Washington: On his first day in office during his first term, Donald Trump signed just one executive order, focusing on Obamacare. This time, he has pledged a series of executive actions. Key among these is his immigration policy, where he has promised to launch a large-scale deportation programme targeting undocumented immigrants.
“On day one, I will initiate the largest deportation in American history to remove criminals,” Trump announced at a rally in New York City, sparking concerns among immigration advocates about the programme’s feasibility and potential humanitarian impact.
Ending birthright citizenship
Trump also aims to end birthright citizenship, challenging the 14th Amendment, and plans to terminate policies perceived as promoting open borders. He has expressed his intention to use Title 42, a public health law, for expedited deportations.
Pardoning Capitol rioters
Regarding pardons, Trump has said he will consider pardoning people convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, a move that has been met with widespread controversy. He has also hinted at extending pardons to others convicted of violent crimes, which critics argue could undermine the rule of law.
Resolving Russia-Ukraine war
In foreign policy, Trump has made the bold assertion that he can resolve the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, leveraging his claimed strong relationships with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Tariff implementation
Economically, Trump has proposed imposing a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, raising alarms among economists who fear adverse effects on the US economy. He has also vowed to cancel what he calls the electric vehicle “mandate,” a reference to the Biden administration’s goals for zero-emission vehicles by 2030 and to increase domestic oil drilling to lower energy costs.
Social issues
On social issues, Trump has pledged to limit transgender women’s participation in women’s sports and to end gender-affirming care practices, actions that have drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates. That apart, Trump has pledged to revive the American auto industry, claiming that its future will be built in America by American workers. His vow to prioritise American energy and manufacturing has garnered support from those in the auto sector.
