Trump Pardons 1,500 Capitol Rioters, Defends Radical Executive Orders in Bold Inauguration Actions

WASHINGTON – As part of a series of sweeping executive orders on January 21, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump granted pardons to 1,500 individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The pardons sparked outrage from lawmakers who were endangered during the violent assault, which aimed to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.

The pardons were among several orders Trump signed in the immediate aftermath of his inauguration, including measures to roll back environmental regulations, curb immigration, and delay enforcement of a ban on the TikTok app for 75 days. The Republican president’s actions underscored his ambitious agenda, aiming to reshape America in line with his vision of a “Golden Age” for the country.

Despite his promises, Trump faces significant challenges in delivering on his goals, including a closely divided Congress, the threat of lawsuits, and an increasingly resistant global community. While he did not take immediate action to raise tariffs, he indicated that 25% duties on Canadian and Mexican imports could be implemented by February 1.

Global markets reacted cautiously to Trump’s presidency, with financial markets in Asia and Europe responding to his potential tariff policies and trade moves. U.S. markets remained closed on January 21 due to a holiday, but initial reactions reflected uncertainty regarding Trump’s approach to international relations.

Trump’s return to office marked a historic moment as the oldest president in U.S. history and the first to win a second term after losing the White House. His administration is backed by Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress.

On immigration, Trump took immediate steps to dismantle his predecessor’s policies, including shutting down the CBP One entry program that allowed migrants to enter the U.S. legally. The move triggered legal challenges from opponents, with the American Civil Liberties Union arguing that it stripped migrants of their only path to asylum.

Trump also reinstated his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization, drawing criticism from international leaders. Domestically, he froze federal hiring and pushed for government workers to return to their offices.

In a series of controversial foreign policy statements, Trump reiterated his intention to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and suggested that the U.S. would take back control of the Panama Canal, moves that have already prompted concern among U.S. allies.