Today, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. There were no terrorist attacks, mass protests, or UFOs hovering in the skies. The immediate aftermath of the inauguration was marked by sweeping actions, as President Trump signed a mass of executive orders that took the United States of America into a hard right turn and, in some cases, put the whole country into reverse.
One of the most notable executive actions involved immigration and border security. President Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, allowing for the deployment of military resources to bolster border protections. He also issued an executive order ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, a move that sparked significant debate and was expected to face intense legal challenges. In an effort to combat organized crime, he designated several international cartels, including the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua, as terrorist organizations.
In addition to these immigration policies, Trump’s early actions included significant changes to federal definitions of gender and policies promoting diversity. An executive order established a strict binary definition of sex based on reproductive anatomy, effectively rolling back federal recognition of transgender and non-binary individuals. This was paired with another order terminating all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government, replacing them with a merit-based approach.
Energy and environmental policies also saw immediate changes. President Trump declared a national energy emergency, lifted restrictions on oil and gas exploration, and accelerated infrastructure projects related to fossil fuels. He also signed an order withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, reaffirming an “America First” approach to international agreements. These decisions were celebrated by industry leaders while drawing criticism from environmentalists and climate scientists.
Perhaps one of the most controversial moves of the day was the issuance of mass pardons for individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. Approximately 1,500 people received clemency, including high-profile members of groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. Supporters hailed this as a necessary act of justice, while critics decried it as undermining accountability for an attack on democratic institutions.
Former President Joe Biden, in his final hours in office, issued a series of preemptive pardons of his own. Among those pardoned were his brother, James Biden, who had been under investigation for influence-peddling, and his son, Hunter Biden. Additionally, he granted clemency to figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley, actions that some interpreted as protective measures against potential retribution by the incoming administration. These decisions were polarizing, with some viewing them as a safeguard for public servants and others as an abuse of power.
Amid these political developments, a moment of cultural controversy emerged involving Elon Musk. During a rally celebrating Trump’s inauguration, Musk made a gesture that some interpreted as a Nazi-like salute. While he later dismissed it as an awkward moment taken out of context, the incident sparked significant public backlash and debate. Advocacy groups such as the Anti-Defamation League weighed in, urging caution in interpreting the gesture but acknowledging the sensitivity of such imagery.
These early actions and events set the tone for what is expected to be a contentious and transformative presidency. For future generations, these moments serve as a reflection of the profound ideological divides and complex political dynamics of this era. They underscore the enduring tension between competing visions for the nation’s future and the ways in which leadership decisions can ripple through history like the tidal waves produced by an asteroid strike.