fbpx

Trump’s First 14 Days in 2025

14. Pardoning January 6 Defendants and Promoting Equal Justice

President Trump issued pardons to nearly all individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol events. This action aligns with his goals of justice system reform and addresses what he perceives as misuse of the system against political opponents. The pardons reunited many families as defendants were released, challenging existing interpretations of the January 6 events.

(watch ad for results)

This approach reflects Trump's commitment to enacting changes within the legal framework, responding to his supporters' ideas of fairness and equality under the law. By pardoning over 1,500 people convicted on January 6 Capitol riot charges, Trump made a bold statement about his vision of justice and his support for those he considers unjustly prosecuted.

Former January 6 defendants reuniting with their families after being pardoned

13. Expanding School Choice and Parental Control in Education

President Trump signed an executive order extending school choice options to families on military bases and Native American tribal lands. This policy provides educational flexibility to approximately 116,000 students, allowing parents to actively participate in their children's education and select the best avenues for their academic growth.

The initiative particularly benefits:

  • $0
  • $100
  • $200
Submit Final Answer
  • Military families, who often face educational disruptions due to relocations
  • Native American families, respecting their diverse cultural and educational preferences

This move illustrates Trump's advocacy for an education system that upholds freedom and opportunity, placing decision-making power back into the hands of parents.

12. Defending Women's Sports and Spaces

President Trump signed an executive order titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," enforcing a binary definition of gender across federal institutions. This order eliminates the recognition of "X" gender markers on federal documents and aims to preserve the integrity of women's sports by ensuring competition remains within the confines of biological sex.

The policy seeks to address concerns about competitiveness and equality in women's sports, aiming to preserve the original intent of Title IX protections. This stance underscores Trump's dedication to an interpretation of gender that prioritizes binary distinctions, which he and his supporters argue provide a clearer framework for federal policies.

Female athletes competing in a track and field event

11. Eliminating Woke 'DEI' Programs

President Trump signed an executive order titled "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within federal agencies. This move aims to realign federal policies with a conservative vision emphasizing merit, individual responsibility, and equality of opportunity.

The order prompts a cultural transformation within federal agencies, promoting a reinvigoration of principles that focus on individual capability and potential rather than prescriptive diversity metrics. Supporters applaud this change as a necessary correction to ensure federal resources are directed towards initiatives that unify rather than divide, advocating for a governance framework where individual merit and constitutional tenets of fairness prevail.

Then and Now

Diverse group of professionals collaborating in an office setting

Photo by wocintechchat on Unsplash

10. Slashing Regulations: Reversing Biden-Era Rules

President Trump revoked over 50 of his predecessor's executive actions, aiming to remove bureaucratic barriers that his administration contends have hindered economic growth and innovation. This deregulatory agenda reflects Trump's commitment to free-market principles and economic expansion.

Punch The Monkey to Win!

Key aspects of the regulatory rollback:

  • Removal of environmental regulations
  • Streamlining of business operations
  • Reduction of administrative burdens on companies

Supporters argue that these actions will facilitate a more dynamic economy, unleashing new potential within industrial and commercial sectors. Trump's initiatives align with his broader economic strategy that places trust in the capabilities of the private sector, aiming to create an economic landscape where innovation and self-reliance reign supreme.

US History Quiz

Bustling American factory with workers and machinery

9. Withdrawing from the World Health Organization

President Trump withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), halting the $450 million annual funding. This decision redirected resources to domestic health initiatives and other avenues that, according to his administration, promise greater accountability and alignment with U.S. interests.

This strategic withdrawal aligns with Trump's "America First" philosophy, championing national sovereignty and reassessing international commitments through the lens of strategic interest. The move has sparked debate about the role of the United States in international health policy, inviting a reconsideration of how national health priorities and global partnerships are balanced.

American healthcare professionals working in a hospital

8. Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement

President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement prioritizes American energy independence and economic vitality over global emission reduction obligations. This decision aims to foster an economic environment that supports industrial competitiveness and innovation without the constraints of external agreements.

Supporters argue that this move empowers America to define its environmental goals without external interference, enabling domestic industries to pursue energy projects critical to national security and economic development. The withdrawal aligns with Trump's broader vision of extracting what he considers unfair burdens imposed by global agreements, advocating for policy frameworks where sovereign decision-making is paramount.

American energy production facilities including oil rigs and natural gas plants

7. Declaring a National Energy Emergency

President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency, setting in motion an agenda aimed at revitalizing America's energy sector. This move prioritizes domestic production of oil, natural gas, and critical minerals, reinforcing the administration's focus on achieving American energy independence and boosting economic prosperity.

The declaration aims to:

  • Reduce dependence on foreign energy sources
  • Enhance job creation within sectors critical to resource extraction
  • Boost infrastructure development

By fostering an environment conducive to exploration and production, the administration creates opportunities for American workers while ensuring that energy policies reflect national priorities.

This initiative embodies a return to conventional energy policies rooted in the belief that strong domestic industries are the bedrock of a thriving nation, positioning the United States as a formidable force on the world stage, unfettered by reliance on foreign powers.

American oil rig workers on an offshore platform

6. 'America First' Trade Policy

President Trump reinforced his "America First" economic strategy by imposing new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada. This action aims to strengthen domestic production, address illegal immigration, and combat drug trafficking.

The tariff measures target imports believed to undercut American industries and contribute to broader national issues. By using tariffs, the administration seeks to:

  • Reduce illegal substances entering the country
  • Discourage unauthorized migration
  • Redirect investment to domestic markets
  • Stimulate job creation within the United States

Supporters praise Trump's trade strategy as a necessary intervention to level the playing field for American workers and manufacturers. The tariffs also function as a diplomatic tool, signaling to international trade partners that the United States will no longer accept practices detrimental to its sovereign interests.

