In his first week in office, Trump signed a flurry of executive orders and rescinded more than 40% of Biden’s executive orders, affecting everything from immigration to the environment.
Agency leaders are still interpreting the orders — and the White House is still clarifying them — so the extent of their effects on workers across industries isn’t yet clear. But three sectors in particular will be greatly impacted Trump’s executive actions this week: construction, food production and processing, and the federal bureaucracy.
1. TRUMP DECLARES NATIONAL EMERGENCY AT THE BORDER
This move empowers the Secretary of Defense to deploy military forces quickly and redirect federal resources to address the border crisis.
2. TRUMP ENDS “CATCH AND RELEASE”
Trump signed an executive order officially ending the federal “catch and release” program.
This policy had allowed migrants who entered illegally to stay in the U.S. while awaiting asylum decisions.
3. TRUMP REINSTATES ‘REMAIN IN MEXICO’ POLICY
This requires asylum-seekers to remain in Mexico while their claims are processed, reducing strain on U.S. immigration facilities.
The policy aims to deter illegal crossings and prevent system abuse.
4. TRUMP RESUMES BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION
First initiated during his previous term, the wall is a key part of his strategy to prevent illegal crossings.
The order directs contractors to resume work without delay.
5. TRUMP DESIGNATES CARTELS AS GLOBAL TERRORISTS
This designation allows for tougher measures to target cartel operations, including financial networks and leadership.
Trump called this step necessary to combat drug trafficking and human smuggling.
6. TRUMP SUSPENDS REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT FOR 4 MONTHS
The pause is part of his broader strategy to address what he calls the “migrant invasion of America.”
7. TRUMP CHANGES BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP RULES
The 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to those born in the U.S., but Trump’s order challenges that interpretation.
8. TROOPS DEPLOYED TO THE BORDER
Trump authorized the deployment of military forces to the southern border through an executive order.
The directive tasks U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) with repelling mass migration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
9. TRUMP ORDERS ENHANCED BORDER VETTING
The measure aims to close loopholes and strengthen processes to identify and block security threats.
10. TRUMP ENDS GOVERNMENT CENSORSHIP
The order directs agencies to cease any actions that suppress free speech, framing it as a restoration of First Amendment rights.
11. FEDERAL HIRING AND REGULATION FREEZE
He specifically targeted the IRS for a hiring freeze and ordered federal workers to return to their offices.
12. TRUMP TARGETS ‘WEAPONIZATION’ OF GOVERNMENT
This move aims to restore fairness and prevent partisan misuse of federal power.
13. 78 BIDEN ORDERS RESCINDED
The rollback targets policies that Trump says undermined American prosperity and national security.
14. SECURITY CLEARANCES REVOKED
Trump revoked security clearances for former officials who signed a letter claiming Hunter Biden’s laptop was false.
15. DEATH PENALTY RESTORED
The order directs the Attorney General to ensure states have access to necessary lethal injection drugs.
16. REFORMING POLICY-MAKING FEDERAL POSITIONS
Trump reclassified federal roles with policy-making authority to enhance accountability.
This policy reinstates a system to dismiss underperforming or insubordinate employees more easily.
Trump framed it as necessary to ensure federal staff align with his administration’s goals.
17. TRUMP ADDRESSES COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS
The directive focuses on reducing financial burdens on American families through targeted actions and reforms.
18. ‘AMERICA FIRST’ FOREIGN POLICY IMPLEMENTED
Trump signed an executive order to implement an “America First” foreign policy at the State Department.
The order mandates all operations, policies, and programs to prioritize U.S. interests above globalist agendas.
19. U.S. FOREIGN AID SUSPENDED FOR 90 DAYS
Trump paused all U.S. foreign assistance programs for 90 days via executive order.
The suspension allows for a review to ensure aid aligns with his administration’s policy goals.
20. TRUMP REJECTS GLOBAL TAX DEAL
Trump issued an order rejecting the commitments to the OECD Global Tax Deal made under the previous administration.
The order safeguards American companies from extraterritorial taxation and discriminatory practices.
It also tasks the Treasury and Trade Representatives with proposing protective measures against unfair foreign tax policies.
21. TRUMP DECLARES NATIONAL ENERGY EMERGENCY
Trump declared a national energy emergency, rolling back leasing for wind farms and ending Biden’s electric vehicle mandate.
The order also reduces regulatory hurdles for oil and gas production to revive American manufacturing and boost energy exports globally.
Trump framed the move as critical to energy independence and economic growth.
22. TRUMP WITHDRAWS FROM PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT—AGAIN
The withdrawal process will take years, making the U.S. one of the few nations not bound by the accord.
23. TRUMP OPENS ALASKA’S OIL RESERVES
Trump signed an order unlocking the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska for oil drilling.
The directive also cuts red tape on oil and natural gas production, aiming to unleash the state’s resource potential.
24. TRUMP HALTS OFFSHORE WIND EXPANSION
Trump paused offshore wind lease sales and approvals through an executive order.
The directive temporarily halts all permits and loans for wind projects onshore and offshore.
Trump cited the need to prioritize traditional energy sources and their economic benefits.
25. TRUMP ESTABLISHES DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY (DOGE)
Co-led by Elon and Vivek, the agency aims to eliminate overspending and streamline federal operations.
26. TRUMP DELAYS TIKTOK BAN
Trump signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day reprieve from a nationwide ban, but under certain conditions.
27. FLAGS AT FULL-STAFF ON INAUGURATION DAY
Trump signed an order mandating flags be flown at full-staff on all future Inauguration Days.
The directive clarifies protocol after Biden’s earlier half-staff order for President Carter’s death caused confusion.
Trump said the move ensures a consistent national tradition.
28. TRUMP APPOINTS OFFICIALS IN SIGNING CEREMONY
29. FULL PARDONS FOR JAN. 6 RIOTERS
Trump formally appointed 22 Cabinet and non-Cabinet officials, 47 sub-Cabinet leaders, and 31 acting designates.
Trump handed ceremonial pens to Vice President Vance and congressional leaders during the event.
Trump signed pardons for 1,500 January 6th rioters, calling them “hostages of political persecution.”
He also announced sentence commutations for others pending further review.
30. TRUMP LIMITS DEFINITIONS OF GENDER IDENTITY
Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to define individuals by sex, not gender, in policies and documents.
The order restricts gender identification options to those assigned at birth.
