Trump’s Day 1 Promises: What’s Checked Off and What’s Left

President Donald Trump came back to the White House with a bang, signing a whopping 46 executive orders and presidential actions on his first day. This move marked the beginning of his efforts to tackle various policy priorities he had promised to address since the start of his 2024 campaign. The actions ranged from border security to energy production, transgender rights, and even controversially, pardoning the Jan. 6 Capitol rioters.

What’s Left on the To-Do List

Despite this flurry of activity, several significant items still remain on Trump’s to-do list. One of the major promises that didn’t materialize was the imposition of tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Trump had pledged to implement a 25% tariff on products imported from these countries, but as of his first day in office, no such order had been signed. The President hinted that these tariffs might come into effect by February 1st, but the specifics remain uncertain.

Another unfulfilled promise was Trump’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. While he had initially vowed to settle the conflict even before becoming president, the reality has proven more complex. The war in Ukraine continues, with Trump mentioning the need to speak with Putin before making any decisive actions.

Auto Industry Changes and Deportation Program

On the issue of the auto industry, Trump had pledged to revamp the sector by ensuring it was fueled by American energy, sourced by American suppliers, and built by American laborers. However, the specific measures aimed at achieving these goals were notably absent from his executive orders on day one.

Trump also made a bold declaration about launching the “largest deportation program in American history.” While widespread deportations have not yet materialized, steps have been taken to prioritize detaining and deporting individuals in the country illegally. The President authorized relevant Cabinet heads to focus on prosecuting criminal offenses related to unauthorized presence in the US and called for the establishment of detention facilities to support this effort.

Checked Off the To-Do List

Despite these outstanding items, Trump did manage to fulfill several promises on his first day back in office. He followed through on his commitment to pardon those involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, granting clemency to roughly 1,500 defendants charged in connection with the incident. Additionally, Trump signed an executive order targeting birthright citizenship, a move that has sparked legal challenges and potential Supreme Court scrutiny.

Another notable action was Trump’s focus on the border, where he rolled back several of Biden’s policies and issued orders related to immigration enforcement and deportations. The President’s directive to cancel what he termed as Biden’s “electric vehicle mandate” and his efforts to expand drilling and fracking in Alaska also marked significant achievements on his first day.

In conclusion, while Trump has made progress on some of his day one promises, there are still key items left on his agenda. The coming days will reveal whether the President can effectively navigate the complexities of these outstanding issues and deliver on his commitments to the American people. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story.