In a stunning display of executive power, President Donald Trump launched his second term on Monday by signing a dizzying array of controversial orders, making good on his promise to deliver “shock and awe” from day one. The flurry of actions touched on everything from immigration to climate change to LGBTQ+ rights, setting an aggressive and polarizing tone for the next four years.
Pardoning January 6 Rioters
Perhaps the most explosive move was Trump’s full pardon of around 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in attacking the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The president described the pardons as “full, complete and unconditional,” even extending them to extremist ringleaders like Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, who had been sentenced to over 20 years for seditious conspiracy.
“This was an outrageous insult to our justice system and the heroes who protected the Capitol that day,” said former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, calling the decision a “dark stain” on the presidency.
Reversing Climate Regulations
On the climate front, Trump swiftly moved to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord for a second time, after President Biden had recommitted the nation to the global pact. Additional orders targeted electric vehicle subsidies, the “Green New Deal” concept championed by progressives, and various other environmental regulations enacted under Biden.
Declaring Immigration “Emergency”
Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, even though illegal crossings are currently at historic lows, thanks in part to Biden-era policies. Vowing to deport “millions and millions” of undocumented immigrants, Trump said he would send troops to the border and invoke a 1798 law to “eliminate” foreign gangs, despite scant evidence of such activity.
- Fact check: Studies show undocumented immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than native-born citizens.
Stoking Culture Wars
Other moves seemed calculated to inflame the culture wars that defined Trump’s first term. He rescinded LGBTQ+ protections, revoked a ban on chokeholds by federal law enforcement, and expanded the use of private prisons. In a jab at the #MeToo movement, he signed an order “protecting women against radical gender ideologies.”
“Could you imagine Biden doing this?” Trump asked the crowd incredulously as he signed order after order. “I don’t think so!”
While Trump’s base cheered the hard-right pivot, critics accused him of using the levers of government to punish enemies, reward allies and short-circuit the regular policymaking process. But if day one was any indication, the 45th president has no intention of abandoning the disruptive approach that carried him to a second term against all odds.
The sheer breadth and audacity of Trump’s executive actions sent an unmistakable message: buckle up America, it’s going to be a bumpy four years.
