What Will Trump Do in His First Week as President After January 20th?
The first week of a new presidency often sets the tone for the administration's agenda and priorities. If Donald J. Trump returns to the White House, his actions during this critical period are likely to be swift and impactful, reflecting his "America First" philosophy and his desire to differentiate his policies from those of his predecessor, Joe Biden. Based on his past presidency and campaign rhetoric, here are five key areas where Trump is expected to focus during his first week in office:
1. Issuing Executive Orders to Reverse Biden-Era Policies
A hallmark of Trump’s first term was his frequent use of executive orders to quickly implement policy changes, particularly when facing opposition in Congress. In his first week back, he is likely to prioritize reversing Biden-era policies in areas such as immigration, climate change, and healthcare. This could include:
Immigration: Reinstating policies such as travel bans on certain countries and limiting pathways for asylum seekers.
Climate Change: Withdrawing from or weakening U.S. commitments to international climate agreements and rolling back environmental regulations.
Healthcare: Targeting Affordable Care Act provisions reintroduced or expanded under Biden, particularly those that increase federal healthcare spending.
Trump’s goal will be to signal an immediate and decisive break from Biden’s policies, reassuring his base that his administration will champion conservative values.
2. Renewing Focus on Immigration Policy
Immigration reform was a cornerstone of Trump’s first term, and it is expected to be a top priority again. During his campaign, he often referenced the need to "secure the border" and address what he termed a crisis of illegal immigration. Key actions could include:
Border Wall Construction: Trump may restart and expedite border wall construction, directing funds and resources to complete unfinished sections.
"Remain in Mexico" Policy: He could reinstate this policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in U.S. courts.
Enhanced Deportations: The administration might focus on increasing deportations of undocumented immigrants and expanding the reach of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
These measures would likely provoke significant debate and opposition but would resonate strongly with Trump’s core supporters.
3. Restructuring Federal Agencies
Trump has long criticized what he calls the "deep state" and has expressed a desire to reform federal agencies to align more closely with his vision of governance. In his first week, he could:
Appoint Loyalists: Fill key agency positions with individuals who share his "America First" agenda.
Revamp Agency Mandates: Adjust priorities for agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce regulatory oversight and promote business-friendly policies.
Streamline Bureaucracy: Initiate efforts to reduce the size of federal agencies or reassign their functions to state governments or private entities.
These moves would likely be framed as efforts to increase efficiency and reduce federal overreach, though critics would argue they undermine the independence of key institutions.
4. Initiating Trade and Foreign Policy Actions
Economic nationalism and a focus on "fair trade" were central themes of Trump’s first presidency. He is expected to revisit these priorities immediately upon re-entering office. Likely actions include:
Renegotiating Trade Deals: Revising or exiting trade agreements he deems unfavorable to the United States.
Reimposing Tariffs: Introducing new tariffs on imports from countries like China to reduce trade deficits and protect domestic industries.
Reshaping Alliances: Reassessing commitments to multilateral organizations and alliances, focusing on what he perceives as unequal burdens on the U.S.
These actions would emphasize Trump’s belief in strengthening the U.S. economy by prioritizing domestic industries over global trade partnerships.
5. Announcing Investigations or Policy Reviews
Trump’s presidency was often marked by contentious investigations, and his return could see a continuation of this trend. In his first week, he might:
Target Political Opponents: Announce investigations into figures like Hunter Biden, focusing on alleged corruption or misuse of political influence.
Review Federal Programs: Initiate audits or reviews of programs implemented under the Biden administration to identify areas for cost-cutting or reform.
Strengthen Oversight: Propose changes to ensure greater accountability within federal agencies and departments.
These moves would likely galvanize Trump’s supporters while intensifying partisan divisions in Washington.
Challenges and Implications
While these actions could solidify Trump’s standing among his base, they would also face significant legal, political, and logistical challenges. Reversing Biden-era policies and implementing new initiatives would likely spark intense opposition from Democrats, advocacy groups, and even some Republicans. Additionally, Trump’s confrontational style could exacerbate tensions within the federal government and with international allies.
The broader implications of these actions would be profound. Domestically, they could reshape key areas of policy and governance, affecting millions of Americans. Internationally, they would signal a return to Trump’s unilateral approach to global affairs, with potential consequences for trade, alliances, and geopolitical stability.
If Donald Trump returns to the White House, his first week will likely be a whirlwind of activity aimed at reversing his predecessor’s policies and reasserting his vision for America. From executive orders to restructuring federal agencies and initiating bold trade actions, Trump’s agenda will reflect his commitment to "America First" principles. Whether these moves bring lasting change or deepen existing divisions, they will undoubtedly set the stage for a turbulent and consequential presidency.