Prior to the luncheon held in the U.S. Capitol, President Donald Trump signed his first bill into law: waiving the legal requirement for Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis in order for him to carry out his duties as defense secretary. Unless there is such a waiver, there is a law that requires those who have served in uniform to be a civilian for at least seven years prior to taking key positions in the Defense Department. Congress passed the waiver last week.
The other papers signed by Trump were to declare a national day of patriotism and making his cabinet nominations official, according to White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.
Getting ready for first official act of @POTUS pic.twitter.com/nEfM7VMpF9
— Sean Spicer (@PressSec) January 20, 2017
.@POTUS signing 3 things: Mattis waiver bill into law, formal nominations 2 Senate & proclamation for nat'l day of patriotism #Inauguration
— Sean Spicer (@PressSec) January 20, 2017
Following tradition, Donald Trump signs his first executive orders as president in the U.S. Capitol #Inauguration #DayOne pic.twitter.com/clvJpyeQtR
— PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) January 20, 2017