Trump’s First Month: A Promised Paradise, or Just Another Reality Show?
As Donald Trump’s second term roars into action with his signature blend of chaos and charisma, he is making one thing crystal clear: he’s a man of his word. Or at least, a man who promises a lot of things and then sort of gets around to them. With a head full of “big ideas” and a phone full of Twitter screenshots, President Trump has wasted no time in trying to turn his campaign promises into policy. Some of them are already happening, others not so much—but hey, that’s why we love him, right?
The Price Is Right… Maybe
Trump promised, during a press conference in August 2024, that on day one of his presidency, prices would start to plummet. Everything would be cheaper groceries, gas, you name it. It was going to be like a clearance sale across the entire economy. Who could resist such a bold vow? Unfortunately, inflation had a different idea. A massive price spike in January (the biggest in 16 months!) threw a wrench in the plan.
Trump, ever the diplomat, was quick to point the finger at Joe Biden. “It’s not my fault,” he declared. “I had nothing to do with it.” Economists, on the other hand, are shaking their heads, warning that some of Trump’s policies might be, ironically, fueling inflation. So, uh, good luck with that. Maybe prices will drop… in a second term?
Mass Deportations: Bigger Than The Last One, Probably
On the campaign trail, Trump promised the “largest deportation program in American history.” Big words, big plans, big… results? Sort of. After his first month, there were, in fact, some deportations. A lot of deportations, even. But, as with most of Trump’s promises, the numbers don’t quite live up to the rhetoric. Despite his call for the swift removal of foreign nationals, only 37,660 people were deported less than the monthly average during Biden’s administration. Whoops. Trump’s team, even the optimists, assured the public that “less illegal immigration equals less deportation needed,” but no one’s quite sure if that’s actually true. Maybe they’re saving the big deportations for when the cameras are rolling.
Pardons and Proclamations: A Day-One Special
True to form, Trump wasted no time in delivering on another high-profile promise: the instant pardons of over 1,500 people connected to the January 6th Capitol riot. He did this so quickly that many are speculating he might have written up the pardon drafts before even taking the oath. Talk about efficiency! One police officer who was punched that day called the move a “slap in the face,” but hey if you’re not outraging someone, are you even governing?
Ukraine War: Peace in 24 Hours? More Like 24 Years
Trump’s peace-making prowess is legendary or, at least, that’s what he claims. In 2023, he promised he could end the Ukraine war in 24 hours. Just 24 hours. Is there a Nobel Peace Prize nomination waiting for him? Sadly, it seems like Putin didn’t get the memo. The first few talks between the U.S. and Russia have gone, um, okay with Ukraine’s President Zelensky refusing to participate unless it involves his security concerns. So, yeah, peace might take a little longer than expected. But Trump, ever the optimist, is pushing forward, probably because someone has to.
Birthright Citizenship: The Battle Over Babies
As if tackling wars and deportations weren’t enough, Trump also delivered on another headline-grabber: ending birthright citizenship. On day one, he ordered an end to automatic citizenship for babies born on U.S. soil. Critics claim it’s a violation of the Constitution, and that could very well end with a showdown in the Supreme Court. What’s a presidency without a few constitutional hiccups?
Tariffs: Canada and Mexico, You’re Up Next!
In classic Trump fashion, he set his sights on neighboring countries for his next move: tariffs. Mexico and Canada, prepare yourselves. If you thought the trade wars were over, think again. By February 1, Canada and Mexico would face a blanket tax on imports due to their “role” in the flow of drugs and migrants. Both countries quickly threatened retaliation, which sounds like just the kind of international drama Trump thrives on. He even delayed the tariffs, citing promises from both countries to tighten border enforcement. Is this diplomacy? Or just Trump putting off his plans until he can figure out which side of the fence he’s on?
What’s Next?
As Trump barrels through his first month like a one-man hurricane, it’s clear that not all his promises will be delivered with the kind of speed and precision his rhetoric would suggest. But does that really matter? In Trump’s world, promises made are half the battle. The keeping part? Well, we’ll see how that plays out. For now, it’s been one month of chaos, controversy, and a whole lot of “We’ll get it done just wait.” After all, we’re all just along for the ride.
At this point, who’s even counting the promises? Certainly not Trump.
