On his first full day in office, President Joe Biden signed a series of executive orders reversing key Trump-era policies and expanding federal action against the COVID-19 pandemic. Orders included mask mandates on federal property, rejoining the World Health Organization, and directing agencies to coordinate vaccine distribution nationwide.
Biden also created a new White House COVID-19 Response Team led by Jeff Zients, with Dr. Anthony Fauci serving as chief medical advisor. The administration announced plans to invoke the Defense Production Act to accelerate vaccine and testing supplies. Fauci told reporters the government would rely on “science, not politics.”
Other executive actions rejoined the Paris climate accord, ended construction of the southern border wall, and revoked the travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations. Press Secretary Jen Psaki held her first briefing, pledging a “return to truth and transparency.”
In the Senate, hearings for Cabinet nominees continued, while Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed an agreement to delay Trump’s impeachment trial until early February.
The CDC reported more than 4,400 COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, among the deadliest days of the pandemic.