WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has outlined an ambitious agenda filled with executive actions that he intends to implement right from the start of his term. He has numerous executive orders primed for his signature that will tackle issues ranging from immigration reforms to energy policies and the termination of diversity and inclusion funding. While Trump has pledged a multitude of initiatives, it remains uncertain if he will accomplish all of these tasks on his first day in office.
Among the notable changes is Trump’s intention to rebrand geographical landmarks in the United States. He plans to sign an order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, along with reverting the name of North America’s highest peak from Denali back to Mount McKinley—a title it held until it was changed by President Obama. This move is purportedly aimed at honoring “American greatness,” as stated by Trump’s new press secretary. Additionally, Trump has ordered that flags be flown at full height during future Inauguration Days, responding to a recent directive that had flags at half-staff following former President Jimmy Carter’s death.
In terms of immigration policy, Trump is set to take substantial steps similar to those in his previous term. He will declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, deploy U.S. military forces to assist immigration authorities, and will impose strict limits on refugees and asylum seekers. A revival of the policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico has also been announced; however, questions remain on whether Mexico will accept migrants again. The previous implementation of this policy led to dire living conditions for many migrants amid rampant gang violence. Trump has also indicated intentions to revise birthright citizenship, although the process remains ambiguous given its constitutional grounding. Furthermore, he has abolished the CBP One app, an initiative from the Biden administration that allowed nearly one million migrants legal entry.
On the economic front, Trump plans to mitigate regulations impacting oil and natural gas sectors with executive orders—some of which will be tied to projects in Alaska. He will also issue a memorandum aiming for a comprehensive governmental strategy to combat inflation. Interestingly, he seems to be delaying his threats of imposing tariffs on nations like China, Canada, and Mexico, opting instead to call for federal agencies to investigate trade concerns through a memo referencing a Wall Street Journal article.
Addressing issues around diversity and transgender rights, Trump aims to reverse protections for transgender individuals and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across federal programs. These actions reflect his campaign promises. An order is expected to affirm that the federal government recognizes only two fixed sexes—male and female—defined by biological characteristics rather than chromosomes. This directive will also reorganize federal prisons and shelters based on the specified sex and prevent federal funds from supporting transition-related services. Additionally, a separate order will halt all DEI initiatives, prompting a proactive search to dismantle such programs within the government.
Trump has also expressed intentions to issue pardons to individuals convicted in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, although he did not mention this in his inaugural address. While addressing enthusiastic supporters post-speech, he emphasized that actions would speak louder than words, ensuring them that his administration would deliver significant activity in the near future.
On the energy sector, Trump plans to announce an energy emergency, emphasizing his commitment to an aggressive drilling agenda and promising to dismantle what he describes as Biden’s electric vehicle mandates.
