Migration, economy, and the Ukraine War are issues that Donald Trump has promised to address as he returns to the White House. With the Republican Party taking control of the Senate, he is likely to receive much greater political support. In his victory speech, Trump stated, "I will govern with a simple principle: Promises are made, and promises are kept. We will keep our promises." However, he did not provide many details on how he would achieve his goals on certain issues. When asked in February 2023 on Fox News whether he would abuse his power or target political opponents, Trump said he would not do so "except on the first day." "No, no, no, except on the first day. We are closing the border and drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I am no longer a dictator," he said. 1) Deportation of irregular migrantsTrump stated during his campaign that he would initiate the largest "mass deportation of irregular migrants in U.S. history." He also promised to complete the construction of the wall at the Mexican border, which he started during his first presidential term. Crossings at the southern borders of the U.S. reached record levels during the Biden-Harris administration last year, but have decreased this year. Experts speaking to the BBC said that the scale of deportations promised by Trump would face significant legal and logistical challenges and could slow economic growth. 2) Moves on economy, taxes, and tariffsExit polls revealed that the economy was the primary issue for voters. Trump promised to "end" the inflation that reached historic levels during Biden's term and then fell. However, the president's power to directly influence prices is limited. Trump also promised significant tax cuts. He stated that he would provide tax exemptions for workers in tipped sectors, eliminate taxes on social security payments, and reduce corporate taxes. He proposed new tariffs of at least 10% on foreign products to close the trade deficit. He also mentioned imposing an additional 60% tax on products originating from China. Some economists warned that such moves could increase consumer prices. 3) Pardons for some Capitol riot convictsTrump said he would release some of his supporters convicted for their involvement in the Capitol riot aimed at overturning Joe Biden's 2020 election victory. There were fatalities in the incidents allegedly incited by Trump. Trump attempted to downplay the attack as "insignificant" and referred to the hundreds of convicted supporters as "political prisoners." While he continued to claim that many were "wrongfully imprisoned," he acknowledged that some may have "perhaps gone too far." 4) Dismissal of prosecutor Jack SmithTrump stated that he would "fire" experienced prosecutor Jack Smith, who is conducting two criminal investigations against him, "in two seconds." Jack Smith had initiated two criminal investigations against Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results and for failing to protect classified documents as required by law. Trump denies the charges. He has managed to prevent both cases from entering the trial phase before the election. Trump is returning to the White House as the first president convicted of fraud in business records in a case in New York. 5) Ending the Ukraine WarTrump criticized the billions spent to support Ukraine in its war against Russia and promised to end the war through negotiations "within 24 hours." While Trump did not specify which side should capitulate, Democrats argue that such a move would embolden Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Overall, Trump wants the U.S. to extricate itself from foreign conflicts. While he has a strong supporter base, he called for an end to attacks on Israel. Trump also pledged to end the violence in Lebanon but did not provide details. 6) No national abortion banIn a televised debate with Kamala Harris, Trump stated that he would not sign a national abortion ban law. In 2022, the right to abortion was overturned by the Supreme Court nationwide. Thanks to the conservative judges appointed during Trump's first presidential term, the Supreme Court has a conservative majority. The issue of reproductive rights was also a key element of Harris's campaign, and some states approved measures to protect and expand the right to abortion in the elections. Trump himself has said that states should have the right to make their own abortion laws, but he has not been consistent in this area. 7) Easing climate change regulationsDuring his first presidency, Trump rolled back hundreds of environmental protection programs and the U.S. was the first country to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. This time, he again promised to ease regulations, especially to help the American automotive industry. He frequently attacked electric vehicles and promised to reverse Biden's goals promoting cleaner vehicles. While promising to increase fossil fuel production in the U.S., he pledged "drilling, drilling, drilling" instead of renewable energies like wind power. Trump also aims to open areas like the Arctic for oil exploration to reduce energy costs. However, experts are skeptical.
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