Staff Reports
President Trump wasted no time jumping into action on his first day back in the Oval Office, signing a record number of executive orders that promptly reversed many of the changes made by his predecessor, Joe Biden. With a folder full of executive actions in hand and supporters cheering wildly at Capital One Arena, Trump made it abundantly clear that his return signaled a restoration of sanity in the federal government.
One of Trump’s most notable actions focused on securing the southern border, a promise that had been a cornerstone of his original campaign. It appears that while Biden fiddled with his open-border agenda, Trump was busy getting the country back on track by reinstating policies that actually protect the nation. Besides border security, he laid the groundwork for revitalizing the economy by declaring a national energy emergency, pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord—deemed a “rip-off”—and emphasizing the need for more American energy production. In classic Trump fashion, he was ready to bring back the mantra of “drill, baby, drill.”
In a bold move that raised eyebrows among the political left, Trump declared an end to the widespread diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that had taken root during Biden’s term. He reinforced the traditional understanding of gender by recognizing only two classifications: male and female. This decisive action was a direct shot at the flurry of policies that tried to redefine basic biology in the name of social justice.
Continuing to press forward, Trump signed pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals and commuting sentences for others related to the events of January 6, 2021. His characterization of these individuals as “the J6 hostages” highlights his commitment to addressing what he views as wrongful persecutions carried out by the previous administration. Moreover, Trump began the arduous process of peeling back Biden’s entire executive legacy—signing an impressive executive order that rescinded 78 of Biden’s actions.
Trump reverses Biden’s woke policies, bolsters energy production, pardons Jan. 6 defendants https://t.co/rPyp3yFoNf pic.twitter.com/bWtombMeme
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 21, 2025
Notably, the tradition of new presidents reversing their predecessors’ policies is as old as the office itself. However, Trump’s approach was characterized by speed and breadth that him apart from the rest, even highlighting the physical energy disparity between him and an absent-minded 82-year-old Biden. The day included other significant executive actions—freezing federal hiring, mandating most government employees to return to in-person work, and suspending new regulations until the Trump administration was fully operational.
The most memorable moment of the signing ceremony came when Trump tossed pens into the crowd, casually sealing the deal on promises made during his campaign. In a pointed jab at Biden, he poked fun at the former president’s stamina, leaving onlookers with a vision of just how different his administration aims to operate compared to the last. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to restoring free speech and putting an end to the weaponization of governmental powers, emphasizing a clear message: the days of bureaucratic overreach are supposed to be over. As the administration embarks on this new journey, many are keenly watching—holding their breath for what a unbridled Trump has in store for America’s future.
