On his first full day back in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump wasted no time in reasserting his administration’s priorities, with a strong focus on immigration and environmental policy. His actions signal a return to the tough, America-first policies that defined his first term, particularly around deportations and reversing climate-related regulations.

1. Immigration and Deportations

A central tenet of Trump’s campaign and presidency has been a hardline approach to immigration. On his first full day, Trump directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ramp up deportations of undocumented immigrants and pledged to target sanctuary cities that shield those individuals.

• Expanded Deportation Plans: Trump has outlined an aggressive deportation strategy, which includes fast-tracking the removal of individuals with criminal records as well as those who have been living in the U.S. without proper documentation for extended periods. This echoes his earlier policies but with a more robust framework for rapid execution.
• Sanctuary Cities in Crosshairs: The President is also expected to reinstate plans to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities, jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. These cities, which include major urban centers such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, have long been a point of contention between federal and local governments.

2. Climate Rollbacks

In addition to immigration, Trump turned his attention to one of the signature issues of his first presidency: rolling back climate-related regulations. Trump has consistently rejected the scientific consensus on climate change, viewing environmental regulations as harmful to the economy, particularly the energy and manufacturing sectors.

• End of Biden-Era Climate Policies: Trump’s administration is expected to swiftly reverse many of the climate initiatives implemented under the Biden administration, including rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement. Trump had withdrawn the U.S. from the agreement in 2020, only for Biden to rejoin in 2021. Trump is likely to once again pull the U.S. out, citing concerns about the economic impact of international climate commitments.
• Boosting Fossil Fuels: In line with his America-first energy strategy, Trump is also expected to lift restrictions on oil drilling, natural gas production, and coal mining, sectors he views as essential to American energy independence. His first day’s executive orders have been widely anticipated to favor the expansion of fossil fuels at the expense of renewable energy projects.

3. Climate Skepticism and Deregulation

Trump’s view on climate change has been staunchly skeptical, often dismissing it as a hoax or exaggeration. On his first day, he signaled an intent to reverse the Clean Power Plan and fuel efficiency standards introduced under previous administrations. The rollback is expected to include:

• Elimination of Emission Standards: Trump has criticized federal emission standards as being too restrictive for U.S. businesses, and his administration is poised to either relax or eliminate them, a move likely to benefit automakers and other industries.
• Support for Coal and Oil: A key part of Trump’s environmental stance is promoting coal and oil production, which he sees as vital to revitalizing U.S. jobs, especially in regions dependent on these industries. Trump’s orders are expected to favor deregulation that makes it easier for companies to drill for oil and gas on public lands.

4. Critics and Supporters

Trump’s moves have been met with sharp criticism from environmental groups and immigration advocates. Critics argue that Trump’s focus on deportations could lead to family separations, increased fear within immigrant communities, and a disregard for human rights.

• Environmental Pushback: Environmental organizations have decried the expected climate rollbacks, warning that the deregulation could accelerate climate change and increase pollution, particularly in vulnerable communities. They have vowed to fight the orders through legal challenges and public campaigns.
• Immigration Advocacy: Immigration groups have similarly condemned the administration’s deportation plans, calling it a continuation of Trump’s draconian policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

On the other hand, Trump’s supporters have praised his decisive action, particularly those in industries affected by regulatory policies. Many in the energy sector and law enforcement have applauded his moves to restore American jobs and enforce immigration laws.

5. The Road Ahead

As Trump begins his new term, the country remains deeply divided over his policies. While his focus on deportations and climate deregulation resonates strongly with his base, it has also galvanized opposition from progressive groups. Trump’s administration is expected to continue pursuing similar policies throughout his term, focusing on repealing many of the Biden-era reforms and advancing a conservative agenda on immigration, law enforcement, and economic deregulation.

Sources:

1. CNN
2. BBC News
3. Politico
4. The New York Times