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By Samuel A. Lopez - USA Herald

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - As the sun sets on what might be the last day of business as usual, I'm here to bring you the latest from Washington, where Donald Trump, now just hours away from his second term, has promised a seismic shift in American policy.

Presidential Promises:

1. Border Lockdown: Trump pledges to stop illegal border crossings within 24 hours.
2. Policy Overhaul: Over 100 executive actions to dismantle Biden's legacy and fulfill campaign promises.
3. Cultural Shift: Immediate moves against transgender policies, DEI initiatives, and foreign influence via TikTok.

Today, Trump declared with the certainty of a seasoned commander, "By the time the sun sets tomorrow evening, the invasion of our borders will have come to a halt, and all of the illegal border trespassers will in some form or another be on their way back home."

This isn't just rhetoric; it's a pledge set to become reality through a 'shock and awe' campaign of over 100 executive actions.

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., recently predicted "shock and awe" after Republican members of Congress received a preview of the upcoming activity.

The Border and Beyond: Trump's first target is the border. With plans to reinstate Title 42, he aims to swiftly expel asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. But his vision extends beyond; he's intent on securing all borders, including the often-overlooked Canadian frontier, to prevent what he calls "foreign invaders" from slipping through.

Mass deportations are on the agenda too, with Trump eyeing not just undocumented immigrants but also visa violators. He's suggested bolstering the powers of immigration agents, potentially involving the military, to execute these deportations swiftly, painting a picture of a nation fortified against unauthorized presence.

Birthright Citizenship: One of Trump's boldest moves is challenging birthright citizenship. He's promised to end this practice on Day 1, setting the stage for a constitutional showdown. Critics argue this undermines the 14th Amendment, which was crafted post-Civil War to ensure citizenship for the formerly enslaved.

The 14^th Amendment (section 1) states, in relevant part:

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

Trump's legal argument, however, revolves around reinterpreting the jurisdiction clause, suggesting it wasn't meant for children of undocumented immigrants. Trump could extend this interpretation to argue that children of undocumented immigrants are not fully subject to U.S. jurisdiction in the same way as citizens or legal residents.

He could also adopt a contextualist perspective, emphasizing the importance of context in interpreting meaning. Rather than strictly adhering to the literal words, contextualism considers the surrounding circumstances, historical background, and intentions behind the text to understand its true meaning. This approach is often contrasted with textualism, which focuses on the explicit wording of the text itself, suggesting that the framers did not intend to grant citizenship to the children of individuals who are in the country illegally.

Economic and Energy Shifts: Trump's economic strategy includes imposing significant tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, a response to what he perceives as an influx of crime and drugs. On the energy front, he's reviving his 'drill, baby, drill' slogan, aiming to reverse Biden's offshore drilling bans and push for energy dominance.

Cultural and Social Policy: Trump's cultural agenda is equally aggressive. He's promised immediate action against what he terms 'transgender lunacy,' aiming to recognize only two genders (male and female), end transgender participation in women's sports, and remove transgender ideology from military and educational settings. DEI initiatives in the federal government are also in his crosshairs, with Trump labeling them as 'Marxist' and planning to dismantle them swiftly.

Digital Sovereignty: In a twist, Trump plans to extend the TikTok ban deadline, ensuring the app's operation while negotiating for U.S. control. This move, after his previous attempt to ban TikTok, suggests a strategic pivot, acknowledging the app's cultural and economic significance while prioritizing national security.

Today on Truth Social, Trump proposed that the U.S. should have a 50% controlling interest in TikTok for it to remain in the country. However, TikTok and its parent company are unwilling to sell, so the outcome remains uncertain.

Workplace Revolution: Trump's administration is set to end remote work for federal employees, viewing it as a'travesty.' This policy shift could reshape the federal workforce, emphasizing physical presence over remote work.

In my years of covering policy shifts, I've rarely seen such a comprehensive and immediate overhaul. Trump's strategy is clear: to redefine America overnight.

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