Trump Prepares to Reinstate Tough Border Policies on Inauguration Day
WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump is set to unleash over 100 executive orders focused on border security, deportations, and other key political priorities right from his first day back in the White House.
During a recent private meeting with Republican senators at the Capitol, Trump outlined his plans for a comprehensive package of measures, with many actions expected to roll out on his inauguration day, January 20. Senior advisor Stephen Miller briefed the senators on the proposed immigration and border security initiatives that are likely to take center stage.
"There will be a substantial number," Senator John Hoeven remarked about the forthcoming executive actions.
The incoming administration has been busy preparing a swift series of executive orders covering a wide range of issues—from strengthening the southern border to energy development, federal workforce regulations, and vaccine mandates. These reflect key campaign promises made by Trump.
While it’s common for new administrations to sign executive actions on their first day to showcase their priorities, Trump’s approach is believed to be unprecedented in modern politics, as he plans to exert his authority by bypassing traditional Congressional procedures.
Some of these orders could bear significant impacts, while others may simply serve as symbolic gestures reflecting the new president’s direction.
Senators briefed during the extensive Capitol meeting expect the Trump administration to reverse several executive orders instituted by President Joe Biden, while also pushing forward their own initiatives.
Part of Trump’s aggressive plan includes completing the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico and establishing detention facilities for migrants awaiting deportation—an initiative estimated at around $100 billion, which the incoming administration and the Republican-majority Congress are keen to fund.
The new administration is anticipated to revive several border security measures from Trump’s first term, such as mandating that migrants seek asylum in other countries or remain in Mexico while their U.S. applications are processed. Additionally, large-scale deportation efforts targeting those currently in the country illegally will likely be prioritized.
Senator James Lankford, a leader in previous border security negotiations, indicated that the team is expected to focus initially on about 1 million recent migrants who have committed crimes or are ineligible to stay in the country.
"That’s the low-hanging fruit," Lankford stated, referencing those who recently crossed the border or have legal issues that require removal from the U.S.
Trump had previously suggested during his campaign that he might have a “small desk” set up in the Capitol on inauguration day to swiftly sign his executive orders. While there are no signs of such a plan in the open, GOP senators are preparing to welcome him within the Capitol after he takes his oath of office. It is customary for the new president to also sign necessary paperwork for cabinet nominations and other administrative appointments on that day.
Many of Trump’s nominees for key administrative roles are expected to undergo confirmation hearings in the Senate next week. Typically, the Senate begins voting on nominees as soon as the new president assumes office, with some even being confirmed on inauguration day.
