Biden Signs First Executive Actions Shortly After Inauguration

President Joe Biden signed a series of executive actions shortly after his inauguration ceremony on Wednesday. Biden signed 17 actions on the first day, which included making face coverings and social distancing mandatory on federal properties and for federal employees; reversing former President Donald Trump's travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries; advancing racial equity and support for communities through the government; an overhaul of the former administration's COVID-19 task force and Operation Warp Speed; and rejoining the U.S. to the Paris climate accord. Biden's actions, widely anticipated after White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain sent a memo outlining the president's Day One agenda, were covered by outlets across the spectrum. Some outlets from both the left and the right tended to frame Biden's first actions as "dismantling" or "undoing" much of what Trump did during his term.