January 2nd 2025.
As with most US presidents, Donald Trump's arrival in the White House was accompanied by promises of change and a new direction for the country. However, unlike his predecessors, Trump had a laundry list of "Day One" promises that he intended to fulfill as soon as he took office on January 20, 2025.
During his campaign, Trump had made it clear that he was not afraid to use his presidential powers, even if it meant going against his opponents. In an interview with Fox, he famously stated that he would not hesitate to use his powers "except for day one." He had also declared his intentions to close the border and increase oil drilling, but reassured the public that he was not a dictator.
Trump's team later clarified that his statement was meant to provoke the media and his political rivals, rather than being taken literally. However, it was clear that Trump was determined to make significant changes on his first day in office.
One of his most controversial promises was his plan to pardon the rioters who had stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn Joe Biden's election as the US president. In an interview with NBC's Meet The Press, Trump defended his decision, stating that the convicted rioters were "living in hell." This caused concern among many who had already been tried and convicted, as well as those awaiting trial.
Another key promise was Trump's plan to impose tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China in order to crack down on illegal immigration and drug smuggling. While it was a central part of his campaign, this decision sparked fears of a trade war and potential price increases for US citizens. When asked about this possibility, Trump responded that he could not guarantee anything, stating, "I can't guarantee tomorrow."
Trump also vowed to launch the largest deportation program in American history on his first day in office, targeting "vicious and bloodthirsty criminals" who had entered the country illegally. He suggested using local law enforcement and the National Guard to carry out this plan. However, he also clarified that not all undocumented immigrants would be deported, particularly those who arrived in the US as children.
In a move that challenged the US Constitution, Trump announced his plan to issue an executive order to end birthright citizenship, which grants automatic US citizenship to children born on US soil. This has been a controversial issue that has been challenged multiple times since the 14th Amendment was ratified after the Civil War. Any attempt to change this policy would likely face legal battles, but Trump suggested going directly to the people to end birthright citizenship.
In addition to domestic policies, Trump also made promises regarding foreign affairs. He claimed to be working towards ending the war in Ukraine even before taking office, and called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a deal on the issue. He also expressed his disapproval of US military aid to Ukraine, which had increased during the final days of the Biden administration.
Finally, Trump had also promised to revive federal oil drilling in order to bring down inflation rates in the US. He had been critical of renewable energy sources, stating that he would ban offshore wind farms and "end the green new scam" on his first day in office.
While some of these promises may have been exaggerated or meant to provoke reactions, it was clear that Trump had a busy first day planned in the White House. He was determined to make significant changes and fulfill his campaign promises, even if it meant going against the norm or challenging the Constitution. Only time would tell if he would be able to follow through on all of his Day One promises.
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