WASHINGTON, D.C, Jan 23, (V7N) – President Donald Trump has escalated his hardline agenda in the early days of his second term, announcing a series of sweeping measures targeting immigration and diversity initiatives.
In a bold move Wednesday, Trump ordered the deployment of 1,500 additional US troops to the Mexican border, bringing the total to over 3,500 soldiers in support of border patrol operations. The decision, part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration, includes threats of prosecution for state and local authorities failing to deport undocumented migrants.
In parallel, the president halted refugee admissions, with a State Department memo confirming the suspension of already-approved entries into the US. Trump also reaffirmed his promise to deport "millions and millions" of undocumented immigrants, a hallmark of his hardline immigration policy.
The president has also taken aim at diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, claiming they promote discrimination. Government employees working in diversity roles were placed on immediate paid leave, and Trump has begun dismantling affirmative action policies in federal hiring and contracting.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the measures were part of Trump's vision for a "merit-based society" where individuals are hired for their skills rather than their racial or gender identity. The president has also directed similar policy changes within agencies like the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).
Trump's whirlwind of activity included his first call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing enhanced trade relations. Additionally, he appointed Andrew Puzder as ambassador to the European Union and named Sean Curran, a trusted Secret Service veteran, as its new director.
However, cracks within Trump's inner circle emerged, notably with tech mogul Elon Musk, who criticized an AI mega-project endorsed by the president. On the international front, Trump faced scrutiny for threatening Russia with sanctions over Ukraine peace negotiations, contradicting his prior confidence in resolving the conflict swiftly.
In one of his most polarizing moves, Trump issued pardons for over 1,000 supporters involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, drawing sharp criticism from his opponents.
As Trump forges ahead with his ambitious second-term agenda, the nation braces for further debate over the sweeping changes unfolding in Washington.
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