Former President Donald Trump recently emerged as the 47th president of the United States after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5, 2024, presidential election.
The Republican candidate who won the popular vote secured 312 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win the presidency, while his Democratic opponent, Harris, garnered 226 electoral votes.
He will return to the White House on Monday, January 20, 2025, following his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid.
After Trump’s loss in 2020, President Joe Biden, who won the then election, implemented numerous policy changes upon assuming office in 2021.
Biden, a prominent critic of Trump’s policies and ideology, revoked many policies enacted during Trump’s tenure as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
He reversed these policies through a series of executive orders and memoranda.
In this article, Tribune Online examines the top ten Trump policies Biden revoked in 2021.
1. Border Wall Funding
One of Biden’s significant policy changes was halting funding for the U.S.–Mexico border wall, a major initiative under Trump aimed at controlling illegal immigration. The action was part of Biden’s broader plan to reshape immigration policy.
2. Travel Ban Reversal
Among Biden’s first actions was overturning Trump’s travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries. This move sought to promote a more inclusive immigration approach and improve the U.S.’s international image.
3. Keystone XL Pipeline Cancellation
Biden cancelled the Keystone XL pipeline project, a key part of Trump’s energy agenda. The decision reflected a commitment to environmental protection and addressing climate change.
4. Transgender Military Ban
Also, Biden lifted Trump’s ban on transgender individuals in the military, restoring their right to serve openly and without discrimination.
5. Family Separation Policy
Biden reversed the family separation policy implemented by the Trump administration and set up a task force to reunite families separated at the border under the previous policy.
6. Refugee Admissions Cap
Another significant policy change was the raising of the refugee admissions cap, which had been significantly reduced under Trump, renewing the U.S. commitment to providing refuge for those fleeing persecution.
7. Mexico City Policy Repeal
Biden repealed the Mexico City Policy, which barred U.S. funding for foreign organisations involved in abortion services. This move was part of a wider effort to support reproductive rights worldwide.
8. Dismantling of Private Prisons
Biden ended the federal use of private prisons, reversing Trump-era policies and supporting broader criminal justice reforms.
9. Environmental Regulations
Equally, Biden reinstated various environmental protections that had been allegedly weakened by Trump, including measures to safeguard air and water quality, with a focus on climate and public health.
10. Work Requirements for Welfare
He eliminated stricter work requirements for federal welfare programmes imposed by Trump, making assistance more accessible, especially during the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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