Tue Jan 21 11:02:57 UTC 2025: ## Trump Returns to Power with Controversial Executive Orders and Pardons
**Washington D.C.** – President Donald Trump’s second inauguration was marked by a flurry of controversial executive orders and a mass pardon of January 6th Capitol rioters. Sworn in alongside Vice President J.D. Vance at a lavish ceremony, Trump immediately began enacting his agenda.
Among his first acts, Trump initiated the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Agreement on climate change. He declared a national emergency at the southern border, designated drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and ordered the deportation of “millions of criminal aliens.” Further, he signed an executive order declaring that there are only two genders – male and female.
Perhaps his most controversial move was the pardon of nearly 1,600 individuals charged in connection with the January 6th Capitol riot. Many are expected to be released from prison immediately. This decision has drawn widespread criticism.
Trump’s inaugural address, described as “fiery” by BBC correspondent Anthony Zurcher, promised a “golden age” for America and pledged to act as a peacemaker and unifier. However, his actions have been met with mixed reactions globally.
Sub-Saharan Africa expressed apprehension regarding Trump’s WHO withdrawal, given the US’s significant role in global health initiatives. Concerns also arose over the planned mass deportations. Conversely, the two-gender policy received widespread approval on African social media.
China’s foreign ministry expressed concern over the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, contrasting it with China’s own climate action. While criticizing the WHO withdrawal, China also noted potential for trade cooperation despite Trump’s past tariff threats. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreysus expressed regret over the US withdrawal, urging reconsideration.
Legal experts predict immediate challenges to Trump’s executive orders, particularly those concerning immigration and birthright citizenship. While Trump can utilize executive power to initiate these actions, the constitutionality of some measures, such as ending birthright citizenship, is expected to face significant legal battles.
The Pentagon’s transition team head, Robert Wilkie, indicated Trump intends to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine, potentially leveraging US energy resources. He also suggested Trump may push the UK to increase defense spending and oppose the return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Trump’s actions also extended to technology, granting TikTok a 75-day reprieve from a previously mandated sale or ban, a decision which contradicts a Supreme Court ruling and the views of many in Congress.
Finally, a post-inauguration event saw Elon Musk, a close Trump confidant, draw criticism for a gesture interpreted by some as a Nazi salute. Musk dismissed the criticism on X (formerly Twitter). The day concluded with Trump attending three inaugural balls. His late-night social media post on Truth Social announced the removal of numerous Biden appointees.
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