5 Key Takeaways From Trump 2.0: Day One

On Donald Trump’s (second) first day as President, he declared a sweeping pivot aimed at what he called the "complete restoration of America."

Through a flurry of executive orders, President Trump emphasized immediate action over lofty rhetoric, signaling a decisive shift in priorities.

Let’s break down what these actions mean and what we, as international students, should watch for in the coming weeks:

Key Actions and Impacts

1. Border Security and Immigration
   Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, promising to return “millions” of undocumented immigrants to their home countries. Policies like “Remain in Mexico” were reinstated, and Mexican drug cartels were designated as foreign terrorist organizations. This could mean heightened scrutiny for all visa applicants, including students, and stricter immigration enforcement overall. But, for now, there is no indication that his deportation will be targeting international students.

2. Regulation Freezes and Government Hiring
   An immediate freeze on federal regulations and a temporary hiring pause for federal employees, including IRS agents, was announced. Federal agencies were also directed to resume in-person work, underscoring a shift in administrative priorities. This could have a significant impact on processing times, whether it be for visas, reinstatements, OPT, H1B, etc.

3. Climate Policy Reversal
   Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate treaty and declared a “national energy emergency,” promoting domestic drilling and scaling back electric vehicle incentives. This highlights a focus on traditional energy sectors over environmental considerations, which may influence research funding and opportunities in green technology fields.

4. Social Policies
   The administration rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies and restricted transgender rights, including removing the gender-neutral "X" from passports. International students in fields related to human rights or social justice may see these issues take center stage in upcoming policy debates.

5. Economic Goals
   Aimed at reducing inflation and lowering everyday costs, Trump signed directives for his cabinet to address economic challenges while also overhauling the U.S. trade system with increased taxes and tariffs on foreign imports. This may reshape international trade relations, potentially impacting students and scholars with ties to global markets.

A Lesson for Us All

Whether you view these changes as bold leadership or a sharp pivot, there’s one takeaway I encourage you to focus on: the power of decisive action. In moments of change, being adaptable and prepared is essential.

For international students, this is a reminder to stay informed, keep your visa status in impeccable order, and understand how policy shifts might affect your studies, career plans, or life in the U.S.

As we navigate this new chapter, remember that even in turbulent times, there’s always an opportunity to adjust your course and focus on your long-term vision—just like the elite runner keeping their eyes on the finish line.

Stay informed, stay resilient, and most importantly, stay focused on your American Dream.

With you every step of the way,

Josh