Trump promises blizzard of executive orders on first day of presidency

On the eve of his return to the White House, President-elect Donald Trump promised supporters that he would sign a series of executive orders on his first day in office, stating that he would act with "historic speed and power" within hours of being sworn in. Speaking at a "victory rally" in an arena in Washington, D.C., Trump addressed thousands of cheering people, previewing his governing direction for the next four years and celebrating his defeat of Democrats in the November election.

The Republican promised unilateral action on a wide range of issues, using his presidential power to initiate mass deportations, cut environmental regulations, and end diversity programs. "We are putting America first, and it all starts tomorrow," he told the crowd at the campaign-style event, adding, "You will be very happy when you watch TV tomorrow." Trump is expected to sign more than 200 executive actions on Monday, including legally binding executive orders and other presidential directives, such as proclamations that are usually not legally binding.

"Every radical and stupid executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of my being sworn in," the incoming president said. Trump's promised executive orders will strengthen artificial intelligence programs, establish a Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), release records related to the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy, direct the military to establish an "Iron Dome" missile defense system, and cancel diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the military. He also told supporters that he would prevent transgender women from participating in women's sports and return control of education to the states.

"You are going to see executive orders that are going to make you very happy," he told the crowd. "We have to get our country on the right track." Presidents typically take executive action upon taking office, but Trump's number of executive orders on his first day could exceed those of his predecessors, and many are expected to face legal challenges. He promised that Monday's executive order blitz would target the issue of illegal immigration, a central issue in the Republican's winning presidential campaign. But experts say his pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants will face huge logistical hurdles and could cost tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars.

Trump is also expected to pardon those convicted in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot led by his supporters. He called the January 6 rioters "hostages" and promised everyone would be "very happy" with his decisions on Monday. Trump’s family also joined him on stage, including his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric, and Eric’s wife Lara Trump. Despite the cold weather and snowfall on Sunday, the president-elect's supporters flooded the capital this weekend. Due to the inclement weather, Monday's inauguration ceremony was moved indoors to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for the first time in 40 years, disappointing thousands who had hoped to watch the ceremony on the National Mall. The temperature is expected to be around -6 degrees Celsius (22 degrees Fahrenheit) when he is sworn in at noon local time.

Supporters were asked to watch the event at the Capital One Arena, which will also host the traditional outdoor parade. Trump said he would "join the crowd" after being sworn in and delivering his inaugural address. His speech is reportedly themed around unity, strength, and "fairness." Franklin Graham, son of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, will lead a prayer at Monday's inauguration ceremony. "I think President Trump is very different than the man he was in 2017," he told BBC Radio 4's Sunday program. "I think God has strengthened him, and he's gone through these things and become stronger, and after all this ordeal, he'll be a better president."