Trump’s Day One Blitz: Executive Orders to Reshape His Return

What Happened?

President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to sign dozens of executive orders on his first day back in office, with many estimates suggesting 50 and some reporting that the number will exceed 100.

According to a source within Trump's transition team, the signing will begin shortly after he takes his oath of office at the Capitol at noon on Monday. Sometime in the afternoon, Trump plans on signing several of these orders during a public ceremony at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.

The initial batch of executive orders, many of which are expected to extend further into the week, will address various issues. Including fulfilling campaign promises, reversing policies implemented by President Joe Biden, and reorganizing the federal workforce.

A key focus for Trump’s plans will be an order declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. This move is aimed at impeding illegal immigration and other border crimes as part of his immigration initiative.

Why it Matters

At a rally held at Capital One Arena on Sunday, Trump promised powerful action. He assured supporters that by Monday evening, efforts to halt border crossings would already be underway. He went on to pledge that any illegal crossings would be met with immediate consequences, including deportation.

Trump’s rhetoric echoes many actions taken during his first term to address the ongoing border crisis.

During his previous presidency, he declared a national emergency to divert Defense Department funds toward building a border wall. A decision that was blocked by federal courts and later reversed by Biden. Trump’s renewed focus on the border reflects a continuation of his hardline immigration policies.

In addition to immigration measures, Trump plans to challenge climate-related provisions in Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. This move would involve halting funding for initiatives tied to combatting climate change. Which could potentially set up a future legal confrontation over the president's authority to withhold funds appropriated by Congress.

The 1974 Impoundment Control Act mandates the executive branch to spend allocated funds. Still, Trump’s nominee for the Office of Management and Budget recently questioned the law’s constitutionality during a confirmation hearing.

How it Affects You

Another important policy initiative involves reinstating the controversial "Schedule F" executive order, which he introduced late in his first term.

This policy would reclassify thousands of federal civil service positions, making it easier to replace them with appointees who align with Trump’s agenda. This restructuring aims to ensure that federal employees are committed to advancing their policy goals.

In an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Saturday, Trump highlighted the scale of his planned actions, describing the number of documents he would sign as record-breaking.

These executive orders signify his intent to rapidly enact his vision for the country, delivering on promises made during his campaign and setting the tone for his administration’s priorities.