Trump Set to Sign Over 100 Executive Orders on First Day
Republican lawmakers familiar with his agenda say that President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to issue a wave of executive orders immediately upon taking office, fulfilling his campaign promises.
Appearing on "Fox and Friends" Thursday, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) revealed that Trump had outlined plans to enact numerous executive orders addressing key issues like border security and energy policy.
“The president was very clear, he just wants results,” Mullin stated when discussing ongoing budget negotiations on Capitol Hill. “He also talked about his executive orders. He says, you know, he has almost 100 executive orders that will go a long way to securing the border again.”
“And also put the energy sector back in play, and actually a ‘drill baby drill’ process where we become energy independent again. And all that can be done through executive orders. But as he said, it’s not permanent,” Mullin added, explaining that a GOP-led Congress would need to formalize many of these measures into law to prevent easy reversals by future administrations.
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) echoed these remarks, telling The Hill, “He threw that out—100—there could be like 100 EOs, yeah. I believe him.”
The Associated Press similarly reported that Trump has informed Republican senators of his plan to issue more than 100 executive orders starting on day one. “There will be a substantial number,” stated Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND), according to the outlet.
Many of these executive actions are expected to focus on illegal immigration, according to Cramer. Stephen Miller, a senior Trump advisor known for shaping immigration policies, was also present during the meeting and detailed several executive orders that will take immediate effect once the administration begins.
Trump also took aim at President Joe Biden for issuing numerous executive orders in his final days.
“Biden is doing everything possible to make the TRANSITION as difficult as possible, from Lawfare such as has never been seen before, to costly and ridiculous Executive Orders on the Green New Scam and other money-wasting Hoaxes. Fear not, these ‘Orders’ will all be terminated shortly, and we will become a Nation of Common Sense and Strength. MAGA!!!” Trump declared in a Truth Social post last week.
Among Trump's expected policies is the reinstatement of Title 42, which grants the federal government authority to take emergency actions to “prevent the introduction of communicable diseases.” While Title 42 has been in place for decades, the Trump administration heavily utilized it during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb illegal immigration. This policy allowed border agents to turn away asylum seekers to limit the spread of infectious diseases.
Additionally, Trump intends to reinstate the "Remain in Mexico" policy, requiring asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their claims are processed. This policy contrasts with the Biden administration's "catch and release" approach, which has allowed many individuals entering the U.S. illegally to remain and move to various destinations within the country. Since Biden took office in 2021, 77 percent of asylum seekers have been permitted to stay in the United States.
Trump is also expected to sign several executive orders aimed at boosting U.S. energy production. He has long promised to revive the Keystone XL pipeline project, a major oil pipeline between the U.S. and Canada that President Biden canceled. However, given that the project has been defunct for three years, it is likely to face legal challenges from environmental groups once again.