US President Trump’s First Hours: Executive orders and global reactions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just hours into his second presidency, US President Donald J. Trump launched a series of sweeping executive actions, setting the tone for a transformative administration. These decisions signaled a dramatic shift in US domestic and foreign policy priorities, with responses from global leaders reflecting a mix of optimism, strategic expectations, and caution.
One of Trump’s first moves was declaring a state of emergency at the southern border and deploying military forces to address illegal immigration, which he described as essential to “protect the sovereignty of the nation.” His administration also announced controversial plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and expressed intentions to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, asserting US dominance in critical geopolitical areas.
Internationally, Trump made a sharp break from previous commitments, officially withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, both of which he criticized as inefficient and corrupt. At home, he took swift action to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across federal agencies and issued orders recognizing only two genders, male and female, in federal policies, marking a significant departure from his predecessor’s approach to gender identity.
The global response to Trump’s election to office varied widely. Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), expressed optimism about continued US support in northern Syria, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional stability through partnership.
Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump. We look forward to continuing cooperation in achieving stability, defeating terrorism, and supporting peace in Northeast Syria. Together, we can build a better future for our peoples.
— Mazloum Abdî مظلوم عبدي (@MazloumAbdi) January 20, 2025
Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s interim administration, appealed to Trump to reconsider sanctions and assist in the country’s reconstruction.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warmly welcomed Trump’s leadership, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen global security and foster renewed dialogue between Moscow and Washington. In Eastern Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the need for cooperation to stabilize the region and achieve shared goals of peace and prosperity. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, meanwhile, celebrated Trump’s presidency as a potential catalyst for a “second wave of right-wing transformation” across Europe.
While these initial moves energized Trump’s supporters, they also drew sharp criticism from opponents who warned of the polarizing nature of his policies. As leaders around the world recalibrate their approaches to engage with his administration, Trump’s second term is set to redefine alliances and reshape the global geopolitical landscape.