WASHINGTON: Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, having pledged action on issues including the economy, immigration, and the war in Ukraine.
In his victory speech, Donald Trump pledged that he would “govern by a simple motto: Promises made, promises kept. We are going to keep our pledges.” But in some matters, Trump has given little detail of how he might honor his promises.
Deport Undocumented Migrants
While campaigning, Donald Trump had promised the biggest mass deportations of undocumented migrants in the history of the US. Trump also made a promise to complete the building of a wall at the border with Mexico that was started during his first term.
However, legal experts said that that deportations on the scale pledged by Trump would face legal challenges – and could slow economic progress.
Moves on Economy, Tariffs and Tax
Exit poll data has showed the economy was a main issue for voters. Donald Trump has pledged to “end inflation” – which rose to high levels under Biden’s administration. Trump promised sweeping tax cuts, extending his overhaul from 2017. He has suggested making tips tax-free, eradicating tax on social security payments and flake corporation tax.
He has suggested new tariffs of at 10% on most foreign goods, to reduce the trade deficit. Imports from China could also bear an additional 60% tariff, he added. Some experts have warned that such steps could push up prices for common citizens.
Cut Climate Regulations
During his first term, Donald Trump rolled back hundreds of environmental protections and made the US the first country to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. Now, he has again pledged to cut regulations, especially as a way to help the American car industry. He has continually attacked electric car, pledging to overturn Biden’s goals encouraging the switch to cleaner cars.
End Ukraine War
Donald Trump has criticised the tens of billions of dollars spent by Washington on supporting Kyiv in its war with Moscow – and has promised to end the conflict “within 24 hours” through a negotiated agreement.
Trump has not said what he thinks either side should give up. Democrats claim the move would embolden President Putin.
Donald Trump wants the United States to disentangle itself from foreign wars and conflicts generally. Regarding the conflict in the Gaza Strip- Trump has positioned himself as a loyal supporter of Israel, but has asked the ally to end its operation. He has also made promise to end the related violence in Lebanon, but did not provide more details.
No Abortion Ban
Against the desires of some of his supporters, Donald Trump stated during the presidential debate with Harris that he would not ink into law a national abortion ban. In 2022, the constitutional right to abortion was overturned by the Supreme Court, which had a majority of conservative judges after Trump’s first term. Trump has regularly said states should be free to decide their own laws on the matters of abortion.
Pardon some Jan 6 rioters
Donald Trump has said he will “free” some of those convicted of felonies during the riot in Washington on 6 January 2021, when his supporters attacked the Capitol building in an effort to thwart the 2020 election win of Biden.
He says many of them are “wrongfully imprisoned”, though has admitted that “a couple of them, possibly they got out of control”.
Sack Special Counsel Jack Smith
Donald Trump has vowed to sack “within two seconds” of taking White House the prosecutor leading two criminal investigations against him. Special Counsel Jack Smith had indicted him over alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 polls, and over his alleged mismanagement of classified documents. Donald Trump claims Smith has subjected him to a “political witch hunt”.
Donald Trump will return to the office as the first ever president with a criminal conviction, having been found guilty in New York of fabricating business records.
