In the first hours of his second presidential term, Donald Trump signed a number of executive orders on Monday, signaling a unique shift in US foreign policy that furthers the new president’s “America first” approach. At a wide-ranging news conference from the Oval Office, Mr Trump outlined plans to tackle topics ranging from the trade war to TikTok and said he was “not confident” the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel would hold.
He reiterated his threat against America’s two major trading partners — Canada and Mexico — and said he could impose 25 percent tariffs on both countries as early as February 1, while imposing tariffs on others as part of the New America. Promised punitive measures on countries. business policy. He also signed several executive orders withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement.
trade war
Accusing Mexico and Canada of failing to stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the United States, Trump said, “We’re thinking about 25 percent on Mexico and Canada because they take in a large number of people. Are allowing – Canada is a very bad abuser too – large numbers of people coming in, and fentanyl coming in.”
He said he was thinking about implementing the tariffs on February 1. The new president signed an order on Monday directing agencies to study a range of trade issues, including deficits, unfair practices and currency manipulation. These can pave the way for further responsibilities.
Earlier, Trump vowed to initiate “immediate changes” to the US trading system “to protect American workers and families.” “Instead of taxing our own citizens to enrich other countries, we will impose tariffs and taxes on foreign countries to enrich our own citizens,” Trump said in his inaugural address.
According to the US State Department, Mexico was the US’s largest trading partner, with two-way goods trade totaling $807 billion in 2023, surpassing US trade with China.
eu imbalance
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump also took aim at the trade imbalance with the European Union, saying it does not import enough American products. He said he would “straighten it out” by using tariffs or urging the bloc to purchase more oil and gas.
The EU’s economy commissioner said earlier Monday it is prepared to defend its interests, while Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Jolie said Ottawa will work to ensure it is prepared to respond to any US actions. Is.
In his inaugural address, Trump also reiterated his plan to establish an “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs, fees, and revenues.
tiktok
The President ordered a 75-day moratorium on enforcement of the law effectively banning TikTok. Their action delayed the implementation of the act that went into effect this week, which banned the distribution and updates of TikTok in the United States.
Trump has said that the app’s Chinese parent company would have to agree to sell a fifty percent stake to the United States.
except WHO
The president also signed an order pulling the United States out of the World Health Organization, asserting that Washington is unfairly paying more than China in the UN body.
According to the order, the US is withdrawing from the organization due to “its mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic originating from Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate that it will.” Freedom from undue political influence of WHO Member States.”
Notably, the United States is the largest funder of the Geneva-headquartered organization.
New President Trump also halted the distribution of US foreign development assistance for 90 days. The move leaves millions of dollars in aid in limbo, dependent on the decision of Marco Rubio, who was confirmed as US Secretary of State, as the first Cabinet member of the new Trump administration.
left the paris climate agreement
The President immediately withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, repeating actions taken during his first term. The order extends Trump’s unacceptable rejection of global efforts to combat planetary warming as devastating weather events intensify around the world.
It will take a year for the agreement to be abandoned after a formal notice is submitted to the UN framework that underpins global climate negotiations.
vowed to take the panama canal
In his inaugural address, Trump repeated his complaint that China is effectively “running” the Panama Canal through its increased presence around the vital waterway, which the United States ceded in late 1999.
“We didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back,” Trump said after being sworn in inside the US Capitol.
Trump has been ramping up pressure for weeks over the canal — through which 40 percent of U.S. container traffic travels — and has repeatedly refused to use military force against historically Washington-friendly Panama.
west bank settler
Trump rescinded sanctions against violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank accused of abuses against Palestinians, an unprecedented action by Joe Biden’s administration. The move is being seen as a concession to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid a crucial ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Asked by a reporter whether Israel and Hamas would maintain the ceasefire and move forward on the agreement, Trump said, “This is not our war; this is their war. But I’m not convinced.”
However, he said he believed Hamas had been “weakened” in the war that began with an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. “I saw a picture of Gaza. Gaza is like a huge destruction site,” Trump said.
The property tycoon turned populist politician said there could be a “fantastic” reconstruction in Gaza if the plan goes ahead. “It’s a phenomenal place on the ocean – the best weather. You know, everything is good. It feels like some beautiful things can be done with it,” he said.
Cuba
Reversing one of Biden’s recent moves, Trump removed Cuba from the blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism. Biden had removed Cuba from the list a few days ago as part of an agreement to free prisoners.
russia ukraine war
He also commented briefly on his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the three-year-old war in Ukraine. Trump confirmed he would meet with Putin and said his counterparts in Moscow were “destroying Russia” by not making any deal to end the war. He also repudiated his earlier promises to broker a peace deal in Ukraine before taking office, saying, “I have to talk to President Putin, we have to find out. He can’t be thrilled. He’s not doing so well ” I mean, he’s grinding it out.”
other policies
Trump said he could convince Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, a signature policy of his previous administration.
He said, “Its sole goal is to defeat America’s enemies. We are not going to be defeated. We are not going to be humiliated. We will simply win, win, win.” First, a policy of giving priority to American interests above all else.
Trump is making history – as the oldest president to take office and the first to be convicted of paying a hush money to a porn star during his first presidential run.
