What Trump Could Do on Day One in the White House
Donald Trump has promised a whirlwind start to his presidency, declaring that he will “make heads spin” by swiftly implementing his ambitious agenda following his inauguration as the 47th president on Monday.
According to reports, Trump is prepared to issue up to 100 executive orders within hours of taking office. These directives, which do not require congressional approval, could significantly reshape policies on immigration, trade, energy, climate, and even cryptocurrency. Executive orders carry the force of law and remain in place unless repealed, halted by courts, or replaced by new directives.
While Trump’s Republican Party maintains a firm grip on Congress, opposition from advocacy groups and Democratic state governors is expected, with many ready to challenge his actions in court. Here’s a look at what could unfold.
Immigration and Border Policy
Mass Deportations
Trump has vowed to implement the “largest deportation program in American history” starting immediately. His incoming “border czar,” Tom Homan, has suggested creating a hotline for Americans to report undocumented migrants suspected of crimes. Trump has also proposed ending protections that prevent immigration raids at schools and churches. However, legal challenges and logistical hurdles could complicate these efforts.
Return of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy
Trump is expected to reintroduce the controversial “Remain in Mexico” program, which required asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases were processed in the U.S. courts.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
Trump has labeled the constitutional right to citizenship for anyone born on U.S. soil as “ridiculous” and has promised to eliminate it. However, such a move would require amending the Constitution, making it a legally complex and unlikely endeavor.
Border Closures on Health Grounds
Trump’s administration is reportedly considering using Title 42, a 1944 public health measure, to close the southern border. The law was previously invoked during the pandemic, and officials are reportedly seeking a justification to reimplement it.
Completing the Border Wall
Trump plans to resume construction of the border wall he began during his first term, which remains unfinished.
Trade and Economic Policies
Sweeping Tariffs
Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on imports, promising to prioritize American manufacturing. His proposed rates include a 10% tariff on all imports, 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, and 60% on imports from China. Experts warn these tariffs could increase consumer prices and fuel inflation, while other countries may retaliate with tariffs of their own.
A National Cryptocurrency Reserve
Trump has expressed strong support for cryptocurrency, a stance that caused Bitcoin’s value to surge following his election. He has proposed creating a federal “Bitcoin stockpile” akin to the U.S. reserves of gold and oil, which he believes would serve as a valuable national asset.
Climate and Energy
Reversing Biden’s Climate Policies
Trump is expected to dismantle many of Joe Biden’s climate initiatives, including lifting restrictions on federal land drilling and promoting oil and gas production under the slogan “drill, baby, drill.” He also plans to ban new wind projects and eliminate electric vehicle mandates.
Exiting the Paris Climate Agreement
Trump previously withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accord in 2017. While Biden rejoined the agreement in 2021, Trump has vowed to pull the U.S. out again.
Capitol Riot Pardons
Hundreds of individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots are awaiting potential pardons. Trump has indicated he is “inclined to pardon many of them,” though he has acknowledged that some participants went “out of control.”
Foreign Policy Moves
Ending the Ukraine War
Trump has claimed he will end the war in Ukraine, initially promising to do so on his first day but later extending the timeline to six months. Details of his approach remain unclear.
Gaza-Israel Ceasefire
Trump has taken credit for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza, which is set to take effect just before his inauguration. While Biden dismissed this claim, reports suggest Trump’s team played a role in the negotiations.
Cuba and Venezuela
Trump may reinstate sanctions on Venezuela and reverse Biden’s decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Territorial Expansion
Trump has made provocative comments about annexing Greenland and jokingly suggested making Canada the 51st state. Although these plans are unlikely, they have raised eyebrows internationally.
Diversity and Gender Policies
Rolling Back DEI Initiatives
Trump has vowed to eliminate federal funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools and businesses, which have faced backlash from conservatives. He may also ban funding for institutions teaching critical race theory.
Abortion Policies
Trump is expected to reinstate the “Mexico City policy,” which blocks federal aid to international organizations that provide abortion counseling. He may also reintroduce restrictions preventing federal health providers from discussing abortion with patients.
Transgender Rights
Trump has pledged to ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports and has criticized what he calls “transgender lunacy” in schools and healthcare.
TikTok and Technology
On the eve of his inauguration, Trump announced plans to issue an executive order postponing a ban on TikTok. He has proposed a deal requiring a U.S. partner to buy a 50% stake in the platform, asserting that this move could transform TikTok into a lucrative asset for the country.
With his sweeping agenda, Trump’s second term is poised to ignite political battles at home and abroad. The days ahead promise to be as contentious as they are eventful.
