Trump's 'To Do' List First Day Back On The Job Is...
Donald Trump has indicated he wouldn't act as a dictator—"except for Day 1."
Based on his own comments, he has an ambitious agenda for his first day back in the White House.
His priorities include initiating mass deportations of migrants, repealing Biden administration policies on education, restructuring the federal government by dismissing potentially thousands of federal employees he suspects are undermining him, and issuing pardons for those involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
"I want to close the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill," Trump said, emphasizing his Day 1 goals.
When Trump took office in 2017, he entered with a similarly ambitious list, including trade renegotiations, deporting migrants, and combatting government corruption. However, not everything was implemented immediately.
As for executive orders, Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told Fox News there would be "tens of them" within the first week.
Here’s a breakdown of Trump’s proposed actions for his second term and his ability to enact them swiftly:
1. Resolve Federal Criminal Cases
Trump has said that "within two seconds" of taking office, he would fire Jack Smith, the special counsel leading two federal cases against him, noting Justice Department policy generally prevents the prosecution of sitting presidents. While Trump can’t pardon himself in his New York state conviction, he could attempt to mitigate or overturn his felony conviction as president-elect. However, the Georgia election interference case is likely to continue, potentially on hold until 2029.
2. Pardon Capitol Riot Participants
Over 1,500 individuals have been charged since the Capitol riot. Trump has referred to the rioters as "unbelievable patriots" and promised to assist them upon reentering office. As president, Trump could pardon individuals convicted in federal or D.C. courts or military court-martials. He could also instruct his attorney general to halt further prosecutions.
3. “Deep State” Reform
Trump has pledged to overhaul the federal workforce, removing protections for tens of thousands of civil service employees to facilitate firing. He proposes reviving a 2020 executive order, "Schedule F," that allows certain federal employees to be reclassified, making them easier to replace. The Biden administration repealed this order in 2021, and further legislative or procedural obstacles may delay its reimplementation.
4. Impose Tariffs on Imports, Especially from China
Trump has vowed to impose tariffs on imported goods, especially those from China, to boost U.S. jobs and cut the deficit. He has suggested tariffs ranging from 10% to 60% on imports from various countries. Under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, he could impose such tariffs without congressional approval by framing it as a national security concern.
5. Roll Back Protections for Transgender Students
Trump has committed to overturning Biden’s Title IX protections for transgender students on Day 1, citing his authority to act without Congress. He also intends to cut federal funding for schools promoting "critical race theory" and “transgender issues.” The details of how he would implement such funding cuts remain unclear, as some changes would require congressional approval.
6. “Drill, Drill, Drill” for Fossil Fuels
Trump aims to reverse climate policies and roll back environmental protections through executive orders. He has promised to ramp up U.S. fossil fuel production, halt wind projects, and reduce incentives for electric vehicles.
7. Negotiate a Peace in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Trump claims he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine "in one day" through direct negotiations with both countries' leaders. However, Russia’s U.N. ambassador has stated that resolving the conflict in one day is unrealistic.
8. Launch Mass Deportations
Trump has pledged to initiate the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history, targeting criminal migrants. He has referenced the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify deportations from nations "at war" with the U.S., though logistical and legal challenges—such as mobilizing a large enforcement force and negotiating with other countries—would complicate his plans. Trump has said cost is irrelevant, arguing it is essential for national security.
