In the early hours of administration, the president swiftly executed a series of executive orders. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement, arguing that these agreements negatively impacted the country’s economy and national security. 
• The administration rejected participation in the OECD Global Tax Agreement, claiming that it would infringe on US sovereignty and harm the competitiveness of American companies. 
• A new trade policy was implemented, focusing on strengthening the US economy and ensuring national security, including investigating trade deficits and reviewing existing agreements. 
• An energy emergency was declared to accelerate the production of oil, gas, and coal, in addition to promoting an energy policy that prioritizes the development of natural resources and reducing dependence on external sources. 
• A $500 billion investment plan in artificial intelligence infrastructure has been announced, to create jobs and strengthen US leadership in technology, through the “Stargate” project. 

Shortly after being sworn in for his second term as president on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders that will advance his agenda in front of a crowd of supporters and allies. 

Setting the record for most executive orders on a first day of presidency, Trump covered several topics previously mentioned in his 2024 election campaign, seeking to reverse measures taken by the previous administration and implement new government policies. 

In general, the signed orders cover:  

1. Withdrawn the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement. 

Executive orders for the withdrawal of the United States from the WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement were justified by Trump on the grounds of inadequate handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and disproportionate financial and national economic impacts; according to the administration, resources allocated to health, energy, and environmental policies should be designed exclusively based on the country’s economic and national security priorities.  

2. Rejection of the OECD Global Tax Agreement 

The US participation in the OECD-led Global Tax Agreement was rejected, citing concerns that it would infringe on the country’s sovereignty by imposing restrictions on domestic tax policies. The measure aims to protect the economic competitiveness of American companies by addressing international tax practices that the administration argues discriminate against domestic corporations. 

3. Commercial Politics and Economic Relations 

In the context of economic relations and trade policies, the “America First Trade Policy” was launched, aimed at strengthening the US economy, guaranteeing national security through trade strategies focused on national interests, revitalizing the country’s industrial and technological production, and complying with trade and security laws, including:  

• Trade Deficit Investigation: The Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative will analyze persistent trade deficits and recommend corrective actions, including potential global tariffs. 
• Review of Trade Agreements: Existing agreements like USMCA will be evaluated, and public consultations will prepare for their 2026 review. New strategic partners will be sought for better market access for U.S. products. 
• Surveillance of Unfair Trade Practices: Efforts will be intensified to monitor issues like currency manipulation, cross-border subsidies, and anti-dumping measures. 
• Economic Relations with China: Compliance with the trade agreement with China will be assessed, along with technology transfer practices, possibly leading to tariff adjustments for non-compliance. 
• Modernization of Export Controls: Export control policies will be updated to safeguard U.S. technological advantages and close loopholes benefiting competitors. 

4. Environmental and Energy  

In addition to withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, the president also made a series of decisions regarded socio-environmental policies: 

• Declaration of a “national energy emergency” to accelerate the production and transportation of energy resources such as oil, gas, and coal, as well as reducing dependence on foreign sources, strengthening energy infrastructure, and ensuring lower prices for domestic consumers, supporting communities dependent on extractive industries.  
• “Comprehensive Energy Policy”: a set of policies to establish the US as a leader in energy production and processing of critical minerals, including rare earths, and eliminate the “electric vehicle” mandate, aiming to ensure greater freedom of choice for consumers by leveling regulations that impact gasoline-powered vehicles, eliminating subsidies, and reconsidering state emissions exemptions. It also removes regulatory restrictions on consumer products, such as appliances.  
• Alaska Resources: an executive order on Alaska’s natural resource uses, including energy, minerals, timber, and fisheries, was signed, removing previous limits to support economic growth, reduce energy costs, and enhance national security by focusing on the development and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and expediting the permitting and leasing process for energy projects. The order also requires federal agencies to review existing regulations, assess their impact on local communities, and ensure a balance between economic progress and the protection of Alaska’s environment and culture. 
• Repealing Previous Environmental Policies: The administration has reversed previous environmental policies to promote fossil fuel development by relaxing emissions restrictions and drilling permits. It prioritizes traditional energy sources, arguing that a rapid transition to renewables could lead to increased costs and economic uncertainty. 

5. Technology

Freedom of expression and an end to federal censorship: One of the orders issued aims to ensure respect for the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects citizens’ right to freedom of expression, and seeks to eliminate any censorship practices carried out by the federal government, including coercing third parties, such as social media platforms, to moderate or suppress content that does not align with government narratives. 

Investment in Artificial Intelligence infrastructure: A plan for a historic investment of US$500 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the United States was announced, led by the “Stargate” project. This initiative, promoted in collaboration with technology leaders such as OpenAI, SoftBank and Oracle, aims to build advanced data centers and strengthen the country’s technological capabilities. The initial investment will be US$100 billion, with the expectation of creating 100,000 jobs across the country and consolidating the United States’ leadership in the global AI race. 

6. Review of international financial assistance:  

An immediate pause in development assistance funds is mandated to conduct a comprehensive review of existing programs within 90 days. This review aims to align international aid with U.S. national interests and foreign policy, focusing on funds to foreign governments, international organizations, NGOs, and contractors. The administration argues that current development assistance can contradict U.S. values and destabilize peace, and moving forward, aid will only be provided if it benefits national interests and supports strategic U.S. foreign policy objectives. 

It is worth noting that some of the orders will certainly be subject to review and challenge in court in the coming days – while some others will mostly serve a symbolic purpose. Either way, they represent an immediate intent to review and remove the previous administration, to fulfill the agenda proposed during the campaign, and to bring about meaningful change in the years ahead. 

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