Trump's plans set to transform aspects ranging from immigration to taxes to education
The newly elected president and his team have spent four years strategizing for a more extravagant and noteworthy return to office.
TroibNews 
During his inaugural address, President Donald Trump outlined an ambitious agenda, promising to carry out what he claims will be the largest deportation operation in U.S. history and introduce new tariffs on key allies. Other priorities include halting regulations related to climate change, restructuring federal health agencies, and withdrawing legal protections for transgender students.
With a Republican majority in Congress and a conservative Supreme Court, Trump is in a unique position to test the boundaries of executive power. “I will act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country," Trump stated during a rally in Washington, D.C. "We’re going to stop the invasion of our borders. We’re going to reclaim our wealth. We’re going to unlock the liquid gold that’s right under our feet. ... We’re going to bring back law and order to our cities. We’re going to restore patriotism to our schools."
Throughout his first day in office, Trump is expected to sign a series of executive orders covering various topics, including federal employment policies, diversity initiatives, birthright citizenship, and a declaration of a national energy emergency.
Trump's team comprises individuals who are reportedly more loyal than those in his previous administration, coupled with increased familiarity with potential obstacles in the White House. This combination fuels optimism among some of Trump's advisors regarding a quicker implementation of his agenda.
While certain major initiatives such as tax cuts and significant immigration reform will require congressional approval, many of Trump's proposed actions—such as changes to immigration enforcement, tariffs, health regulation revisions, and gender policy changes—can proceed without extensive cooperation from Congress. On immigration, for instance, Trump may find support from Republican governors and local officials eager to align with his policies.
In the lead-up to his second inauguration, Trump has set his sights on various initiatives, including the contentious goal of annexing Greenland and the Panama Canal, striving for peace in the Middle East, and even suggesting the establishment of an “External Revenue Service” for international trade.
If Trump's agenda is fully realized, it would not only reverse the efforts of the Biden administration but also challenge the extent of executive authority in manipulating the federal bureaucracy.
A major focus for Trump is the issue of immigration, a centerpiece of his 2015 campaign, and one that will shape the early days of his new administration. He is prepared to implement executive orders signaling that the southern border is closed, targeting undocumented immigrants including those with criminal records.
With figures like immigration hardliner Stephen Miller and Tom Homan in key positions, Trump is returning immigration policymaking to the White House. The nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Senator Marco Rubio for roles at the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department further aligns with his immigration agenda.
“It’s going to mean an executive order ending the border invasion, sending the illegals home and taking America back,” Miller remarked at a recent rally. “It’s going to mean the eradication of the criminal cartels and the foreign gangs who are preying on our people.”
Trump's transition team has already developed executive orders to dismantle numerous Biden-era policies. A significant aim is to eliminate the humanitarian parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans and revise deportation priorities established by former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Additionally, Trump plans to declare a national emergency to acquire more authority and resources for his border security initiatives, which involve ending the practice of "catch and release" and restoring the "Remain in Mexico" policy from his first term. However, mass deportation efforts will require substantial resources, including funding for additional detention facilities and personnel.
Challenges are expected, notably legal hurdles as Democratic state leaders and immigration advocates are prepared to contest Trump’s approach in court, particularly regarding the use of military troops for domestic issues and the right to due process.
— Myah Ward
Trump played a significant role in implementing substantial tax cuts during his initial term and is poised to initiate similar efforts now. With about $4 trillion in tax cuts set to expire imminently, managing this debate will be crucial for Republicans.
However, lawmakers are grappling with procedural issues, unclear tax plans, and other priorities, including the nation's debt limit. While extending existing tax cuts will cost more than $4 trillion, Trump also proposed additional cuts during his campaign, complicating the situation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson aims to pass a budget that outlines tax plans by February’s end. Meanwhile, representatives from high-tax states are advocating for changes to a $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions.
Johnson envisions having finalized legislation ready for Trump by the end of April, although many expect a delay until August.
— Brian Faler
Trump has indicated that “tariff” is his preferred word and plans to implement new trade restrictions consistent with his campaign promises. He has committed to imposing an across-the-board tariff on U.S. imports and significantly increasing tariffs on goods from China.
Details remain sparse on how these actions will be operationalized, yet trade experts anticipate that Trump may use his existing authority, such as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, to assert control over economic transactions. This could lead to potential legal challenges, particularly if trading partners retaliate against U.S. exports.
In addition to tariffs, Trump plans to adopt a robust approach to the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which will start in 2026. In advance of that, he has threatened to impose tariffs on exports from Canada and Mexico to pressure them regarding illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Moreover, Trump has suggested several other possibilities, such as revoking normal trade relations with China or enforcing a carbon-border adjustment tax, which would require congressional approval. Congress may also incorporate tariff-related discussions into the renewal of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.
— Doug Palmer and Christine Mui
Trump has reiterated his commitment to achieving peace in the Middle East shortly after taking office, aiming specifically to end hostilities between Israel and Hamas and to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine.
