Highlights from Day 2 of Trump’s Second Administration
1. Interfaith Prayer Service and GOP Meeting
President Trump attended an interfaith prayer service.
Met with Republican leadership at the White House, signaling the administration’s focus on collaboration with the GOP.
2. Cabinet Updates
Marco Rubio sworn in as Secretary of State.
Elise Stefanik and Doug Collins underwent confirmation hearings for U.N. Ambassador and Veterans Affairs Secretary roles, respectively.
3. Infrastructure Announcement Teased
Press Secretary promised a major infrastructure announcement scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
4. Pardons and Clemency
Trump pardoned or commuted sentences for over 1,500 individuals tied to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
Granted clemency to the Silk Road founder, sparking debates over libertarian values and criminal justice reform.
5. Policy Overhauls
DEI Programs: Ordered a sweeping dismantling of federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
Directed federal DEI staff to be placed on leave and prepared for layoffs.
Revoked affirmative action measures for federal contractors and grant recipients.
Ordered DEI-related training and contracts to be canceled immediately.
Immigration: Sought to end birthright citizenship and declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Drug Cartels: Began steps to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
6. Affirmative Action and DEI Crackdown
Trump’s executive order revoked a Lyndon B. Johnson-era policy promoting affirmative action.
Agencies required to dismantle DEI offices, remove public-facing content, and report on renamed DEI initiatives.
Federal workers warned of consequences for concealing DEI efforts.
7. Broader Implications
These moves reflect Trump’s commitment to his "merit-based" governance philosophy, removing federal initiatives he considers discriminatory.
Critics argue the dismantling of DEI programs could harm minority groups and undermine progress in workplace diversity and inclusion.
Trump’s administration continues to make sweeping changes, signaling an aggressive approach to fulfilling campaign promises.
