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Trump's first week back in office was marked by pardons for January 6th offenders, a more organized administration, consequences for critics, legal challenges, an oil-focused economic vision, and billionaire influence.
UPDATED: Jan 27, 2025 00:00 IST
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has been anything but quiet. Trump’s first week in office set the tone for what his presidency may look like over the next four years. Here’s a breakdown of the major moments from his opening days.
Pardons Signal a Defiant Start
Trump issued pardons to over 1,500 people connected to the January 6th Capitol attack. This included individuals who had engaged in violent acts against law enforcement. While his aides had suggested only non-violent offenders would be pardoned, Trump’s sweeping decision reinforced his willingness to prioritize loyalty over public criticism.
A More Organized Trump Emerges
TThe second term of Trump’s presidency has started on a more structured note. His team acted swiftly to enact executive orders, reshuffle government staff, and remove Biden-era policies. The first week demonstrated a level of planning and efficiency that contrasts with the chaotic start of his initial term. Trump appears to be more focused on using his authority to push through his agenda quickly.
Critics and Rivals Face Consequences
Trump quickly cut ties with former officials who had spoken out against him. He ended security details for figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci and John Bolton and revoked security clearances for several former officials. These actions signaled his intent to sideline critics and consolidate control over his administration’s direction.
Legal Challenges Await
Trump's bold actions, such as his push to end birthright citizenship and rollback federal worker protections, already started legal battles. For instance, a federal judge temporarily blocked his order on citizenship, calling it unconstitutional.
Oil and Economy Take Center Stage
Trump’s economic vision centers on oil production, which he calls “liquid gold.” He’s betting on increased oil output to lower inflation, reduce energy costs, and boost US manufacturing. While critics cite environmental concerns, Trump remains steadfast in his belief that fossil fuels will power economic growth and restore America’s industrial dominance.
The Influence of Billionaires
Trump’s inauguration events featured some of the world’s wealthiest tech leaders, including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. While their presence signals potential collaboration, their rivalries could complicate matters. For example, Musk and Sam Altman, both major players in AI, exchanged public barbs over funding commitments. Trump appears unfazed by the tension, joking that he shares “certain hatreds” with Musk.
(With input from AP)
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Jan 27, 2025
