People gathered outside the White House to protest against Trump.

Newly elected US President Donald Trump has angered environmentalists and many citizens by approving executive orders paving the way for the construction of two controversial oil pipelines.

President Trump signs executive orders supporting two controversial oil pipelines. Photo: Reuters

Images show a large crowd of environmental activists, non-profit organizations, and citizens carrying signs gathering outside the White House to protest against Trump starting at 5 p.m.

They are also planning to hold protests across the United States, including in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Speaking at the White House yesterday morning, Mr. Trump said he would reconsider the terms and deadlines of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access projects. He said the Keystone XL oil pipeline project would create "28,000 jobs."

"From now on, we will begin building pipelines in America as we have done historically," he said.

A statement from the White House explained that the orders were consistent with Trump's commitment to "Buy American, hire American."

The Obama administration postponed the Keystone pipeline project, which would transport crude oil from Canada to Texas, in late 2015. Last year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also decided to explore alternative routes instead of the Dakota pipeline following protests from thousands of indigenous people in the areas where the pipelines were planned to pass.

The Dakota oil pipeline project, spanning over 1,700 kilometers and costing $3.8 billion, could transport approximately 500,000 barrels of oil per day. However, locals are concerned the project will destroy some sacred lands and endanger water sources.

Environmental groups have expressed outrage at Trump's move.

"Instead of promoting unrealistic claims about the job-creating potential of oil pipelines, Mr. Trump should focus his efforts on the clean energy industry that will bring life to America's future," said Annie Leonard, director of Greenpeace.

"Donald Trump has only been in office for four days and he's proving himself to be a dangerous threat to our environment," said Michael Brune, director of the non-profit Sierra Club.

Meanwhile, Trump's decision was welcomed by the American oil industry and Canada's Ministry of Natural Resources.

During his meetings with business leaders over the past two days at the White House, Mr. Trump described himself as an environmentalist.

"I am a very environmentally conscious person. I have received many environmental awards," he said.

Protesters demonstrate against Trump outside the White House. Photo: Twitter

According to VNE