Trump Administration’s Day 1 Campaign Promises: What’s Checked Off and What’s Left
President Donald Trump hit the ground running on his first day back in the White House, signing 46 executive orders and presidential actions aimed at fulfilling his promises from the 2024 presidential campaign. From border security to transgender rights, he made sure to address a wide range of policy priorities. However, some key items still remain on his to-do list.
What’s Left on the To-Do List
Tariffs and the war in Ukraine are two major issues that Trump pledged to address on his first day but did not follow through. Despite promising a 25% tariff on products imported from Mexico and Canada, he did not sign an order imposing tariffs on any foreign nation. Trump’s plans to end the war in Ukraine also fell short, with the conflict still ongoing.
Another area where Trump’s actions did not align with his promises was the auto industry. He pledged to fuel the auto industry with American energy, sourced by American suppliers, and built by American laborers, but these specific measures were not included in his executive orders.
Additionally, while Trump vowed to launch the largest deportation program in American history, widespread deportations have not occurred yet. However, he took steps toward prioritizing detaining and deporting people in America illegally.
What’s Been Checked Off
Despite some unfulfilled promises, Trump did deliver on several key actions. He granted pardons and commuted sentences to roughly 1,500 defendants charged with crimes related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, as he pledged to do on his first day in office.
Trump also signed an order targeting birthright citizenship, which children born to parents who are not legal, permanent residents should not be considered U.S. citizens. However, this move has faced legal challenges and could be struck down by the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, Trump rolled back several of former President Joe Biden’s border policies, including revoking specific executive orders related to immigration enforcement and asylum seeking. He also declared a national emergency on the border, calling for more resources to address the situation.
In the energy sector, Trump fulfilled his pledge to cancel what he described as Biden’s “electric vehicle mandate” and took steps to expand fracking and drilling efforts in Alaska. He also declared a national energy emergency to open up drilling on American soil.
Lastly, Trump sought to protect free speech by issuing an order to prevent the federal government from abridging the free speech rights of American citizens. This order also directed the attorney general to investigate potential actions inconsistent with this directive.
In conclusion, while Trump made progress on several fronts, there are still significant items left on his to-do list that he has yet to address. Only time will tell if he can fulfill all his campaign promises during his current term in office.