Seven Key Promises Trump Has Made for His Presidency

Donald Trump is poised to return to the White House, promising action on major issues like immigration, the economy, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

With the Republican Party regaining control of the Senate, Trump seems likely to have strong backing for his political agenda in Congress.

In his victory speech, Trump reiterated his commitment to his campaign promises, stating, "We're going to keep our promises," and emphasizing his motto of "Promises made, promises kept." 

However, in some cases, he's provided little detail on how exactly he plans to achieve these objectives.

When asked by Fox News in 2023 whether he would misuse his power or target political opponents, he clarified, saying he would not—except on "day one." "We're closing the border, and we're drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I'm not a dictator."

Here are seven key promises Trump has made for his second term:

Deport Undocumented Immigrants

One of Trump's most notable promises is to carry out the largest mass deportations of undocumented migrants in US history. 

He also aims to complete the construction of the US-Mexico border wall, a project started during his first presidency. 

Despite a drop in border crossings in 2024, experts have pointed out that carrying out such extensive deportations could face legal and logistical obstacles, and may even slow economic growth.

Tackling the Economy, Taxes, and Tariffs

The economy has been a major concern for voters, and Trump has promised to "end inflation"—which spiked under President Biden before beginning to fall again. 

Although a president’s power to control inflation directly is limited, Trump has outlined plans to implement sweeping tax cuts, continuing his 2017 overhaul. 

These plans include making tips tax-free, eliminating taxes on social security payments, and reducing corporate taxes. 

Trump has also proposed new tariffs, including at least a 10% levy on most foreign goods to reduce the trade deficit. 

Imports from China, he has suggested, could face tariffs of up to 60%. While some economists warn that these moves may increase prices for everyday consumers, Trump is steadfast in his plans.

Roll Back Climate Regulations

During his first term, Trump rolled back numerous environmental protections and became the first president to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement. 

In his second term, he has again vowed to reduce regulations, particularly to support the American automotive industry. 

Trump has frequently criticized electric vehicles, pledging to overturn President Biden’s clean car initiatives. 

He has also promised to ramp up fossil fuel production in the US, vowing to "drill, drill, drill" instead of focusing on renewable energy like wind power. 

Trump has expressed interest in opening up areas such as the Arctic wilderness for oil drilling, arguing that it could lower energy costs, though experts remain skeptical.

End the War in Ukraine

Trump has sharply criticized the US’s spending on Ukraine, which amounts to tens of billions of dollars in support for the country's war against Russia. 

He has pledged to end the conflict "within 24 hours" by negotiating a deal, but has not specified what concessions he expects from either side. 

Democrats argue that such an approach would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has also expressed a desire for the US to extricate itself from foreign conflicts more broadly. 

While he has strongly supported Israel in the war in Gaza, he has called on the country to end its military operation.

No National Abortion Ban

Despite pressure from some of his supporters, Trump has stated that he will not sign a national abortion ban into law. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide constitutional right to abortion, a decision influenced by Trump’s appointment of conservative judges. 

Reproductive rights became a central issue in the 2022 campaign, with many states passing measures to protect or expand abortion rights. 

Trump has consistently argued that individual states should determine their own abortion laws, though his position has at times lacked consistency.

Pardon Some January 6 Rioters

Trump has stated that he would "free" certain individuals convicted of crimes during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where his supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to prevent Joe Biden’s election victory from being certified. 

The violence led to several deaths, and Trump was accused of inciting the riot. He has sought to downplay the significance of the events and has referred to those convicted as "political prisoners." 

Trump continues to claim that many are "wrongfully imprisoned," though he has acknowledged that some of those involved "probably got out of control."

Fire Special Counsel Jack Smith

Trump has promised to remove Special Counsel Jack Smith, the prosecutor leading the two criminal investigations against him, "within two seconds" of taking office. 

Smith has indicted Trump on charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents. 

Trump denies any wrongdoing and has managed to prevent either case from reaching trial before the election. 

He has repeatedly claimed that Smith's investigations are a "political witch hunt." 

Trump will enter his second term as the first US president ever to have a criminal conviction, after being found guilty in New York for falsifying business records.