Donald Trump and his team are preparing a sweeping agenda of executive actions to be implemented in the early days of his second term, beginning Monday, according to a report by the Financial Times. These measures are intended to rapidly push forward his populist and nationalist priorities, with a focus on immigration, trade, deregulation, and foreign policy.
Among Trump’s top priorities is a declaration of a national emergency at the southern border to expedite detentions, limit asylum applications, and initiate what he has described as the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. Tom Homan, Trump’s designated border “tsar,” stated on Fox News that targeted immigration enforcement would begin as early as next week in major U.S. cities.
Trump’s trade strategy is also expected to create ripples early in his term. His administration is considering imposing new tariffs on imports to encourage domestic manufacturing and generate government revenue. Advisors are debating whether to apply high, sweeping tariffs immediately or introduce them incrementally, with sectors like energy and defense being key targets. His team has explored utilizing powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Section 232 to swiftly enact these measures.
Foreign policy initiatives are also central to Trump’s agenda. His immediate focus is likely to include implementing the recently negotiated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, while simultaneously seeking to increase pressure on Iran through new sanctions. Trump has also pledged to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and address the war in Ukraine, though he has indicated that achieving a resolution may take up to six months.
Energy deregulation is another cornerstone of Trump’s plan. He has vowed to eliminate restrictions imposed during Joe Biden’s administration, such as tailpipe emissions rules and the suspension of permits for LNG export terminals. Trump has promised to prioritize American “energy dominance” by resuming drilling in protected areas of Alaska and rolling back environmental protections.
Trump’s approach appears designed for maximum political and economic impact, with Stephen Myrow of Beacon Policy Advisors describing it as a “shock and awe” strategy. Trump’s legal teams have spent years preparing for these sweeping moves, aiming to stretch the limits of executive authority to bypass Congress where possible.
The momentum was reflected in a rally held in Washington, D.C., where Trump addressed thousands of supporters on the eve of his inauguration. In his speech, Trump vowed to act with “historic speed and strength” to reverse what he called “American decline” and to deliver on his campaign promises. He reiterated his pledge to repeal Biden administration policies and implement controversial measures, including pardoning January 6 rioters, declassifying records related to high-profile assassinations, and cracking down on diversity initiatives.
The rally drew an enthusiastic crowd, many of whom braved harsh weather to witness what they described as a historic moment. Supporters voiced optimism about Trump’s ability to restore what they see as American pride and strength, with some traveling from outside the U.S. to show their backing. The atmosphere was bolstered by celebrity appearances and patriotic rhetoric, underscoring the fervor surrounding Trump’s return to the presidency.
