Trump Launches Sweeping Efforts to Dismantle Biden’s Legacy on 1st Day in Office/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump wasted no time asserting his authority as the 47th president of the United States, using his first hours in office to pardon January 6 rioters, issue a flurry of executive orders, and begin undoing much of Joe Biden’s legacy. The bold moves underscore Trump’s determination to reshape the nation’s institutions and solidify his political comeback.
Trump Begins Second Term by Dismantling Biden’s Legacy
QUICK Look
Key Actions on Day 1
- Mass Pardons:
- Pardoned approximately 1,500 January 6 rioters, including leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
- Commuted sentences for 14 additional individuals.
- Executive Orders:
- Increased border security and targeted birthright citizenship.
- Designated drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Repealed Biden-era policies on climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Created a task force to reduce the size of the federal government.
- Trade and Tariffs:
- Announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting February 1.
- Hinted at potential trade discussions with China.
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights
- Moved Indoors:
- Swearing-in relocated to the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing weather.
- Inaugural Address:
- Declared the start of a “golden age” and an end to “America’s decline.”
- Pledged to reclaim U.S. control of the Panama Canal and expand territory by acquiring Greenland.
- Promised to pursue space exploration, including sending astronauts to Mars.
Other Notable Moments
- Oval Office Changes:
- Replaced a portrait of FDR with one of George Washington.
- Joked about reading Biden’s transition note aloud but did not open it.
- Supporter Engagement:
- Signed executive orders in front of cheering supporters at Capital One Arena, tossing pens into the crowd.
Backlash and Criticism
- Pardons for January 6 rioters faced widespread condemnation.
- Trump labeled Biden’s last-minute pardons for family members as “guilty-looking.”
Prominent Attendees
- Tech moguls Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Tim Cook were present.
- Notably absent: Michelle Obama, Karen Pence, and other critics of Trump.
Looking Forward
- Trump’s agenda sets a divisive tone, focused on reshaping U.S. policies and pursuing retribution against political adversaries.
Trump Launches Sweeping Efforts to Dismantle Biden’s Legacy on 1st Day in Office
Deep Look
Aggressive Start to Trump’s Second Term
Trump’s immediate actions included:
- Mass Pardons: Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including leaders of groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
- Executive Orders: He signed orders targeting:
- Border security, including plans to limit birthright citizenship.
- Designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
- Repealing Biden-era initiatives on climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Establishing a task force to reduce the size of the federal government.
“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump declared in his inaugural address.
A Political Comeback Without Precedent
Four years after losing reelection, Trump returned to the White House amid soaring tensions and deep partisan divisions. Despite being impeached twice, facing multiple criminal convictions, and surviving two assassination attempts, Trump successfully positioned himself as a champion for voters frustrated by inflation, illegal immigration, and cultural battles.
Trump, now the first U.S. president to serve with a felony conviction, took the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda—a rare indoor inauguration due to freezing weather.
A Dual Focus on Ceremony and Action
The day’s events highlighted Trump’s ability to mix formal traditions with his unique brand of showmanship:
- Inaugural Address: He proclaimed a “golden age” for America, pledging to expand U.S. territory by acquiring Greenland and regaining control of the Panama Canal.
- Tariffs and Trade: Trump announced imminent 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and hinted at potential visits to China.
- Oval Office Changes: He replaced a portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt with one of George Washington and joked about reading Biden’s note to him aloud.
After his swearing-in, Trump delivered a more freewheeling speech to supporters at Capital One Arena, where he began signing executive orders to thunderous applause, even tossing pens into the crowd.
High-Profile Attendance and Divisions
The inaugural events drew a mix of political elites, tech moguls, and Trump loyalists:
- Notable Guests: Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Tim Cook attended the ceremony, mingling with Trump’s new administration officials.
- Divided Reception: While thousands of supporters celebrated at various venues, critics noted the absence of certain former presidents and first ladies, including Michelle Obama and Karen Pence.
Contentious Moves and Immediate Backlash
Trump’s sweeping pardons and executive orders drew sharp criticism:
- Pardons: His decision to pardon January 6 rioters, including those convicted of assaulting police, was condemned by opponents as undermining accountability.
- Biden’s Final Acts: Just before leaving office, Biden issued preemptive pardons for his siblings and close aides, citing “exceptional circumstances.” Trump called the move “very guilty-looking.”
Looking Ahead
Trump’s early moves signal a presidency focused on delivering retribution, reshaping U.S. policies, and undoing Biden’s initiatives. However, the aggressive pace and divisive nature of his agenda ensure that the nation remains sharply polarized as Trump embarks on his second term.
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