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Sneak Peek: Trump’s Executive Orders Planned For Day One

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Gage Skidmore Flickr

It’s going to be a busy day!

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are scheduled to be sworn in shortly before noon and then will hit the ground running.

Trump is planning to enact nearly 200 wide-ranging executive actions after his inauguration on Monday.

Among the actions Trump is set to take are declaring a national emergency at the southern border to mobilize the military – and fast-track construction of his border wall – ending birthright citizenship, pausing refugee resettlement programs and designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

A senior administration official, authorized to discuss the plans in an exclusive briefing with Fox News Digital, described the effort as a “massive, record-setting” and “unmatched first wave” of policy directives that will cover immigration, energy, and government reform that rolls back Biden-era policies.

The official told Fox News Digital that the theme of the push was “promises made, promises kept” going on to describe the effort as “a historic series of executive orders and actions that will fundamentally reform the American government.”

Here’s a look at just 31 of those executive actions Trump plans to take significant enough to be mentioned in the brief:

1. End “Catch and Release” – Trump will put an end to the release of undocumented immigrants into the U.S. while they await court hearings.

2. Pause all offshore wind leases – Trump will halt offshore wind energy projects.

3. Terminate the electric vehicle mandate – Trump plans to scrap federal mandates requiring automakers to shift production toward electric vehicles.

4. Abolish the Green New Deal – The administration will repeal policies associated with the Green New Deal, aiming to remove restrictions on traditional energy industries.

5. Withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord – Trump will take immediate steps to pull the U.S. out of the international climate agreement.

6. Declare a national border emergency – Trump will take executive action to declare the situation at the southern border a national emergency.

7. Direct military support to secure the southern border – The Department of Homeland Security and the military will collaborate to tighten security along the U.S.-Mexico border.

8. Establish a national priority to eliminate all criminal cartels – The administration will make fighting cartel activity on U.S. soil a key aim.

9. Close the border to all illegal aliens via proclamation – A presidential proclamation will effectively shut the border to illegal crossings.

10. Create homeland security task forces – Task forces made up of FBI, ICE, and CEA officers will be established to combat criminal cartels.

11. Designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations – This designation will “unlock new authorities” to combat cartels, according to the administration.

12. Reinstate “Remain in Mexico” – The Trump administration will bring back the policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed.

13. Construct new border wall sections – Trump will direct the military to expand the border wall infrastructure.

14. Grant emergency authorities to suspend illegal entry – Apprehended individuals will be “swiftly returned to their countries of origin.”

15. “Fully unleash” Alaskan energy – Trump’s energy plan will tap into Alaska’s natural resources to boost national security.

16. Terminate Biden-era energy policies – The administration aims to repeal policies that have “constrained U.S. energy supply.”

17. Reform the federal workforce – Trump will reestablish presidential control over career federal employees.

18. Strengthen presidential control over senior officials – New executive orders will clarify the president’s authority over high-ranking federal employees.

19. Implement a new merit-based hiring review – Federal hiring will be restructured to prioritize merit over other factors.

20. Return federal workers to in-person work – Remote work policies established during the pandemic will be rolled back.

21. End federal government “weaponization” – Trump aims to stop what he calls the “abusive behavior” of federal agencies.

22. Restore freedom of speech – Executive action will be taken to “end federal censorship.”

23. Suspend security clearances of officials involved in Hunter Biden laptop controversy – The security clearances of 51 officials who “lied” about the laptop will be revoked.

24. Establish biological sex definitions – The administration will issue an order defining biological sex in federal policies.

25. Rename the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” – Trump will sign an order changing the name of the large body of water bordering the southern U.S.

26. End all DEI programs in federal government – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs will be eliminated across federal agencies.

27. Establish a hiring freeze in the new Department of Government Efficiency – Trump will pause new hires to reduce government spending.

28. Gain control over foreign aid and NGO funding – The administration will take steps to control how foreign aid is distributed.

29. Remove federal actions that increase costs for families – Agencies will be directed to eliminate regulations that drive up costs for consumers.

30. Extend the TikTok transition period – A new order will delay the enforcement of a law banning the app to allow negotiations.

31. Shield companies from liability over TikTok compliance – Businesses that kept TikTok operational before Trump’s order will face no penalties.

Biden Issues Preemptive Pardons To Siblings, Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and J6 Panel Members

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The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With minutes left in his presidency, Joe Biden issued pardons to his family members.

The pardon applies to James Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John Owens, and Francis Biden, the White House announced.

“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families. Even when individuals have done nothing wrong and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage their reputations and finances,” Biden said in a statement.

Hours before Donald Trump’s Inauguration ceremony, President Joe Biden also granted pardons to several public servants, who have faced attacks from the incoming President

President Biden pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and others who some speculated may have faced investigations under the incoming Trump administration on Monday.

“Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy,” Biden said. “Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.”

In addition to the named individuals, the pardon applies to, “Members of Congress and staff who served on the Select Committee, and the U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified before the Select Committee.”

