Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border shortly after being sworn in as president at noon on Monday. This move marked the beginning of a day packed with executive actions aimed at overturning key policies of the Biden administration.
Trump, who took the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol, plans to sign as many as 100 executive orders by the day’s end, targeting issues like immigration, energy, the economy, and gender policies. Among his most contentious actions is the resumption of border wall construction, alongside directing the Department of Defense to bolster resources, including counter-drone capabilities, to “seal the border.”
A significant part of Trump’s immigration plan involves reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to await their proceedings south of the border. Additionally, the administration announced intentions to end birthright citizenship, though constitutional constraints make this a challenging promise to fulfill without legislative approval.
In tandem with his immigration orders, Trump outlined plans to address inflation and rising energy costs. Executive orders will prioritize boosting domestic energy production and reducing consumer expenses. However, despite earlier pledges, the administration confirmed no new tariffs would be imposed immediately, signaling a shift in economic strategy.
Social policies also took center stage, with Trump vowing to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. He also plans to redefine official recognition of sex to only male and female, reversing policies established under the previous administration.
Symbolic gestures underscored Trump’s inaugural day as well. Plans were unveiled to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and restore the former name of Denali, reverting it to Mount McKinley.
After his inauguration, Trump addressed the nation, outlining his vision for a renewed “America First” agenda. His address was followed by a luncheon and a parade relocated to the Capital One Arena due to frigid temperatures in Washington, D.C. About 20,000 supporters attended, a significant reduction from the expected crowd at the Capitol grounds.
The day represents the start of what Trump officials describe as an “all-of-government approach” to advance his agenda, signaling a bold and controversial trajectory for the administration’s next four years.
