Donald Trump is poised for a return to the White House, having pledged to tackle issues such as immigration, the economy and the Ukraine conflict.
With his Republican Party reclaiming control, he’s expected to gain substantial backing for his political agenda among many American citizens despite the controversies of becoming US President once more.
In his victory speech after his win against Democrat Kamala Harris, Trump declared that he would “govern by a simple motto: Promises made, promises kept. We’re going to keep our promises”.
However, he has been somewhat vague on how he plans to accomplish his goals. When quizzed last year whether he would abuse his power or target political opponents, he replied he would not, “except for day one”.
“No, no, no, other than day one. We’re closing the border, and we’re drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I’m not a dictator,” he told Fox News. Let’s take a closer look at seven issues Trump has outlined he will tackle as President…
To deport ‘undocumented migrants’
During his campaign, Trump pledged the largest mass deportations of undocumented migrants in US history. He also committed to finishing the construction of a wall at the Mexican border that began during his first term.
It comes as the number of crossings at the US southern border reached an all-time high at the end of last year under the Biden-Harris administration, before declining in 2024 according to reports made in the BBC.
Experts informed the BBC that deportations on the scale promised by Trump would encounter significant legal and logistical obstacles – and could hinder economic growth.
Ending inflation
Exit poll data indicates that the economy was a pivotal factor for voters. Trump has committed to “end inflation” despite his limitations on this. He also pledged considerable tax reductions, expanding on his 2017 reforms. He plans to exempt tips from taxation, eliminate taxes on social security benefits and lower corporation tax rates.
Cutting climate change regulations
During his tenure, Trump reversed numerous environmental regulations and positioned the US as the first country to exit the Paris climate accord.
In his current campaign, he’s pledged to slash red tape, particularly to boost the American car sector. He has consistently criticised electric vehicles and aims to scrap Biden’s goals that promote the transition to eco-friendlier vehicles.
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Trump is committed to ramping up US fossil fuel output, with a “drill, drill, drill” policy from day one, sidelining renewable sources like wind energy. He’s also keen on permitting oil exploration in protected areas such as the Arctic wilderness, claiming it would reduce energy costs, although experts remain unconvinced.
End Ukraine war
Trump has slammed the massive spending by the US on Ukraine amid its clash with Russia – and has promised to swiftly halt the conflict “within 24 hours” via negotiation. He hasn’t disclosed his views on the concessions each side should make. Democrats argue such an approach would only reinforce President Vladimir Putin’s tenacity.
Trump is advocating for the US to withdraw from international war overall. On the situation in Gaza – Trump, while a firm backer of Israel, has called on the US ally to cease its military actions. In addition, he has vowed to bring the associated turmoil in Lebanon to an end, yet has failed to elaborate on the methods.
No abortion ban
Despite the desires of some of his backers, Trump declared during the presidential debate with Kamala Harris that he would not endorse a national abortion ban.
Trump himself has frequently stated that states should have the autonomy to determine their own abortion laws, but he has had difficulty maintaining a consistent stance on the matter.
Pardon some of those convicted over Capitol riot
Trump has declared his intention to “free” some of those convicted for their roles in the Washington DC riot back in January 2021, when his supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
The violence resulted in several deaths, with Trump facing accusations of incitement. He has sought to minimise the significance of the riot and portray the hundreds of convicted supporters as political prisoners. He maintains that many of them are “wrongfully imprisoned”, although he has conceded that “a couple of them, probably they got out of control”.
Fire Special Counsel Jack Smith
Trump has pledged to immediately fire veteran prosecutor Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is currently leading two criminal probes against him, “within two seconds” if he re-enters the Oval Office.
Special Counsel Jack Smith has brought charges against Trump related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and accusations regarding the mishandling of classified documents.
Trump has dismissed the allegations as baseless, successfully delaying any trial proceedings until after the elections, and has accused Mr Smith of engaging in a “political witch hunt”.
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