US President Donald Trump pardoned around 1,500 of his supporters who attacked the US Capitol four years ago as he swiftly moved to impose his will on the government hours after reclaiming the presidency.
After a day of ceremony, Trump signed a series of executive actions to curb immigration, rollback environmental regulations, and end racial and gender diversity initiatives. He did not immediately raise tariffs but mentioned he may impose 25% duties on Canada and Mexico by February 1.
The decision to pardon his supporters from the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack will likely enrage law enforcement and lawmakers, as approximately 140 police officers were assaulted, and four people died, including a Trump supporter shot by the police.
Trump ordered the early release of 14 leaders from far-right groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys but left their convictions intact. He also signed an order to suspend refugee programs, which impacted around 1,660 Afghans cleared for resettlement.
Trump declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, unlocking funds and enabling him to send troops there. He withdrew the US from the Paris climate agreement again and took action against Biden-era policies on artificial intelligence and electric vehicles. He also froze federal hiring and instructed government workers to return to office instead of working from home.
