WASHINGTON — When President-elect Donald Trump steps into the Oval Office, he’s aiming to hit the ground running with a packed agenda. From border security to tax policy, Trump has big plans for his first day, but even his closest allies are urging a little patience on some of his loftier goals.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), one of Trump’s strongest supporters, shared his thoughts on what’s realistic for the new administration. Speaking to Raw Story, Donalds confidently predicted swift action on issues like border security, economic reform, energy policy, and even tackling the looming debt ceiling.
But when it comes to Trump’s ambitious mass deportation plans? That’s where the brakes come on.
“Big Goals Need Big Budgets”
Donalds was candid about the hurdles ahead. Sending immigrants back to their home countries won’t be an overnight process—it’s going to take time, coordination, and, most importantly, money. “There’s gonna be some dollars they’ll need from us to make that happen,” Donalds explained, hinting that a congressional bill would likely be the vehicle for such a costly initiative.
While Trump can take independent action on some policies, such as tariffs, immigration spending is another ballgame. Congress controls the purse strings, and that means Trump will need their backing to make sweeping changes.
Tariff Trouble: Can Trump Go It Alone?
On the topic of trade, Trump’s bold promise to impose hefty tariffs has drawn skepticism. While Donalds pointed out that tariff policy is something the president can largely handle, history and experts suggest otherwise.
Trade policy typically falls under Congress’s jurisdiction, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, which gives lawmakers the authority to manage taxes and regulate commerce with foreign nations. However, there’s a potential loophole: If Trump frames tariffs as a national security issue, he could bypass Congress—though that would likely spark legal battles.
In fact, The Economist recently questioned whether Trump’s tariff promises hold water, noting that Congress has handed over increasing power to the executive branch over the years. But even with that precedent, trade policy remains a sticky area that could land the administration in court.
The Balancing Act Begins
For Trump, the road ahead is a mix of opportunity and challenge. While he’s poised to make big moves in areas like border control and economic reform, more complex issues—like deportation spending and trade policy—will demand collaboration and compromise with Congress.
The message is clear: ambition is great, but in Washington, big plans require big negotiations. For now, Trump’s first day in office promises to set the stage for an administration that’s determined to shake up “business as usual”—even if some of those changes take longer than expected.
