Trump's Day One: What's Really Coming for the US?

Donald Trump has officially returned to the White House, and the world watches closely to see what will happen on his first day in office. Multiple executive orders are expected to make headlines immediately. Trump has made bold promises for “Day One” – but how realistic are these pledges, and what immediate impact might they have?

Focus on Illegal Immigration

Near the top of Trump’s agenda is stricter immigration policy. He pledged during the campaign to begin what he calls the “largest deportation effort in American history.” Multiple executive orders could empower immigration authorities to rapidly locate and remove individuals without valid immigration status.

It’s unclear how quickly this sweeping plan can materialize in practice. Deportation numbers depend on court proceedings, funding, and cooperation from individual states. During Trump’s first term, many of his orders were challenged and sometimes blocked in federal courts. Nevertheless, it’s likely he will make a strong show of action on Day One to fulfill core campaign promises.

Economic Measures: Tariffs and Oil

Trump suggested he may return to protectionist trade policies by imposing new tariffs on goods imported from abroad, notably Mexico and China. Whether he will enact such tariffs on Day One remains uncertain.

More probable is a boost for domestic oil and gas production. Trump repeated the phrase “Drill, baby, drill” on the campaign trail, indicating he wants to expand the exploitation of American oil and gas reserves. Meanwhile, offshore wind projects might find themselves blocked or scaled back. Trump also signaled a possible withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, mirroring his previous presidency.

Society in Flux: Targeting Transgender Rights

Among Trump’s earliest pledges has been a vow to curtail transgender rights. He specifically promised to remove transgender people from the military and educational institutions, and to abolish a Biden-era nondiscrimination rule protecting transgender students.

Activists and civil rights organizations have already promised to fight back in court. This could set the stage for renewed legal battles between federal authorities and states that have passed legislation to protect transgender rights. Expect immediate controversy as these orders hit the ground.

Pardons for Capitol Rioters

Trump has also floated the possibility of granting pardons to some of those convicted in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Many are serving lengthy prison sentences. Whether he will sign such pardons right away is unknown, but experts say it would not be surprising if Day One includes a show of leniency for these individuals, reflecting Trump’s long-standing position that they were treated unfairly.

Boundaries of Executive Orders

Although the president can act quickly through executive orders, such directives have their limits. Courts can suspend or strike them down, and future administrations can reverse them. Recall that President Barack Obama, in his first week, ordered Guantanamo Bay closed—a goal that remains incomplete.

During Trump’s first term, he encountered repeated legal roadblocks, which may continue as he attempts a second wave of swift policy changes. The courts, Congress, and public backlash all play roles in determining which initiatives will ultimately take hold.

Other Insights: Power and Opposition

Observers highlight that the political landscape in 2025 is different from Trump’s first presidency. Resistance to controversial measures is better organized. Key interest groups and advocacy organizations stand ready to launch legal challenges. Even some Republicans might prefer a more measured approach.

International reactions could be swift—especially from Mexico, which might face new tariffs, intensified border enforcement, and surging deportations. European partners might also voice concerns if Trump once again withdraws the United States from international climate commitments. Markets, too, will be watching for any immediate economic shifts, particularly if tariffs are imposed or entire energy sectors pivot.

The Gist

Trump has promised drastic moves on Day One—and several executive orders in immigration, environmental policy, and social issues are likely. Yet the ultimate impact of such orders can be constrained by legal challenges, legislative pushback, and public opinion. The first hours of his new presidency will undoubtedly be headline-making; how much of it truly sticks depends on the interplay of courts, Congress, and broader national sentiment.

coffee.link will continue to monitor developments from Washington D.C. as the next stage of Trump’s presidency unfolds.