Trump plans to designate Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organization
Trump to Launch Sweeping Day One Executive Orders on Immigration, Energy, and More
President-elect Donald Trump is poised to sign a series of executive orders on Monday, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border and initiating mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, according to sources familiar with the plans.
The orders will reportedly be signed throughout the day, starting at the Capitol Rotunda during Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, continuing at a watch party inside Capital One Arena, and concluding at the White House. However, plans remain fluid and could change, said one insider.
Immigration and Border Security
Aides briefed Republican leaders on Sunday about Trump’s intent to sign immigration-related executive orders. These include fast-tracking deportations under “expedited removal” authority and detailing plans for the largest deportation effort in U.S. history.
Stephen Miller, a key Trump policy advisor, previewed these measures at a rally on Sunday, promising a “sweeping crackdown” on undocumented immigrants. The administration is also expected to address the process for removing federal employees deemed “insubordinate” to immigration directives.
Energy and Environmental Rollbacks
Among the planned actions is a 35-page energy directive aimed at reversing President Joe Biden’s renewable energy policies. The order is expected to include expanded drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, fast-tracking energy pipeline permits, and renewed investments in coal and natural gas industries.
The energy order will also halt Biden-era renewable energy initiatives, marking a sharp pivot back to fossil fuel development. Copies of draft orders have already been circulated to agency leaders, sources said.
Government Reforms
The Trump administration plans to reverse Biden’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies across federal agencies. Additionally, they aim to roll back Biden’s remote work policies for federal employees implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trade and Economic Measures
Trump is also set to announce a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, framing the U.S. trade deficit as a “national emergency.” The administration has described these tariffs as essential to combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
TikTok and Pardons
Trump made waves Sunday by vowing to “save TikTok” from a federal ban set to take effect at midnight. TikTok had preemptively shut down its services but resumed operations following Trump’s promise on Truth Social.
Additionally, Trump has pledged to pardon an unspecified number of individuals charged in the January 6 Capitol attack. His aides have debated whether to issue blanket pardons or focus on nonviolent offenders, with some speculating that the pardons could happen “within the first nine minutes” of his administration.
Broad Ambitions for Day One
Trump’s transition team has been preparing a wide range of executive actions addressing immigration, foreign policy, trade, and more. Senior aides have been refining the language of these policies in the days leading up to the inauguration, signaling a dramatic start to Trump’s second term.