What Americans can expect from Trump’s second term as US president

Published 9:40 AM ET, Monday January 20, 2025

As Donald Trump assumes the U.S. presidency for a second term, Americans can anticipate significant policy shifts across various sectors:

Immigration and Border Control

President Trump plans to implement stringent immigration policies, including mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and the termination of birthright citizenship. He intends to reinstate the travel ban affecting predominantly Muslim countries and enhance border security measures.

Economic Policy and Trade

Trump’s economic strategy emphasizes protectionism, proposing substantial tariffs on imports, notably a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, and up to 60% on Chinese products. These measures aim to bolster domestic manufacturing but may escalate trade tensions and affect consumer prices.

Government Restructuring and Federal Authority

The administration seeks to centralize executive power by reducing civil service protections, allowing for the replacement of career officials with political appointees. Plans include establishing a Department of Government Efficiency, led by figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to streamline federal operations.

Social Policies and Education

Trump intends to abolish the Department of Education, transferring control to state governments. He proposes eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and banning gender-affirming care for minors. Additionally, the administration plans to cut federal funding to schools promoting critical race theory or enforcing vaccine mandates.

Foreign Policy and National Security

The administration aims to conclude U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict, potentially through negotiations with Russia. Trump has expressed a critical stance toward NATO and plans to reassess U.S. participation in international alliances. He also proposes expanding the U.S. military and adopting protectionist economic policies to strengthen national security.

Energy and Environmental Policies

Trump’s energy policy focuses on increasing fossil fuel production by reducing regulations and incentives for clean energy. The administration plans to withdraw from international climate agreements and expand drilling and mining on public lands, signaling a shift away from environmental conservation efforts.

Judicial and Legal Actions

The president has indicated intentions to pardon individuals convicted in relation to the January 6 Capitol riots. He also plans to declassify documents pertaining to historical figures and events, asserting a commitment to transparency.

These proposed policies suggest a transformative and potentially contentious period in American governance, with widespread implications domestically and internationally.