What first 100 days of Trump presidency may look like

With his second term secured, President Donald Trump is gearing up to tackle the pressing issues that defined his campaign. From revitalising the economy through increased domestic energy production to implementing aggressive immigration policies, his administration’s opening agenda promises a dramatic shift from the previous administration’s priorities. Here’s a look at what Trump’s first 100 days in office might bring, starting with a bold “day one” action plan.

Day One: “Drill, Baby, Drill”

Energy independence was one of Trump’s key pledges and he plans to hit the ground running by aggressively expanding domestic oil production. His commitment to “Drill, baby, drill” means cutting bureaucratic red tape around drilling permits and fast-tracking pending pipeline projects. He’s vowed to increase offshore drilling rights, pulling the US out of the Paris Climate Accord to signal a pivot away from green policies.

“We’re gonna, first day, first hour, we can do many things in the first, but first, we’re going to drill, baby, drill,” said President-elect Trump.

This energy-first approach is a stark contrast to Joe Biden’s climate-centric policies, indicating a return to traditional energy practices. Trump’s promise to kick-start oil and gas production on day one marks a revival of fossil fuel exploitation, with the aim of reducing energy costs and reviving drilling jobs.

Day One: Tackling illegal immigration with a two-pronged approach

Illegal immigration has long been a pillar of Trump’s platform. On his first day, he intends to launch the “largest deportation program in American history.” His goal is to remove undocumented migrants across the US, a daunting task that would leverage the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—an antiquated law Trump’s team believes could enable sweeping deportation measures.

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“I’ll invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Did you know that I had to go back that far? We couldn’t find anything because modern day politicians, even sort of old. Nobody had the courage of these original people,” he said.

The second part of his immigration plan involves enlisting Mexico’s cooperation. Trump plans to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait across the border while their applications are processed. To pressure Mexico into compliance, he’s promised to impose a 25 per cdent tariff on Mexican imports if they don’t curb the flow of migrants and drugs across the border. Trump is banking on this tough stance to deter future immigration attempts.

“But now we have a new president in Mexico. I suppose a very, very nice woman. They say I haven’t met her. And I’m going to inform her on day one or sooner that if they don’t stop this onslaught of criminals and drugs coming into our country, I’m going to immediately impose a 25 per cent tariff on everything they send in to the United States of America,” the US President-elect said.

Preparing executive orders for immediate action

Trump’s team has been preparing for this transition, drafting executive orders to execute his agenda without delay. With his allies at work behind the scenes, these executive orders would allow Trump to fast-track his energy and immigration plans, while also setting the stage for new tax cuts aimed at stimulating economic growth.

Potential Congressional support

A Republican-controlled Congress would offer Trump a favourable environment to advance his agenda through legislative means. Having regained control of the Senate and possibly retaining the House, Trump’s administration could achieve a legislative trifecta, paving the way for swift policy changes. High on the agenda are tax cuts, a move expected within days of taking office, as Republican leaders have already signaled their intent to prioritise economic policies that would include reduced taxes for both corporations and individuals.

Beyond day one: Focussed goals for the first 100 days

While energy, immigration and tax reforms are expected to dominate Trump’s first days, other issues will also come into play. Trump has signaled an intent to realign foreign policy, addressing issues like border security with renewed vigour. These first 100 days are set to showcase Trump’s readiness to implement his promises with a robust lineup of executive actions and potential legislative support.

With preparations in motion, the Trump administration’s initial goals are clear: boost domestic energy production, implement aggressive immigration control and offer tax relief. For his supporters, these actions align with his core promises, setting the tone for a second term that looks to fundamentally reshape US policies across key areas.