'Dictator for a Day': Trump's Immigration and Energy Agenda
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Synopsis
Donald Trump's Day One agenda includes significant immigration reforms and energy policies, promising a 'dictatorship' for a day. He plans executive orders on immigration raids, gas extraction, and tariffs while addressing international issues.
Key Takeaways
- Immigration reforms are a top priority.
- Petroleum extraction expansion is planned.
- Tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico are expected.
- He aims to end birthright citizenship.
- Trump plans to pardon January 6 rioters.
New York, Jan 19 (NationPress) While campaigning for the US presidency, Donald Trump made numerous promises and pointed threats regarding his first day in office, declaring he would act as a "dictator" for a day.
He and his team have prepared a multitude of executive orders, which he is anticipated to sign during two ceremonies: one at the Capitol following his swearing-in on Monday and another later at the Oval Office.
Reports from the media indicate that he could sign up to 100 orders.
Immigration reform and the expansion of petroleum and gas extraction are set to be his top priorities, addressing significant concerns voiced by voters.
On the global stage, one of his demands—ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza—will take effect on Sunday, just before his ominous warning that there would be "all hell to pay" if the situation is unresolved before his inauguration.
Ending the Ukraine War is another key objective, with him boasting that it would conclude within 24 hours of him taking office or sooner.
However, as of now, there is little evidence that this will materialize on Day One or even during the first week.
Trump's assertion of being a dictator for a day, likely made in jest, became a talking point for Vice-President Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost the election.
In an interview, Fox News host Sean Hannity questioned Trump about his self-proclaimed dictatorship, to which Trump replied, "No, no, no, other than Day 1. We're closing the border and we're drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I'm not a dictator."
On immigration, Trump's Border Czar Tom Homan stated on Friday night during a Fox News segment that "there's going to be a big raid across the country" targeting criminal illegal immigrants.
His original threat to deport all illegal migrants, estimated to exceed 11 million (including around 725,000 Indians), is logistically unfeasible, thus the focus will shift to those with criminal backgrounds.
Homan mentioned that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) will finally resume its duties and "go arrest criminal aliens".
This approach could put the Trump administration at odds with several Democratic-run cities, such as New York and Chicago, which have declared themselves sanctuary cities, as well as states like Illinois that have enacted laws shielding illegal migrants from federal authorities.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that the state has laws to protect undocumented migrants and asserted, "I am going to make sure to follow the law."
Trump has asserted he would decisively close the border to asylum-seekers, mandating that those seeking asylum must apply from outside the country.
He has also stated intentions to abolish birthright citizenship, which grants citizenship to anyone born in the US, irrespective of their parents' immigration status; however, this would necessitate a constitutional amendment, a lengthy process.
Trump views enhanced energy production as a means to lower costs since energy expenses constitute a significant portion of production and transportation expenditures.
His spokesperson Karoline Leavitt indicated that he would "expedite permits" for drilling and fracking, a method used for extracting natural gas, immediately upon taking office.
In his final actions, President Joe Biden had imposed a ban on offshore drilling in coastal waters and extended restrictions in the Arctic regions.
Trump plans to reverse these measures.
A climate change skeptic, he aims to nullify various Biden policies, such as the mandate that 50% of all vehicles sold be electric by 2030.
His far-right supporters will be looking for his Day One commitment to pardon those involved in the January 6, 2021, riots aimed at halting the Congressional certification of President Joe Biden's election.
After Trump claimed at a rally that he was the true victor of the 2020 election and that it was being stolen from him, some of his followers stormed the Capitol to obstruct the certification process.
Some individuals involved have been convicted of violent acts, while others are awaiting trial.
Trump perceives tariffs—customs duties on imports—as vital for boosting domestic manufacturing and job creation, while also reducing the foreign exchange deficit.
For him, tariffs also serve as a tool for foreign policy coercion.
He warned that one of his initial executive orders would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico due to their "open borders", providing them with an option to comply with his yet unclear conditions for securing the border. To prevent market chaos, a transition period before these tariffs are enforced is likely.
In an interview with Time magazine, Trump mentioned he would look into this within "maybe the first nine minutes".
Make in America was a significant focus during Trump’s initial administration, and he expressed intent to reignite this initiative, starting with the automobile sector on Day One.
Another economy-related agenda item for Day One, as suggested by some reports, may involve establishing a national cryptocurrency reserve.
On the social front, Trump indicated that his Day One priorities would include abolishing regulations that permit boys identifying as transgender to use girls' bathrooms in schools and vice versa, as well as terminating federal funding for schools with what he deems "inappropriate" curricula concerning transgender issues, race, sex, and politics.
