President-elect Donald Trump has laid out his ambitious agenda for his second term, promising to make sweeping changes to immigration policy, trade relations, foreign affairs, climate initiatives, and social issues. Trump has vowed to take bold and decisive action upon his return to the White House on Monday, with many of his promises likely to be enacted through executive orders.
Immigration is at the top of Trump’s agenda, with plans for the largest deportation operation in American history targeting an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants. He also aims to end birthright citizenship, a move he deems “ridiculous.” Trump is considering declaring a national emergency to unlock Pentagon resources for these initiatives, as well as issuing executive orders to terminate certain asylum processes. However, legal challenges and international reluctance to accept deportees could present obstacles.
In terms of trade, Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, accusing them of failing to address drug and migrant flows into the US. He has also targeted China with tariffs and accused the country of enabling the production of fentanyl. Trump’s provocative rhetoric, including suggestions of absorbing Canada into the US, may be part of negotiation tactics.
Regarding the January 6 Capitol riot, Trump has hinted at pardoning some or all individuals involved, referring to them as “hostages” and “political prisoners.” He has expressed intentions to make “major pardons,” although the details of these pardons remain unclear. Over 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the riot, with more than 1,100 already sentenced.
On the international front, Trump has inserted himself into the Israel-Hamas conflict, claiming credit for a ceasefire and hostage release negotiated by the Biden Administration. He has also pledged to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, although the timeline and strategy for this action are uncertain.
In terms of climate policy, Trump plans to prioritize oil and gas drilling, aiming to repeal key climate initiatives implemented by President Biden. He intends to boost offshore drilling but may face challenges in securing congressional support for these measures.
Trump has also outlined plans to address transgender rights and race issues, vowing to stop what he calls “transgender lunacy” and cutting federal funding to schools that adopt “critical race theory.” He has expressed a strict binary view of gender and aims to remove transgender individuals from the military and educational settings.
As Trump prepares to return to the White House, his bold promises and controversial stances are poised to shape the political landscape in the coming years. The implementation of these policies will undoubtedly spark debate and resistance, both domestically and internationally.
