Trump to issue 200 executive orders on first day as president
US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to enact sweeping changes through a flurry of executive orders on his first day back in the White House, pledging to act with "historic speed and strength" immediately after his inauguration.
Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd at a "Victory Rally" in Washington, DC, Trump previewed his priorities for the next four years while reveling in his November election win over the Democrats.
Unilateral actions
The Republican leader promised to wield presidential powers to tackle a broad range of issues, including mass deportations, the rollback of environmental regulations, and the elimination of diversity programs.
“We put America first, and it all starts tomorrow,” Trump declared. “You’re going to have a lot of fun watching television tomorrow.”
Trump’s team indicated that more than 200 executive actions, including legally binding executive orders and other directives like proclamations, would be signed on his first day.
“Every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of when I take the oath of office,” Trump assured supporters.
Specific initiatives
Among the high-profile measures, Trump promised to:
Expand artificial intelligence programmes.
Create a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Declassify records related to the 1963 assassination of John F Kennedy.
Direct the military to develop an Iron Dome-style missile defence system.
Abolish diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the military.
Ban transgender women from competing in female sports categories.
Transfer control of education back to individual states.
“You’re going to see executive orders that are going to make you extremely happy,” he told the crowd. “We have to set our country on the proper course.”
Controversial commitments
One of Trump’s most contentious promises is to launch mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, a key theme of his presidential campaign. Experts caution that such operations face significant logistical and financial obstacles, potentially costing tens or hundreds of billions of dollars.
Trump also pledged to pardon individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riots, referring to the rioters as “hostages” and teasing a decision that would make them “very happy.”
Historic volume of orders
Presidents typically issue executive actions when entering office, but Trump’s projected volume on his first day would far surpass that of his predecessors. Legal challenges are expected for many of his directives, with critics predicting extensive court battles.
Rally atmosphere
The rally, held at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, DC, with a capacity of 20,000, resembled Trump’s campaign events, marked by fervent support and promises of dramatic policy shifts.
As Trump prepares for his second term, his plans underscore his intention to reshape the federal government and US policy dramatically, signalling a presidency marked by swift and controversial changes.
Source: BBC