What Did Donald Trump Do Today?
January 23, 2025 Recap
President Trump addressed the World Economic Forum via teleconference, outlining his administration’s vision and priorities in its early days. He declared the start of a "golden age" for America, emphasizing his intention to reverse what he described as the failed economic policies of the previous administration. Trump criticized the prior government for racking up trillions in deficit spending, imposing heavy regulations, and creating what he called the worst inflation crisis in modern history. In response, he announced swift action to address these challenges, including a comprehensive deregulation campaign, eliminating the "Green New Deal," and focusing on energy independence. Trump declared a national energy emergency to accelerate domestic energy production, prioritizing using the United States' vast oil, gas, and coal reserves. He also vowed to simplify regulatory processes, fast-track energy infrastructure projects, and position the U.S. as a global leader in manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency. He also claimed his team negotiated the cease-fire deal in the Middle East.
On immigration, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, citing record-high illegal crossings under the previous administration. He deployed military and National Guard troops to secure the border, enforced strict policies to return illegal migrants to their countries of origin, and vowed to restore law and order. These actions, he argued, were essential for reclaiming national sovereignty and addressing what he described as a crisis that previous leaders had failed to manage. In addition, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to cultural and social policies, including ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the government and private sectors. He announced policies that would recognize only two genders, ban transgender participation in women’s sports, and limit transgender medical procedures, calling these measures a return to common sense.
In international relations, Trump criticized the European Union for its regulatory inefficiency and protectionist trade practices, which he argued hindered economic growth and placed an unfair burden on the United States. He pledged to impose tariffs on imports from countries that do not manufacture goods in the U.S., emphasizing his goal of creating a level playing field for American businesses. Trump also called for NATO nations to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, asserting that the U.S. had shouldered an unfair share of the financial burden for decades. He highlighted efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, describing the war as a humanitarian disaster and a tragedy of immense proportions. Trump expressed optimism about strengthening U.S.-China relations, stressing the need for fairness in trade and cooperation to resolve global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war. He also floated the idea of pursuing denuclearization agreements involving the U.S., Russia, and China, calling it an essential step toward global stability.
President Trump celebrated the United States' role as host for several upcoming landmark events, including the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, the World Cup, and the Olympics. In a Q&A session with global business leaders, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to rapid deregulation, low taxes, and policies enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness. He underscored the importance of fostering private investment and innovation while ensuring national and international stability.
President Trump held his first foreign leader call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their discussion focused on key issues, including efforts to stabilize the Middle East, enhance regional security, and strengthen counterterrorism measures. They also addressed Saudi Arabia’s international economic goals for the next four years, highlighting areas for potential collaboration. Additionally, the conversation covered trade and broader opportunities to promote mutual economic growth and prosperity between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
President Trump issued a memorandum addressing the Federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, emphasizing their historical and cultural significance. Known as the People of the Dark Water, the Lumbee Tribe has ancestral ties to several tribal nations, including the Hatteras, Tuscarora, and Cheraw, and has thrived for centuries in the Lumbee River region despite numerous challenges. North Carolina recognized the Lumbee Tribe as an Indian tribe in 1885, and 1956, the federal Lumbee Act acknowledged the tribe but denied federal benefits. Today, the Lumbee Tribe consists of over 55,000 members, making it the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth-largest in the nation. Despite past efforts, such as the 2024 Lumbee Fairness Act, passed in the House but not the Senate, the tribe has yet to secure full federal recognition. The United States now commits to supporting the Lumbee Tribe in achieving this goal, including access to federal benefits.
To advance this policy, the Secretary of the Interior is directed to develop a plan within 90 days to assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full federal recognition. This plan, created in consultation with Lumbee leadership, will explore all possible legal pathways, including legislative action, judicial processes, or existing federal acknowledgment procedures. The memorandum underscores the importance of fulfilling this commitment and will be published in the Federal Register to ensure transparency and accountability.
President Trump’s executive order on strengthening American leadership in digital financial technology outlines a comprehensive strategy to promote the responsible growth of digital assets, blockchain technology, and related innovations. The order emphasizes the importance of these technologies in driving U.S. economic development and maintaining international leadership. Key policies include protecting the lawful use of blockchain networks, strengthening the global role of the U.S. dollar through the development of legitimate, dollar-backed stablecoins, ensuring fair access to banking services for law-abiding individuals, and creating technology-neutral regulatory frameworks. The order explicitly prohibits establishing, issuing, or promoting Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), citing risks to financial stability, individual privacy, and national sovereignty.
The order rescinds previous policies, including Executive Order 14067 and the Treasury’s 2022 framework on digital assets, directing a shift in regulatory focus. It establishes the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, chaired by a Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, with members from key federal agencies such as Treasury, Justice, and Homeland Security. This group is tasked with reviewing existing regulations, proposing a federal framework for digital asset oversight, and evaluating the creation of a national digital asset stockpile. Public hearings and consultations with industry leaders will inform their recommendations.
