Focus on the BIG picture.
Thursday, Mar 19, 2026
Outside the box.
Donald Trump Issues Pardons and Series of Executive Orders on First Day as President
Newly inaugurated President Trump pardons January 6 defendants, exits WHO, and targets immigration policies with executive actions.
On his first day in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders and granted pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6 storming of the US Capitol.
Among those pardoned is Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, who was serving a sentence for seditious conspiracy.
Trump's executive actions include a decree to exit the World Health Organization (WHO), citing dissatisfaction with the agency's handling of global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision could result in significant reductions in US funding for the organization.
Additionally, Trump has signed measures related to immigration.
He declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, labeled criminal cartels as terrorist organizations, and targeted birthright citizenship, protected under the 14th Amendment, with potential legal challenges expected.
In other actions, Trump issued an executive order concerning the social media app TikTok, claiming authority to potentially sell or close the platform.
This follows a brief suspension of the app in the US due to legal and congressional actions.
The inauguration day also saw the US Senate unanimously confirm Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, thus completing his appointment to the cabinet.
Senate approval was achieved with a 99-0 vote.
Trump's rapid issuance of executive orders aims to reverse many of his predecessor's policies, including re-listing Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
This move undoes former President Joe Biden's decision to lift economic sanctions on Cuba.
Protests and controversies accompanied Trump's inauguration.
Former Capitol Police officers, who faced the January 6 unrest, criticized his pardons as a deep betrayal.
Meanwhile, critics expressed concerns about Trump's intention to overhaul US policies and expand his administration's influence.
As Trump's inauguration took place amid political division and legal proceedings against the January 6 rioters, his range of executive orders marks a decisive pivot in domestic and international policy directions.
Analysts anticipate further developments from his administration in the coming weeks.
Among those pardoned is Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, who was serving a sentence for seditious conspiracy.
Trump's executive actions include a decree to exit the World Health Organization (WHO), citing dissatisfaction with the agency's handling of global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision could result in significant reductions in US funding for the organization.
Additionally, Trump has signed measures related to immigration.
He declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, labeled criminal cartels as terrorist organizations, and targeted birthright citizenship, protected under the 14th Amendment, with potential legal challenges expected.
In other actions, Trump issued an executive order concerning the social media app TikTok, claiming authority to potentially sell or close the platform.
This follows a brief suspension of the app in the US due to legal and congressional actions.
The inauguration day also saw the US Senate unanimously confirm Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, thus completing his appointment to the cabinet.
Senate approval was achieved with a 99-0 vote.
Trump's rapid issuance of executive orders aims to reverse many of his predecessor's policies, including re-listing Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
This move undoes former President Joe Biden's decision to lift economic sanctions on Cuba.
Protests and controversies accompanied Trump's inauguration.
Former Capitol Police officers, who faced the January 6 unrest, criticized his pardons as a deep betrayal.
Meanwhile, critics expressed concerns about Trump's intention to overhaul US policies and expand his administration's influence.
As Trump's inauguration took place amid political division and legal proceedings against the January 6 rioters, his range of executive orders marks a decisive pivot in domestic and international policy directions.
Analysts anticipate further developments from his administration in the coming weeks.
