WASHINGTON — As Donald Trump prepares to take on the presidency once more, he faces the weight of numerous promises he made to his supporters. Among them, Trump has suggested that his first day in office will be nothing short of astounding. “Your head will spin when you see what’s going to happen,” he remarked, highlighting the ambitious agenda he aims to pursue right from Day 1.
So, what specific actions has Trump committed to? Here are some of the key initiatives he intends to launch immediately upon entering office:
— Implement a massive deportation campaign targeting all individuals living illegally in the United States.
— Secure the borders.
— Abolish birthright citizenship, which grants automatic citizenship to everyone born in the U.S.
— Issue pardons for individuals associated with the January 6th Capitol riot.
— Enforce a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, alongside a 10% surcharge on goods imported from China.
— Aim to bring a swift end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
— Terminate what he calls the “electric vehicle mandate.”
— Announce a national energy emergency to expedite the approval of energy-related projects such as drilling and the construction of refineries.
— Withhold federal funding from schools that promote critical race theory or impose vaccine and mask mandates.
— Initiate moves to dismantle what he perceives as the “deep state.”
Achieving all these objectives in a single day is highly unlikely. The U.S. government operates with a system of checks and balances, meaning that Congress and the judiciary are also instrumental in the process. For example, the right to birthright citizenship is embedded in the Constitution, and Trump will not be able to eliminate it merely through executive action. However, as seen during his previous term, Trump is expected to explore the boundaries of his executive authority.
He possesses the ability to issue pardons and can influence border enforcement measures, tariffs, and energy production without Congressional approval, although many of these actions might simply serve as declarations of intent that foreshadow more complex battles ahead.
### Immigration
Trump’s commitment to launch the largest-ever deportation initiative is central to his immigration agenda. He plans to declare a national emergency that would facilitate the apprehension of millions of undocumented immigrants, keeping them in detention facilities until they can be deported.
In practical terms, this effort could see local police and National Guard units supporting federal authorities in this extensive operation. It’s important to note, however, that illegal crossings soared during the Biden administration, and have only recently stabilized at a four-year low.
Trump made this promise repeatedly throughout his campaign. While the exact timing of a national emergency declaration remains uncertain, it’s evident he views this as a critical priority.
### Border Closure
Trump has also vowed to close the U.S. border. However, his strategy may be less about creating a complete border shutdown and more focused on stringent enforcement measures against unlawful entries.
After the election, an adviser clarified that closing the border pertains specifically to preventing illegal entries, not halting regular trade or travel.
### Ending Automatic Citizenship
Trump has proposed an executive order to eliminate automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to immigrants who entered illegally. However, successfully executing this promise would require a constitutional amendment or significant congressional support, both of which are highly improbable through a simple executive order.
### Tariffs
In relation to trade, Trump has pledged to impose hefty tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico while also increasing tariffs on goods from China. This would likely disrupt the interconnected economies of North America, resulting in elevated consumer prices and retaliation against U.S. exports.
## Transgender Rights
Additionally, Trump has indicated he would cut federal funding to educational institutions that advance critical race theory and implement mandates for vaccines or masks. While he has asserted this would be executed via an executive order, comprehensive changes would still depend on legislative backing.
Trump has also signaled his desire to roll back protections based on gender identity established by the previous administration, although recent judicial rulings have complicated the process.
### Energy Initiatives
On energy, he plans to proclaim a national emergency to promote a significant expansion of energy production capabilities starting on his first day. He expects to reverse numerous executive orders from the Biden era related to renewable energy and environmental regulations.
### Russia-Ukraine Conflict
In an ambitious claim, Trump stated he could possibly end the Russia-Ukraine conflict before even assuming office. However, this assertion has been revised post-election, and his spokeswoman noted ambitions to negotiate peace talks shortly after taking office rather than immediately ending the war.
### Challenging the ‘Deep State’
Finally, Trump aims to tackle what he refers to as the “deep state,” proposing to dismiss federal employees he views as obstructive to his agenda. His strategy may involve reclassifying numerous career civil servants to allow for easier termination.
As Trump approaches his presidency, it remains to be seen how many of these promises he can fulfill and the extent to which he will push the limits of his authority as he embarks on this new chapter of his political career.
