Just hours after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, making bold moves on several key issues. Among his first actions were pardons for individuals charged in connection with the 2021 Capitol Hill riots, a renewed withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, a delay on banning TikTok, and the reversal of numerous Biden-era policies.

In an event held at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., Trump signed eight executive orders in front of a cheering crowd of supporters, even lifting one of the signed documents to showcase his signature before tossing ceremonial pens into the audience.

"We're going to revoke nearly 80 destructive and radical executive actions of the previous administration—one of the worst administrations in history," Trump declared to the enthusiastic gathering.

Trump’s First Eight Executive Orders

The President’s initial set of orders included:

1. Halting 78 executive actions implemented during the Biden administration.
2. Renewing the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
3. Freezing federal hiring, except for military and other critical roles.
4. Mandating federal employees to return to full-time, in-person work.
5. Directing government agencies to address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
6. Instituting a regulatory freeze to prevent new regulations until the Trump administration gains full operational control.
7. Restoring protections for free speech and curbing censorship efforts.
8. Ending the alleged political weaponization of government agencies.

Pardons for Capitol Hill Rioters

Later in the Oval Office, Trump issued an executive order pardoning individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol Hill riots. Nearly 1,270 convicted individuals were granted full pardons, while the Department of Justice was instructed to drop about 300 pending cases. Additionally, 14 defendants facing serious sedition charges were also ordered to be released.

“These are the hostages,” Trump remarked, referring to the individuals involved in the riots. "We hope they come out tonight, frankly," he added.

TikTok Ban Delayed

One of Trump’s other orders delayed the previously planned ban on TikTok by 75 days. The directive allows his administration time to determine the next steps regarding the platform. Trump explained, "This gives me the right to sell it or shut it down," suggesting that a final decision would be made soon.

US Withdraws from the WHO Again

Trump signed another order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the organization's alleged mishandling of global health crises and lack of reforms. The order criticized the WHO for being influenced by political pressures from member states and for demanding what Trump described as “unfair financial contributions” from the US.

National Emergency at the Southern Border

The President declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, initiating a crackdown on illegal immigration. The move includes deploying additional military resources to the border and designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Trump also signed an action to end birthright citizenship, though he clarified his support for legal immigration.

Other Notable Actions

Additional executive orders signed by Trump included:

• Renaming several US landmarks, such as Mount McKinley.
• Reinstating Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
• Revoking security clearances for 51 former officials linked to a letter regarding Hunter Biden’s laptop.
• Launching investigations into alleged censorship of free speech and misuse of federal agencies during the Biden administration.

With these sweeping actions, Trump has set a dramatic tone for his new presidency, signaling his intent to reverse the policies of his predecessor and prioritize issues that resonate with his supporters.