Janice R. Andrews
Former President Donald Trump is expected to return to the White House after projections indicate his win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race. During his third bid for the presidency, Trump has frequently outlined actions he intends to take on his first day back in office. Here’s a breakdown of what he has vowed to prioritize on Day 1:
A Self-Described “Dictator” for a Day
Trump raised concerns last year when he jokingly referred to himself as a “dictator” for just one day during an Iowa town hall. When Fox News host Sean Hannity questioned whether Trump would avoid misusing power for personal retribution, Trump replied, “Except for Day 1.” When pressed further, Trump clarified that he would use his first day to “close the border and drill, drill, drill.” He added, “We’re closing the border and drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I’m not a dictator.”
Firing the Special Counsel
If reelected, Trump has pledged to dismiss Jack Smith, the special counsel who has filed two federal cases against him. “I would fire him within two seconds,” Trump stated during a call to the “Hugh Hewitt Show” on October 24. Trump has also expressed intentions to punish the prosecutors and judges managing his numerous legal cases, focusing his campaign on promises of retribution. Vice President Kamala Harris has highlighted this in her own campaign, suggesting that if elected, Trump would begin his term with an “enemies list,” while she would approach the office with a “to-do list” on behalf of the American people.
Pardon for Some Jan. 6 Defendants
Trump has declared that one of his initial actions, if reelected, would be to pardon certain individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot, whom he insists were “wrongfully imprisoned.” In March, he posted that he was “inclined to pardon many of them” but noted that a few may have “got out of control.” Trump has often downplayed the events of that day, labeling those convicted as “J6 hostages” and calling for their release. To date, over 1,530 individuals have been criminally charged in federal court regarding the January 6 events, with about half pleading guilty, per the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ reports that roughly 1,000 assaults on law enforcement officers occurred during the riot.
Reversing “Green New Deal Atrocities”
In a campaign video last year, Trump promised to terminate what he calls the “Green New Deal atrocities” on his first day. Although the Green New Deal, introduced by Democratic leaders, was never enacted, Trump uses the term to critique President Biden’s environmental policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act. “To counter inflation, my plan will eliminate the Green New Deal, or as I call it, the Green New Scam,” he said at the Economic Club of New York in September. During a New Jersey rally in May, he promised to end offshore wind projects on his first day, claiming they harm marine life. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has refuted claims that wind turbines kill whales. Trump’s stance on abandoning climate initiatives aligns with his “drill, baby, drill” slogan, arguing that reliance on oil and gas is essential for economic stability.
Mass Deportations
Immigration remains a central issue in Trump’s campaign, and he has promised to initiate the “largest deportation program in American history” on his first day back. At a New York City rally, Trump vowed to remove “criminals” and “vicious” individuals from the country. He proposed using local law enforcement and the National Guard to locate undocumented migrants, framing his actions as a solution to what he claims are increased safety risks under current immigration policies. Although statistics indicate U.S.-born citizens are twice as likely as undocumented immigrants to be arrested for violent crimes, Trump has consistently attributed crime to undocumented migrants. The American Immigration Council estimates that deporting just 1 million undocumented individuals annually would cost over $88 billion, potentially nearing $1 trillion over a decade.
Offering Green Cards to College Graduates
In an unusual stance for Trump, he proposed granting green cards to noncitizens graduating from U.S. colleges as part of their diploma. In June, during an appearance on the “All In” podcast, Trump stated, “If you graduate from college here, you should automatically get a green card to stay.” He expanded the proposal to include junior colleges and hinted at extending the H-1B visa program for tech workers after addressing border security. Trump lamented the loss of top talent from prestigious schools, citing it as a drain on American innovation.
Trump’s outlined actions for his first day indicate a determined approach to immigration reform, energy policies, and judicial matters, along with controversial promises of “retribution.” As Trump’s campaign progresses, his Day 1 promises have captured significant attention and criticism, highlighting a stark contrast to the policies of the Biden administration.
