President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to start his second term with a surge of executive orders aimed at quickly reshaping the nation. His team has promised a transformative series of actions that will bypass Congress and tackle a wide range of issues, from immigration and border security to energy and social policies. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., has predicted a “shock and awe” approach following a preview of these plans.
Trump, confident in his election mandate, intends to issue over 100 executive actions within his first days in office, calling his inauguration a “liberation day for America.” Stephen Miller, his incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, confirmed that many of these orders will aim to revoke President Joe Biden’s policies, particularly on climate, diversity, and immigration, while fulfilling Trump’s promises to secure the southern border, ramp up domestic energy production, and target transgender policies.
Some of the key executive actions expected include:
Reinstating Title 42: Trump plans to revive Title 42 to expedite the expulsion of asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, a policy previously used during the COVID pandemic.
Mass Deportations: Trump has committed to executing mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, potentially involving military and immigration agents, despite pushback from Democrats.
Ending Birthright Citizenship: Trump intends to challenge birthright citizenship, a legal right enshrined in the 14th Amendment, possibly setting up a constitutional battle.
Border Wall Construction: Trump aims to restart construction of the border wall, halted by the Biden administration, and direct local law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement under the 287(g) program.
Tariffs: Trump plans to introduce new tariffs, including a 25% tariff on products from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% additional tariff on Chinese imports.
TikTok: Trump is also set to take action on TikTok, ensuring the popular app can continue operating in the U.S. despite previous attempts to ban it due to national security concerns.
Energy Policy: In line with his “drill, baby, drill” mantra, Trump aims to reverse Biden’s policies banning offshore drilling and restart drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Transgender Rights: Trump has vowed to reverse policies that protect transgender rights, including issuing executive orders to bar transgender individuals from military service, sports, and public schools.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Trump plans to dismantle Biden’s DEI policies within the federal government and business sectors.
Federal Work Policies: Trump is expected to require federal employees to return to in-person work, challenging remote work agreements made during the pandemic.
Funding to NGOs: Trump intends to cut federal funding to NGOs that support causes he views as aligned with the “radical left.”
These actions will likely spark controversy and legal challenges, particularly related to immigration and transgender rights, as Trump sets out to reshape the federal landscape quickly after taking office.
