In a bold move to begin his new term as President, Donald Trump initiated a sweeping dismissal of more than 1,000 appointees from the former Biden administration on his first day back in the White House. This significant personnel change was highlighted by the removal of high-profile figures, including celebrity chef José Andrés and retired Gen. Mark Milley.
The New York Post reported that Trump's return was marked by a series of executive orders aimed at undoing many of Biden-era policies and instituting structural changes across the government.
Among the first to be shown the door were Andrés, who had been serving on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and Milley, the former Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose portrait was reportedly removed from the Pentagon soon after Trump took office.
Milley had previously received a pardon from President Biden before his departure, perhaps indicative of anticipated tensions with the new administration.
The actions began with a message on social media from Trump's office, issuing an “official notice of dismissal” to four specific appointees from the prior administration. Trump’s Personnel Office is focused on identifying and transitioning out those appointees who they perceive as unaligned with the administration’s goals.
Despite being dismissed, Andrés announced via his own social media platform that he had already stepped down prior to the official notice.
He urged President Trump to focus on unifying the country rather than division, addressing broader issues affecting citizens.
The personnel changes went hand in hand with a comprehensive array of executive orders, some of which are aimed at reverting policies instituted by Biden. Among these actions were directives to delay enforcement of a contentious TikTok-related law and to reverse 78 executive actions from the previous administration.
Trump efficiently used executive orders to signal his administration's renewed focus and priorities. He authorized the United States' withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and ended investigations related to Trump supporters. The administration also issued a contentious pardon for those involved in the January 6 Capitol incident.
Further changes included revoking protections for transgender troop members and halting what they described as non-essential inquiries into Trump allies.
An announcement also withdrew from various immigration policies introduced during Biden's presidency, along with implementing a federal hiring freeze, except for roles vital to national security and safety.
Domestically, President Trump chose to declare a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, a move aligned with historical emphasis on border security during his first presidency. Efforts to combat perceived economic challenges also saw departments tasked with addressing the cost-of-living crisis alongside instituting tariffs on goods from both Mexico and Canada.
In a surprising move, orders were signed to bolster energy exploration by reopening Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The administration also controversially sought to rename geographical landmarks, changing the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and reverting Mt. Denali to Mt. McKinley. These symbolic actions were criticized by some as unnecessary distractions from substantive policy issues.
As Trump fills his administration with new personnel, he emphasized a careful selection process, spotlighting past regrets about hiring individuals perceived as disloyal. In an interview, he acknowledged the importance of establishing a team that reflects his vision without the divisive influences of previous partisans.
An unexpected announcement came with creating the External Revenue Service, a move intended by the administration to streamline financial oversight and revenue collection processes but which immediately sparked debate regarding its necessity and implications.
The dismissal report also led to attention on the broader implication of the purge, namely how it might affect governance, institutional continuity, and the morale of government staff affected by turnover.
While Trump’s base is likely to welcome his prompt action in reversing many of Joe Biden’s policies, critics argue that such moves could further contribute to political polarization and erode international alliances. In particular, reversing ecological protections signifies a marked shift from noted climate action efforts under the previous administration.
