On February 1, 2025, the thirteenth day of President Donald Trump’s second term, several notable events and actions took place:
Executive Actions:
- Executive Orders Signed: President Trump signed multiple executive orders on this day, including:
- Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the United States Federal Workforce: This order aims to enhance accountability among federal employees in policy-making positions.
- Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness: This order focuses on reinstating historical names and monuments that reflect American heritage.
- Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity: This order seeks to eliminate unlawful discrimination and promote merit-based practices within federal agencies.
- Designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization: This order officially designates Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi movement in Yemen, as a foreign terrorist organization.
- Declassification of Records Concerning the Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: This order mandates the declassification of records related to these historical events. These actions reflect the administration’s focus on federal workforce reform, cultural heritage, anti-discrimination efforts, national security, and historical transparency.
Trade Policy:
- Implementation of New Tariffs: The administration announced the imposition of new tariffs, effective February 4, 2025, including:
- A 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, with a 10% tariff specifically on Canadian energy products.
- A 10% tariff on imports from China. These tariffs are part of the administration’s strategy to address trade imbalances and protect domestic industries. President Trump acknowledged that these tariffs might cause short-term disruptions but emphasized their necessity for long-term economic health. (reuters.com)
Judicial Actions:
- Federal Funding Freeze Blocked: A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration’s attempt to freeze federal grants and loans. The judge’s decision halts the freeze until a comprehensive hearing can be held, citing concerns about the potential disruption to essential services such as healthcare research and education programs.
Media Relations:
- Press Briefing: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a press briefing to address various topics, including the new tariffs and the administration’s deregulation efforts. The briefing provided insights into the administration’s policy directions and responses to current events. (youtube.com)
These actions reflect the administration’s focus on economic policy through deregulation and trade measures, as well as its ongoing interactions with the judiciary and the media.
For more details, you can watch the full press briefing below:
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media