Trump Reveals His Agenda With Flurry of Executive Orders In His First 10 Days Back In Office

Donald Trump has caught his detractors off guard with a flurry of executive orders that aimed to dismantle the policies of his predecessor. In just 10 days, Trump has dismantled the Affordable Care Act, initiated a travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries, and advanced his immigration enforcement agenda through increased deportations and border security measures.¹ Trump’s message is clear: “America First”. But is it really his priority?²

Key Executive Orders Signed by Trump

Immigration and Border Security

1. Border Security Initiatives: Trump labeled the situation at the southern border as an “invasion,” allowing military personnel to assist in immigration enforcement.
2. Halting Refugee Admissions: The U.S. Refugee Admission Program was suspended pending a review.
3. Redefining Birthright Citizenship: An order aimed at redefining birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents without legal residency.
4. Construction of Border Barriers: Continued prioritization of building barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
5. Creation of Homeland Security Task Forces: Establishment of task forces across all states to combat criminal cartels and foreign gangs.

Economic and Trade Policies

6. Review of Trade Practices: Initiated a comprehensive examination of trade deficits and unfair trade practices, potentially leading to new tariffs.
7. U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Review: A review of the trade agreement for possible renegotiation.
8. Tariff Collection Plans: Plans to establish an “External Revenue Service” for tariff collection were announced.

Climate and Energy Policies

9. Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: The U.S. formally withdrew from the Paris climate agreement and halted related funding commitments.
10. National Energy Emergency Declaration: A declaration aimed at expediting energy project permits and facilitating fossil fuel extraction.

Diversity and Civil Rights

11. Dismantling Diversity Programs: Agencies were directed to dismantle federal diversity and inclusion initiatives within 60 days.
12. Gender Classifications: Federal recognition was limited to two genders on official documents, affecting civil rights interpretations.

Federal Workforce and Structure

13. Hiring Freeze: A hiring freeze was implemented across federal agencies, with exceptions for critical positions.
14. Department of Government Efficiency: Established to recommend federal budget cuts and streamline operations.

Healthcare

15. Withdrawal from WHO: The U.S. withdrew from the World Health Organization, halting funding transfers aimed at global health initiatives.

Foreign Policy

16. Sanctions on Israeli Groups: Lifted sanctions on Israeli groups accused of violence against Palestinians.
17. Review of Foreign Aid: Initiated a review of foreign development aid with a focus on aligning it with “America First” policies.

Cultural Policies

18. Restoration of Mount McKinley Name: The name Mount McKinley was restored in honor of the 25th president.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s first executive orders signed during his second term, reactions have been sharply divided, reflecting the polarized nature of American politics. The series of actions, which include controversial measures on immigration, border security, and environmental policy, have sparked both fervent support and significant backlash.

Immediate Reactions

• Record-Breaking Actions: Trump’s first day in office saw him shatter records for the number of executive orders signed. This aggressive approach was framed as a commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises, with Trump stating that these actions would initiate a “revolution of common sense” in governance. However, this rapid-fire signing of orders has also led to immediate legal challenges, particularly regarding his attempts to redefine birthright citizenship and halt refugee admissions.
• Political Theater: Observers noted that Trump’s use of executive power has become a form of political theater aimed at demonstrating his decisiveness and alignment with his base’s expectations. Political analysts remarked on how this strategy serves to reinforce his image as a disruptor of the status quo. Such theatrics resonate with his supporters but raise concerns about the implications for democratic norms and checks on executive power.
• Legal Challenges: Many of Trump’s actions are expected to face legal scrutiny. For instance, the proposed changes to birthright citizenship have already drawn criticism for potentially violating the 14th Amendment.³ Critics argue that these moves not only undermine established legal principles but also reflect an adversarial stance toward immigrant communities.

Broader Implications

• Impact on Immigration Policy: The executive orders signify a return to hardline immigration policies reminiscent of Trump’s first term. The establishment of military involvement in immigration enforcement and the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program signal a dramatic shift in how the U.S. approaches immigration and asylum seekers. Advocacy groups have condemned these measures as cruel and indicative of a broader agenda to marginalize immigrant populations.
• Environmental Concerns: Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement once again highlights his administration’s dismissal of climate change initiatives. This move aligns with recommendations from conservative think tanks and reflects a broader agenda to prioritize fossil fuel interests over environmental protections. Critics warn that such policies could have long-term detrimental effects on both national and global efforts to combat climate change.
• Public Sentiment: The reaction among the public is mixed, with many supporters praising Trump’s decisive actions as necessary for restoring American values and sovereignty. Conversely, opponents view these executive orders as an overreach of power that threatens civil rights and democratic institutions.

As Trump’s first executive orders take effect, their implications will unfold in the coming weeks and months. Trump’s initial policies indicated a desire to prioritize national sovereignty and economic protectionism, often at the expense of international cooperation. This approach raised concerns about increased tensions with other nations affected by his trade actions and immigration restrictions. Domestically, while deregulation and tax cuts were intended to benefit specific sectors, they risk exacerbating inequalities and undermining social safety nets.

Critics say that Trump’s presidency set a tone characterized by unilateral decision-making and a focus on consolidating power among elite groups while appealing to nationalist sentiments. This duality has implications for both domestic polarization and global stability, suggesting profound shifts in America’s role on the world stage.

1. https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0, https://www.npr.org/2025/01/28/nx-s1-5276293/trump-executive-orders ↩︎
2. https://covidcalltohumanity.org/2024/11/15/is-trump-for-real-will-he-betray-his-massive-maga-followers-and-the-world/, https://covidcalltohumanity.org/2025/01/13/trump-sends-mixed-signals-of-peace-and-war-but-his-real-agenda-is-clear-the-revival-of-the-us-empire-against-china-and-the-world/, https://covidcalltohumanity.org/2024/12/04/trump-will-not-drain-the-swamp-he-is-part-of-the-swamp-he-will-bring-war-and-betray-his-domestic-agenda-in-the-process/, https://covidcalltohumanity.org/2024/10/27/warning-reinforced-us-and-world-on-the-brink-of-disaster-urgent-need-for-new-approaches-to-democracy-and-electoral-politics/, https://covidcalltohumanity.org/2024/10/23/the-usa-has-doomed-itself-and-the-world-to-massive-global-collapse-and-blowback-an-open-letter-to-freedom-fighters/ ↩︎
3. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/after-day-one-high-level-analysis-trumps-first-executive-actions ↩︎