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The newly inaugurated President wasted no time making headlines with a sweeping array of uniquely Trump executive orders and controversial pardons.

On January 20, 2025, Trump returned to the Oval Office, issuing a series of directives that underscored his intention to wield executive power decisively.

Among the most polarizing of his actions was the pardon of over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, a move that reignited debates over accountability, justice, and the boundaries of presidential authority.

Pardons Spark Outrage and Relief

Trump’s sweeping pardons, announced just hours after his swearing-in ceremony, drew sharp criticism from lawmakers and law enforcement.

The attack on January 6, 2021, left 140 police officers injured and became a defining moment in recent U.S. history.

Critics, including some of those injured, expressed outrage at the clemency granted to those who had been charged or convicted for their roles in the riot.

The pardons covered a wide range of cases, from misdemeanors like trespassing to violent assaults on police officers.

Trump’s actions also effectively closed the largest investigation in the history of the Justice Department, with over 300 pending cases dismissed.

Prosecutors filed motions to drop charges en-masse, a move met with both relief from defendants and dismay from most Democrats.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, stating, “President Trump campaigned on this promise. It should come as no surprise that he delivered on it on Day One.”

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High-Profile Releases

Among those benefiting from Trump’s clemency were several prominent figures. Stewart Rhodes, the former leader of the Oath Keepers militia, had his 18-year sentence commuted and was released shortly after midnight on Tuesday.

Rhodes had been convicted of plotting to use force against Congress and stockpiling weapons in a nearby Virginia hotel. 

While his sentence was commuted, Rhodes remains subject to restrictions, including a firearm ban.

Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, was also slated for release. Tarrio, who had not been present at the Capitol on January 6 but was convicted of seditious conspiracy, had been serving a 22-year sentence, the longest given to any January 6 defendant.

Dominic Pezzola, another high-profile figure, was among those due to be freed. Pezzola had been accused of stealing a riot shield from a police officer and using it to smash a Capitol window, initiating the breach.

Attorney Norm Pattis, representing Rhodes and others, downplayed concerns that the clemency would fuel political violence. “Our politics has always been violent,” Pattis remarked. “Violence is the norm in this country.”

Mixed Reactions in Courtrooms

The pardons also caused abrupt disruptions in ongoing legal proceedings.

The trial of Kenneth Fuller and his son Caleb, who faced felony charges related to obstructing police, was dismissed on Tuesday.

Federal judges, some of whom were Trump appointees, expressed frustration over the blanket clemency. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols previously described the prospect of such pardons as “beyond frustrating.”

Speaking to reporters, Caleb Fuller celebrated his release. “I’m a free man now,” he declared. Fuller maintained that he had not witnessed any violence during the riot, stating, “I didn’t see anyone get hurt. Everyone around me is deserving of a pardon.”

Trump Executive Orders 

Trump’s inauguration day was not solely defined by pardons. He signed nearly 100 executive orders signaling dramatic policy shifts. Key actions included:

• Launching a crackdown on immigration.
• Withdrawing support for wind power and electric vehicles while expanding oil drilling in the Arctic and offshore areas.
• Pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization.
• Delaying the ban on TikTok, which had been scheduled to take effect on Sunday.
• Required the nation's flags fly high to mark his inauguration, despite them being lowered for 30 days to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter.

These decisions reflect Trump’s commitment to reversing many of the policies implemented during the Biden administration. His actions on climate and energy, in particular, have already drawn criticism from environmental advocates.

Biden’s Final Acts

As Trump’s executive orders dominated headlines, outgoing President Joe Biden made news of his own. 

In his final hours in office, Biden issued pre-emptive pardons for five members of his family.

Biden also pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley and members of the House committee that held hearings on the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol,

 This move followed his earlier pardon of his son Hunter Biden, who faced tax fraud and firearms charges. Biden had previously pledged not to pardon his son, making his last-minute actions a contentious conclusion to his presidency.

A Start to a New Era

Trump’s inauguration day actions set the tone for what promises to be a tumultuous presidency. His decisions to grant sweeping pardons and implement controversial policies have already polarized the nation. 

As supporters celebrate and critics decry his moves, the long-term implications of Trump’s executive orders and pardons remain uncertain.

What is clear, however, is that Trump intends to govern with the same boldness that has characterized his political career.