Notably, Special Counsel Jack Smith, former FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland are not included in the pardon, despite speculation that they may face backlash from the incoming administration.

Milley thanked Biden in a statement on Monday.

“My family and I are deeply grateful for the President’s action today,” he wrote. “After forty-three years of faithful service in uniform to our Nation, protecting and defending the Constitution, I do not wish to spend whatever remaining time the Lord grants me fighting those who unjustly might seek retribution for perceived slights.

“I do not want to put my family, my friends, and those with whom I served through the resulting distraction, expense, and anxiety,” he added.

Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has been a frequent target of political criticism in recent years as the face of the federal government response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking with ABC News’ chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, Fauci addressed Biden’s decision, said:

I really truly appreciate the action President Biden has taken today on my behalf. Let me be perfectly clear, Jon, I have committed no crime, you know that, and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me.

Fauci went on to acknowledge that the mere possibility of prosecution has placed an “immeasurable and intolerable distress” on him and his family.

President-elect Trump told NBC that it was disgraceful President Biden issued the pardons.

“It is disgraceful. Many are guilty of MAJOR CRIMES! DJT” Trump texted NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker.

Vivek Ramaswamy Announces Bid For Ohio Governor

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Vivek Ramaswamy speaking with attendees at the 2022 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Vivek Ramaswamy the co-chair of President-elect Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), plans to run for governor of Ohio, two sources confirmed to The Hill on Friday.

Ramaswamy also ran against Trump in the 2024 Republican primary before eventually suspending his campaign and endorsing the Republican president.

One of the sources said Ramaswamy’s plan was to “get accomplishments at DOGE” and then announce his gubernatorial bid.

Trump tapped Ramaswamy and fellow tech mogul Elon Musk to lead DOGE, an advisory group focused on cutting federal spending. Trump has indicated that DOGE’s work should wrap up in mid-2026, which could be just in time for Ramaswamy to make a potential run.

A second source close to Ramaswamy noted the run would only come after achieving some wins in DOGE for the president and the American people.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Polar Vortex Forces Trump Swearing-In Ceremony Indoors

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    P0120021CK-1111: President Joe Biden delivers his inaugural address Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

    Change of plans…

    A dangerous winter storm has prompted President Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony to be moved indoors.

    Brutal cold and ferocious winds are forecast for the D.C. region on Monday, with temperatures expected to hover just over 20 degrees, the Washington Post reported.

    The Inaugural Committee has yet to comment on the move.

    This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

    Mark Zuckerberg To Host Trump Inauguration Reception

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    © European Union, 2024, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerburg is co-hosting a black tie reception Jan. 20 after President-elect Trump’s inauguration.

    The tech giant teamed up with Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertita, who is set to become the new U.S. ambassador to Italy, former Republican National Committee finance chair Todd Ricketts and his wife Sylvie Légère, and Republican mega-donor Miriam Adelson to host the event, according to the invitation obtained by NewsNation.

    The soiree is set to last for three-and-a-half hours, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., prior to the evening inaugural balls in Washington, D.C. 

    Zuckerburg’s has recently attended a series of meetings with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort, made a $1 million donation to the inaugural fund and brought a swift end to Meta’s fact-checking program.

    Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is also planning to attend the 60th inauguration following his $1 million contribution to the ceremony. 

    Ohio Governor Reveals Choice To Fill Vance’s Senate Seat

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    Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will announce on Friday Lt. Governor Jon Husted as his pick to fill the Senate vacancy left by Vice President-elect JD Vance ahead of his inauguration on Monday, according to Fox News.

    The announcement will be made at approximately 1 p.m. 

    Vance gave the Senate notice of his forthcoming resignation on Jan. 9, which became official on the following day. He officially resigned 10 days prior to his and President-elect Trump’s swearing in. 

    “To the people of Ohio, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of representing you in the United States Senate. When I was elected to this office, I promised to never forget where I came from, and I’ve made sure to live by that promise every single day,” Vance said in a statement. 

    After Vance’s resignation, new Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) said in his own statement, “Ohio couldn’t be prouder of JD Vance! He has served our country with great honor, first in the Marines, then in the US Senate, and now as our 50th Vice President! I’m extremely thankful to JD for his early and unwavering support. A truly amazing journey for an outstanding guy!”

    Once the new senator is sworn in, Republicans will officially have a 53-vote majority.

    Blacklist: Trump Lays Out Criteria For Admin. Roles

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    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Trump is going into the White House with some clear goals and will not let anyone get in his way…

    President-elect Donald Trump declared in a Truth Social post that the incoming administration had already hired more than 1,000 people to work for the U.S. government.

    He also indicated that individuals who have worked with or been backed by “people suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome,” are not desirable job candidates.

    Trump named former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence and others, noting that those who have worked with or been endorsed by those individuals should not be floated as job candidates.

    “As of today, the incoming Trump Administration has hired over 1,000 people for The United States Government. They are outstanding in every way, and you will see the fruits of their labor over the coming years. We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and it will happen very quickly!” the incoming commander-in-chief said in the post.

