Washington on One Page - Jan 21, 2025

President Donald Trump swiftly announced measures to implement his campaign promises, targeting immigration, energy, the military, and the federal workforce. Many of these actions were framed as reversals of policies enacted by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Trump ordered a 75-day pause on legal action against TikTok, pardoned nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot, rescinded 78 Biden-era orders on issues such as diversity, immigration, and climate, and began the process of withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. Legal challenges to many of these actions are anticipated.

Notably absent was any direct action on tariffs, particularly with China. However, Trump signaled intentions to impose duties on Mexico and Canada by February 1 and hinted at the possibility of universal tariffs on all imports, though not immediately.

Below is a high-level summary of President Trump’s Day 1.

TRADE & ECONOMY TikTok: Trump delayed a TikTok ban, giving ByteDance Ltd. 75 days to address U.S. national security concerns.

Tariffs: Trump instructed federal agencies to review tariffs and trade policies with China, Canada, and Mexico. He plans to impose up to 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico by Feb. 1.

External Revenue Service: Trump announced plans to establish an External Revenue Service to collect tariffs, claiming it will generate substantial revenue from foreign sources.

Inflation Emergency: Trump directed agencies to reduce housing, healthcare, and energy costs by eliminating climate policies that increase prices.

PARDONS Trump signed an executive order pardoning about 1,500 people involved in January 6th and commuting 14 sentences.

IMMIGRATION Border Emergency: Declared a national emergency at the southern border, deploying armed forces, including the National Guard, and resuming construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.Deportations: Trump pledged mass deportations of "criminal aliens" and expanded enforcement powers for ICE and CBP.Birthright Citizenship: Signed an order to end automatic citizenship for children of unauthorized and temporary immigrants.Asylum & Refugees: Suspended refugee resettlement for six months, ended "catch and release," and reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" policy. He also signed a proclamation ending asylum for those awaiting court hearings.Death Penalty & Cartels: Directed the DOJ to seek the death penalty for immigrants involved in violent crimes and designated MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

ENERGY & CLIMATE Emergency Powers: Trump invoked emergency powers to boost domestic energy production and reverse Biden-era climate policies.

Drilling & Reserves: Expanded offshore and Alaskan drilling and pledged to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Efficiency Rollbacks: Repealed rules on energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs.

Wind Farms: Halted leasing for large wind farms, citing environmental concerns.

Electric Vehicles: Ended subsidies for electric vehicles and revoked state emissions waivers.

Paris Agreement: Began the process to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement.

California Water: Revived efforts to redirect water from northern California to farmers in the Central Valley and southern California.

GENDER & CULTURE Sex Definition: Mandated federal agencies recognize only two sexes, male and female, and adjust regulations accordingly.DEI Initiatives: Ordered an end to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal agencies and the military.

NATIONAL SECURITY Vaccine Objectors: Reinstated service members expelled for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations, with full back pay.WHO Withdrawal: Signed an order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization.

FEDERAL WORKFORCE Return to Office: Ordered federal employees to return to in-person work, ending widespread telework policies. Hiring Freeze: Imposed a hiring freeze for federal positions, excluding military, immigration enforcement, and national security roles. Regulatory Freeze: Paused all new regulations pending review by the administration.