As 2025 dawns, Donald Trump’s return to the White House is generating a mix of anticipation and apprehension, particularly among America's closest neighbors. With reports emerging about a potentially disruptive agenda, the spotlight is on how the president-elect will wield his powers right from Day 1.

Incoming presidents often lay out ambitious goals for their first 100 days, and Trump’s supporters claim that his return signifies a clear mandate from voters to pursue bold policy changes. Experts, however, caution that the execution of these plans may be trickier than it seems.

Christopher Sands, director of the Canada Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center, noted that a suite of executive orders is being prepared for Trump’s inaugural day. One of the most controversial proposals is a staggering 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico—a move that could send shockwaves through the North American economy.

Trump has been vocal about this tariff strategy, making it clear that it would remain in effect until both nations take meaningful action to stop illegal crossings and drug trafficking. Following his election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau even met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss the situation, yet left without any concrete assurances about potential exemptions for Canada.

In anticipation of the impending economic turmoil, Canada has already allocated $1.3 billion to bolster border security. Experts like Sands are closely monitoring how Congress and the business community respond if these tariffs get implemented, as such executive actions can be challenged in courts—especially with the potential destruction they pose to key industries like automotive manufacturing.

Beyond trade tensions, Trump is also expected to undertake sweeping actions in various areas including immigration policy, environmental regulations, and federal employment practices. Promises include the deportation of countless undocumented migrants and authorizing extensive drilling projects, encapsulated in his rallying cry to 'drill, drill, drill.'

The past has shown that such ambitious agendas often encounter unexpected obstacles. When Trump was elected in 2016, a wave of fear swept through immigrant communities, prompting many to seek refuge in Canada. Authorities on both sides of the border are bracing for any renewed surge in migration in light of Trump's aggressive rhetoric and policies.

Political analyst Alasdair Roberts cautions against the allure of rapid changes in governance, underscoring that failure to achieve early goals often leads to stagnation later in a president's term. While quick action on immigration reform is anticipated, the complexity of mass deportations will undoubtedly challenge Trump's team as they navigate legal and logistical hurdles.

Historical context sheds light on the challenges Trump faces; when he took office in 2017, many of his promised policies were stalled or met with fierce opposition. For example, the repeal of the Affordable Care Act was famously thwarted by Senator John McCain's pivotal vote, illustrating the unpredictability of political maneuvering even with a Republican majority.

Looking ahead, Trump’s administration will rapidly pursue its agenda in the early months, but Roberts warns Canadians to remain cautiously critical of the political rhetoric coming from the U.S. Capitol.

With Republican lawmakers already convening on January 3, preparations are underway to confirm cabinet appointees who will drive this legislative push. Notable picks like former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for national intelligence lead to heightened scrutiny of party loyalty; will they challenge Trump’s more controversial choices or stand by the president-elect?

As Trump embarks on this new chapter, the question lingers: How much of his ambitious plan will survive the turbulent waters of governance? The answer remains far from certain as legislators grapple with their own convictions during a time of stark political polarization.

As the new administration prepares to forge ahead, one thing is clear: the stakes for Canada and the broader North American landscape have never been higher. Keep your eyes peeled for the unfolding drama of Day 1 and beyond!