Washington:  On his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump has lined up a series of executive orders, setting the tone for his administration's priorities. These actions will target immigration, economic policy, and social programmes, with some initiatives echoing those from his first term.  

Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the agenda:  

Immigration

Immigration is once again at the forefront of Trump’s agenda, with plans to declare a national emergency at the US-Mexico border. This move will pave the way for deploying US troops to assist immigration agents, tightening border control measures.  

Trump intends to reinstate a controversial policy requiring asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their cases are processed. However, it remains uncertain whether the Mexican government will agree to this arrangement. During Trump’s first term, this policy led to the establishment of overcrowded, unsanitary camps on the border, plagued by gang violence.  

Another ambitious promise involves ending birthright citizenship, a right guaranteed by the US Constitution. However, Trump has not clarified how he intends to achieve this.  

Easing regulations and tackling inflation 

Trump’s economic actions will focus on deregulation, particularly in the oil and natural gas sectors. One of the executive orders reportedly targets production in Alaska, aiming to boost the energy industry.  

Additionally, Trump plans to issue a memorandum calling for a government-wide approach to combat inflation. However, he seems to be holding off on more controversial measures, such as imposing tariffs on countries like China, Mexico, and Canada. Instead, federal agencies will be directed to study trade issues further before any decisions are made.  

Rolling back diversity and transgender rights  

Trump is poised to reverse protections for transgender individuals and terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government. These changes mark a significant shift in federal policy, aligning with Trump’s campaign promises.  

One order will officially recognise only two sexes, male and female, based on biological traits such as whether a person is born with eggs or sperm. This definition will affect policies in federal prisons, shelters for migrants, and facilities for rape victims, which will be segregated according to these criteria. Additionally, federal funding for gender transition services will be prohibited.  

In a separate order, Trump plans to eliminate DEI programmes across the federal government, directing the White House to identify and terminate such initiatives.  

AP