Seven Key Promises Trump Plans to Tackle as He Returns to the White House
With Donald Trump set to take the helm in the White House once again, he is making bold promises on issues ranging from immigration and the economy to international conflicts. With the Republican Party back in control of the Senate, his ambitious agenda could see strong support in Congress. Trump has reiterated his commitment to a familiar motto: “Promises made, promises kept.”
Yet, while Trump has detailed some of his goals, he has left others vague, sparking questions on how he plans to achieve them. Here’s a look at seven key priorities he’s highlighted:
1) Mass Deportation of Undocumented Migrants
Trump is pledging unprecedented deportation efforts, aiming to remove undocumented immigrants on a massive scale and complete the Mexico border wall project he initiated during his first term. With record levels of border crossings last year, this plan appeals to his base but may encounter significant logistical and legal obstacles. Experts warn that such a large-scale deportation could also impact the economy by shrinking the labor force.
2) Economic Reforms: Tax Cuts and Tariffs
The economy emerged as a priority for voters, and Trump has promised measures to tackle inflation, even though a president’s control over prices is limited. Building on his 2017 tax cuts, he proposes additional cuts, making tips tax-free, eliminating tax on Social Security, and further reducing corporate tax rates. He also aims to introduce sweeping tariffs, including a 10% tariff on most foreign goods, and additional tariffs on Chinese imports, which some economists caution could lead to higher consumer prices.
3) Cutting Climate Regulations
Trump has vowed to dismantle climate policies, rolling back regulations to boost traditional energy industries. Known for his opposition to electric vehicles, he plans to scrap Biden’s green car targets and support extensive fossil fuel production. His “drill, drill, drill” approach includes potentially opening protected areas like the Arctic for drilling, despite skepticism from environmental analysts on the long-term effects on energy prices.
4) Resolving the Ukraine War
Trump has promised to end the Ukraine-Russia war “within 24 hours” through a negotiated settlement, though he hasn’t shared specifics on what each side might concede. His position has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue that this stance could embolden Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Trump also advocates for a more restrained US role in foreign conflicts and has voiced his support for Israel while encouraging an end to its Gaza operations, with little detail on his proposed approach to ongoing tensions in Lebanon.
5) No Nationwide Abortion Ban
Breaking from some conservative supporters, Trump has stated he would not impose a national ban on abortion, aligning with his belief that states should decide their own laws on the issue. Since the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned the constitutional right to abortion, this stance has left him without a clear, consistent message on reproductive rights, a major campaign focus for his opponent Kamala Harris.
6) Pardoning January 6th Participants
Trump has pledged to pardon some individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which aimed to disrupt Joe Biden’s election win. He has downplayed the incident’s significance and called many of those convicted “political prisoners,” though he acknowledged that “a few got out of control.” This promise may further intensify the controversy around the events of January 6.
7) Dismissing Special Counsel Jack Smith
Trump has vowed to swiftly dismiss Jack Smith, the special counsel responsible for investigating his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and alleged mishandling of classified documents. Labeling Smith’s work a “political witch hunt,” Trump has so far prevented any trial before the election and denied all accusations. He will be the first president with a criminal conviction, following a New York ruling over falsified business records.
As Trump prepares to assume office, these promises highlight his plans for a second term that could transform the political and social landscape of the United States.
