In a dramatic show of executive power, President Donald Trump signed more than 40 executive orders on his very first day back in office, reversing many of President Joe Biden’s policies and putting a new stamp on federal priorities. Recent reports from agencies like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), and the U.S. Department of Labor provide early insight into how these orders might play out across immigration, energy, trade, and the federal workforce. Below is a closer look at the key measures and what they may mean for the country.
Immigration
Rapid Action on Border Security
With CBP data showing a record uptick in unauthorized southern border crossings in 2023 and early 2024, Trump declared a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border. This move, similar to his earlier term in office, enables the deployment of additional military resources and personnel to assist Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Construction of the border wall will restart, and unauthorized entry will be curtailed. The Pentagon has reportedly assigned 1,500 troops to the southern border to enforce the order.
“Remain in Mexico” Returns
Another swift action was reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which mandates that asylum seekers wait in Mexico for their U.S. immigration court dates. President Biden had revoked the policy in his first month, allowing many asylum seekers to reside in the U.S. interior while awaiting court proceedings. Trump also temporarily suspended refugee admissions under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, citing security concerns.
Designating Cartels as Terrorists
Trump instructed officials—including the Secretaries of Treasury and Homeland Security—to consider labeling international drug cartels and gangs (such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13) as terrorist organizations. Should the designation take place, material support for these groups would be illegal, and the deportation of noncitizens connected to these organizations could be expedited.
Ending Birthright Citizenship?
Perhaps the most contentious order relates to birthright citizenship. The administration argues that the 14th Amendment’s phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” excludes certain children of noncitizens from automatic U.S. citizenship. Legal scholars note that this challenges the 1898 Supreme Court decision United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which has long upheld birthright citizenship. Any implementation of this order will undoubtedly spark a major legal showdown.
Energy
Exiting (Again) From Climate Agreements
On his first day, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement for the second time—reversing President Biden’s decision to rejoin in 2021. He also ended U.S. participation in other international climate accords, paused the adoption of stricter emission standards that encouraged electric vehicles, and halted wind farm leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf.
National Emergency on Energy
Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on energy aims to expedite drilling permits, accelerate infrastructure projects, and expand extraction on certain federal lands. The administration is touting lower domestic energy costs as the primary goal. According to the latest Weekly Petroleum Status Report from the EIA, U.S. crude oil production hovered around 13.5 million barrels per day—a historic high—suggesting that energy firms may be gearing up to boost supply even further.
Alaskan Development
In line with the president’s push to remove regulatory hurdles, Trump signed an order titled “Unlocking the Bounty of Natural Wealth,” allowing faster development of energy and mining projects in Alaska. Industry groups have voiced support, arguing it could strengthen America’s energy independence, while environmental advocates warn of potential long-term ecological damage.
Trade and Foreign Aid
Tariff Threats on Neighbors
Trump floated a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, claiming these nations have not done enough to prevent drugs and unauthorized migration from reaching the U.S. Though a 25% rate would violate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), analysts believe an alternative deal is likely to avert a full-blown trade conflict.
Investigating Trade Deficits
Another executive order directs the cabinet to investigate the root causes of the U.S. trade deficit and propose measures to reduce it—particularly highlighting unfair trade practices with China. Plans include creating an External Revenue Service to enforce tariffs and increase collections.
Foreign Aid Freeze
Trump announced a three-month pause on certain foreign aid programs, pending review of how closely the aid aligns with U.S. policy objectives. This could slow or reduce funding through the State and Defense departments, prompting some humanitarian groups to raise concerns about possible disruptions in global assistance efforts.
Government Efficiency, Federal Employment, and Regulations
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
One of the most talked-about moves was the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), helmed by Elon Musk after Vivek Ramaswamy stepped away. Each federal agency must appoint four DOGE representatives to streamline processes and adopt productivity-enhancing technologies. DOGE’s charter will last until July 4, 2026.
Hiring Freeze and Schedule F
Trump implemented a hiring freeze for civilian employees, with exceptions only after an upcoming restructuring plan is approved. This freeze will be permanent for the Internal Revenue Service. He also reinstated Schedule F, making it easier to dismiss certain federal employees who are deemed resistant to implementing administration policies. Career senior executives may also face similar provisions aimed at tightening executive control.
Return to Office
Aligning with a recent report from Senator Joni Ernst’s office showing only about 6% of federal workers are full-time in-office—compared to 97% pre-pandemic—Trump instituted a full return-to-office mandate. Department heads can grant narrow exceptions, but the administration’s overarching aim is to ensure federal buildings and leased spaces, which cost billions to maintain, are used more efficiently.
Regulatory Rollback
Finally, the president ordered agencies to halt any new regulations not yet published in the Federal Register and revoked those still under review. Reviving his prior “two-out, one-in” rule, Trump pledged a more ambitious goal of rescinding 10 existing regulations for every new one. Achieving that figure would require significant congressional cooperation, which remains uncertain.
Outlook
These executive actions—though anticipated—signal a swift pivot away from Biden-era policies. According to Moody’s Analytics, the baseline macroeconomic forecast remains unchanged for now, but analysts will monitor key developments such as:
- Immigration: Net immigration is expected to drop from around 310,000 (under Biden’s status quo) to 170,000 annually through 2028.
- Federal Workforce: Strict hiring freezes and Schedule F reclassifications could reduce federal employment by 100,000 by 2028.
- Tariffs and Trade: Although Trump’s rhetoric is hawkish, Moody’s sees a gradual escalation in effective tariffs—potentially reaching 7.5% overall by late 2025—before economic headwinds force partial rollbacks.
- Energy Production: With policy favoring domestic drilling, oil output may stay at record levels, helped by steady investment in new wells and technologies.
While the immediate economic outlook remains relatively steady, the long-term impacts will hinge on how Trump’s orders are implemented and whether courts or Congress push back on sweeping initiatives—especially on immigration and environmental regulation. As always, policy watchers and industry leaders should stay alert for any rapid shifts as these executive orders evolve from directives into action.
