It has been two weeks since the beginning of President Trump’s second term and dozens of executive orders have been signed. In just two short weeks, his frenzy of executive orders have imposed tariffs on trading partners, pardoned roughly 1600 January 6th rioters, and has initiated crackdowns on immigration in the United States. What could this mean for the United States over the next four years? 

Trump has signed an executive order pardoning nearly 1600 people that participated in the January 6th Capitol insurrection. Vice-President JD Vance said, ‘If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.’ The blanket pardon has effectively erased the work of the largest criminal investigation in United States history, according to the BBC.

Ed Martin was named by Trump as acting U.S attorney for Washington D.C, the prosecutorial role that has been responsible for pursuing riot cases. Since then, Martin has withdrawn these chargesfrom those involved in the January 6th cases. During his campaign, Trump has promised ‘mass deportations.’ Across the U.S, many arrests are taking place by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reinstated the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, which had asylum seekers wait in Mexico until they were scheduled to appear in front of immigration judges in the United States. This has raised safety concerns for migrants as they wait for their court dates. 

ICE raids are currently happening across the country, and there has been speculation on which cities are under consideration, including big metropolises such as Los Angeles and Chicago. According to ICE data, posted on X, from January 23 through 31, nearly 8300 people across the country have been arrested, with the highest recorded number being 1179 on January 27. Active duty troops have increased by 60% at the U.S-Mexico border, due to an executive order assigning 1500 active-duty military personnel. 

Trump has promised tariffs on imported goods coming from Canada, Mexico, and China, stating that they are ‘needed for the economy’ and to ‘protect’ the country from the threat of ‘aliens and major drugs,’ according to the BBC. Canada and Mexico’s proposed 25% tariffs have been paused for 30 days as the two trading partners have agreed to increase their border security. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has agreed to send over 10,000 members of the National Guard to the U.S-Mexican border to ‘prevent the trafficking of drugs.’ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has proposed an implementation of a $1.3 billion border plan to increase border security via new technologies. 

However, the 10% tariff has already been imposed on China, taking full effect on February 4, 2025. China has retaliated, threatening to impose 15% tariffs on imported coal and liquified natural gas, along with a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large engine cars imported from the U.S, beginning February 10, 2025. The two nations are currently allowing room for talks, giving time to step back from the trade war. 

Through the frenzy of executive orders, it is important to note that the executive branch can exercise powers within its limits. Congress and the Supreme Court still have the power to constrain Trump’s powers. However, as President Trump continues to assert his expansive executive authority, the US faces a pivotal moment that will define its democratic principles and governance for years to come.  

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