Trump’s return to the White House brings a comprehensive agenda, with plans to address immigration, economy, energy production, and foreign relations. His administration’s intent to enact many policies through executive orders on day one signals a fast-paced start, though some proposals may ignite legal and legislative conflicts.
Immigration and Border Control
One of Trump’s most immediate goals is to overhaul immigration, focusing on border security and deportation. His administration plans the largest deportation effort in history, aiming to enforce a stringent border policy. Trump has appointed trusted allies to lead this initiative, including Tom Homan as “border tsar.” Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers may also be reestablished, requiring asylum seekers to wait outside the US for case processing. The administration has also reiterated Trump’s desire to end birthright citizenship, though the legal complexities of overturning the constitutional right may delay this plan.
Pardons for January 6 Convictions
Trump has hinted at granting pardons to some convicted of crimes related to the January 6 Capitol incident, particularly to those he believes were wrongly accused. This policy could affect hundreds of cases currently pending or under appeal. Trump’s legal advisors are expected to recommend individual case reviews, allowing pardons based on specific criteria.
Reworking the Department of Justice
Trump’s list of priorities includes restructuring the Department of Justice and removing Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led investigations into Trump’s actions post-2020. Smith has announced he plans to step down to avoid conflicts with the incoming administration. Nonetheless, Republican lawmakers may pursue investigations into Smith’s handling of Trump-related cases, including the alleged misuse of the justice system.
Climate Policy and the Paris Agreement
Trump is expected to initiate another exit from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move aligned with his stance on deregulation and increased domestic energy production. His administration plans to reinvigorate fossil fuel exploration, including permitting for oil and natural gas drilling, reducing green energy projects, and rolling back emission limits. Trump’s withdrawal from the climate deal would remove obligations for the US to meet specific carbon reduction targets, reshaping the country’s climate commitments.
Foreign Policy: Ending the Ukraine Conflict
Trump has consistently voiced a desire to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war. While he has yet to outline a detailed plan, Trump’s approach may involve direct diplomatic engagement with both Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Putin. A recent call with Zelensky, joined by Elon Musk, suggests Trump’s interest in negotiating a potential settlement. Trump’s team has also reportedly discouraged any escalation from Russia, underscoring his intent to shift US involvement from active support to mediation.
Trade and Economic Strategy
Fighting inflation is central to Trump’s economic agenda. He has proposed a range of measures, including substantial tariffs on imports, especially those from China and Mexico. Trump’s economic team is preparing a series of executive orders to bring down prices across sectors, from housing and transportation to insurance and energy. His approach to trade may also involve a tariff of 25% on Mexican imports if Mexico fails to curb drug trafficking across the southern border.
Energy and Domestic Production
Trump’s energy policies focus on domestic oil, gas, and coal production, and he aims to reduce reliance on green energy initiatives championed by the Biden administration. He is expected to rescind restrictions on drilling and fracking, with the goal of lowering energy costs and decreasing dependency on foreign oil. Trump’s plans may include regulatory changes to speed up energy project permits and a rollback of emissions limits on power plants, impacting climate action plans established under Biden.
Title X Family Planning Regulations
Trump is expected to revisit his former policies on Title X, which could again restrict health providers from discussing abortion in federally funded family planning clinics. This could affect funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood, as his administration aims to limit abortion referrals under Title X. Trump’s previous changes to Title X were reversed by Biden, making this a contentious point likely to spark debate over federal support for reproductive health.
Cryptocurrency and SEC Reform
Trump’s administration has hinted at a more lenient stance on cryptocurrency. His election win caused a surge in Bitcoin prices, partly driven by expectations of a regulatory rollback. Trump has also pledged to fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, a Biden appointee, who introduced stringent oversight of the crypto industry. Trump’s team may focus on scaling back regulations that restrict cryptocurrency and other financial technologies.
Trump’s ambitious first-day agenda is a powerful mix of sweeping changes and calculated executive actions, poised to trigger immediate shifts across many areas of US policy. However, substantial legal, legislative, and activist opposition is expected, setting up potential battles over the administration’s authority and influence.
Source :- BBC