Donald Trump stormed back into office with a flurry of executive orders, leaving opponents reeling as they scramble to respond to his bold actions. Promising "many more" directives in the coming days, Trump's initial decisions set a combative tone reminiscent of his campaign pledge to be a "dictator on day one." On his first day, he issued 1,600 pardons to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. His actions signal a transformed political and cultural landscape in the United States.
In a series of sweeping moves, Trump withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement. Additionally, he declared a national emergency to facilitate troop deployment to the southern border and curtailed America's constitutional birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens through an executive order. Trump also implemented a federal hiring freeze and mandated that all federal employees return to their offices, ending remote work arrangements.
The returning president's aggressive policy changes left his opponents scrambling to respond. The message in Trump's inauguration speech strongly resembled a State of the Union address, with his vow that "nothing will stand in our way" of ending what he termed as American "decline." This declaration was seen as a promise to overhaul Washington's government bureaucracy.
"As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female," announced Trump during his anti-transgender declaration.
Trump's inaugural address further intensified the political atmosphere with its combative tone. Observers noted that his speech seemed to bear out his earlier pledge to be a "dictator on day one," as he signaled significant changes ahead for U.S. policy. His wealthiest supporter and patron, Elon Musk, made a gesture strongly resembling a fascist salute after the inauguration, emphasizing the charged atmosphere surrounding Trump's return.
The executive orders also included the removal of Gen Mark Milley, former chair of the armed forces joint chiefs of staff, from the national infrastructure advisory council. This decision underscored Trump's intention to reshape key aspects of government leadership.
In a stark critique, Liz Cheney remarked, "He sat in his dining room watching on television as his supporters attacked our Capitol and brutally assaulted law enforcement. For hours, he refused to instruct the mob to leave. The truth will never change."
Cheney's comments serve as a reminder of the turbulent events surrounding January 6 and highlight the ongoing political divisions in Washington. Her statement reflects the deep-seated concerns among Trump's opponents regarding his leadership style and policy direction.
Cheney further commented on Trump's return, stating it as "a reminder that neither lies nor the liar who tells them get better with age."
Trump's return to office marks a dramatic shift in U.S. governance. His actions not only redefine domestic and foreign policies but also challenge established norms regarding executive power and its limits. The pardoning of January 6 rioters and his subsequent order withdrawals signify an administration intent on reshaping the nation's trajectory.
The declaration of a national emergency at the southern border suggests heightened security measures and an assertive immigration stance. The move to end birthright citizenship for non-citizen children further aligns with Trump's previous immigration policies and initiatives.