Donald Trump promised a number of ambitious things during his presidential campaign: tax cuts and lower prices, limiting illegal immigration, ending wars, increasing American jobs, and several others.
Some of them were recorded formally by his policy team or were brought forth directly in his campaign site’s “Agenda 47” videos. Others sprung up as fits of inspiration, capturing Trump’s ever-changing way of pulling ideas in from different directions.
In the speech he gave after winning on November 6, Trump made a passionate pledge to do just that with the very things that led him to victory: “I will be guided by a very simple motto: ‘No. 1: Keep your word. No. 2: Finish what you start.”
This motto has characterized his first month in office, as evidenced by a flurry of activity and significant strides toward achieving some objectives.
In areas like immigration and foreign policy, where Trump has considerable unilateral authority, he has taken decisive action. Several initiatives have faced legal hurdles and political resistance. Many promises require congressional action, where Republicans hold a slim majority, to become permanent.
Let’s explore some of Trump’s significant “day one” promises and his efforts to bring them to fruition.
Lowering Costs
Promises: In August 2024, Trump asserted, “When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on day one.”
Actions: This remains a formidable challenge and an unfulfilled major campaign pledge. Trump’s inaugural address included a vow to “marshal the vast powers” of his Cabinet to swiftly reduce costs, yet specifics remain vague. He suggests increasing drilling to lower energy expenses.
The January surge in prices, the steepest monthly rise in 16 months, complicates Trump’s task. He attributes some issues to Joe Biden’s previous administration and Democratic spending. “I had nothing to do with it,” Trump declared.
Trump has also acknowledged the complexity of presidential control over pricing. Economists caution that certain policies could exacerbate inflation, while polling indicates voters are eager for more action on this pressing issue.
Mass Deportations
Promises: Trump said in November 2024, “On day one, I will start the biggest deportation program in American history to remove the criminals.”
Actions: Immigration has been a central focus, with over a dozen executive orders targeting system reform. His strategy to deport undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal convictions, seems broadly supported.
Although a few high-profile raids occurred, overall deportation numbers do not seem record-breaking. In his initial month, 37,660 deportations occurred, compared with Joe Biden’s monthly average of 57,000, Reuters data reveals.
A DHS spokesperson linked higher deportation rates during Biden’s tenure to increased illegal immigration. Nationwide, border encounters dropped by 66% in January compared to 2024, according to the White House.
January 6 Pardons
Promises: In December 2024, Trump remarked, “I’ll be looking at J6 early on, maybe the first nine minutes.”
Actions: True to his word, hours into his presidency, Trump issued pardons impacting over 1,500 individuals connected to the Capitol riot. A police officer previously assaulted during the incident described the pardons as a “slap in the face.”
Ending the Ukraine War
Promises: In May 2023, Trump pledged, “They’re dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done – I’ll have that done in 24 hours.”
Actions: Trump has launched initial dialogues between the US and Russia, but Ukraine firmly rejects any agreements excluding its involvement. President Zelensky fears a resolution that meets Moscow’s terms without security assurances. European nations express concern about being marginalized and the potential dilution of sanctions on Russia.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
Promises: In December, Trump assured NBC he “absolutely” planned to end birthright citizenship on day one, stating, “If somebody sets a foot… on our land, congratulations. You are now a citizen of the United States.”
Actions: Trump moved rapidly to end automatic citizenship for nearly anyone born on US soil. This policy shift primarily affects those in the US illegally or on temporary visas. Birthright citizenship, embedded in the Constitution for almost 160 years, traditionally is not a global norm, though seen in countries like Mexico and Canada. Legal experts largely agree that unilateral presidential changes are beyond Trump’s power, with the matter potentially headed to the Supreme Court following an appellate ruling against him.
Tariffs on Canada and Mexico
Promises: Trump’s proclamation on November 2024: “I will get all the paperwork ready, and on January 20th, I will sign it. As a result, Mexico and Canada will have a 25% Tariff on ALL products that enter the United States.”
Actions: On January 21, Trump declared a plan to impose blanket tariffs on neighbors by February 1, connecting them to drug and migration issues. Advocating tariffs to safeguard domestic industries, Trump encountered pledges of retaliatory taxes from Canada and Mexico. He postponed implementation by a month after commitments for heightened border security. Market volatility and economic expert warnings about potential cost spikes influenced his decision.