His administration has recently collaborated with Biden's national security team to negotiate a cease-fire that would facilitate the release of Israeli hostages and bring a halt to violence in Gaza for a short period as part of a broader peace initiative.
Moving forward, how Trump intends to stabilize the region remains uncertain, particularly regarding relations with Iran and its ongoing nuclear program, which pose significant challenges.
In Ukraine, Trump has vowed to achieve peace, signaling a willingness to engage in negotiations before he officially takes office.
Challenges also extend to Trump's foreign policy toward China, especially in light of rising tensions. The complexities of managing alliances and trade policies in Asia could complicate efforts to combat inflation and improve domestic economic conditions.
— Eric Bazail-Eimil
Before Inauguration Day, Trump signaled plans to enact substantial changes within the health care sector through his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. Appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services represents a pivot toward a controversial approach focused on nutrition and chronic disease.
Kennedy's history of supporting unconventional health views raises concerns among some lawmakers regarding his confirmation. Other nominees also possess reputations that diverge from established public health norms.
Trump's agenda includes potential reductions in health spending and a shift toward privatization in certain areas of the health system. Although he has distanced himself from the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, his administration is unlikely to pursue federal protections for abortion rights and may instead focus on deregulating health insurance markets.
— Daniel Payne
Trump has criticized President Biden’s student loan initiatives and is likely to dismantle many of them. With various debt-forgiveness plans tied up in legal battles, Trump’s advisors are strategizing to unwind these initiatives, seeking support from Congressional Republicans.
Republican lawmakers may use proposed cuts to student loan relief to finance Trump's top priorities, with plans that could save billions. Furthermore, there's a push to replace existing accrediting organizations and shift support towards alternative education pathways to decrease tuition costs.
— Rebecca Carballo
The 2024 Republican platform aims to implement measures such as cutting federal funds for schools teaching about race and gender and restricting participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Trump can enact many of these changes administratively.
He plans to investigate schools with race-related curricula linked to federal funding and may also redefine interpretations of Title IX concerning gender identity protections.
In particular, Trump's administration intends to initiate civil rights investigations targeting race as a factor in school admissions.
— Bianca Quilantan
As inauguration nears, Trump is set to implement a regulatory freeze that will roll back Biden's climate change initiatives. Instead of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Trump's focus appears to be on boosting coal and gas production.
While repealing prior regulations is a complex process, the Trump administration aims to move swiftly by leveraging lessons from his previous term. However, some climate rules enacted by Congress are likely to remain in place.
— Alex Guillén
Finally, Trump aims to address housing shortages through regulatory changes, including selling off federal lands for development, as pushed by Utah Republicans. His administration could revive efforts to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, key players in the mortgage market, under new leadership in the Treasury and Federal Housing Finance Agency.
— Katy O’Donnell
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
With a Republican majority in Congress and a conservative Supreme Court, Trump is in a unique position to test the boundaries of executive power. “I will act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country," Trump stated during a rally in Washington, D.C. "We’re going to stop the invasion of our borders. We’re going to reclaim our wealth. We’re going to unlock the liquid gold that’s right under our feet. ... We’re going to bring back law and order to our cities. We’re going to restore patriotism to our schools."
Throughout his first day in office, Trump is expected to sign a series of executive orders covering various topics, including federal employment policies, diversity initiatives, birthright citizenship, and a declaration of a national energy emergency.
Trump's team comprises individuals who are reportedly more loyal than those in his previous administration, coupled with increased familiarity with potential obstacles in the White House. This combination fuels optimism among some of Trump's advisors regarding a quicker implementation of his agenda.
While certain major initiatives such as tax cuts and significant immigration reform will require congressional approval, many of Trump's proposed actions—such as changes to immigration enforcement, tariffs, health regulation revisions, and gender policy changes—can proceed without extensive cooperation from Congress. On immigration, for instance, Trump may find support from Republican governors and local officials eager to align with his policies.
In the lead-up to his second inauguration, Trump has set his sights on various initiatives, including the contentious goal of annexing Greenland and the Panama Canal, striving for peace in the Middle East, and even suggesting the establishment of an “External Revenue Service” for international trade.
If Trump's agenda is fully realized, it would not only reverse the efforts of the Biden administration but also challenge the extent of executive authority in manipulating the federal bureaucracy.
A major focus for Trump is the issue of immigration, a centerpiece of his 2015 campaign, and one that will shape the early days of his new administration. He is prepared to implement executive orders signaling that the southern border is closed, targeting undocumented immigrants including those with criminal records.
With figures like immigration hardliner Stephen Miller and Tom Homan in key positions, Trump is returning immigration policymaking to the White House. The nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Senator Marco Rubio for roles at the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department further aligns with his immigration agenda.
“It’s going to mean an executive order ending the border invasion, sending the illegals home and taking America back,” Miller remarked at a recent rally. “It’s going to mean the eradication of the criminal cartels and the foreign gangs who are preying on our people.”
