As the new administration approaches inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to unleash more than 100 executive orders on his first day in office, signaling a vigorous initiative aimed at border security, deportation, and various policy objectives.
Trump shared details of this extensive agenda with Republican senators during a closed-door gathering on Capitol Hill, revealing that many actions will commence on January 20, the day of his inauguration.
Senior adviser Stephen Miller provided insights on the imminent border security and immigration enforcement actions that the administration plans to implement.
According to Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota, “There will be a substantial number” of executive actions.
Trump’s allies have been working on a collection of orders addressing various issues ranging from tightening border security with Mexico to advancing energy projects and altering federal personnel policies, as well as school gender rules and pandemic-related mandates—all themes highlighted during Trump’s campaign.
Historically, it is not unusual for new presidents to sign multiple executive actions to establish their priorities; however, the anticipated volume and scope of Trump’s orders denote an unprecedented approach to exerting executive power, potentially bypassing customary legislative processes.
While some of these orders are expected to have considerable effects, others might serve as symbolic gestures reflecting the new administration’s intended direction.
Senators who participated in the briefing expect a reversal of numerous executive actions instituted by the Biden administration, along with the establishment of Trump’s own initiatives.
Proposals include completing the border wall between the United States and Mexico and creating immigration detention facilities to hold migrants until deportation, with an estimated financial backing of $100 billion sought by the incoming administration in conjunction with the Republican Congress as part of their proposed budget adjustments.
Senators anticipate that Trump will reinstate many border policies from his previous administration, such as requiring migrants to file for asylum in other countries or to remain in Mexico during the processing of their claims.
Additionally, significant enforcement measures against undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S. are on the agenda.
Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma, who was involved in border security discussions in the last Congress, indicated that the Trump administration is likely to focus on approximately 1 million migrants who recently entered the country, committing crimes or who have been deemed ineligible to remain by the courts. “That’s the low-hanging fruit,” Lankford noted, emphasizing the potential efficiency in addressing this group.
Trump had previously joked about using a “tiny desk” at the Capitol on Inauguration Day to sign his executive orders swiftly.
Although there are no indications he will do so, Republican senators are prepared to welcome him into the Capitol after the swearing-in ceremony, where he is expected to finalize paperwork for his Cabinet and other key appointments.
Many individuals nominated for prominent positions in Trump’s administration are anticipated to participate in Senate confirmation hearings in the coming week, as the Senate typically begins voting on a president’s nominees immediately upon taking office, with some possibly being confirmed on the day of inauguration itself.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed optimism about the process, stating, “That would be nice,” while pointing out that senators are still awaiting essential background checks and documentation for many of Trump’s selections.
“We’ll see,” he added, looking ahead to the forthcoming confirmation process.
