Washington, D.C., Jan 22, (V7N) - President Donald Trump started his second term in office with a series of executive orders and a focus on getting key Cabinet officials confirmed. On his first full day, Trump declared a national border emergency, issued pardons for nearly everyone convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, signed several executive orders on immigration, economy, health, and gender, and helped give TikTok a reprieve.

Trump attended a prayer service at the National Cathedral, where a bishop urged him to show "mercy" for LGBTQ children and immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S. In the afternoon, Trump met with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to discuss his legislative agenda.

During Elise Stefanik’s confirmation hearing for U.N. Ambassador, she clashed with Senator Chris Van Hollen over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Stefanik defended Israel’s right to the entire West Bank, but Van Hollen argued that such views hinder peace and stability in the region. Stefanik also emphasized her desire to bring home hostages.

At the prayer service, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde directly addressed President Trump, urging him to have compassion for vulnerable communities such as LGBTQ individuals and working-class immigrants in the U.S. Trump’s stance on these issues, including his orders restricting transgender rights and his aggressive immigration policies, were mentioned by critics at the service.

Elise Stefanik’s comments at her confirmation hearing about Israel’s treatment at the U.N. also stirred debate. She pledged to "stand with Israel" and criticized U.N. resolutions targeting the country.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Melania Trump joined Trump at the National Cathedral service, which was designed to promote unity and reconciliation across the country.

In other news, the Senate Finance Committee approved Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, and Trump held a press conference discussing tariffs, military action against drug cartels, and his interest in purchasing Greenland.

Trump also granted pardons to nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the Capitol attack, including key figures from far-right groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. These actions fulfill a campaign promise but have raised concerns about the endorsement of anti-democratic actions.

In a lighter moment, country singer Carrie Underwood performed "America the Beautiful" at Trump’s inauguration, despite a technical glitch, before shaking Trump’s hand.

The day was marked by political, diplomatic, and social shifts as Trump quickly moved forward with his agenda, facing both praise and criticism from various quarters.

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