Donald Trump’s First Measures During His Second Term: Immigration, Economy, and Geopolitics
Donald Trump officially took the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States, thus beginning his second term. After winning the elections on November 5, 2024, he returned to the White House to continue his political vision. His inauguration ceremony, while marked by strict security measures, was more intimate than those of previous presidents, signaling a sober return to the political stage. Surrounded by the most influential figures, Trump promised to restore America’s greatness, evoking a “new golden era” for the country.
From his first words as president, Trump expressed his determination to make the United States respected again on the world stage. In his inaugural speech, he emphasized the importance of defending the Constitution and announced the creation of a new tax agency tasked with collecting tariffs. Trump also took time to criticize Joe Biden’s administration, denouncing the failures of public services in states like North Carolina and Los Angeles, while expressing his support for American citizens.
President Trump then took immediate action by signing several executive orders, marking the beginning of his term. On immigration, he proclaimed a national emergency at the border with Mexico and reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policies aimed at curbing illegal immigration. He ordered the deployment of troops at the border and authorized the Department of Justice to use the death penalty for crimes committed by illegal immigrants. These actions were taken to strengthen national security and address what he sees as failures in the U.S. immigration system.
Donald Trump also signed an economic decree, announcing the withdrawal of the United States from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the implementation of a 15% minimum tax on multinational corporations. He also introduced the creation of the Foreign Revenue Service, aimed at strengthening the U.S. economic position internationally. These decisions are part of a more protectionist economic policy, seeking to limit the influence of international organizations on U.S. economic decisions.
On energy and environmental policy, Trump signed several decrees reversing initiatives taken by his predecessor. The United States officially withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, and Trump announced an energy emergency declaration to allow freer exploitation of natural resources. Restrictions on vehicle emissions were lifted, and wind farm construction was suspended to promote the country’s energy self-sufficiency.
On the social front, Trump took measures to modify policies related to freedom of expression and gender recognition. He restored freedom of expression on social media, suspended TikTok use for 75 days, and repealed Joe Biden’s executive orders. Regarding gender issues, he reinstated “male” and “female” as the only recognized genders by law. He also ordered the reinstatement of military personnel who had been expelled for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
The international community quickly reacted to his inauguration. World leaders such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s return to the White House, highlighting his successes in Middle East peace agreements. Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed his satisfaction with Trump’s willingness to negotiate, particularly on the Ukrainian conflict. In Europe, leaders emphasized the importance of transatlantic relations, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighting the importance of closer cooperation between the two nations.
Thus, from the first days of his second term, Donald Trump implemented a series of ambitious and controversial measures, marking a shift in U.S. politics. While these decisions are seen by some as a return to an assertive nationalism, they also demonstrate the president’s commitment to continuing his vision of a strong and independent America on the global stage.