Donald Trump sits at the Oval Office desk, signing a stack of executive orders, surrounded by aides and officials as he overturns Biden-era policies on his first day as the 47th President of the United States.

January 20, 2025: News RoundUp

President Trump is inaugurated today.

Business, Immigration, and Education expert, Dr. Aparna Vashisht Rota, summarizes key actions by Trump in the past 5 hours:

Trump Arrives at the White House as 47th President

Donald Trump officially arrived at the White House, marking his return to power. He immediately signed executive orders overturning Biden-era policies, signaling a drastic policy shift within hours of taking office.

State Leaders Push Climate Action Despite Paris Exit

Democratic-led states vow to continue climate policies, despite Trump pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement. Governors from New York and California plan to attend climate summits to maintain U.S. involvement.

Trump Announces New Tariffs on China and Allies

Trump signaled plans for tariffs on China and U.S. allies, stating his administration will rebuild U.S. industry. Business leaders warn of economic repercussions, but Trump insists the tariffs will boost American jobs.

Trump Slams Biden’s Family Pardons

Trump criticized Joe Biden’s last-minute pardons for his family members, calling them a conflict of interest. He hinted at further investigations into Biden-era actions under his new Justice Department leadership.

U.S. Withdraws from Paris Climate Agreement Again

Trump officially pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement, claiming it hurts American businesses. Global leaders criticized the decision, while climate activists vowed to fight back at the state level.

Senate Advances Immigration Crackdown Bill

The Senate passed a GOP-backed bill mandating detention for undocumented immigrants charged with crimes. However, ICE officials warn that the U.S. lacks the resources to implement the policy fully.

Marco Rubio Confirmed as Secretary of State

The Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Marco Rubio as Trump’s Secretary of State, making him the first Cabinet official approved in Trump’s new administration. Rubio will play a key role in U.S. foreign policy.

Trump Orders Release of January 6 Defendants

Trump commuted the sentences of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys convicted of seditious conspiracy, paving the way for their immediate release. The decision has been heavily criticized by lawmakers and law enforcement.

Trump Shuts Down CBP One Immigration App

The administration shut down the CBP One app, which helped migrants legally seek asylum. The ACLU immediately filed a lawsuit, calling the move a violation of international asylum laws.

Trump Plans to Meet with Putin Over Russia-Ukraine War

Trump announced his intention to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. He claims the conflict should never have started and vows to end it as soon as possible.

Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

Trump confirmed that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will take effect on February 1. This marks a major shift in trade policy, raising concerns over potential economic retaliation from both neighboring countries.

Trump Grants Mass Pardons to January 6 Rioters

Trump fully pardoned over 1,500 people charged in the January 6 Capitol riot, including felony offenders convicted of assaulting police officers. Critics say this sets a dangerous precedent.

Trump Declares National Emergency at the Southern Border

Trump signed sweeping immigration orders, deploying military resources to finish building the border wall. His administration also classified drug cartels as terrorist organizations, escalating tensions with Mexico.

Trump Fires FBI Leadership, Appoints New Acting Director

Trump removed FBI Director Christopher Wray and appointed Brian Driscoll as acting director. Kash Patel is expected to be confirmed as the permanent FBI director in the coming weeks.

Trump Withdraws U.S. from the World Health Organization

Trump cut ties with the WHO, citing mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and political bias. Critics warn this move isolates the U.S. from global health cooperation.

Trump Revokes Security Clearances for Former Intelligence Officials

Trump revoked the security clearances of 51 former intelligence officials who signed the 2020 Hunter Biden laptop letter. While the move has limited practical impact, Trump insists they should be prosecuted.

Trump Limits Birthright Citizenship

Trump signed an executive order restricting birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and temporary visitors. Legal experts predict this will face major Supreme Court challenges.

TikTok Ban Delayed for 75 Days

Trump granted a temporary extension to TikTok, delaying the enforcement of a nationwide ban for 75 days. The decision buys time for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face an outright ban.

Trump Pardons Oath Keepers and Proud Boys Convicted of Sedition

Trump commuted the sentences of far-right extremist leaders convicted of seditious conspiracy, a move criticized for undermining the rule of law.

Trump Signs Multiple Executive Orders Reversing Biden Policies

Within hours of taking office, Trump revoked 78 Biden-era policies, marking a dramatic policy shift. His orders include rolling back climate regulations, restricting immigration, and freezing government hiring.

It is MLK Day today. As Alanis Morisette says, it is Ironic.

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