Abu Jakir :
On his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, signalling a return to his hallmark policies.
Covering immigration, trade, climate, health, and technology, the orders have far-reaching implications both domestically and globally.
Among Trump’s most controversial actions is an executive order targeting birthright citizenship, set to take effect on 30 January.
The order restricts automatic citizenship for U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants, a move expected to face significant legal challenges under the 14th Amendment.
Additionally, Trump declared a national border emergency, vowing to halt illegal immigration and initiate what he described as “the largest deportation programme in American history.”
In a significant shift in North American trade policy, Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, effective 1 February.
These tariffs are designed to renegotiate trade terms but are likely to impact global corporations and raise prices for U.S. consumers.
While Trump suggested that broader tariffs on other countries might follow, he emphasised that such measures were not yet imminent.
Trump fulfilled his campaign pledge to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, framing the move as a rejection of what he termed the “unfair, one-sided Paris Climate Accord rip-off.”
This marks the second time Trump has withdrawn from the global treaty, which seeks to mitigate climate change through emissions reductions.
The president also signed an order to exit the World Health Organization (WHO) within a year, ceasing U.S. financial contributions.
Trump accused the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and exploiting U.S. resources.
In an unexpected move, Trump temporarily delayed the enforcement of a federal TikTok ban for 75 days.
He cited a newfound appreciation for the app and described the pause as an opportunity to explore alternatives to an outright ban while ensuring national security.
During his inaugural address, Trump promised a “complete restoration of America,” underscoring his intention to reverse Biden-era policies swiftly.
While critics argue that many of the orders – particularly on immigration and trade – will face significant legal and logistical hurdles, supporters hail them as decisive actions fulfilling campaign promises.
The swift pace of these executive orders reflects Trump’s commitment to reshaping U.S. policy immediately. However, the repercussions – whether in courts, economic sectors, or international relations – remain uncertain.
Weighing in on Trump’s actions, international relations expert and former Dhaka University professor, Amena Mohsin, highlighted the potential adverse effects of the new policies.
“Donald Trump has taken steps to impose several restrictions on importing products from different countries and on migration.
However, these restrictions will also impact the American people and the country as a whole,” Mohsin told The New Nation on Tuesday.
She emphasised that the U.S. workforce depends heavily on migrant labour for critical roles.
“The native U.S. population is not accustomed to performing all types of jobs. In such cases, it is likely that people will protest against Trump’s restrictions,” she said.
Professor Mohsin also cautioned that tariff restrictions could harm the U.S. economy by driving up prices on essential goods. “As a result, Americans are expected to demand the withdrawal of such restrictions,” she added.
“Finally, we must wait and see the outcomes of Trump’s actions and their eventual impact,” Professor Mohsin concluded.
As the nation braces for the implications of Trump’s swift policy overhaul, it remains to be seen how these actions will shape the United States domestically and on the global stage.
