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President Trump Signed a Record 26 Executive Orders on Inauguration Day: What we know

United States President Donald Trump signed 26 executive orders on his inauguration day, setting a record. While these orders span a wide range of issues, many are expected to face significant hurdles due to legal and constitutional challenges.

An executive order is a directive issued by the U.S. president regarding the operations of the federal government. These orders do not require congressional approval but can face challenges in Congress, courts, or through subsequent executive action. Historically, presidents have frequently used executive orders, with Joe Biden signing 17 on his first day in office, while Trump signed 14 during his first inauguration.

The executive orders Trump signed on his second inauguration day:

1.Renames Mount Denali and Gulf of Mexico

Trump ordered Alaska’s Mount Denali to revert to Mount McKinley and the Gulf of Mexico renamed to the Gulf of America. The move has faced criticism from Alaska officials and Mexico, and while the changes are procedurally simple, they lack global recognition.

2.Establishes Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

Overseen by Elon Musk, DOGE aims to reduce bureaucracy and cut government spending. However, it faces multiple lawsuits for violating federal transparency and advisory laws.

3.Reforms federal hiring

This order emphasizes merit-based hiring in federal agencies. No significant challenges are expected.

4.Ends diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives

All DEI programs in federal agencies are to be dismantled, with staff placed on leave. Implementation is straightforward, although it has sparked backlash.

5.Recognizes only biological sex in federal policy

The policy defines sex strictly as male or female, which is likely to face legal challenges based on constitutional protections.

6.Designates drug cartels as terrorist organizations

The designation has drawn opposition from Mexico, citing sovereignty concerns, but it can be implemented.

7.Prioritizes U.S. interests in foreign policy

Implementation of this order is straightforward.

8.Strengthens vetting processes for immigrants

This aims to tighten visa screenings and faces no immediate obstacles.

9.Encourages resource development in Alaska

The order promotes oil, gas, and mineral extraction, drawing criticism from environmental groups.

10.Strengthens immigration enforcement

This order emphasizes stricter border controls and enforcement of immigration laws.

11.Pauses foreign aid for review

All international aid programs will be temporarily suspended and reassessed.

12.Declares a national energy emergency

The order aims to expand U.S. energy production, despite opposition from environmentalists.

13.Restores the death penalty

Trump reinstates the federal death penalty, but a drug shortage poses implementation challenges.

14.Secures U.S. borders

This order mandates constructing additional border barriers and increased surveillance.

15.Blocks birthright citizenship

Ending automatic citizenship for those born in the U.S. faces significant legal hurdles as it contradicts the 14th Amendment.

16.Pauses new refugee admissions

Refugee admissions are temporarily suspended, drawing criticism from advocates for Afghan allies.

17.Removes regulations to boost energy production

The order eliminates certain environmental regulations to expand energy production.

18.Directs the military to secure borders

The military is tasked with border security, including combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

19.Revokes security clearances for election interference

This removes security clearances for officials who criticized reports about Hunter Biden’s laptop.

20.Makes it easier to remove federal workers

This order seeks accountability for federal employees but faces lawsuits over potential misuse.

21.Withdraws the U.S. from the WHO

Trump’s decision to leave the World Health Organization is likely to face legal obstacles as Congress initially approved U.S. membership.

22.Pauses TikTok ban enforcement

The enforcement of the TikTok ban is paused for 75 days, with no known complications.

23.Revokes Biden-era executive orders

Trump overturns 78 executive orders from the previous administration.

24.Stops federal censorship of speech online

This order addresses federal involvement in regulating online speech, though its practical implications remain unclear.

25.Stops federal targeting of political opponents

Federal agencies are to be reviewed to identify politically motivated actions.

26.Withdraws from the Paris Agreement

Trump pulls the U.S. out of international climate treaties, a move that will face criticism but is voluntary.

While some of these orders, like those on immigration and federal hiring, are likely to proceed smoothly, others face strong legal and political challenges, including the revocation of birthright citizenship and withdrawal from the WHO. Many are expected to draw significant criticism domestically and internationally, particularly on environmental and social policies.

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