Here’s All The Scary Things Donald Trump Vowed He’ll Do ‘Day One’ Of Presidency

President-elect Donald Trump says he will immediately pardon Jan. 6 rioters on numerous occasions despite their attack on the U.S. Capitol.

We already can see that Donald Trump’s impending presidency will be a tumultuous one that could potentially put people of color and marginalized groups in danger of further persecution. Aside from attacks on the Haitian population and bias claims against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump has made a slew of promises for the first day he’s back in the Oval Office. Here are a list of those claims.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Tyler Perry Deals ‘Mind Crack’, According to Judge Joe Brown

Pardon Jan. 6 Rioters

Photo: Getty Images Samuel Corum

Trump has said he would immediately pardon Jan. 6 rioters on numerous occasions despite their attack on the U.S. Capitol. In an interview with Time magazine published last year, Trump said “I’ll be looking at J6 early on, maybe the first nine minutes.” More than 1,580 defendants were charged and more than 1,200 have been convicted in the Jan. 6 investigation. The charges ranged from seditious conspiracy to unlawful parading.

Get Rid Of Birthright Citizenship

Photo: Getty Images PAUL RATJE

Trump wants to change a crucial part of the 14th amendment which gives anyone who is born in the U.S. automatic citizenship. Of course, this will definitely lead to an array of legal battles.

Enact Mass Deportation At Record Rates

Photo: Getty Images Genaro Molina

Trump has consistently vowed to deport undocumented migrants. Just days before the election, Trump said at a campaign rally in NYC: “On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out.”

Implement Tariffs

Photo: Getty Images Qilai Shen

After winning the presidential election in November, Trump insisted that he would sign an executive order to implement a 25 percent tariff on products imported from Mexico and Canada. These are two of this country’s most significant trading partners.

“On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media site Truth Social.

End War In Ukraine

Photo: Getty Images STRINGER / AFP

One of Trump’s most ridiculous promises was that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of his presidency.

“That is a war that’s dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president,” Trump said during a September debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. “I know [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy very well, and I know [Russian President Vladimir] Putin very well.”

Increase Oil Drilling

Photo: Getty Images David Paul Morris

Trump has been unrelenting in his commitment to increase oil drilling in the U.S. Trump has regularly stated that increasing U.S. oil production would significantly reduce energy costs.

Ban Transgender Women From Women’s Sports

Photo: Getty Images Allen J. Schaben

Trump has constantly referred to transgender women as men and told his followers that he will make sure that transgender women cannot compete in women’s sports. He also promised to sign an executive order on his first day in office to reduce federal funding for schools that push “transgender insanity.”

Put An End To Gender-Affirming Care

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Dietsch

Trump has spoken out against gender-affirming care, which sometimes includes hormone therapy. He said he will revoke the Biden administration’s policies that provided resources and guidance about care options.

Make The Auto Industry ‘American’

Photo: Getty Images Artur Widak

Trump has pushed for a future in which the automobile will be made in America. He wants the auto industry to be “fueled by American energy,” “sourced by American suppliers” and built by American workers. Trump said that will happen his first day in office.

Abandon “Electric Vehicle Mandates”

Photo: Getty Images Lindsey Nicholson

Back in 2021, Biden signed an order that focused on 50 percent of new cars and trucks sold by 2030 to be zero-emission. The Environmental Protection Agency finalized emission limits, and electric vehicles were expected to help meet the goals. California has a law requiring that all new car sales in the state be zero-emission with the next decade.

Trump has referred to this as “electric vehicle mandates” and said he would cancel it as soon as he assumed office.

Erase Biden’s Border Policy

Photo: Getty Images HERIKA MARTINEZ

Trump has said on his first day in office he will “terminate every open-borders policy of the Biden administration.” This means he plans on restoring all of his first term’s stringent border policies.

Cut Federal Money To Schools Promote Diversity

Photo: Getty Images Matt Roth

Trump has been an infamous adversary of America’s diversity efforts. He has vowed to divest federal money to schools that encourage “critical race theory, transgender insanity and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content onto the shoulders of our children.” Trump also vowed to cut money to any schools that have vaccine or mask mandates.

