Trump's First Week: 30 executive orders

US President Donald Trump spent his first week back in the White House unleashing a barrage of policy measures, most aimed at putting his campaign promises into action. Trump's sweeping decrees, ranging from immigration to foreign policy and trade, triggered both praise and condemnation.

30 executive orders

Trump signed no less than 30 executive orders — more than in the first three months of his first term. In doing so, he slammed the country into reverse on policies that the Biden administration prioritized, such as support for diversity and climate change measures.

Tariffs

Canada and Mexico are in the line of fire. Trump said he plans 25% tariffs on goods imported from both countries as of Feb.1, although he has yet to sign any executive actions to implement them.

Trump set the stage for tough measures at his inauguration speech, saying he will "immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families."

He said, "Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens."

Trump delivered a similar message at an online address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. He urged global business leaders to shift their manufacturing to the US.

"Come make your product in America, and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth, " he said. "We're bringing them down very substantially, even from the original Trump tax cuts."

Trump said he plans on slashing the corporate tax rate in the US from 21 percent to 15 percent.

However, he also issued a warning: "But if you don't make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then very simply you will have to pay a tariff."

'Illegal immigration'

US President Donald Trump has moved quickly to crack down on what he calls "illegal immigration" since taking office. The fallout has already reached Mexico.

Among the slew of executive orders signed last week, Trump also declared a national emergency to support his mass deportation plan. One of his targets are people with criminal records.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that her country had taken 4,094 deportees, mostly its nationals, in the week leading up to Sunday.

She said, "We're in a permanent dialogue, as are they with Central American countries."

Colombia is also dealing with the new policies in Washington. Trump threatened to hike tariffs if the country refused to accept deportation flights on military aircraft. Colombia's government backed down on late Sunday, and agreed to the plan.

Diplomacy

President Trump says he wants to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Bringing a quick end to the war was one of his campaign promises.

He is also threatening tariffs and sanctions depending on Russia's response. Ramping up the pressure, Trump claims he will request that Saudi Arabia and OPEC lower oil prices — a potential blow to Russia's oil export revenue.

In the Middle East, Trump continues with the pro-Israel stance he followed in his first term. He has already given the green light for the US to resume sending large bombs to Israel. Biden had suspended shipments.

Furthermore, Trump has indicated that he will ask Jordan and Egypt to accept residents from the Gaza Strip, a move strongly opposed by the Palestinian Authority.

Analysis

NHK World's Nemoto Kotaro has been following the developments in Washington.
Here is his analysis on Trump's first week after inauguration.

NHK World correspondent Nemoto Kotaro

US President Donald Trump's first week of rapid-fire decrees — and the radical shift in direction these policies entail — have left Washington on edge.
 
Trump's emphasis on speed in enacting policy is meant to show his supporters that he is taking action to bring about change. Using executive orders that he can immediately implement is intended to create a sense of renewal and show that he will honor his election pledges.
 
But the backlash against radical policy shifts has been just as swift. More than 20 states have filed lawsuits challenging an executive order by Trump aimed at reviewing so-called birthright citizenship.
 
The US constitution's 14th Amendment grants automatic citizenship to anyone born in the United States regardless of their parent's immigration status.
 
Additionally, although the Republican Party holds a majority in both houses of Congress, it is not entirely unified. During last week's vote to confirm Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, some lawmakers from his own party opposed the nomination.
 
Trump has a strong support base. But success in implementing his policies will depend on whether he can unite those less committed to his cause.
 
Many issues, including the invasion of Ukraine, which he claimed he would end within 24 hours, cannot be resolved overnight. The question will be whether he can demonstrate tangible results in the weeks and months ahead.