Tariffs, deportations and ‘drill, baby, drill’: What to watch for as Trump returns

WASHINGTON — The looming threat of devastating tariffs slapped against Canada hangs over president-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House Monday.

Trump is preparing more than 100 executive orders. It’s unclear what is in the massive package and how many will be signed immediately.

Here are five things for Canadians to watch:

Tariffs: Canada and Mexico are not the only countries Trump has tariff plans for. The Republican leader also pledged additional 10 per cent tariffs on goods from China. Scott Bessent, Trump’s nominee for treasury secretary, told his Senate confirmation hearing last week that Trump intends to use tariffs for addressing perceived unfair trade practices, to raise revenue for the federal budget and as a negotiating tactic.

Deportations: Trump has promised to launch the “largest deportation program in American history” on Day One. During Trump’s first administration the fear of deportation pushed thousands of people north across the Canada-U.S. border. Canadian officials and law enforcement have said they have contingency plans prepared in case an influx of people head to Canada again.

Ukraine war: During Trump’s campaign he promised to end Russia’s war in Ukraine on his first day in office. It’s unlikely that will happen Monday. Trump has been skeptical about ongoing financial and military support for Kyiv and said a meeting is being arranged with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been trying to make the case to Trump’s incoming administration that it’s critical not to end support.

Drill, baby, drill: Trump campaigned on America becoming energy dominant and has promised to “drill, drill, drill” on Day One. It’s expected some of Monday’s executive orders are intended to immediately encourage domestic oil and gas development. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump-Vance transition team, told Fox News it includes expediting permits for drilling and fracking. Canada is the top source of U.S. oil imports.

Drop out of the Paris Agreement: The Republican president withdrew from the Paris Agreement, an international treaty to cut greenhouse gases that cause climate change, within the first six months of his last administration. When President Joe Biden was elected he signed America back on, but Trump is expected to drop out again.

— With files from The Associated Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 19, 2025.

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press