Immediate Policy Changes

President Donald Trump is off to a swift start in his second week in office, with significant changes swiftly implemented. His administration introduced tariffs affecting crucial trading partners, including Mexico, Canada, and China. This pivotal move occurs amid a notable decrease in border crossings, a shuttering of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and a requirement for federal workers to reconsider their in-office commitments.

Immigration Crackdown

In line with his commitment to stricter immigration control, Trump’s administration has witnessed a substantial reduction in migrant encounters at the southern border, with reports indicating a 63% drop. In just the first week, there were 7,287 migrant encounters, significantly less than the 20,086 average daily encounters noted during the final days of President Joe Biden’s administration.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem participated in enforcement operations targeting serious crimes in New York City, highlighting Trump’s focus on addressing illegal immigration with vigor. By Monday, the administration had reportedly deported over 7,300 illegal immigrants to countries including Mexico, Jordan, and Brazil.

Legislative Milestones

This week also saw Trump achieve his first legislative victory by signing the Laken Riley Act into law. This legislation mandates the detention of illegal immigrants charged with theft-related crimes, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to bolster law enforcement measures related to immigration. The law is named after a tragedy involving a nursing student killed by an illegal immigrant, underlining a personal and societal need for accountability in immigration enforcement.

Shuttering DEI Initiatives

The Trump administration has rapidly pursued the dismantling of DEI programs across federal agencies. The Office of Personnel Management directed agency heads to close DEI offices and issued guidance to freeze funding for programs deemed “woke.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed these initiatives, assuring that essential welfare programs would remain unaffected while pushing back against what she characterized as an overreach of “wokeness” in government operations.

Despite media critiques and judicial impediments, the administration has expressed its intent to remain committed to reforming federal program funding.

Workforce Decisions and Federal Changes

Additionally, federal employees are encountering a “Fork in the Road” as the administration mandates a return to in-office work. Employees have until February 6 to decide whether to return to their positions or resign while still receiving their full benefits until the end of September. Certain federal workers, including military personnel, are exempt from this decision.

The administration is taking a hardline approach by offering early retirement or resignation to ensure a swift return to traditional work environments.

Aviation Safety Incident

The drive for reform faced a sudden interruption with a tragic aviation incident that resulted in the presumed deaths of 67 individuals after a midair collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter. The administration swiftly reacted, with Trump ordering an immediate assessment of aviation safety practices. This underlines a proactive stance towards learning from and improving safety measures in light of disasters.

Further Actions and Cabinet Confirmations

Trump also moved to lift collective bargaining agreements set by the previous administration, asserting that these had been inhibiting necessary governmental reforms. The quick appointment of key Cabinet members, including Sean Duffy as the new Transportation Secretary, illustrates the administration’s commitment to surrounding the President with eager advisers ready to support his agenda.

The Senate confirmation process for Trump’s nominees came with some tension, with tough questions directed at individuals like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leading Health and Human Services, and Kash Patel for the FBI. These hearings highlight the contentious environment in which Trump’s administration is operating.

Trade Tariffs

In a significant economic policy shift, the White House announced that heavy tariffs would be placed on goods from Mexico and Canada, alongside a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. The 25% tariffs are justified by the administration as a necessary response to what they deem an “invasion of illegal fentanyl.” Leavitt noted in a press briefing that these tariffs are a fulfillment of Trump’s promises to the American public, signifying a trade policy aimed at addressing national security and public health concerns.