As the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump has started his second term at a fast pace. He signed a series of executive orders within hours of being sworn in, marking his attempt to undermine many of Joe Biden’s policies. He is determined to deliver a transformative presidency, heralding a new “American Golden Age” and correcting the mistakes of his first term.
Amnesty to the January 6 Rioters:
Shortly after his inauguration, Trump announced a mass pardon for nearly 1,500 accused in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots. It also included some prominent leaders of extreme groups such as the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. This has raised questions on the American judiciary, and Trump’s decision is likely to have a deep impact on American democracy.
Migration Policy and Border Security:
Trump has declared a state of emergency along the southern border as he steps up his anti-immigration policies. He ordered the shutdown of apps used for legal immigrants and has begun the process of ending birthright citizenship. The refugee resettlement program has been suspended for four months.
Involvement of Tech Billionaires:
Trump’s new term has included prominent tech figures in his policies. Tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, and Mark Zuckerberg have started to play important roles in Trump’s administration. This raises concerns about conflict of interest.
Dramatic Changes in World Policies:
Trump has unsettled world leaders by demanding that NATO members spend 5% of their GDP on defense. He has also declared Mexico’s drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. In addition, he has tried to pressure Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine-Russia war.
Impact on Trade Policies:
Although Trump has refrained from immediately imposing new tariffs, he has announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada starting in February. This is likely to create trade tensions.
Trump’s Controversial Statements and Policies:
Trump has made decisions against diversity and gender equality on his first day. He has ordered the return of “biological sex” on government documents, sparking outrage in the LGBTQ+ community.
It is clear that Donald Trump’s second term will be full of controversial decisions. The impact of their policies will not be limited to America, but will have a global impact. This initial step in his tenure marked the direction of fast-paced and contentious politics for the next four years.