Trump's transition team has already developed executive orders to dismantle numerous Biden-era policies. A significant aim is to eliminate the humanitarian parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans and revise deportation priorities established by former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Additionally, Trump plans to declare a national emergency to acquire more authority and resources for his border security initiatives, which involve ending the practice of "catch and release" and restoring the "Remain in Mexico" policy from his first term. However, mass deportation efforts will require substantial resources, including funding for additional detention facilities and personnel.
Challenges are expected, notably legal hurdles as Democratic state leaders and immigration advocates are prepared to contest Trump’s approach in court, particularly regarding the use of military troops for domestic issues and the right to due process.
— Myah Ward
Trump played a significant role in implementing substantial tax cuts during his initial term and is poised to initiate similar efforts now. With about $4 trillion in tax cuts set to expire imminently, managing this debate will be crucial for Republicans.
However, lawmakers are grappling with procedural issues, unclear tax plans, and other priorities, including the nation's debt limit. While extending existing tax cuts will cost more than $4 trillion, Trump also proposed additional cuts during his campaign, complicating the situation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson aims to pass a budget that outlines tax plans by February’s end. Meanwhile, representatives from high-tax states are advocating for changes to a $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions.
Johnson envisions having finalized legislation ready for Trump by the end of April, although many expect a delay until August.
— Brian Faler
Trump has indicated that “tariff” is his preferred word and plans to implement new trade restrictions consistent with his campaign promises. He has committed to imposing an across-the-board tariff on U.S. imports and significantly increasing tariffs on goods from China.
Details remain sparse on how these actions will be operationalized, yet trade experts anticipate that Trump may use his existing authority, such as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, to assert control over economic transactions. This could lead to potential legal challenges, particularly if trading partners retaliate against U.S. exports.
In addition to tariffs, Trump plans to adopt a robust approach to the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which will start in 2026. In advance of that, he has threatened to impose tariffs on exports from Canada and Mexico to pressure them regarding illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Moreover, Trump has suggested several other possibilities, such as revoking normal trade relations with China or enforcing a carbon-border adjustment tax, which would require congressional approval. Congress may also incorporate tariff-related discussions into the renewal of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.
— Doug Palmer and Christine Mui
Trump has reiterated his commitment to achieving peace in the Middle East shortly after taking office, aiming specifically to end hostilities between Israel and Hamas and to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine.
His administration has recently collaborated with Biden's national security team to negotiate a cease-fire that would facilitate the release of Israeli hostages and bring a halt to violence in Gaza for a short period as part of a broader peace initiative.
Moving forward, how Trump intends to stabilize the region remains uncertain, particularly regarding relations with Iran and its ongoing nuclear program, which pose significant challenges.
In Ukraine, Trump has vowed to achieve peace, signaling a willingness to engage in negotiations before he officially takes office.
Challenges also extend to Trump's foreign policy toward China, especially in light of rising tensions. The complexities of managing alliances and trade policies in Asia could complicate efforts to combat inflation and improve domestic economic conditions.
— Eric Bazail-Eimil
Before Inauguration Day, Trump signaled plans to enact substantial changes within the health care sector through his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. Appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services represents a pivot toward a controversial approach focused on nutrition and chronic disease.
Kennedy's history of supporting unconventional health views raises concerns among some lawmakers regarding his confirmation. Other nominees also possess reputations that diverge from established public health norms.
Trump's agenda includes potential reductions in health spending and a shift toward privatization in certain areas of the health system. Although he has distanced himself from the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, his administration is unlikely to pursue federal protections for abortion rights and may instead focus on deregulating health insurance markets.
— Daniel Payne
Trump has criticized President Biden’s student loan initiatives and is likely to dismantle many of them. With various debt-forgiveness plans tied up in legal battles, Trump’s advisors are strategizing to unwind these initiatives, seeking support from Congressional Republicans.
Republican lawmakers may use proposed cuts to student loan relief to finance Trump's top priorities, with plans that could save billions. Furthermore, there's a push to replace existing accrediting organizations and shift support towards alternative education pathways to decrease tuition costs.
— Rebecca Carballo
The 2024 Republican platform aims to implement measures such as cutting federal funds for schools teaching about race and gender and restricting participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Trump can enact many of these changes administratively.
He plans to investigate schools with race-related curricula linked to federal funding and may also redefine interpretations of Title IX concerning gender identity protections.
In particular, Trump's administration intends to initiate civil rights investigations targeting race as a factor in school admissions.
— Bianca Quilantan
As inauguration nears, Trump is set to implement a regulatory freeze that will roll back Biden's climate change initiatives. Instead of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Trump's focus appears to be on boosting coal and gas production.
While repealing prior regulations is a complex process, the Trump administration aims to move swiftly by leveraging lessons from his previous term. However, some climate rules enacted by Congress are likely to remain in place.
— Alex Guillén
Finally, Trump aims to address housing shortages through regulatory changes, including selling off federal lands for development, as pushed by Utah Republicans. His administration could revive efforts to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, key players in the mortgage market, under new leadership in the Treasury and Federal Housing Finance Agency.
— Katy O’Donnell
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
