Trump's First Month in Office: A Review of Promises and Progress

Donald Trump has returned to the White House with a slew of promises made during his campaign for president. Among his pledges are commitments to cut taxes, lower prices, tackle undocumented migration, bolster American industry with new tariffs, and end international conflicts. Some of his proposals were articulated by his policy team while others were delivered in Trump's signature improvisational style, often through "Agenda 47" videos featured on his campaign website.In his victory speech on November 6, Trump proclaimed his determination to adhere to his pledges, stating, “I will govern by a simple motto: Promises made, promises kept.” During his initial days in office, he has maintained this mantra amidst a whirlwind of activity aimed at advancing his objectives. Although the president possesses considerable unilateral authority in areas like immigration and foreign policy, he also faces considerable legal and political hurdles. Many of his commitments require the cooperation of Congress, which is currently under narrow Republican control, to enact them permanently.Here’s an in-depth look at some of Trump's significant promises and the subsequent steps he has taken to bring them to fruition.**Lowering Prices**Trump asserted, “When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on day one,” during a press conference in August 2024. However, this objective presents a formidable challenge given the persistent inflation that plagued recent elections. In his inaugural speech, he aimed to harness the resources of his Cabinet to cut costs, although he has yet to provide clarity on the method. Increases in drilling have been suggested as a possible approach to lower energy prices. A steep rise in prices during January, marking the highest monthly increase in 16 months, has complicated his efforts. Trump has pinned the blame for the inflation on his predecessor, Joe Biden, while also acknowledging the complexities of a president's ability to control market prices. Economic analysts caution that some of Trump's policies may inadvertently exacerbate inflation, and public opinion suggests that voters are expecting more from his administration.**Mass Deportations**Trump declared his intention to initiate “the largest deportation program in American history” to remove criminals from the country on day one. Immigration has become a focal point of his early agenda, reinforced by multiple executive orders aimed at transforming the system. His intention to deport non-citizens, particularly those with criminal records, enjoys substantial public approval. Nevertheless, early data indicates that deportation numbers have not yet reached record highs; in January, the U.S. deported 37,660 individuals, falling short of the monthly average recorded during Biden's tenure.**January 6 Pardons**Trump has also promised to address the January 6 Capitol riot by potentially scrutinizing pardons for individuals involved. Keeping to his word, he issued pardons shortly after his inauguration, affecting over 1,500 individuals linked to the riot. The controversial decision has faced backlash from various sectors, including law enforcement, with some decrying it as disrespectful.**Ending the Ukraine War**In remarks made during a CNN town hall, Trump expressed his desire to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine swiftly. He has initiated preliminary discussions between the U.S. and Russia, but tensions have escalated over potential peace terms, with Ukraine stating it will reject any agreements made without its input. Concerns have also surfaced in Europe regarding the Trump administration’s approach to sanctions against Russia.**Ending Birthright Citizenship**During an NBC interview in December, Trump asserted his goal to eliminate birthright citizenship on his first day. He moved promptly to denounce an automatic citizenship right granted to those born on U.S. soil. This proposal has already faced legal challenges, with opponents arguing that it violates a constitutional amendment enacted nearly 160 years ago.**Blanket Tariffs on Canada and Mexico**Trump vowed to impose a 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico as part of his initial executive orders. Although he announced the tariffs would commence on February 1, Trump later delayed the implementation after negotiations led both countries to promise enhanced border enforcement. He posited the tariffs as a necessary measure to safeguard domestic industries, but experts caution about possible adverse economic effects, including price increases.As Trump navigates the first month of his renewed presidency, the effectiveness of his actions in turning promises into reality remains under scrutiny, with each initiative faced with varying levels of success and opposition.