Former U.S. President Donald Trump, poised to return to the Oval Office, has outlined an ambitious and sweeping agenda for his first week back in power. His promises, covering a wide array of policy areas, underscore his intent to transform America’s governance, energy policies, and social frameworks. Here’s a comprehensive look at his proposed actions.
Education
Trump has pledged to dismantle progressive education policies, beginning with an executive order to cut federal funding to schools that promote critical race theory, gender identity education, or “inappropriate content.” On Day One, he also plans to revoke Title IX protections for transgender students, reversing a Biden-era policy that recognises gender identity as a protected category.
Energy & climate
Energy independence is a cornerstone of Trump’s vision. He intends to declare a national emergency to accelerate domestic energy production. Promises include approving new drilling, pipelines, and power plants, while rolling back Biden’s green policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. Offshore wind projects, which he claims harm the environment, are also on his chopping block.
Trump’s agenda extends to ending Biden’s electric vehicle mandates and reversing regulations he claims are detrimental to the American energy sector.
Foreign policy
One of Trump’s most audacious promises is to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict within 24 hours of taking office. While he has not detailed how he plans to achieve this, the bold claim aligns with his history of unconventional diplomacy.
Healthcare
In healthcare, Trump has prioritised reversing Biden’s gender-affirming care policies. He plans to block federal funding to providers offering gender transition services, label these practices as unsafe under federal standards, and push for nationwide legislation banning certain treatments for minors.
Immigration
Immigration policy remains a key pillar of Trump’s platform. On Day One, he plans to end automatic citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, reinstate his controversial travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries, and order the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
He has also promised to seal the U.S. border, using military intervention if necessary, and eliminate parole programs for migrants from nations such as Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela.
Labour & governance
In an effort to “dismantle the deep state,” Trump intends to reissue an executive order eliminating job protections for thousands of federal workers. By redesignating their roles, he aims to make these positions more politically accountable.
Legal & justice
Trump has vowed to pardon certain January 6 rioters, claiming their innocence, and fire special counsel Jack Smith, who has investigated Trump’s alleged misconduct. These moves signify his intent to reshape the Justice Department’s priorities.
Technology & censorship
Trump plans to repeal Biden’s executive order on artificial intelligence, which aims to introduce safeguards around its use. Additionally, he has promised an executive order to end what he calls the “left-wing censorship regime,” targeting partnerships between federal agencies and social media platforms that combat misinformation.
Trade & tariffs
In a bold move, Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on foreign imports to protect American interests. This includes a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico to address drug trafficking and migration issues. He also proposes a sweeping 10-20% tariff on all U.S. imports, with even steeper penalties on Chinese goods.
Criticism and feasibility
While many of Trump’s promises align with his core base’s expectations, critics argue that several proposals may face legal and logistical challenges. For instance, his pledge to end birthright citizenship would likely require a constitutional amendment, while implementing broad tariffs could provoke retaliatory measures from trade partners.
Nonetheless, Trump’s strategy reflects his commitment to delivering a transformative presidency that resonates with his supporters. As the nation anticipates his next term, his agenda sets the stage for what could be a highly polarising and action-packed first week in office.
Whether Trump’s proposed measures will materialise remains uncertain, but the impact of his plans on America’s domestic and international landscape is likely to be profound. His agenda represents a radical departure from his predecessor’s policies, reinforcing his campaign slogan to “Make America Great Again” with renewed vigour.