On the cusp of his presidency, Donald Trump is preparing to hit the ground running with a series of executive orders set for his first day in office. His advisors have been busy brainstorming strategies, touching on contentious issues such as birthright citizenship, immigration policies, and cryptocurrency regulations.
One of the most significant anticipated moves is his approach to birthright citizenship, which has been at the forefront of Trump's rhetoric for years. According to CNN, his team is considering various options to amend or abolish this rights provision, which is protected under the 14th Amendment. Trump has stated, “We’re gonna have to get it changed, or maybe I would go back to the people, but we have to end it,” indicating plans to employ executive action to pursue this change. His team is fully aware of the legal battles to come, preparing for challenges likely to reach the Supreme Court.
Legal analysts, such as ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project’s Cody Wofsy, have already begun strategizing for potential litigation. Wofsy confirmed, “We expect to sue, and others will as well,” as the incoming administration prepares for the significant political and social consequences of potentially stripping citizenship from U.S.-born children of undocumented parents.
Notably, legal experts argue against the feasibility of changing the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, as it has stood firm against similar challenges over decades. “The history is clear. The constitutional text here is clear,” Wofsy added, confident the Constitution will prevail. He asserted, “People who are born here will continue to be recognized as U.S. citizens.”
Meanwhile, Trump's administration is also expected to focus heavily on immigration control via executive orders. Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated plans to reinstate strict immigration measures reminiscent of the previous administration's policies. “He will use the power of his pen to deliver on many of the promises he made…to secure our southern border,” Leavitt remarked on Fox News.
The controversial Title 42 policy, which restricted asylum claims during the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing the CDC to deny entry to individuals potentially carrying communicable diseases, is likely to be revisited. Nicole Elizabeth Ramos, director of the Al Otro Lado Border Rights Project, criticized the use of Title 42, saying it had previously barred many from seeking refuge and forced them to wait under perilous conditions.
Trump has hinted at plans to conduct one of the largest deportation operations the country has ever seen. His strategy reportedly includes reinstatement of policies like Remain in Mexico, halting all migrant flights, and shutting down asylum processing applications through CBP One. With both legal and humanitarian concerns raised about such moves, experts are bracing for extensive ramifications.
On another front, industry insiders have turned their attention to Trump's stated interest in cryptocurrencies. Unveiled during his campaign trail, the pledge to become the 'crypto president' has sparked excitement within the industry, which is pushing for executive orders aimed at prioritizing and regulating cryptocurrencies. Plans involve creating strategic reserves of bitcoin and securing banking access for crypto firms, signifying the potential for significant reforms.
Rebecca Rettig, chief legal officer at Polygon Labs, emphasized the importance of these upcoming executive orders. “Given the tenor of the campaign, it would be imperative to set out what the actual priorities will be…” she commented, indicating urgency among crypto advocates to see these plans implemented.
Trump's expected establishment of a crypto council also aligns with his previous campaign objectives—fostering American leadership within the rapidly growing digital economy. Brian Hughes, from the Trump transition team, stated, “There has been an effort to stifle innovation…President Trump will deliver on his promise.”
Yet, doubt remains surrounding the feasibility of swift administrative action. While new orders could signal regulatory direction, the reality is complex. Jonah Krane from Klaros Group cautioned, stating, “(They) are not going to change policy on the ground on day one,” as independent federal regulators may not immediately align with executive directives.
Despite these nuances, one thing is clear: Trump's administration is poised to promote drastic policy shifts as it settles back onto the political stage. Advocates, opponents, and legal experts alike anticipate the flurry of upcoming executive orders—each likely to provoke discussions, negotiations, and conflicts across both the legislative and judicial spectrums.
Speculation continues to mount as the nation braces for Trump's swift maneuvers on immigration and cryptocurrencies. With his reentry to the White House imminent, the resulting policies could represent not only his administration’s priorities but also seismic shifts impacting millions across the nation.
