali back to Mount McKinley11.
6. Diversity and Inclusion: Trump terminated diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the federal government12, signaling a significant shift in federal policy on these issues.
7. National Security and Foreign Policy: Trump signed orders to protect U.S. citizens from terrorist attacks, reevaluate U.S. foreign aid, and designate certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations13.
Immigration Enforcement Activities
The Trump administration implemented aggressive measures to increase deportations, restrict asylum, and enhance border security. Key activities included:
1. Expansion of Expedited Removal: The administration expanded the expedited removal process, allowing for the deportation of individuals without a court hearing if they cannot prove they have been in the country for more than two years14.
2. Military Deployment: Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, allowing for the deployment of military personnel and resources to support border enforcement15.
3. Suspension of Asylum and Refugee Programs: The administration suspended the entry of asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border and halted the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program16.
4. Increased Detention and Deportation: The Department of Homeland Security was instructed to expand detention facilities and increase the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents17.
5. Targeting Sanctuary Jurisdictions: The administration threatened to revoke federal funding from sanctuary cities and states that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement18.
Controversial Pardons and Legal Actions
One of the most contentious actions during Trump's first week was the pardoning of approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol19. Some notable figures who received pardons include:
- Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys20
- Jake Angeli-Chansley, known as the "QAnon Shaman"21
- Julian Khater, convicted of assaulting Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick22
- Daniel Rodriguez, who pleaded guilty to using a stun gun on police officer Michael Fanone23
- Patrick Edward McCaughey III, convicted of using a police riot shield to crush an officer24
- Ryan Nichols, who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers and inciting violence25
- Christopher Quaglin and Peter Schwartz, both convicted of multiple assaults on police officers26
These pardons were met with significant criticism from both political parties and law enforcement groups, with many viewing them as an undermining of the rule of law.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
Trump's approach to foreign policy during his first week was marked by significant shifts and controversial statements:
1. Middle East and Gaza: Trump lifted a hold on sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, a decision that had been paused by the previous administration due to concerns about civilian casualties. He also suggested that Jordan and Egypt should accept more Palestinian refugees to "clean out" Gaza27. These comments were met with firm rejection from Jordan and are likely to face resistance from other nations in the region.
2. Withdrawal from International Organizations: In addition to initiating withdrawal from the World Health Organization, Trump's actions signaled a return to a more isolationist foreign policy stance.
3. Trade Relations: Trump announced plans to implement tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, potentially leading to trade disputes and increased consumer costs.
Environmental and Energy Policies
Trump's actions on environmental and energy policies marked a significant departure from the previous administration:
1. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: This action signaled a rejection of international climate change mitigation efforts28.
2. Rollback of Environmental Protections: Trump eliminated programs designed to help Black and minority communities affected by pollution, marking a significant step back from previous environmental justice efforts.
3. Energy Production: The declaration of a national energy emergency aimed to accelerate energy production, particularly in fossil fuel industries.
Dismissal of Inspectors General
In a controversial move, Trump dismissed between 12 and 18 inspectors general across various federal agencies without providing the legally required 30-day notice to Congress29. This action was criticized by both Democrats and some Republicans, with Senator Chuck Grassley noting that the firings did not comply with legal requirements. Critics argued that replacing independent inspectors general with political appointees could undermine the integrity and independence of these watchdog roles.
Security Clearance Revocations
Trump took action to revoke the security clearances of 51 former intelligence officials who had signed a 2020 letter questioning the authenticity of the Hunter Biden laptop story30. This move was seen as part of a broader effort to address perceived adversaries and those who had previously criticized or opposed his administration.
Donald Trump's first week back in office in January 2025 was marked by a whirlwind of activity, controversy, and significant policy shifts. From immigration crackdowns to environmental policy reversals, from controversial pardons to foreign policy realignments, the week set the stage for what promises to be a tumultuous and divisive presidential term.
The rapid pace of change and the controversial nature of many of Trump's actions have already sparked legal challenges, public protests, and intense political debate. As the dust settles on this initial week, it's clear that the Trump administration is committed to swiftly implementing its agenda, even in the face of significant opposition.
The long-term implications of these early actions remain to be seen, but one thing is certain: Donald Trump's return to the White House has ushered in a period of dramatic change and heightened political tension in the United States. As the country grapples with these sweeping policy shifts, the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Trump's second term and its impact on American democracy.
The above is written in a very neutral tone to be informative, but I want to assure you that I am not neutral. We must resist and become the eternal opposition to this fascist threat. Please comment and share. I look forward to hearing from you all. - Resist
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