On Monday night, President Donald Trump took significant steps to fulfill several key promises from his campaign, signing a series of bold executive orders that will resonate with his base and the broader Republican electorate. These actions were aimed at reversing many of the policies put in place by the Biden administration, while addressing pressing issues like border security, free speech, and economic recovery.
Among the most notable of his actions was the pardon of approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol events. Trump referred to these individuals as “hostages” of the Biden administration, signaling his commitment to correcting what he believes is a politically motivated persecution of those involved. This move highlights his ongoing fight against what he views as an overreaching government targeting his supporters.
Trump’s executive orders also included a powerful declaration labeling drug cartels as terrorist organizations—demonstrating his continued focus on securing the border and combating the cartels’ deadly influence. He also made good on his promise to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move he made during his first term and which President Biden quickly reversed. Trump called the accord a “job-killer” and projected the U.S. would save over a trillion dollars by exiting the treaty.
In a strong message to the federal bureaucracy, Trump signed orders to rescind 78 executive actions from the Biden administration, including those related to immigration, gender identity, and COVID-19 policies. He froze all new federal regulations and ordered a halt to federal hiring, except for essential roles like military personnel. “Could you imagine Biden doing this?” Trump asked the crowd, underscoring the stark contrast in leadership styles.
Perhaps most significant for conservatives was his directive to restore free speech in federal agencies, rejecting government censorship, and ensuring that no government agency could target political opponents. These orders represent a bold attempt to steer the nation back toward the values of freedom, economic opportunity, and secure borders—issues that continue to be central to Trump’s vision for America’s future.