- President Trump signed orders reversing key Biden-era policies upon returning to office on January 20, 2025.
- Major changes include immigration crackdowns, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, and recognition of only two genders.
- He pardoned over 1,500 individuals related to the January 6 Capitol attack.
- The suspension of U.S. foreign aid programs impacts Kenya’s leadership in Haiti’s peacekeeping mission.
Trump’s Key Policy Reversals and New Actions
1. Immigration Policies
- National Border Emergency: Declared an emergency at the southern border, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy and resuming border wall construction.
- Birthright Citizenship: Issued an executive order to end citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants, likely facing legal challenges.
2. Energy and Environmental Policies
- Paris Climate Accord Withdrawal: Revoked U.S. participation, citing national energy priorities.
- Fossil Fuels Boost: Declared a national energy emergency, easing restrictions on drilling and oil exploration.
3. Social and Domestic Policies
- Gender Recognition: Limited federal recognition to male and female genders only, eliminating non-binary classifications.
- Pardons for January 6 Rioters: Pardoned over 1,500 individuals, except key ringleaders, sparking backlash.
4. Trade and Economic Policies
- Proposed significant tariffs on Mexican, Canadian, and Chinese goods, though some implementation dates remain unclear.
5. Suspension of Foreign Aid
- Suspended all U.S. foreign aid for 90 days pending a review, affecting Kenya’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
Implications of the Foreign Aid Suspension on Kenya
Kenya, leading a multinational force in Haiti with 1,000 police officers, may face funding challenges due to U.S. aid suspension. The mission, heavily reliant on U.S. pledges totaling $300 million, could see delays or reduced support.
Other nations participating in Haiti’s peacekeeping efforts, like Jamaica and El Salvador, might reassess their involvement amid financial uncertainty. Prolonged suspension risks undermining international peacekeeping operations and Kenya’s leadership role.
Trump’s executive orders signal a dramatic shift in U.S. policies, with widespread implications for domestic governance, international relations, and global initiatives. His decisions, particularly regarding foreign aid and climate policies, will likely shape diplomatic ties and international cooperation in the months ahead.
