Donald Trump wasted no time making waves after being sworn in as president on Monday, January 20. From a dramatic inauguration to immediate changes in policy, the 78-year-old has launched his second term with a flurry of headlines.
Awkward Moments Steal the Spotlight
Trump’s inauguration was far from ordinary. An uncomfortable kiss attempt with wife Melania captured public attention, while Elon Musk’s peculiar on-stage gesture sparked a whirlwind of speculation online.
Bold Policy Moves: TikTok Revived and Staff Dismissals Begin
Within hours of taking office, Trump began implementing sweeping changes. Notably, he resurrected TikTok, reversing the previous ban, and publicly dismissed four high-profile White House staff members.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump revealed his plans to remove over 1,000 officials appointed by the Biden administration, writing:
“My Presidential Personnel Office is actively in the process of identifying and removing over a thousand Presidential Appointees from the previous Administration, who are not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again.”
He added, “Let this serve as Official Notice of Dismissal for these 4 individuals, with many more coming soon,” before naming the sacked officials: Jose Andres, Mark Milley, Brian Hook, and Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Chef Jose Andres: A Longstanding Feud Ends
The dismissal of celebrity chef Jose Andres came as little surprise. Their rocky history dates back to 2015, when Andres withdrew from a contract to open a restaurant in Trump’s Washington D.C. hotel after Trump’s controversial comments about Mexican immigrants. The fallout led to a lawsuit, which was eventually settled in 2017. Despite publicly calling each other “friends” at the time, tensions remained high.
Following his removal, Andres took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify:
“I submitted my resignation last week… my 2-year term was already up.”
In a parting statement, Andres expressed hope that Trump would prioritize health and fitness initiatives for Americans and called for unity, saying, “May God give you the wisdom, Mr. President, to put politics and name-calling aside… Let’s build longer tables.”
Executive Orders: A Glimpse into Trump’s Second-Term Agenda
Trump has already signed several executive orders, signaling his ambitious plans for his second term:
Gender Policy Reform
Trump’s administration declared that there are only two genders, halting government programs promoting inclusivity. The policy aims to “defend women from gender ideology extremism.”
Free Speech Protections
Vowing to restore free speech, Trump’s order prohibits federal officers from engaging in censorship.
Withdrawal from the WHO
Blaming the organization for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump announced the U.S. will leave the World Health Organization.
TikTok Reprieve
In a surprising move, Trump paused the U.S. ban on TikTok, stating, “I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok that I didn’t have originally.”
January 6 Pardons
Trump issued pardons to 1,500 individuals and six commutations related to the Capitol insurrection.
Immigration Crackdown
The president reinstated strict immigration policies, declared illegal immigration a national emergency, and began reversing Biden-era policies. He also initiated efforts to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
Restoration of the Death Penalty
Trump ordered the reinstatement of capital punishment, ensuring states have sufficient supplies for executions.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico
Fulfilling a campaign promise, Trump signed an order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. While symbolic, this change won’t affect its global designation.
Energy Independence
In a bid to “unleash American energy,” Trump reversed Biden’s drilling bans and committed to expanding U.S. energy exports.
Cost of Living Relief
To address rising costs, Trump introduced emergency measures aimed at reducing housing prices and eliminating climate policies that increase food and fuel expenses.
Drug Cartels Declared Terrorist Organizations
Trump classified international drug cartels as terrorist organizations, citing their national security threat.
Federal Worker Classification
Federal employees are now considered political hires, making them easier to remove.
A Controversial Start to a New Chapter
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has been anything but quiet. From high-profile firings to bold policy announcements, the president’s actions have reignited debates nationwide. As his term unfolds, one thing is certain: Trump’s presidency will continue to dominate headlines.
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