With a new term on the horizon, President-elect Donald Trump and his team begin planning for the transition, strategizing appointments, and preparing a robust first-day agenda.
President-elect Donald Trump has commenced transition planning, meeting with key allies and outlining strategies for his upcoming administration. As the GOP aims for a trifecta in Washington with control of the House, Senate, and White House, Trump’s team is exploring options for Cabinet positions while setting a strong first-day agenda.
Fox News reported on some of Trump’s anticipated Cabinet picks, which include both familiar faces and new contenders. Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is reportedly being considered to return to his role, while Betsy DeVos could also return as Secretary of Education. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, now considered for Secretary of Defense, may once again be a critical player in Trump’s administration.
In addition to these returning figures, new potential appointees are under consideration. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum could serve as Secretary of the Interior or Energy Secretary, and Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is being considered for Secretary of State. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran as an independent in the 2024 election, could potentially serve as Secretary of Agriculture or Health and Human Services, bringing a bipartisan element to Trump’s leadership team.
Trump’s campaign senior adviser, Danielle Alvarez, provided insight into the president-elect’s early plans. Speaking on Fox & Friends First, Alvarez emphasized that Trump’s agenda from day one will focus on “unleashing American energy, securing that border like he did in his first term, and restoring America’s position on the global stage.” She noted Trump’s historic gains in voter demographics, including increased support from women, Latino, and Black voters, and said these successes reinforce the president’s commitment to an ambitious and immediate agenda.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has assured a smooth transition process, emphasizing the Pentagon’s role in supporting the incoming administration. Austin’s message, delivered in a letter to all military members, underscored the U.S. military’s commitment to neutrality and professionalism. “Our fellow citizens have elected the next President of the United States. The Department will make a calm, orderly, and professional transition to the incoming Trump administration,” Austin wrote in his letter, acknowledging Trump’s electoral victory. Austin also reinforced the military’s dedication to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
The Pentagon’s commitment to a seamless transition will involve readiness to execute the policy directives of the new administration under Trump’s leadership. Austin’s letter affirmed, “America’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians swear an oath to ‘support and defend the Constitution of the United States’ — and that is precisely what you will continue to do.”
As transition planning continues, Trump and his allies are working diligently to solidify a team and outline a roadmap that aligns with the goals of his voter base and the priorities of the Republican Party. With both experienced leaders and fresh faces likely to join the administration, the GOP is poised to make substantial policy advancements in its bid to control the direction of American governance in the coming term.
Donald Trump has proposed sweeping changes across immigration, taxes, tariffs, and education as he prepares for a second term in office.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President-Elect Donald Trump has outlined an expansive agenda for his second term, emphasizing immigration reform, tax cuts, tariffs, and social policies aimed at reshaping key aspects of federal governance. This comes after early Wednesday morning projections declared Trump the winner of the 2024 election against Vice President Kamala Harris, with reports suggesting he may have also won the popular vote for the first time.
Immigration Trump has pledged an assertive approach to immigration, starting with a plan for what he calls the largest “mass deportation” effort in U.S. history. He has suggested imposing a 25% tariff on Mexico if it does not cooperate in curbing illegal immigration, with an increase if necessary. His plan includes reinstating his “remain in Mexico” policy and proposing enhanced screenings for immigrants. Additionally, Trump is pushing to end birthright citizenship, a move that would likely require a constitutional amendment. Former ICE Acting Director Tom Homan, expected to join the administration, clarified during an October interview that “families can be deported together” under these proposed policies.
Taxes and Regulations Throughout his campaign, Trump reiterated his commitment to maintaining the 2017 tax cuts and introduced new proposals for further cuts, focusing on bolstering job creation within the U.S. He has suggested reducing the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15% for companies manufacturing domestically and eliminating taxes on tips and overtime wages. Trump has also promised not to cut Social Security benefits. Some proposals, including changes to tax laws, may require congressional approval, and with the GOP projected to regain control of the Senate, Trump’s economic agenda has the potential for significant traction.
Tariffs Trump’s economic plans include a potential 10% tariff on all U.S. imports to reduce the trade deficit, a proposal aimed at revitalizing domestic manufacturing. He has also proposed imposing specific tariffs on goods from countries that levy tariffs on U.S. imports. His strategy specifically targets China, with plans to phase out imports of certain goods like electronics and pharmaceuticals over a four-year period. Additionally, Trump intends to ban Chinese companies from owning U.S. assets in critical industries such as energy and technology. In an October interview, Trump underscored his support for tariffs, calling them the “most beautiful word in the dictionary” and expressing confidence that they would help restore American industry.
Energy Policies Trump aims to expand domestic oil and natural gas production by loosening federal regulations, including reopening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling. He has also pledged to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords, reiterating his commitment to reducing dependency on foreign energy. Trump argues that increased drilling would alleviate inflation and bring down energy costs, recalling that gas prices averaged around $1.87 per gallon during his first term. Current AAA data reports the national average for a gallon of gas at around $3.10.
Social Policies Trump’s social policy agenda includes reforming education by limiting diversity and inclusion initiatives and redirecting federal oversight of schooling to the states. He has promised to allow parents to use public funds for private or religious schooling options, abolish the Department of Education, and support laws preventing discrimination in schools. On reproductive rights, Trump has stated that he favors state-level decisions on abortion rather than federal mandates. Additionally, Trump has expressed a desire to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, a stance he reiterated during a recent town hall.
As Trump prepares to take office, these proposals reflect a continuation of his first-term priorities combined with intensified approaches in immigration, economic reform, and social issues. His proposed policies are set to bring about considerable changes in American governance, with many awaiting the congressional response to this wide-ranging agenda.
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