Donald Trump began his second term as the 47th President of the United States with bold executive orders and controversial statements. The 78-year-old Republican leader wasted no time in shaping policies on his first day in office. However, his tenure began with a notable mistake and a series of polarizing actions.
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Key Executive Orders Signed on Day One:
- Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: Trump retracted the U.S. from this international climate pact.
- Exit from the World Health Organization (WHO): Marking a repeat of his earlier presidency.
- Changes to Birthright Citizenship: Proposed reversing automatic citizenship for children of non-permanent residents.
- Delaying the TikTok Ban: Extended the deadline for TikTok to find a U.S. buyer by 90 days.
- New Tariffs: Announced a plan to impose hefty tariffs on several developing countries.
Trump’s Mistake: Spain and BRICS
While responding to questions about NATO and defense spending, Trump incorrectly referred to Spain as a BRICS nation. BRICS is an organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and others, but Spain is not a member.
Trump’s statement drew criticism, with Spanish government spokeswoman Pilar Alegría clarifying, “Spain is not in BRICS.” This misstep highlights the ongoing challenges in diplomatic relations and international policy.
Major Policy Highlights of Trump’s Second Term:
1. Reproductive Rights
- Trump has expressed vague positions, leaning towards reversing Biden-era policies and empowering states to govern abortion laws.
2. Gender Policies
- Signed an executive order declaring there are only two genders (male and female).
- Repealed protections against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
3. Immigration
- Declared illegal immigration a national emergency.
- Plans to end birthright citizenship for children of non-permanent residents, facing legal hurdles.
4. Greenland Negotiations
- Proposed the “Make Greenland Great Again Act,” seeking to purchase Greenland for national security reasons. Denmark and Greenland’s leaders dismissed the proposal.
5. January 6 Pardons
- Pardoned 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol insurrection, citing “sympathy” for their actions.
6. Transparency on Classified Documents
- Promised to release remaining records related to the assassinations of JFK, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., despite security concerns.
7. Electric Vehicle Policy
- Revoked Biden’s executive order on promoting electric vehicles, emphasizing consumer freedom.
8. Support for College Graduates
- Advocated for granting green cards to non-U.S. citizens graduating at the top of their class to retain talent in the country.
Key Points of the News:
- Trump’s second term began with bold moves, including significant executive orders on climate, immigration, and trade.
- He made a notable diplomatic gaffe by incorrectly labeling Spain as a BRICS nation.
- Policies on reproductive rights, gender identity, and immigration have sparked debates and legal challenges.
- Transparency initiatives include plans to declassify historic assassination records.
- Economic priorities include tariffs on developing countries and policies to retain talented graduates.
With these early moves, Trump’s second presidency promises a contentious and transformative term. The world watches closely as his administration sets the tone for the next four years.
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