Reduce Inflation

Photo: Getty Images Scott Olson

Trump has promised to end inflation, though he never outlined a plan for it. “I will instruct my cabinet that I expect results within the first 100 days, or much sooner than that,” Trump said in 2024.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

A List of Trump's Allies Who Are Turning Against Him

A List of Trump’s Allies Who Are Turning Against Him

Trump relied on far-right podcasters and close Republican politicians to win his second term, but now allies are forming against him …
13 Democratic Leaders on Their Plans to Restore the Country Once They Reclaim Power

13 Democratic Leaders on Their Plans to Restore the Country Once They Reclaim Power

From the front lines of justice to the heart of the working class, these 13 Democratic leaders are offering a blueprint to take the country back …
Why Black Women Face Higher Infertility Rates And What Real, Affordable Options Are Within Reach

Why Black Women Face Higher Infertility Rates And What Real, Affordable Options Are Within Reach

This National Infertility Awareness Week, The Root spoke with an expert who broke down early red flags, barriers to treatment and affordable options that can make a difference …
The Today Show's Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Death of Husband

The Today Show’s Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Death of Husband

TODAY Show cohost Sheinelle Jones is keeping it transparent when it comes to how she’s dealing with her first birthday since the death of her husband in May 2025 …
"I'm Sorry": Tucker Carlson Just Admitted to a Massive Regret

“I’m Sorry”: Tucker Carlson Just Admitted to a Massive Regret

After years of supporting and campaigning for President Trump, it seems commentator Tucker Carlson has some serious regrets …
6 Things You Won't See In The New Michael Jackson Movie

6 Things You Won’t See In The New Michael Jackson Movie

‘Michael’ arrives on April 24—but don’t expect these storylines to make the final cut! …
It's Time To Get Excited About Michael.

It’s Time To Get Excited About Michael.

We don’t get many films like this. That alone is reason to pay attention. And an even bigger reason to show up …
KevOnStage Says He Won't Use Faith as a Reason to Judge LGBTQ+ Community

KevOnStage Says He Won’t Use Faith as a Reason to Judge LGBTQ+ Community

Comedian KevOnStage recently opened up about his faith and how it intersects with the LGBTQ+ community. But some Christians aren’t feeling his words! …
Why More Women Are Turning to Cannabis For Relief

Why More Women Are Turning to Cannabis For Relief

From managing chronic pain to navigating menopause, women are turning to cannabis at record rates. But as acceptance grows, so does the need for caution …
In This 'Red Pill Era,' One Black Man Is Becoming the Positive Role Model Every Young Boy Needs

In This ‘Red Pill Era,’ One Black Man Is Becoming the Positive Role Model Every Young Boy Needs

In an era where many young men are influenced by the red pill content they see online, one Black man is stepping up for his community and teaching Black boys how to be men …
Fans Are Obsessed With Blue Ivy's New Bodyguard

Fans Are Obsessed With Blue Ivy’s New Bodyguard

A viral clip of Blue Ivy’s security detail has sparked comparisons to Beyoncé’s longtime bodyguard “Julius,” igniting a new wave of buzz across social media …
Rochester Family Cremates Missing Woman After Being Told She Was Dead, Only to Learn That She's Really Alive

Rochester Family Cremates Missing Woman After Being Told She Was Dead, Only to Learn That She’s Really Alive

A Rochester, New York, family is now suing after they say police told them their missing daughter died, when she was really alive in another state …
Ex-Alabama Football Player Allegedly Used Wigs and Durags in Sophisticated Scheme to Defraud NFL Stars

Ex-Alabama Football Player Allegedly Used Wigs and Durags in Sophisticated Scheme to Defraud NFL Stars

Federal authorities allege that Luther Davis and CJ Evins committed wire fraud that targeted several NFL players …
'The Blind Side' Actor Quinton Aaron Addresses Fake Wife Scandal In New Interview

‘The Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron Addresses Fake Wife Scandal In New Interview

Quinton Aaron’s road to recovery has been overshadowed by the drama surrounding his ‘wife.’ And now, he’s speaking up about it for the first time …
Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His 'First Look' Reaction

Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His ‘First Look’ Reaction

Olympian Junelle Lyles is standing up for her new husband after a viral video seemingly painted him in a negative light. But folks online aren’t open to hearing it! …
A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd's Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas' Death

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything that led to his arrest …
Louisiana Father Kills His 7 Kids in One of the Nation's Deadliest Mass Shootings in Over 2 Years

Louisiana Father Kills His 7 Kids in One of the Nation’s Deadliest Mass Shootings in Over 2 Years

In a tragedy described as the most devastating event in the history of Shreveport, Louisiana, a dad killed eight children in a mass shooting Sunday …
Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton on How the Country Can Recover From the Damage Trump Has Done

Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton on How the Country Can Recover From the Damage Trump Has Done

In an exclusive interview, Rev. Al Sharpton explains exactly how the country can recover from the damage done by the Trump administration …
Prince's Bassist Details His Unusual Behavior Months Before Passing

Prince’s Bassist Details His Unusual Behavior Months Before Passing

Mark “BrownMark” Brown breaks his silence to shed light on Prince’s troubling behavior before his devastating passing …
Dementia Starts Earlier Than You Think. Here's Why Black America Must Protect Brain Health Now

Dementia Starts Earlier Than You Think. Here’s Why Black America Must Protect Brain Health Now

Black Americans are twice as likely to get dementia, but it’s not inevitable. An expert breaks down the types, early warning signs, the factors behind the disparity, and what you can do now …