With Trump’s inauguration as 47th President being less than a week away now, many are speculating on what his (non consecutive) second term will look like. While I typically try to remain optimistic when our political climate shifts, these past few months have felt like an insane fever dream. The 2024 election, which was predicted to be a close race, ended with Trump winning both the popular and electoral vote, something he had not been able to achieve in his two previous campaigns. He was also able to secure the election while being embroiled in his own court proceedings following the criminal charges he received in March 2023 from the state of New York. This makes Trump the first convicted felon to hold office. 

My concern has grown worse with the impending Inauguration Day, and I’m definitely not the only American filled with uncertainty about Trump’s new administration. What will happen to our economy in the midst of inflation and record high prices? What is our foreign relations going to look like? Will Trump follow through on his plans for mass deportation? Here are some of my predictions.

Immigration- 

From the get-go Trump has been very clear about his views on immigration,  specifically the idea that illegal immigrants are criminals and should be treated as such. Trump has stated in several interviews  and during his campaign rallies that he plans to launch the “largest mass deportation operation” on day one. He previously said he would reinstate the travel ban which would restrict entrance into the US for foreigners, mostly from predominantly Muslim countries. The travel ban would now  expand the list  to include refugees from the Gaza strip. 

Prediction # 1: Because deportation and border control has been at the forefront of Trump’s priorities for a long time now, I do believe these will swiftly be put in place. That coupled with the growing public support for these policies could likely mean much stricter laws on immigration moving forward, and possibly a rise in xenophobic attitudes towards Muslims. 

Economy-

While the US inflation rate has been slowing down a bit lately, consumer goods are still ridiculously expensive. As the gap between the upper and lower class continues to widen, many Americans are forced to live paycheck to paycheck. Trump’s economic plan focuses heavily on large tariffs as well as lower marginal income tax rates for most income brackets. He also intends to cut out payroll taxes.

Prediction #2: Trump’s main reasoning for wanting large tariffs is that he believes it would encourage companies to come into the United States, build factories, create more jobs, while still generating revenue. This is actually a misinterpretation of how tariffs work . A disruption in the global supply chain like this could not only worsen the National Debt, but it would also raise prices for consumers. Similarly, cutting taxes would not benefit the average American, only the wealthy one percenters. Cutting back on both federal and payroll taxes could mean an end for Social Security and Medicare, or at least worsen them. Under Trump’s economic plan I predict a surge of price increases and supply decreases. 

Foreign Policy-

The most recently introduced and perhaps shocking initiative of the President-elect is to purchase Greenland, take control of the Panama Canal, and make Canada the 51st state. While many news outlets have speculated that this is a mere facade to assert dominance over other nations, Trump has posted about this on multiple social media accounts and has been treating it as a serious issue. Additionally, another new development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has arisen. Talks of a ceasefire have been in the works for weeks now, and mediators are trying to get some sort of resolution put together. A CNN source has stated that Netanyahu wants to keep a close relationship with Trump. 

Prediction #3: I’m sure this comes as a shock to no one that I don’t see the United States annexing Greenland, the Panama Canal, or Canada as a realistic possibility. I would chalk this up to being a bullying tactic and a sign that the spirit of Manifest Destiny lives on in our politicians today. However the ceasefire seems completely feasible and would boast favorably for Trump if it occurs post Inauguration Day. 

While there is still a wide array of issues that President Trump is passionate about, I believe these three will be the most talked about ones in his early days in office. The Trump administration will bring about a new era, and while I’m not ecstatic about all of the changes that could occur, I have faith in democracy. No one truly knows what will happen next in our country, but we can hope for positive outcomes and ever growing progress.