Introduction
Donald Trump made a series of bold promises while campaigning for president. From reducing prices and enforcing mass deportations to ending wars and reshaping immigration laws, his commitments were vast and ambitious. His campaign slogan, “Promises made, promises kept,” has become a key phrase of his administration’s first month.
In areas where he holds executive power, Trump has acted quickly. However, legal and political obstacles have slowed some initiatives. Many of his promises will also require congressional approval, which remains uncertain under a narrowly controlled Republican Congress.
Here’s a look at some of Trump’s major day one promises and what he has actually done so far.
Reducing Prices: Trump ‘s Economic Strategy
What He Said:
“When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on day one.†— August 2024
What He’s Done:
This remains one of Trump’s biggest challenges. He vowed to use the vast powers of his Cabinet to lower prices but has yet to provide a clear strategy. One proposed method is increasing drilling to reduce energy costs. However, inflation rose sharply in January, marking the biggest monthly increase in 16 months.
Trump blamed former President Joe Biden and Democratic policies for the price hike, insisting, “I had nothing to do with it.†While he acknowledges the difficulty of controlling prices, economists warn that some of his policies could actually fuel inflation. Voters continue to rank economic concerns as a top priority.
Immigration Crackdown: Trump ‘s Deportation Policy
What He Said:
“On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out.†— November 2024
What He’s Done:
Immigration has been a central focus of Trump’s presidency so far. He has signed more than a dozen executive orders targeting illegal migration. However, large-scale deportations have yet to materialize.
In January, the U.S. deported 37,660 people, far below the Biden administration’s monthly average of 57,000. Trump’s supporters argue that deportation numbers will increase as new policies take effect. Meanwhile, border encounters dropped 66% compared to 2024, suggesting that tougher policies may be deterring illegal crossings.
Controversial Pardons: Trump ‘s January 6 Actions
What He Said:
“I’ll be looking at J6 early on, maybe the first nine minutes.†— December 2024
What He’s Done:
Trump acted swiftly. Just hours after taking the oath, he issued pardons and commutations for over 1,500 people charged or convicted in the January 6 Capitol riot. The decision sparked backlash, with a police officer who was assaulted during the riot calling the move a “slap in the face.â€
Ending the Ukraine War: Trump ‘s Strategy
What He Said:
“They’re dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done in 24 hours.†— May 2023
What He’s Done:
Trump has initiated diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Russia—the first since the war began. However, Ukraine has rejected any negotiations that do not involve them directly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders fear Trump could end the war on Moscow’s terms, weakening Ukraine’s security. Additionally, concerns grow that Trump may roll back sanctions on Russia, disrupting international efforts to hold the Kremlin accountable.
Birthright Citizenship: Trump ‘s Legal Battle
What He Said:
“Yes, we’re going to end birthright citizenship.†— December 2024
What He’s Done:
One of Trump’s first executive orders sought to end automatic citizenship for children born to non-citizens on U.S. soil. While this move targets those in the U.S. illegally or on temporary visas, legal experts argue that Trump lacks the authority to change birthright citizenship without a constitutional amendment.
The issue remains entangled in court battles, as an appeals court has already ruled against the policy. Legal analysts predict the case will head to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trade Policy: Trump ‘s Tariffs on Canada and Mexico
What He Said:
“On January 20th, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% tariff on ALL products coming into the United States.†— November 2024
What He’s Done:
On January 21, Trump announced that the tariffs would take effect on February 1. However, after backlash from economic experts and market instability, he delayed implementation by one month. Canada and Mexico also threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
Both nations have since pledged to enhance border security, and Trump has suggested the tariffs may be reassessed if improvements are made.
Conclusion: Promises Made, But Not All Kept
Trump has acted swiftly on immigration, tariffs, and pardons, but challenges remain in reducing prices and implementing mass deportations. Some of his more controversial policies, like ending birthright citizenship and resolving the Ukraine war, face legal and diplomatic hurdles.
As his presidency progresses, Trump’s ability to deliver on his promises will depend on congressional cooperation, economic shifts, and court rulings. His slogan “Promises made, promises kept†may hold true for some policies, but others remain uncertain.
The next months will reveal whether Trump can turn more of his pledges into reality.
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