Donald Trump Wastes No Time in Implementing Aggressive Policies as Second Term Begins
When Donald Trump campaigned for a second term as President of the United States, he vowed to deliver swift and decisive action on the promises that fueled his return to the Oval Office. True to his word, just days after being sworn in on Monday, January 20, the 78-year-old leader has already signed a wave of executive orders aimed at reshaping key aspects of American policy.
Having previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021, Trump is now back in office as the nation’s 47th president. Whether one agrees with his approach or not, it’s clear that Trump is wasting no time in setting his agenda in motion.
A Controversial Return to Capital Punishment
One of Trump’s most high-profile actions thus far has been issuing an executive order reinstating and reinforcing the federal death penalty. The policy comes after a hiatus under the Biden administration, which had placed a moratorium on federal executions and commuted 37 death sentences to life imprisonment.
In the order, Trump criticized his predecessor’s actions, stating: “The commutation of 37 sentences of some of the most heinous criminals—including rapists, child predators, and murderers—has undermined justice and endangered public safety. These were individuals who inflicted unimaginable harm on innocent lives.”
The new directive asserts that capital punishment serves as a vital tool for deterring the most egregious acts of violence. Trump’s first term saw 13 federal executions, the highest number carried out by any president in modern history, and his latest move signals a continuation of his tough-on-crime stance.
“Our Founders understood that the ultimate punishment is essential to maintaining justice and order,” the order states. “My administration will not allow personal beliefs or political agendas to obstruct the lawful imposition of capital sentences.”
The policy also mandates that the Attorney General ensure states with death penalty statutes have access to sufficient supplies of lethal injection drugs, which have been in short supply in recent years.
Additional Executive Actions
The death penalty order is just one of several controversial measures Trump has enacted since returning to office. Among other policies signed into effect are:
- A directive recognizing only two genders under federal law.
- A withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Pardons for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
- A proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” (although this change is unlikely to be recognized internationally).
- The designation of drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
These actions reflect Trump’s broader agenda to solidify his base, reignite culture wars, and deliver on promises that resonate with his supporters.
A Presidency of Polarizing Policies
While Trump’s swift implementation of executive orders has drawn praise from his loyal followers, critics argue that his policies are divisive and could further deepen societal divides. For instance, the order on gender recognition has sparked significant backlash from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, while the move to withdraw from the WHO has raised concerns about global health collaboration.
Despite the controversies, Trump appears undeterred. As he emphasized during his inaugural address, his administration aims to prioritize “protecting American citizens and restoring the principles that make this nation great.”
What Lies Ahead?
Trump’s bold start to his second term sets the stage for what promises to be a dramatic presidency. Whether he can deliver on his wide-ranging promises and maintain the momentum remains to be seen.
What are your thoughts on Donald Trump’s early actions as the 47th president? Do you believe his policies will bring about the changes he envisions, or are they too polarizing to succeed? Share your opinions in the comments!