The Blubber

Donald Trump Prepares for Second Term: Key Policies and Promises for Day 1

President-elect Donald Trump is poised to return to the White House, with his inauguration set for Monday. Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly outlined his priorities for his first day back in office, even humorously referring to himself as a "dictator"—but only on Day 1.

"We're closing the border and drilling, drilling, drilling," Trump said during a 2023 town hall in Iowa with Fox News host Sean Hannity. "After that, I'm not a dictator."

Here’s a look at what Trump has pledged to do on Day 1:

Mass Deportations and Border Closures

Immigration has remained a central issue in Trump’s platform. He has pledged to launch the largest deportation program in U.S. history, focusing on undocumented migrants and declaring a national emergency to enlist the U.S. military's assistance.

"On Day 1, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out," Trump said during a rally at Madison Square Garden. He also vowed to close the southern border immediately, stating, "We're going to close the border. Day 1, the border gets closed."

Incoming "border czar" Tom Homan echoed these promises, stating Trump would implement these measures at "light speed" with executive orders immediately after taking the oath of office.

End Birthright Citizenship

Trump has also pledged to sign an executive order ending birthright citizenship, which grants automatic U.S. citizenship to individuals born on U.S. soil. Under Trump’s proposed policy, at least one parent would need to be a citizen or legal resident for their child to qualify.

However, this move faces significant legal challenges, as the 14th Amendment of the Constitution explicitly grants citizenship to all individuals born in the United States.

Pardons for Jan. 6 Defendants

Trump has expressed his intention to pardon some of the individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riots, referring to them as "wrongfully imprisoned." While he has acknowledged that not all will be pardoned, he described many as "J6 hostages" and vowed to work for their release.

Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

Trump has proposed imposing a 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico, claiming the measure is necessary to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

"This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!" he wrote on Truth Social.

Both Canadian and Mexican officials have warned of retaliatory measures if such tariffs are enacted.

Ending the Russia-Ukraine War

Trump has claimed he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours, though he has not specified what terms he would seek to achieve peace. Trump has avoided directly answering whether he supports Ukraine or Russia but has repeatedly stated his goal is to stop the conflict.

Rolling Back Environmental Policies

Trump has promised to end what he calls "Green New Deal atrocities" on his first day in office. Although the Green New Deal was never signed into law, Trump has used the term to critique President Biden’s climate policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act.

He has also pledged to rescind unspent funds under Biden’s environmental initiatives and claimed he would end the "electric vehicle mandate," despite no federal mandate existing.

Green Cards for College Graduates

In a departure from his usual hardline immigration stance, Trump has proposed granting green cards automatically to noncitizens who graduate from U.S. colleges, a policy aimed at retaining skilled workers.

Jack Smith and Legal Proceedings

Trump’s earlier promise to fire Special Counsel Jack Smith is no longer relevant, as Smith resigned on January 10 after completing his investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents and alleged interference in the 2020 election.

As Trump prepares for his return to office, his Day 1 promises set the stage for a transformative—and likely contentious—start to his second term.