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Donald Trump’s Day 1 Promises for a Potential Second Term

Writer's picture: Eye On InglewoodEye On Inglewood

By: Eye On Inglewood Staff Writer

Halimah Ginyard


As Donald Trump gears up for a potential second term, he has laid out a wide-ranging set of promises that he aims to implement from Day 1 or shortly thereafter. Some initiatives can be initiated through executive action, while others will necessitate congressional cooperation or even constitutional amendments. Here’s a look at some of his most prominent pledges:


Overturning Biden’s Executive Orders


Trump has pledged to immediately rescind several executive orders enacted by President Joe Biden. These orders include those aimed at enhancing background checks for gun purchases, regulating artificial intelligence, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the federal workforce.


Pardoning January 6 Defendants


In response to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where over 1,500 individuals were charged, Trump has promised to pardon those he considers “hostages.” While expressing this commitment, he has mentioned that there might be “some exceptions.” As it stands, more than 1,100 convictions have been secured, with over 600 individuals facing prison sentences ranging from a matter of days to 22 years.


Implementing New Tariffs


Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly stated his intention to impose significant tariffs, suggesting a minimum of 10% on all foreign goods sold in the U.S. and a staggering 60% on imports from China. Following his election victory, he even hinted at a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada unless those countries took action against illegal immigration and drug trafficking. While Congress traditionally holds the authority to implement tariffs, considerable power has been delegated to the president via legislation such as the Trade Act and the Trade Expansion Act.


Reducing the Federal Workforce


During his first term, Trump issued an executive order known as Schedule F, which stripped job protections from numerous civil servants, making it easier to terminate their employment. This order was rescinded by Biden, who later instituted new protections for civil servants, potentially hindering Trump’s ability to reinstate Schedule F if he returns to office.


Launching a Massive Deportation Initiative


Trump has vowed to commence what he describes as the largest deportation program of criminals in U.S. history as soon as he is inaugurated. However, successfully targeting up to 20 million individuals will be a complex undertaking, requiring substantial resources, including agents for arrests, detention facilities, and transportation infrastructure. Additionally, cooperation from reluctant countries will be essential to facilitate deportations.


Ending Biden’s Electric Vehicle Policies


“I will end the electric vehicle mandate on Day 1,” Trump declared at the Republican National Convention. While Biden did not impose an explicit EV “mandate,” he has actively encouraged the adoption of electric vehicles, with incentives incorporated into his Inflation Reduction Act. Although Trump requires congressional approval to eliminate these incentives, he could work to dismantle regulations that indirectly favor electric vehicles, such as emissions standards.


Cutting Funding for Schools Advocating Critical Race Theory


Trump intends to withdraw federal funding from schools that promote critical race theory or what he terms “transgender insanity.” While he claims he can achieve this via an executive order, the process is complex since education funding is allocated through Congress. Trump argues that the Constitution grants the president the authority to withhold such funds, though legal experts view this as an untested theory likely to face judicial challenges. He may also leverage the Department of Education to limit funding via its Office for Civil Rights.


Reviving Domestic Energy Production


Trump has promised to initiate new drilling operations and pipelines on the first day of his presidency, declaring that he will “end the Biden-Harris war on energy.” While he could direct federal land for oil and gas leasing, such actions would still need to comply with existing environmental regulations. Some regulatory statutes might be rescinded unilaterally, but others will require legislative collaboration.


Additional Promises and Legislative Challenges**


Several of Trump’s goals, such as eliminating the Department of Education or reforming tax policies related to Social Security and the child tax credit, will require congressional approval, most likely needing a supermajority in the Senate.


Trump has also expressed a desire to end the war in Ukraine, though he has not put forth a detailed strategy. While he cannot simply declare an end to the conflict, he could facilitate peace discussions or restrict funding to Ukraine.


Among his more contentious commitments is the intention to abolish birthright citizenship as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. He proposes to enact this change via executive action, yet such a move would likely end up in the U.S. Supreme Court since amending the Constitution requires a formal constitutional process.


Key Promises Include:


- End birthright citizenship

- Pardon January 6 defendants

- End the war in Ukraine

- Implement tariffs

- Increase oil drilling

- Revoke Biden-era border policies

- Revitalize the "Made in America" auto industry

- Eliminate gender-affirming care practices

- Initiate mass deportation efforts

- Cancel the electric vehicle incentive

- Limit transgender participation in women’s sports

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