President Trump’s Executive Orders on Day One: A Bold Start with Global Implications

 

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump, who campaigned and won a trifecta electoral and popular mandate on an America First mantra, was sworn into office for his second non-consecutive term. As a non-conventional politician and billionaire seemingly not beholden to special interests, he wasted no time in implementing his vision for the United States. Proceeding with the speed of light, he signed a series of executive orders, signaling sweeping changes in domestic and international policy. These moves, aimed at recalibrating America’s role in the world and reshaping key areas of national governance, have sparked widespread debate.

Key Executive Orders and Their Implications

1. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)

Citing financial inequities and questioning the efficacy of the organization, President Trump signed an order withdrawing the United States from the WHO. “Why should China, with over 1.5 billion people and significant wealth, contribute only $39 million, while the U.S., with a population of 350 million, pays $500 million?” the president remarked in a press briefing. Observers note that this withdrawal could save the United States hundreds of millions of dollars annually, or perhaps a ploy to force WHO to reform,  reconsider these charges, and reduce them accordingly. However, critics argue that it might undermine global health initiatives and weaken America’s leadership in global health crises.

2. Exit from the Paris Climate Accord

Reiterating his long-standing skepticism about the accord, President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Proponents of the decision emphasize the potential economic savings, with some estimates suggesting that exiting could save the country nearly $1 trillion over the coming decades. Supporters further argue that the U.S. has powerful safeguards and guardrails in agencies like the EPA and other environmental regulatory bodies. Some contend that the accord could slow down U.S. economic growth, allowing countries like China, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, to overtake the U.S. economically. The age-old argument that American politicians cater to the needs of other countries while neglecting Americans also resurfaces, with proponents of the withdrawal emphasizing a shift toward prioritizing domestic interests. Nonetheless, environmental advocates warn that this move could harm global efforts to combat climate change and tarnish America’s reputation as a leader in sustainable development.

3. Revocation of Immigration Policies

Another significant executive order reversed various immigration reforms enacted under the previous administration. The new directive reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to await their court hearings outside U.S. borders. President Trump has repeatedly stated his support for legal immigration, emphasizing a merit-based system that allows individuals to enter the country through lawful means. According to the administration, open borders not only enable illegal immigration but also create safe havens for the flow of illicit drugs, which is killing many Americans, and human trafficking, allowing cartels to operate unchecked. Supporters argue that this approach will alleviate strain on domestic resources and address these issues, while opponents decry it as inhumane and likely to exacerbate humanitarian crises at the border.

4. Trade Agreement Renegotiations

President Trump also issued an order to reevaluate key international trade agreements, including the reinstatement of tariffs on certain Chinese imports. “We need fair trade deals that prioritize American workers and industries,” he stated. This decision aligns with his broader strategy to counter economic practices he deems unfair. Economists predict that this move could boost domestic manufacturing by creating more opportunities for American industries. However, they caution that potential retaliatory measures from trading partners, particularly China, could escalate trade tensions, possibly leading to increased costs for American consumers and businesses.

Domestic Impact

These executive orders represent a return to Trump’s America First agenda, emphasizing national sovereignty and economic prudence. Supporters applaud the bold moves, arguing they will reduce unnecessary expenditures, enhance border security, and stimulate the economy. Critics, however, fear that such isolationist policies could create domestic disruptions, from public health challenges due to reduced global cooperation to economic instability arising from strained international trade relations.

International Relations

Globally, these decisions have reverberated across diplomatic circles. Allies and adversaries alike are recalibrating their strategies in response to America’s shifting stance. The withdrawal from the WHO and Paris Accord, in particular, has sparked criticism from European leaders, who view these actions as a retreat from multilateralism. Conversely, some nations see opportunities to fill the void left by the United States in global leadership roles. If anything, Trump’s realism and businessman approach to governance, peace through strength, and his unpredictable nature worked well in his first term. Against the doomsday predictions of so-called international experts, there was international peace, and no wars then, the Middle East was stable, and the American economy flourished. His second term should not be different.

Balancing Act

While the economic rationale behind these decisions is clear, their long-term consequences remain uncertain. Analysts agree that renegotiating terms with international organizations and trade partners could yield better outcomes for the U.S. However, they also point out that Trump’s realism and businessman approach to governance, which emphasizes bold, calculated risks, has proven effective in the past. His peace-through-strength strategy and unpredictable nature contributed to international stability and economic growth during his first term, challenging the predictions of so-called international experts. Whether these tactics will achieve similar success in his second term remains to be seen, particularly given the potential diplomatic costs of such aggressive measures.

As President Trump embarks on his second term, the nation and the world will watch closely to see how his policies unfold and whether they will achieve their intended goals without compromising America’s global standing.