Biden Sets About Key Policy Changes
US President Joe Biden has begun working to push his key policy agenda after his inauguration on Wednesday, reversing some of his predecessor's contentious policies.
Hours after being sworn in, Biden signed 15 documents, including executive actions to rejoin the Paris climate accord, and to reverse the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization.
He also rescinded former president Donald Trump's travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries, and stopped construction of walls along the Mexican border ordered by Trump to keep out illegal immigrants.
White House officials say Biden on Thursday will come out with specific measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, the most pressing issue facing the new administration.
The president is set to address what he calls four crises facing the country -- economic turmoil, climate change, racial inequality and the virus -- in the first 10 days.
On the diplomatic front, Biden plans to have phone talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday, his first talks with a foreign leader since taking office.
Biden also plans to have his chief medical adviser on COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci, attend an online meeting of the WHO on Thursday.
In his inaugural speech, Biden made clear he will emphasize international cooperation, in a marked departure from Trump's "America First" policy.