As President-elect Donald Trump gears up for his second term, his first day in office promises to be nothing short of dramatic. With a slate of executive orders ready to be signed, Trump is poised to set the tone for his administration’s policies, offering a clear message about his political priorities. Drawing from various interviews, speeches, and insights shared in media outlets, here’s an exclusive look at the anticipated moves Trump will make on Day One.

Key Areas of Focus for Trump’s First Day:

Immigration Overhaul:

Immigration has long been a cornerstone of Trump’s political identity, and his first day will bring swift actions aimed at reversing Biden-era policies.

Pardons for Jan. 6 Rioters: Trump has signalled his intention to issue pardons for individuals convicted in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol insurrection. This move is likely aimed at reinforcing his loyalty to his base while raising questions about the broader implications for justice and national security.

Border Security Measures: Trump is expected to immediately restart construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, a signature project from his first term. Alongside that, he plans to take bold steps to curb refugee admissions and restore the aggressive deportation tactics that marked his previous administration.

Challenging Birthright Citizenship: A further extension of his immigration agenda could come with an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, a contentious issue that could spark significant legal challenges.

Culture War Initiatives:

Trump’s second set of executive orders will aim to institutionalize the conservative policies that have defined his political brand.

Ban on DEI Programs: Trump is expected to target federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs with an executive order banning them, arguing that such initiatives are divisive and unnecessary for government operations.

Transgender Athlete Restrictions: Drawing from his previous stances, Trump plans to use executive action to ban transgender women from competing in women’s sports, aligning with his longstanding opposition to progressive gender policies.

Jan. 6 Pardons: In a move that will resonate with his base, Trump is also likely to offer pardons to those involved in the January 6 events, reinforcing his commitment to his supporters.

Business and Economic Policy Shifts:

Trump has long positioned himself as a champion of business and deregulation, and his first day will see major steps toward reshaping U.S. economic policy.

Regulatory Rollbacks: Trump has committed to undoing key regulations introduced by the Biden administration. One of his primary goals is to expedite permits for oil drilling and fracking, positioning the U.S. as a global energy leader and signalling his commitment to a “drill, baby, drill” agenda.

Energy Policies: Trump is expected to roll back Biden’s climate initiatives, halting support for electric vehicles and reversing stringent emissions standards in favour of policies that prioritize fossil fuel development.

Protectionist Trade Policies: With Wall Street eager to understand the direction of his trade policy, Trump’s protectionist approach will likely come into full force. Expect swift actions to impose tariffs on foreign goods, challenging global trade norms and signalling a shift toward America-first economics.

Strategic Implications of Day One:

Trump’s first day actions aren’t just about policy; they’re about sending a message. With a focus on immigration, social issues, and business interests, he is setting the stage for an administration that will be bold, polarizing, and action-oriented. These executive orders—many of which do not require congressional approval—will likely generate significant pushback but also energize his core supporters, who see him as a president unafraid to take decisive action.

While the real-world impacts of these measures may take time to unfold, Trump’s early moves will create the narrative for his second term. Whether or not all of his promises are feasible, especially those concerning energy prices or global peace, his administration will certainly begin with a bang, laying the groundwork for the coming years.