Additionally, the order prohibits federal agencies from pursuing any plans to develop or promote CBDCs and mandates the termination of such initiatives. It includes provisions to ensure its implementation respects existing legal authorities and appropriations, and a severability clause safeguards its validity should any part be invalidated. This initiative reflects the administration’s goal to solidify U.S. leadership in digital financial innovation while balancing regulation, innovation, and individual privacy.
President Trump issued an executive order mandating the declassification of all remaining records related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. It prioritizes transparency and the public's right to know, directing the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to create detailed declassification plans within specific timeframes (15 days for JFK records and 45 days for RFK and MLK records). The order concludes that withholding these records is no longer justified and aligns with legal and practical considerations but does not grant legal rights to individuals.
President Trump established the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to guide American leadership in science, technology, and innovation. The Council will bring together academia, industry, and government experts to address transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology to ensure U.S. global technological dominance and safeguard national security. Comprised of up to 24 members, including federal and non-federal representatives, PCAST will provide scientific and technical advice to inform policy on the economy, national security, and other key areas. It will also serve as an advisory body for high-performance computing and nanotechnology research. PCAST will engage with diverse stakeholders and may form subcommittees to address specific issues, with support from the Department of Energy. The order revokes prior related executive orders and stipulates that PCAST will operate for two years unless extended. Members will serve without compensation but may receive travel reimbursements as allowed by law.
President Trump issued an executive order to maintain and enhance the United States' global leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). The order emphasizes eliminating ideological biases in AI systems and removing regulatory barriers hindering AI innovation. It revokes previous policies, including Executive Order 14110, to align government actions with this objective. Within 180 days, senior officials and relevant agencies will develop a comprehensive AI action plan to promote economic competitiveness, national security, and human flourishing. The order mandates reviewing and revising existing AI policies and directives to ensure consistency with these goals, with interim exemptions applied as needed. The directive will be implemented in accordance with applicable laws and funding constraints without creating enforceable legal rights for any party.
President Trump issued pardons for nearly two dozen individuals convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) for blocking or shutting down abortion clinics. Trump justified the pardons, stating the individuals were elderly and should not have been prosecuted. The decision was supported by anti-abortion groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Students for Life, who had lobbied Trump through various channels.
The pardons come as Trump faces criticism from some in the anti-abortion movement for not prioritizing their agenda during his time in office, contrasting with past Republican presidents like George W. Bush, who quickly signed anti-abortion executive orders. Trump had previously enacted similar policies later in his first term.
The pardons also align with Trump’s broader opposition to the perceived weaponization of government. However, some activists expressed frustration that these pardons were delayed, especially since Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6 Capitol attack on his first day in office during this term.
Sources: Politico, Associated Press
A federal judge, John Coughenour, temporarily blocked President Trump’s executive order redefining birthright citizenship, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” The order, which challenges the 14th Amendment, asserts that children born to noncitizens are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction and, therefore, not eligible for citizenship. The case is part of a broader legal challenge involving 22 states and immigrant rights groups.
Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, criticized the order during the hearing, stating it clearly violates the Constitution. States argued the order would force costly overhauls to systems handling citizenship-related benefits and affect hundreds of thousands of individuals nationwide. The Trump administration defended the order as an accurate interpretation of the Constitution and sought more time to argue its merits.
The lawsuits highlight the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, and cite past Supreme Court rulings, like United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), as precedent. Opponents of the order argue it would strip children born on U.S. soil of their citizenship, creating significant legal and societal harm. President Trump has vowed to appeal the decision.
Sources: Associated Press, USA Today
President Trump spoke with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele to discuss cooperation on key bilateral concerns. They discussed their joint efforts to curb illegal immigration through strategic cooperation, including measures to secure borders and address root causes driving migration. A significant part of their dialogue centered on combating transnational criminal organizations, with specific emphasis on the activities of Tren de Aragua, a notorious gang contributing to violence and instability in the region.
President Trump expressed his appreciation for President Bukele’s strong leadership and reforms, acknowledging their positive impact on El Salvador and its role as a stabilizing force in the Western Hemisphere. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-El Salvador partnership and enhancing regional security through collaborative initiatives.
President Trump has intensified pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell to lower interest rates ahead of an upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. Trump criticized the Fed's approach, claiming he understands interest rates better than Powell and expressing a desire for significant rate cuts. Despite Trump’s comments, the Fed is expected to maintain its current benchmark rate while adopting a cautious stance on future cuts due to concerns over inflation fueled by Trump's fiscal policies.
President Trump Gives Virtual Remarks to World Economic Forum
