A Comprehensive Guide to His Bold Start in 2025
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President Donald Trump's first term was marked by bold actions aimed at reshaping American policy, and day one of his second term in office was no exception.
On Jan. 20, Trump signed a series of Executive Orders (EOs) that set the tone for his administration; emphasizing deregulation, border security, energy independence, and restoring traditional American values.
These directives were designed to realign federal priorities and reclaim national sovereignty. Below is a comprehensive list of the EOs signed on Day One, along with summaries of their significance and implications for Americans.
EXECUTIVE ORDERS SIGNED ON JANUARY 20, 2025
Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions. This EO rescinded several executive orders from previous administrations that Trump's team identified as harmful to American interests, particularly those relating to climate regulations and social policies. Examples include President Biden's EO 13990, which focused on "Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis," and EO 14008, which addressed "Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad." Trump's order also targeted Biden's initiatives on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the federal workforce, which were viewed as incompatible with his administration's priorities.
Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship. This order directs federal agencies to ensure that no policies or practices censor free speech, particularly on social media platforms, while protecting the rights of Americans to express their opinions. For example, it mandates a review of federal partnerships with social media companies to identify any instances of government-endorsed censorship.
Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government. Aimed at reducing political bias, this EO requires agencies to audit their practices and ensure they are not being used for partisan purposes. For instance, it directs the Department of Justice to reassess its investigations into politically sensitive cases to ensure impartiality.
Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements. This EO reviews US commitments to international environmental treaties, ensuring they align with domestic energy and economic priorities. A notable action is the directive to evaluate rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement under revised terms favoring US industries.
Application of Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to TikTok. This EO expands restrictions on TikTok and other applications deemed to pose national security risks. It explicitly requires the Commerce Department to monitor data-sharing practices and impose additional sanctions, if necessary.
Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization. Trump reaffirmed the US withdrawal from the WHO, citing concerns about the organization's inefficiency and bias toward foreign adversaries. Additionally, the EO redirects US funds to domestic health initiatives, such as vaccine research and disease prevention programs.
Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce. This order reclassifies certain federal roles to ensure accountability and align them with Trump's "America First" policies. For example, senior advisory positions will be restructured to enhance transparency and performance metrics.
Holding Former Government Officials Accountable for Election Interference and Improper Disclosure of Sensitive Governmental Information. This EO calls for investigations and accountability measures for officials involved in alleged election interference or improper disclosures. A specific example includes directing the Intelligence Community to declassify materials related to prior election cycles.
Clarifying the Military's Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States. Trump's directive outlines the military's role in border security, emphasizing the use of the armed forces to combat threats like cartels and human trafficking. This includes deploying additional National Guard units to high-risk areas.
Unleashing American Energy. This EO removes restrictions on domestic energy production, including oil, natural gas, and coal, aiming to restore US energy independence. For instance, it reopens leasing for oil and gas drilling on federal lands previously restricted under prior administrations.
Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program. The order reduces the number of refugees admitted annually and restructures the program to prioritize American interests. An example is redirecting resources to focus on aiding refugees in safe zones closer to their regions of origin.
Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship. This EO enhances requirements for citizenship, focusing on preserving its significance and discouraging illegal immigration. For example, it reinstates civics-based testing and language proficiency standards for naturalization.
Securing Our Borders. Trump directs resources toward constructing the border wall and increasing surveillance to curb illegal immigration. This includes prioritizing advanced technologies such as drones and infrared sensors to monitor high-risk areas.
Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety. This order reinstates the federal death penalty for certain crimes and emphasizes tougher penalties for violent offenders. Specific crimes include terrorism and mass shootings.
Declaring a National Energy Emergency. Trump's declaration allows for immediate action to address energy shortages and stabilize domestic energy prices. An example includes authorizing the expansion of strategic petroleum reserves.
Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid. This EO reviews foreign aid programs to ensure funds are being used effectively and aligned with US priorities. One example is reallocating aid away from adversarial nations to support allies in strategic regions.
Protecting the American People Against Invasion. This order emphasizes measures to combat illegal immigration, including enhanced enforcement at the southern border. For instance, it allocates additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential. Trump's directive encourages energy and resource development in Alaska to boost economic growth. It includes reopening oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. This EO reinforces vetting processes and policies to safeguard Americans from foreign threats. Specific measures include updating the travel ban list to include nations deemed high-risk.
America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State. The order directs US foreign policy to prioritize bilateral agreements that benefit American workers and businesses. For example, it emphasizes renegotiating existing trade agreements to secure more favorable terms for US industries.
Establishing and Implementing the President's 'Department of Government Efficiency.' This EO creates a new department focused on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in federal operations. A key initiative includes consolidating redundant government programs to reduce expenditures.
Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. This order aims to align federal policy with biological distinctions between men and women. For instance, it rescinds policies that allow biological males to compete in women's sports at the federal level.
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. Trump's directive eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs deemed unnecessary or divisive. A specific example includes discontinuing mandatory DEI training sessions for federal employees.
Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service. This EO prioritizes merit-based hiring over quotas or preferential policies. For example, it reinstates performance-based evaluations as the primary criterion for promotions in federal agencies.
Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The order expands the designation of cartels as terrorist organizations to combat their influence. A key measure includes freezing assets linked to identified cartel leaders.
Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness. Trump's directive calls for the restoration of historical names removed during cultural and political movements. An example explicitly mentioned by President Trump is reversing the renaming of Alaska's Mount McKinley to Mount Denali, which took place in 2015. However, this also includes renaming federal buildings and landmarks to honor founding fathers and other historical figures.
CONCLUSION
These Executive Orders reflect Trump's commitment to reshaping American policy in line with his campaign promises, as well as his incredible work ethic. From border security to energy independence and free speech protections, each EO carries significant implications for the nation's trajectory. In future articles, we will analyze the most impactful orders, exploring their effects on everyday Americans and the broader policy landscape.
Arthur is a former editor and consultant. Born in India to missionary parents, he spent his early career working in development for NGOs in Asia, Central America, and Africa.
Arthur has an educational background in history and psychology, with certifications from the University of Oxford and Leiden in the economics, politics, and ethics of mass migration and comparative theories in terrorism and counterterrorism. He is currently launching CivWest, a company focused on building capital to fund restorative projects and create resilient systems across the Western world.
Editor's note:
HOW SOULS AND LIBERTYÂ WILL MOVE FORWARD THE NEXT FOUR YEARS
There can be no doubt we have witnessed an extraordinary moment in the history of the United States and the world. The election of Donald Trump to a second Presidential term is a great victory for Christian patriots, but it is not a complete or final victory. Rather, it is a reprieve from the ceaseless assaults on life, liberty and faith we have had to endure for four years.
Donald Trump is president again! To-date, his decisions, Cabinet selections, and force of personality are shaping the United States and the world in ways we could only dream of.
We have a Heaven-sent opportunity to step up and ensure this victory is not merely a one-off, but the first of many and the foundation of a lasting legacy of patriotic, Christian, pro-family policies.
Souls and Liberty will be part of that effort, but we cannot do it without you. It will require reporting and activism that YOU can be a part of.
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Stephen Wynne
Editor-in-Chief, Souls and Liberty