Trump's Bold 'Day One' Agenda: Immigration Crackdown, Energy Expansion, and Major Policy Reversals

Donald Trump stands alongside an ally, both focused and determined for the future

President-elect Donald Trump has laid out an aggressive "day one" agenda for his new term, aiming to implement sweeping changes across immigration, energy, foreign policy, and other areas. Here’s a summary of his plans as he prepares to take office.

Immigration
Trump’s top priority is a crackdown on immigration. Senior adviser Jason Miller noted that Trump plans to quickly reinstate border policies from his previous term, bypassing Congress. Trump has pledged to launch what he calls the “largest deportation program in American history,” targeting undocumented immigrants, especially those with criminal records. This plan, however, would be costly and require extensive coordination between local police and federal agencies.

Additionally, Trump has promised to end birthright citizenship through an executive order, although this would face significant legal challenges. He also plans to resume construction of the border wall and may reintroduce the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in U.S. courts.

Energy and Climate
Trump has promised to increase domestic oil production, using the slogan “drill, baby, drill.” He intends to roll back Biden-era environmental regulations, particularly those affecting emissions standards and the auto industry. Trump claims these regulations harm American autoworkers and pledges to repeal them.

He also plans to stop windmill projects, a major source of renewable energy. Additionally, Trump has suggested that he would once again withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords, reversing Biden’s decision to rejoin the international agreement aimed at reducing emissions.

Foreign Policy
Trump plans to implement an “America First” foreign policy, shifting away from the Biden administration’s focus on international alliances. He claims he could quickly end the Russia-Ukraine war, though he has not provided specifics. This stance has raised concerns among Ukraine’s allies that Trump may seek a peace deal that allows Russia to retain occupied Ukrainian territories.

Trump’s approach to NATO has also sparked concerns, as he previously suggested he might not defend allies who fail to meet defense spending targets. Congress has passed legislation requiring Senate approval for any withdrawal from NATO, but Trump’s stance could still alter America’s role in the alliance.

Rolling Back Equity and LGBTQ Protections
Trump has vowed to reverse Biden-era protections for transgender individuals and federal equity initiatives. He plans to revoke transgender protections under Title IX and restrict transgender athletes from competing outside their biological sex categories. 

He also intends to end Biden’s executive order promoting equity principles in federal agencies and reinstate his 2020 order banning government-funded training on race or gender superiority. Additionally, Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to schools with vaccine mandates, a stance that has worried public health experts.

Donald Trump and an ally share a firm handshake, signaling unity and support

Firing Special Counsel and Pardoning Jan. 6 Defendants
Trump has indicated he would swiftly fire special counsel Jack Smith, who has been prosecuting him for efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He described his intent to fire Smith “within two seconds” upon taking office.

Trump has also pledged to pardon individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot, calling them “political prisoners.” He promises to review these cases immediately and issue pardons for those he believes were unfairly prosecuted.

Trump has further signaled his intent to investigate Democratic prosecutors who have filed cases against him, specifically targeting DA offices in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. He intends to issue federal subpoenas to scrutinize these prosecutors’ actions.

In summary, Trump’s “day one” agenda emphasizes immediate, sweeping actions on immigration, energy, foreign policy, and social issues, utilizing executive power to make rapid changes. His plans are likely to generate political and legal challenges as he seeks to steer the nation in a new direction.