February 13, 2025
Chicago 12, Melborne City, USA
America Politics World

Trump’s controversial first steps as 47th President

Lagos, Nigeria – Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office as the 47th President of the United States has sparked nationwide debates, and it’s only been three days since his inauguration.

 

AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com 

 

With a flurry of executive orders and policy announcements, Trump is already shaping his second term in ways that are as polarizing as they are impactful. From immigration to environmental policy, here are the 10 key actions that are setting the tone for his new administration.

1. Ending Birthright Citizenship

Trump signed an executive order revoking automatic citizenship for those born on U.S. soil, a direct challenge to the 14th Amendment. This unprecedented move has triggered immediate legal challenges, with constitutional scholars warning of lengthy court battles.

Initially expected to target children of undocumented immigrants, the policy also affects children born to temporary visa holders, such as students and workers. This means that unless parents are U.S. citizens or Green Card holders, their children will no longer qualify for citizenship. Critics warn of the societal and legal chaos this could unleash.

2. Dismantling DEI Policies

In a controversial rollback, Trump dismantled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies. These initiatives, designed to promote representation and address systemic inequality, have been labeled by the administration as bureaucratic hurdles to “true meritocracy.”

Private companies are following suit, with giants like Amazon, Meta, and Walmart discontinuing DEI efforts amid fears of backlash. Advocates argue that this shift could reverse decades of progress on workplace equity and inclusion.

3. Shutting Borders and Ending Asylum

Trump has taken a hardline stance on immigration by closing U.S. land borders and halting asylum programs. Vulnerable individuals can no longer seek protection within the U.S., a move that activists call a violation of international human rights standards.

Additionally, the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) has suspended its asylum scheduling app, leaving thousands stranded in limbo at the U.S.-Mexico border. Critics warn of the humanitarian crisis this policy could exacerbate.

4. Empowering ICE with Expanded Authority

The administration has given ICE unprecedented powers to detain undocumented immigrants, even in previously protected spaces like schools and churches. Trump also introduced “express deportations,” bypassing immigration courts entirely.

These measures have created an atmosphere of fear among immigrant communities, with civil rights groups and religious organizations raising alarms about potential abuses of power.

5. Rolling Back Environmental Protections

In a bid to boost the economy, Trump has rescinded several environmental regulations and opened protected areas to resource exploitation. Supporters argue this will create jobs and lower energy prices, but environmentalists caution that the damage to ecosystems could be irreversible.

Alaska, for example, is now a focal point for new oil drilling and mining projects. Trump’s decision to re-exit the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO) has further isolated the U.S. on global platforms, leaving room for countries like China to step into leadership roles.

6. AI Investment: Project Stargate

Trump announced a $500 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI) through the Stargate initiative, a collaboration with Oracle and OpenAI. The goal? To cement the U.S. as the world’s AI leader.

While the move has been lauded as forward-thinking, critics worry about the lack of oversight, as Trump has repealed many AI regulations established under Biden. The rapid pace of innovation could come at the cost of ethical safeguards.

7. Renewed Interest in Greenland and Canada

Reviving a proposal from his first term, Trump expressed interest in annexing Greenland and floated the possibility of making Canada the 51st state. Both ideas have been met with strong opposition from Denmark and Canada.

While critics dismiss these plans as far-fetched, analysts point to Greenland’s strategic importance in the Arctic and its vast natural resources as potential motivations.

8. Reviving American Manufacturing

Trump doubled down on his commitment to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., introducing higher tariffs on imports to protect domestic industries. While this has garnered support from blue-collar workers, economists warn of potential inflation and retaliatory tariffs from trade partners, particularly those in the BRICS bloc.

9. Billionaires in the Spotlight

Trump’s inauguration prominently featured tech moguls and billionaires, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Musk, in particular, delivered a fiery speech celebrating Trump’s victory and pledged to use his influence to push the administration’s policies.

Critics fear this growing alliance between government and corporate power could lead to conflicts of interest, while supporters see it as a way to accelerate innovation and economic growth.

10. Controversial Pardons and Territorial Moves

Trump issued 1,500 pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, excluding a handful of those convicted of violent crimes. Additionally, he announced plans to “reassess” U.S. control over the Panama Canal, sparking diplomatic tensions with Panama.

Trump’s early actions reveal a presidency intent on reshaping the U.S. in its image. Supporters hail his policies as bold steps toward economic growth and national security, while critics warn of deepening divides, environmental risks, and international isolation.

What do you think? Are these changes a bold vision for America’s future or a dangerous step backward? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on this fast-evolving presidency.

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