By establishing a clear stance against unfair trade dynamics, Trump emphasizes a commitment to negotiating from a position of strength, advocating for bilateral agreements that prioritize American prosperity and security. This economic maneuver aligns with Trump's policy objectives and the foundational principles of economic independence valued by the Founding Fathers.

American manufacturing workers in a factory with American flag

5. Pausing Refugee Admissions

President Trump implemented a 90-day suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, aiming to recalibrate the nation's approach to immigration. This policy allows the government to conduct a comprehensive review of current vetting processes, ensuring they adequately protect American citizens from potential threats without compromising national interests.

The decision to pause refugee admissions addresses concerns about the ability of local communities to absorb significant numbers of new arrivals. By temporarily suspending the influx of refugees, the administration seeks to:

  • Relieve pressure on resettlement agencies
  • Allow local governments to better allocate resources and services
  • Develop more sustainable models for future admissions

Supporters argue that it provides a necessary 'breathing space' for the U.S. asylum system, enabling both immigration and local authorities to reassess practices in line with evolving risks and resources. This strategic pause embodies Trump's commitment to an immigration policy that privileges national priorities and provides a secure backdrop for the reassessment of practices.

U.S. Border Patrol agents patrolling the southern border

4. Ending Birthright Citizenship

President Trump signed an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrant parents. This initiative reflects a commitment to tightening immigration laws and addressing what the administration perceives as systemic issues surrounding citizenship and the rights it confers.

The president's executive order specifically targets a reinterpretation of the 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause, challenging its conventional application by excluding automatic citizenship for those whose parents are not citizens or lawful residents.

"We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years, with all of those benefits. It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous. And it has to end." – President Donald Trump

Trump's action has ignited a legal and political debate, sparking challenges that question both the constitutional basis and the broader implications of such an order. Supporters argue that the move aligns with principles of national sovereignty and legal order, asserting that citizenship should not be conferred by default in cases where parental status does not align with lawful entry and residence requirements.

This executive action highlights a broader vision where citizenship is approached with caution and care, aligned with ensuring that American citizenship remains a privilege consistent with the nation's laws and values.

New American citizens taking the oath of citizenship

3. Empowering ICE and Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration

President Trump's administration has reinvigorated federal immigration enforcement by rescinding restrictive guidelines enacted by the previous administration. This has empowered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to perform their duties with enhanced authority and without previous constraints.

Key actions taken:

  • Directed ICE to initiate widespread deportation operations targeting individuals with existing criminal charges
  • Expanded enforcement personnel
  • Deputized additional federal agents

These efforts fulfill Trump's commitment to prioritize the removal of criminal aliens, aiming to protect American communities. Supporters of these efforts assert that the reinforced immigration enforcement framework ensures that those who break the law are held accountable, thus deterring future illegal entry and fostering safer communities.

Trump's approach reflects a conservative value system that emphasizes self-responsibility and the enforcement of existing laws. By empowering ICE and reinforcing immigration policies, Trump emphasizes a broader vision of national security and community protection, aiming to create an environment where lawful immigration is encouraged, and the rule of law prevails across the nation.

2. Mobilizing the Military and Targeting Drug Cartels

President Trump took decisive measures to address challenges at the southern border by mobilizing the military and designating major drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This strategy aims to safeguard American interests against threats posed by transnational criminal networks.

Key components of the strategy:

  • Deploying U.S. military troops to the Mexican border
  • Enhancing surveillance capabilities
  • Improving logistics for border agents
  • Classifying cartels as foreign terrorist organizations

The classification of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations amplifies the administration's enforcement capabilities, providing federal agencies with expanded legal tools to dismantle these networks. This designation allows for:

  • Freezing of cartel assets
  • Imposition of severe sanctions on cartel associates

Supporters assert that these actions demonstrate the administration's resolve to address systemic threats with clarity and determination. By treating cartels with the same gravity as international terrorist groups, Trump emphasizes a fortified approach to combating crime and protecting American communities from the illegal drug trade and associated violence.

This initiative serves as a testament to Trump's commitment to enforcing the law and safeguarding the United States through robust policy measures. By wielding the nation's resources with precision, the administration aims to create a border environment where safety prevails, and American sovereignty is protected.

U.S. military personnel deployed at the southern border

1. Securing the Southern Border

President Trump's actions to secure the southern border underscore his administration's commitment to fortifying national security and redefining immigration policies. By reinstating construction of the border wall, overhauling asylum policies, and reviving the Remain in Mexico program, Trump has taken comprehensive measures to control and manage the flow of migration at the border.

Policy Action Intended Outcome
Border Wall Construction Physically deter illegal crossings
Asylum Policy Overhaul Address perceived loopholes in previous rules
Remain in Mexico Policy Require migrants to wait in Mexico for U.S. hearings

The revival of the border wall construction serves as a tangible symbol of Trump's resolve to secure the nation's frontiers. This project aims to physically deter illegal crossings and represents a broader strategy to uphold the integrity of national borders.

Trump's overhaul of asylum policies marks a significant shift from previous administrations, targeting what he perceives as loopholes that were exploited under previous rules. By ending "catch-and-release" programs and shutting down the CBP One mobile app, Trump's administration aims to ensure that asylum protocols align with stricter measures.

Supporters view these actions as a necessary alignment with principles of law and order, asserting that they deter unlawful behavior while safeguarding American communities from potential threats. The measures emphasize an approach that prioritizes the security of American citizens while reaffirming the nation's right to regulate entry effectively.

Construction of the border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border

President Trump's initiatives underscore a commitment to foundational values, focusing on securing American sovereignty and ensuring that the republic stands resilient against challenges. This approach echoes the vision of strength and foresight championed by the Founding Fathers.