Trump Finds Biden Surprise in Oval Office, Pardons J6 Rioters, Designates Mexican Drug Cartels as Terrorist Orgs, and Much More in First Hours as 47th President
In a dramatic return to the Oval Office, President Donald Trump launched his second term with a series of sweeping executive actions, including pardons for Jan. 6 defendants and a dramatic shift in border policy by designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
The day’s events took an interesting turn when a journalist reminded Trump about the traditional letter left by his predecessor.
After searching through the Resolute desk drawers, Trump discovered President Biden’s letter, marked with “47” underlined in pencil.
Trump teased reporters about reading it together before deciding to review it privately first.
In his first major act, Trump signed orders pardoning approximately 1,500 defendants and issued six commutations related to the Jan. 6 Capitol incident.
He also directed the attorney general to seek dismissal of roughly 450 pending criminal cases.
“These are the hostages,” Trump declared while signing the paperwork in the Oval Office, according to Daily Mail.
Among the flurry of executive orders, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border while simultaneously expressing support for legal immigration.
“I’m fine with legal immigration. I like it. We need people,” he stated, while signing orders that included suspending refugee resettlement and challenging birthright citizenship – a move that Daily Mail highlighted could face significant constitutional hurdles given its protection under the 14th Amendment since 1868.
The new administration also took aim at international agreements, initiating U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization for the second time in five years.
Daily Mail reported that this decision has sparked concern among health experts who warn it could impede global disease prevention efforts, particularly in fighting diseases like AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
During his time in the Oval Office, Trump discussed various international matters, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I think Russia is going to be in real trouble,” Trump remarked, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “destroying Russia.”
He suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might be ready to negotiate an end to the conflict.
Daily Mail further noted that in a series of rapid-fire policy changes, Trump revoked multiple Biden-era protections, including those for trans-identifying troops, affecting potentially 9,000 to 14,000 service members.
He ordered federal workers to return to full-time in-person work and announced plans for implementing 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting February 1.
The day culminated in an indoor inaugural celebration at Capital One Arena, where Trump signed additional executive orders amid cheering supporters.
He also made surprising statements about potential future endeavors, including his interest in acquiring Greenland, claiming “The people of Greenland are not happy with Denmark. I think they’re happy with us.”
The new administration’s regulatory changes included a freeze on all federal hiring except for military and essential positions, withdrawal from the Paris climate treaty and an order aimed at preventing what Trump called the “weaponization of government against political adversaries.”
When asked about which former president he might call for advice, Trump praised Bill Clinton’s political acumen, describing him as having a “great political sense” while noting he was “disrespected” and “not used properly.”
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