Trump’s second term begin with sweeping policy changes. Here’s what you need to know

DONALD Trump, sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, began his second term with a historic wave of executive orders, reportedly signing up to 200 in a single day - unprecedented move in U.S. history. The wide-ranging directives focused on immigration, border security, climate policy, and technology regulation, among other issues. While some orders are likely to face legal challenges, the actions underscore Trump’s determination to swiftly dismantle Joe Biden-era policies and reassert his agenda.

Immigration and Border Security Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S-Mexico border, directing the military to secure crossings and ordering the resumption of efforts to construct additional border barriers. The wall project, a signature issue during Trump’s first term, had largely stalled due to funding disputes.

Criminal cartels and international gangs, including Salvadoran MS-13 and Mexican Tren de Aragua, were designated as terrorist organisations, granting federal agencies expanded powers to combat smuggling and violence.

Trump also signed orders to end automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants and to suspend the U.S. refugee resettlement programme for four months.

Technology and TikTok Trump postponed the implementation of a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, allowing its parent company additional time to secure a U.S.-based buyer. Trump, who had previously pushed for a complete ban, said his decision reflected the platform’s “potential value” if controlled by U.S. interests.

Government Reform and Elon Musk Trump formalised the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk as its head. Musk will oversee efforts to streamline federal operations and reduce costs.

The president also issued a federal hiring freeze, exempting military and critical roles, and ordered federal employees to return to in-office work, reversing remote work policies implemented during the pandemic.

Climate and Energy Trump formally withdraws the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, again - calling it a “burden” on American businesses. The agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, was rejoined by Biden in 2021 after Trump’s initial withdrawal during his first term. Trump argued the deal unfairly impacted U.S. competitiveness. He also declared a national energy emergency, prioritising fossil fuel production and halting federal leasing for wind energy projects.

Trump also revoked Biden’s 2021 executive order targeting 50% of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. to be electric by 2030. Trump criticised the target as unrealistic and ordered a halt to the $5 billion allocated for EV charging infrastructure. In addition, Trump called for an end to federal EV tax credits and directed agencies to review the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates adopted by states such as California, which plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.

Global Health and the WHO Trump moves quickly to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organisation (WHO), citing a string of reasons for the withdrawal, including the agency’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and failure to adopt needed reforms. He also criticised the WHO’s financial demands on the U.S., arguing that China pays less.

Trump had long opposed the WHO, first threatening to cut funding in 2020 and formally initiating withdrawal later that year. Biden blocked the move upon taking office in January 2021, but Trump’s new order seeks to restart the process of disengagement from the organisation.

Capitol Riot Pardons Trump issued pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots. The pardons include those charged with non-violent offences and obstructing official proceedings. Trump said the measure addressed what he described as “political bias” in the prosecutions.

Undoing Biden’s Executive Orders Trump revokes 78 executive orders from Joe Biden’s administration, spanning from energy policy and diversity initiatives, highlighting his determination to dismantle Biden-era measures.

Among the rescinded orders were policies addressing COVID-19 relief, clean energy promotion, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Trump also nullified measures supporting LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity, fulfilling campaign promises to limit protections for marginalized groups. He declared these moves necessary to restore what he called “American values.”

AI and Executive Orders Trump revokes Biden’s 2023 executive order on AI risks, which aimed to reduce threats to national security, workers, and consumers. The order had required developers to share safety tests with the U.S. government before releasing AI systems.

Trump's decision aligns with his stance against regulations he believes hinder innovation in AI development. While the 2024 Republican platform promised to repeal such orders, Trump's actions aim to foster a more deregulated environment for AI growth.

Free Speech and Censorship To address concerns over alleged federal overreach, Trump issued an executive order to “restore freedom of speech.” He accused the Biden administration of stifling constitutionally protected speech by pressuring platforms to curb so-called misinformation and disinformation.

Government Overhaul Trump announced plans to remove over 1,000 Biden-era appointees, asserting they were misaligned with his “Make America Great Again” vision. Notable dismissals included celebrity chef José Andrés and former military leader Mark Milley. The president promised to replace them with individuals committed to his agenda.