Top Decisions Trump Plans to Enact on Day One of His Presidency
Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign is defined by a bold list of 41 first-day actions, promising sweeping changes in immigration, economic policy, and national security. Here’s a detailed look at his proposed priorities:
1. Immigration Reform and Border Security
- Deportations of Criminal Immigrants: Trump emphasizes a strict removal policy for undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds, aiming to minimize crime rates.
- Ending TPS and Restricting Benefits: Plans to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for groups from certain countries, limiting eligibility for public benefits and halting work permits for undocumented immigrants.
- Revoking Birthright Citizenship: For children of non-citizens and undocumented immigrants, birthright citizenship would be redefined, potentially changing long-standing policies.
- Designating Cartels as Terrorist Organizations: Trump intends to categorize drug cartels as foreign terrorist groups, a step that could allow more aggressive legal actions and collaboration with international security forces.
2. Trade and Economic Policy
- High Tariffs on Imports, Especially Chinese Goods: Trump’s proposed tariffs—up to 60% on goods from China—aim to reduce foreign dependence and support American industries. This includes a reciprocal tariff plan, responding to other nations’ tariffs with equivalent U.S. tariffs.
- Restricting Investment in China: Banning investment flows between U.S. and Chinese firms, including a phase-out of critical imports from China over four years, Trump’s policy underscores an economic decoupling to counteract foreign influence.
- Incentivizing Domestic Production: Aiming to foster U.S.-based production, Trump’s vision aligns with his broader focus on "America First" manufacturing policies, likely spurring investments in American manufacturing sectors and job creation.
3. Economic Relief for Americans
- Broad Tax Cuts Across Economic Levels: Proposing reductions for middle-class and upper-income households, Trump plans to lower taxes to encourage spending and investment.
- Ending Social Security Taxation for Seniors: A policy focused on retirees, this measure would eliminate federal income tax on Social Security, offering financial relief to millions of seniors without clarifying how the revenue gap would be addressed.
- Creating a Victim Compensation Fund: Utilizing confiscated assets from criminal organizations, this fund would support victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, positioning Trump’s administration as proactive in compensating those affected by criminal activity.
4. National Security and Crime Control
- Deporting Gang Members Using the Alien Enemies Act: An 18th-century law would be used to detain and deport individuals associated with gang activities, bypassing traditional due process in cases involving national security concerns.
- Fund Allocation from Seized Gang Assets: Confiscated resources from criminal networks would finance the Victim Compensation Fund, providing resources to victims of crimes connected to illegal immigration, an initiative aiming to deter gang activities and provide restitution to affected families.
5. Energy Independence and Industrial Growth
- Boosting Domestic Fossil Fuel Production: Trump’s policies include bolstering oil and coal production, arguing for energy independence and job creation while reducing reliance on foreign energy sources.
- Reducing Industry Regulations: Streamlining regulations across sectors is central to Trump’s plan for encouraging business investment and growth, targeting a more flexible regulatory environment that proponents argue would create jobs and increase production.
6. Veterans’ Services and Infrastructure
- Enhancing Veterans’ Care and Benefits: Committing to improve healthcare and resources, Trump’s plan for veterans focuses on expanding services and access to quality care, aiming to prioritize those who have served.
- Investing in Infrastructure for Economic Growth: Targeted investments in transportation, communications, and digital infrastructure are expected to generate employment and improve nationwide connectivity, fostering a stronger domestic economy.
Conclusion
Trump’s return to hardline immigration, economic nationalism, and industry-friendly policies highlights his “America First” focus, aiming to overhaul U.S. domestic and foreign strategies. Though ambitious, these promises signal significant legal, diplomatic, and administrative challenges if pursued comprehensively, setting up a complex pathway for major policy shifts in the U.S.