    “In order to save time, money, and effort, it would be helpful if you would not send, or recommend to us, people who worked with, or are endorsed by, Americans for No Prosperity (headed by Charles Koch), “Dumb as a Rock” John Bolton, ‘Birdbrain’ Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, disloyal Warmongers Dick Cheney, and his Psycho daughter, Liz, Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, General(?) Mark Milley, James Mattis, Mark Yesper, or any of the other people suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome, more commonly known as TDS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.

    Haley and Pence each mounted bids for the GOP presidential nomination during the recent election cycle, but both ultimately dropped out. While Haley endorsed Trump, Pence did not.

    During President Jimmy Carter’s funeral Pence briefly spoke with Trump as they took their seats.

    Report: CNN Considering Shifting Jim Acosta Time Slot

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      CNN is doing anything it can to survive its ratings slump…

      CNN chief executive Mark Thompson reportedly suggested moving anchor Jim Acosta’s morning show to midnight as part of a planned shakeup within the network

      Former CNN senior media reporter Oliver Darcy reported in his Status newsletter on Thursday that Acosta “received a peculiar telephone call from CNN chief Mark Thompson” the night before.

      Thompson, I’m told, delivered the veteran journalist a sudden and strange proposal: Move your show to midnight and anchor it until 2am ET,” reported Darcy, who claimed Acosta was caught “off guard” by the proposal as “he had no reason to believe that his current show would be on the chopping block.”

      Acosta was reportedly told that the lineup change “had nothing to do with his ratings or the editorial style of his show,” but would be necessary logistically to accommodate a new morning schedule.

      According to Darcy, Thompson “even pitched the graveyard shift as if it were something of a promotion for Acosta.”

      Darcy questioned the purpose of the change, noting that Acosta had some of the stronger ratings at CNN, and that a 12 a.m. time slot “occupied by virtually zero other hosts in the cable news business” would “effectively exile Acosta to the Siberia of television news.”

      One unnamed source told Darcy that the move may be part of an effort to appeal to President-elect Donald Trump.

      “They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump,” the source claimed. “Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network.”

      Throughout Trump’s first term in the White House, Acosta was consistently combative with Trump officials quickly earning the Commander-In-Cheif’s ire.

      CNN has been experiencing a significant decline in viewership, particularly in the key 25-to-54-year-old demographic prized by advertisers. In 2024, the network averaged 92,000 total day viewers in this age group, marking a 1% drop from the previous year’s low. Primetime viewership in the same demographic saw a more substantial decline, with a 52% decrease to an average of 77,000 viewers. Overall primetime viewership also shrank by 45%, averaging 405,000 viewers.

      Trump Names 3 A-listers As Special Ambassadors To ‘Very Troubled’ Hollywood

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      Austin Green, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

      President-elect Trump announced three special envoys on Thursday with the purpose of promoting business in Hollywood.

      Those special ambassadors will be Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, Trump said. All three actors are conservative and have appeared publicly with Trump or praised him publicly in the past. Stallone, for example, praised Trump as “the second George Washington” while introducing him at the America First Policy Gala in Palm Beach in November.

      “It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California,” Trump wrote in a Thursday Truth Social post. “They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!”

      “These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest,” Trump added. “It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!”

      The actors’ support for Trump is particularly significant given the strong anti-Trump sentiment voiced by many Hollywood progressives, such as George Clooney, who embrace politicians like former President Barack Obama.

      “When George Washington defended his country, he had no idea that he was going to change the world,” Stallone said of Trump in November. “‘Cause without him, you can imagine what the world would look like. Guess what, we got the second George Washington.”

      Giuliani Reaches Tentative Settlement With Georgia Election Workers

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      Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

      Former New York City Mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani has reportedly reached a settlement agreement with two Georgia election workers.

      The Hill reports that the notice, which included few details about the settlement, indicated that the agreement would “fully resolve” disputes involving Giuliani’s Florida condo and other possessions Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss have sought to collect.  

      The tentative settlement would also result in “the conclusion of all litigation” pending between Giuliani and the women. The attorneys indicated that execution of the settlement agreement is dependent on “certain conditions” being met, but did not expand on the matter. 

      The settlement agreement comes as Giuliani failed to appear for a trial scheduled to begin Thursday morning over his Palm Beach condo and three New York Yankees World Series rings. 

      Following the no-show, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman rescheduled the trial to Tuesday. The parties are now asking the judge to adjourn both the trial and the continuation of a contempt hearing against Giuliani to after Feb. 25, so that the agreement may be executed. 

      In a statement on the social media platform X, Giuliani confirmed he reached an agreement with the women but said the resolution does not involve “an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any of the Parties.” He also said the agreement would allow him to retain his New York apartment, Florida condominium and “all of my personal belongings.” 

      “No one deserves to be subjected to threats, harassment, or intimidation,” Giuliani said. “This litigation has taken its toll on all parties. This whole episode was unfortunate. I and the Plaintiffs have agreed not to ever talk about each other in any defamatory manner, and I urge others to do the same.”