Plans Major Policy Shifts on Immigration, Trade, and Government Structure

As Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States today in Washington, DC, his ambitious “Day One” agenda has caught global attention, presenting a blueprint for immediate and dramatic policy changes across multiple fronts.

While questions remain about the feasibility of implementing his entire agenda within 24 hours, Trump has outlined several significant policy changes he intends to enact through executive orders immediately upon taking office.

Immigration and citizenship reform stands at the forefront of his immediate priorities. “Trump promised to launch the largest deportation in US history to remove all people in the country illegally,” with additional plans to secure the border and end illegal immigration. In a move that would fundamentally alter US citizenship law, Trump has announced his intention to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants on American soil.

Controversial Pardons and Trade Policy

Among his most contentious proposals is a plan to pardon individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. This executive action, well within presidential authority, could be implemented swiftly.

On the economic front, Trump’s administration is positioning for a potential trade war. It proposes a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports and a 10% increase on existing Chinese tariffs. These measures could be enacted through executive order, though they may face legal challenges and international pushback.

Donald Trump’s to-do list on the first day in office?

Immigration: Trump has pledged to initiate the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, aimed at removing all individuals residing in the country illegally. Additionally, he vowed to close the border and put an end to illegal immigration.

Birthright Citizenship: Trump plans to abolish automatic citizenship for anyone born in the U.S., commonly referred to as birthright citizenship. This policy currently grants citizenship to children born in the country to undocumented immigrants.

Pardons: Trump has expressed intent to grant pardons to some or many individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, an action he can carry out via executive order.

Tariffs: Trump has indicated he would reintroduce a tariff war, proposing a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada. He also plans to add a 10% tariff to existing duties on Chinese goods, a move achievable through executive authority.

NATO and Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Trump has frequently claimed he would bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. While this is far more complex than an executive action, his stance could jeopardize Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO.

Electric Vehicle Standards: Trump intends to dismantle what he terms the “electric vehicle mandate.” While no such mandate exists, he may seek to relax Biden-era tailpipe pollution and fuel economy standards that incentivize automakers and consumers to adopt electric vehicles.

Energy Policy: Declaring a national energy emergency, Trump plans to accelerate approvals for drilling, pipelines, refineries, power plants, and nuclear reactors.

Federal Funding for Schools: Trump has vowed to cut federal funding for schools that promote “critical race theory, transgender issues, and other inappropriate content.” He also plans to withhold funds from schools enforcing vaccine or mask mandates.

‘Deep State’: On day one, Trump aims to tackle the so-called “deep state” by reinstating the Schedule F executive order from 2020. This order, reversed by Biden, would reclassify thousands of civil servants as political appointees, allowing them to be dismissed at will.

Analysis and outlook

While Trump’s agenda is ambitious, policy experts note that many of these changes would face significant legal and legislative hurdles. Some measures could be implemented through executive action, while others would require congressional support or face constitutional challenges.

As Washington prepares for the transition of power, stakeholders across the political spectrum closely monitor which of these day-one promises will materialize into concrete policy actions and what their immediate and long-term implications might be for American society and governance.