Campaign promises can often be as fleeting as a spring breeze, but President-elect Trump (and I’ll never tire of typing that) has a better track record than most in keeping his word. Even my far-left friend once admitted during Trump’s first term, “…he actually is trying to do what he said he’d do.” Like him or not, Donald Trump generally means what he says and follows through.
The President-elect has made several bold statements about what he plans to accomplish on “day one.” Some of these he can execute immediately, while others may take more time. Let’s take a look at a few of his promises.
During the second presidential debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump claimed he would end the war in Ukraine before even taking office. “I will get it settled before I even become president. When I win, when I’m president-elect, and what I’ll do is I’ll speak to one, I’ll speak to the other, I’ll get them together. That war would’ve never happened,” Trump said, suggesting he could broker a truce between Ukraine and Russia.
This goal is ambitious, to say the least. Wars bring deep-seated grudges, and Russian President Vladimir Putin seems determined to stay the course, even recruiting North Korean troops who are gaining combat experience. The conflict in Ukraine is complex, and if the U.S. facilitates an end, it may still take months or even years. However, Trump has a strong record of taking action, and unlike Biden, who has effectively poured billions of taxpayer dollars into the conflict without a resolution, Trump may actually make progress.
Immigration, especially across the southern border, has been a cornerstone of Trump’s campaigns and presidency. This issue has become a central focus for the Republican Party and a key driver of Trump’s support. In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump was asked if he would ever abuse power as retribution. Trump responded, “Except for day one.”
This is where an incoming President Trump can take immediate action. As the head of the Executive Branch, he wields significant authority over border security. He can shift priorities, direct Border Patrol and ICE resources, and even order the border closed. It’s almost certain he will take decisive action.
One of Trump’s standout promises was reiterated at a rally in Madison Square Garden, where he pledged mass deportations on day one. “On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out,” Trump said. “I will rescue every city and town that has been invaded and conquered, and we will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail, then kick them the hell out of our country as fast as possible.”
Although Trump can initiate deportation actions, sanctuary jurisdictions will likely resist, setting the stage for prolonged battles that may carry into future administrations.
Trump has also consistently shown support for those involved in the January 6 events, describing it as a “day of love.” In 2023, he remarked, “I am inclined to pardon many of them [rioters]. I can’t say for every single one, because a couple of them, probably they got out of control.” He later elevated this idea, posting on Truth Social that pardoning the “hostages” who are “wrongfully imprisoned” would be among his first acts.
At the Republican National Convention on July 18, Trump vowed to end the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandate to boost American car manufacturing. “And I will end the electric vehicle mandate on day one, thereby saving the U.S. auto industry from complete obliteration,” he declared.
This stance speaks to a broader constitutional issue, as there is no provision in the founding document allowing the federal government to dictate economic choices. Trump clarified that he isn’t against EVs themselves but intends to end federal mandates that skew the market.
Finally, one of Trump’s most impactful promises relates to tariffs. On his last day of campaigning in North Carolina, he announced plans to immediately impose tariffs on Mexico if they don’t curb the flow of criminals and drugs into the U.S. “If they don’t stop this onslaught,” he told the crowd, “I’m going to immediately impose a 25% tariff on everything they send into the United States.”
Trump’s use of tariffs as a tool is reminiscent of Teddy Roosevelt’s “big stick” approach. This isn’t just a day-one promise; it’s likely to be a recurring theme throughout his term.
Looking at Trump’s history and his current positions, it’s clear he’s learned from his first term. He’s bringing in figures who would have been unexpected allies back then, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and tech mogul Elon Musk. This promises to be a fascinating administration: it will be consequential, game-changing, and highly controversial, starting from day one.
