Joe Biden to sign a dozen executive orders on first day; all US states on high alert for protests
- The incoming president will take ‘decisive action’ on the coronavirus pandemic, US economy, climate change and racial injustice
- Washington police arrested a man with over 500 rounds of ammunition, as the FBI warned of possible demonstrations outside all 50 state capitol buildings
Incoming Biden chief of staff Ron Klain said in a memo to new White House senior staff that the executive orders would address “four overlapping and compounding crises”, namely the coronavirus pandemic, the ailing US economy, climate change and racial injustice in America.
“All of these crises demand urgent action,” Klain said in the memo. “In his first 10 days in office, President-elect Biden will take decisive action to address these four crises, prevent other urgent and irreversible harms, and restore America’s place in the world.”
Typically, “Day One” is more a rhetorical concept for any new administration, with actions often rolled out over days, weeks or longer. But during the campaign and since his election, Biden has repeatedly promised action “on Day One”, creating what would be an overwhelming priority list. He will also launch a “100 Day Masking Challenge”, imposing new mandates that require masks on federal property and for interstate transport.
As he inherits the White House from Trump, Biden’s plate is overflowing with acute challenges.