What we know about Trump’s executive orders following his swearing-in

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said on Monday that he will issue what is expected be a flurry executive orders and directions as he seeks to stamp his new administration in matters ranging between energy and immigration.

Sources familiar with the plans say that more than 200 orders and directives may be issued in a "shock and awe" campaign.

What we know so far about the Executive Orders

IMMIGRATION

In his inaugural address, shortly after being sworn into a second term at the White House, Trump announced that he would declare illegal immigration along the U.S./Mexico border to be a national crisis, dispatch troops there, and increase deportations for criminal offenders.

He said that he would also invoke the Alien Enemies Act, which was passed in 1798, to target foreign gangs in the U.S. This law had been used in World War II to place non-citizens with German, Italian, or Japanese ancestry in internment camps, as well as to designate criminal cartels foreign terrorist groups.

According to the White House website, the Trump administration is also ending asylum for those who illegally cross U.S. border. It will also enhance vetting and screen "aliens", suspend refugee resettlement and commit to building a fence along the U.S. Mexico border.

ENERGY

Trump promised to declare an energy emergency immediately, filling up strategic oil reserves as well as exporting U.S. power around the globe.

He said: "We will become a wealthy nation again and the liquid gold beneath our feet will make that happen."

An official in the new administration confirmed that Trump will sign an executive directive focusing on Alaska. The state is critical to the national security of the United States and could permit exports of natural gas liquefied to other areas of the U.S.

According to the White House's website, the U.S. will also withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and stop leasing wind farms. Trump also said that he would repeal what he called a mandate for electric vehicles.

According to a document obtained by the, members of his team recommend sweeping changes in order to stop supporting EVs, charging stations, and to tighten up measures to block imports of Chinese cars, battery materials, and components.

The document also shows that they have recommended imposing global tariffs on battery materials in an effort to boost U.S. manufacturing, and then negotiating exemptions for each ally.

Trump's executive order will likely also seek to rollback the Biden administration climate regulations for power plants, end an approval pause on LNG and revoke waivers that allow California and other state to have stricter pollution rules.

TARIFFS

Trump announced on Monday that he would tax and tariff countries in order to enrich Americans. He also promised to overhaul the U.S. trade system and to create an "External Revenue Service", which would collect all duties, tariffs and revenue from foreign sources.

An incoming Trump Administration official revealed that he will also issue a general trade memo on Monday. The memo won't impose new tariffs, but instead direct federal agencies to evaluate U.S. trading relationships with China Canada and Mexico.

The Republican President has announced tariffs of up to 10% on all global imports and 60% on Chinese products. He also pledged a 25% surcharge for Canadian and Mexican imports. These duties could disrupt trade, increase costs, and lead to retaliation.

The official confirmed a Wall Street Journal article and said that Trump would direct agencies to investigate persistent trade deficits, and deal with unfair currency and trade policies of other countries.

Officially, the memo will focus on China, Canada, and Mexico, but not announce any new tariffs. The memo will instruct agencies to evaluate Beijing's compliance with 2020 trade agreement with the U.S. as well as USMCA status, according to the official.

Trump believes that tariffs will help boost U.S. growth. However, opponents say the costs are likely to be passed on to consumers.

TRANSGENDER AND DIVERSITY RIGHTS

An incoming White House official revealed on Monday that Trump would issue executive orders to cut diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and declare that the U.S. Government will only recognize males and females, and that this cannot be changed.

Officials added that they expect to see more action on DEI programs "very soon."

Trump, during his first term in office, signed an executive directive to reduce efforts to combat racial discrimination at the workplace through programs such as diversity training within companies. Biden reversed this executive order in his first day of office in January 2021.

Trump has also promised to sign an Executive Order ending transgender privileges in the U.S. Military and within U.S. Schools.

In a 2023 campaign video, Trump stated that on his first official day as president he would repeal the policies of the Biden Administration that provided information and resources for those seeking medical treatment so that they could align their bodies to the gender that they identify with. This care may include hormone therapy or surgery.

He told a Sunday rally that, in regards to transgender sportsmen and women, he would stop them from participating in female sports on his first day.

PARDONS

ABC News, citing anonymous sources, reported that Trump was preparing to pardon defendants in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 and intended to reduce sentences for those who assaulted police.

The report was not confirmed immediately. ABC News reported that plans may change before formal pardons are issued.

ABC News reported on Trump's plan to erase convictions of those who didn't commit violence during riots at the Capitol. According to the report, Trump wants to commute sentences for those who have been convicted of assaulting law enforcement. This could free supporters in prison.

FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY

According to the White House, Trump will freeze hiring bureaucrats in all but essential areas. Federal workers will be forced to work from home.

During the presidential campaign, Trump promised to stop the work-from home arrangements for federal employees. These arrangements had increased dramatically during the COVID-19 epidemic.

In December, Trump stated that if federal employees refuse to return to their office, they "will be fired."

Trump and his supporters hope that forcing federal workers to return to work will lead them to a large number of resignations. This would help their goal of shrinking the size of the bureaucracy. Reporting by Steve Holland and Ted Hesson; editing by Howard Goller and Daniel Wallis.

(source: Reuters)