Trump is not the only president who has made promises while he (or she) was running for election, but he sure made a lot of them on his second term and did anyone really think he was going to make good on all of them?
We have composed a list of all of the promises Donald Trump had made to get your vote and help get him back in office.
Ongoing or in ‘Limbo’
This list is things Donald Trump has said he was going to do that is currently ongoing:
- Dismantle the “Deep State”: Trump has taken steps to reorganize parts of the federal bureaucracy, but the full extent of these efforts is ongoing
Sources: 1 2 - Implement Protectionist Trade Policies: While Trump has discussed these policies, their implementation is subject to negotiations and potential legal challenges
Sources: 1 2 - Establish “Freedom Cities” and Other Agenda 47 Proposals: Many of these proposals require significant legislative or administrative actions that are still in development
Sources: 1 2
What this means?
As working class Americans it’s disheartening to see how Donald Trump has consistently broken promises to the American people. During his 2024 campaign, Trump vowed to stand with working families and tackle the challenges they face, including making housing more affordable and lowering grocery prices. However, since taking office, he has failed to deliver on these promises. Instead, job creation has slowed, inflation has surged, and key consumer protections are under attack 1. This not only hurts working families but also undermines the trust in leadership that Americans desperately need.
One of the most egregious examples of Trump’s broken promises is his handling of the economy. He repeatedly assured voters that he would lower prices for basic staples like eggs and bacon, but these prices continue to rise 5. Moreover, his plan to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will only drive up costs for everyday Americans, further exacerbating the financial strain on working-class families 1. It’s clear that Trump’s priorities lie with the wealthy, as evidenced by his continued support for tax breaks that benefit the elite at the expense of the middle class 1.
Trump’s campaign promises on immigration and border security have also been marred by controversy. He pledged to end birthright citizenship, a policy protected by the 14th Amendment, and to implement a massive deportation program 4. While he has taken steps to strengthen border enforcement, these actions have been criticized for their legality and humanitarian impact 2. Furthermore, his promise to restore a travel ban from his first term has been met with resistance, highlighting the ongoing challenges in balancing security concerns with human rights 4.
Another significant promise Trump failed to keep was his claim to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict within 24 hours of assuming office. This assertion was made during a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris in September 2024, but Trump began distancing himself from this promise even before his inauguration 3. The conflict remains unresolved, and Trump’s inability to deliver on this critical foreign policy issue underscores his lack of credibility on the global stage 3.
In conclusion, Trump’s broken promises are not just political failures; they represent a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the American people. Whether it’s economic policy, immigration reform, or foreign diplomacy, Trump’s actions have consistently prioritized partisan interests over the well-being of working families and the nation as a whole. As Democrats, we must continue to hold him accountable for these broken promises and work tirelessly to build a more equitable and just society for all Americans.
Promise Kept
- Begin the Largest Deportation Operation: Trump initiated efforts to enhance border security and deportation processes, though the scale and effectiveness remain debated
Sources: 1 2 - End “Electric Vehicle Mandate”: Trump took steps to relax or eliminate incentives for electric vehicles, though no specific federal mandate existed to repeal
Sources: 1 2 - Increase Drilling/Fracking for Oil: Trump signed orders to increase energy production, including drilling and fracking
Sources: 1 2 - Terminate “Open Border” Policies: Trump implemented measures to strengthen border enforcement
Sources: 1 - End “Green New Deal” Policies: Trump signed executive orders aimed at reversing environmental policies, though their impact is subject to legal challenges
Sources: 1 - Sign Executive Orders on Border Security and Energy: Trump issued multiple executive orders on his first day, focusing on border security and energy production
Sources: 1 - Ban Transgender People from the Military: Trump reinstated a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military
Sources: 1
Promise Broken
- Conclude the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Trump did not resolve the conflict as promised and later distanced himself from this claim
Sources: 1 2 - More Affordable Groceries: In August 2024, Trump held a press conference surrounded by food items, where he stated, “When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on Day One”. This promise was made multiple times throughout his campaign.
Sources: 1 2 - Impose Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China: Despite promises, no tariffs were imposed on his first day, though he indicated they might be implemented later
Sources: 1 2 - Abolish Birthright Citizenship: This promise requires constitutional amendments and has not been fulfilled through executive action
Sources: 1 2 - Pardon Individuals Involved in the January 6 Capitol Incident: While Trump signed pardons for some individuals, the extent of these pardons is not fully clear, and this remains a contentious issue
Sources: 1 2 - Declare a National Energy Emergency: While Trump focused on energy production, there is no clear evidence of a declared national energy emergency
Sources: 1 - Cut Federal Funding for Schools Promoting Critical Race Theory: This promise faces legal hurdles and requires legislative support to be fully implemented
Sources: 1 2