10 New Year’s Resolutions for President Trump’s Second Term
As we enter 2025, the United States is preparing for an historic moment: the triumphant return of Donald J. Trump to the presidency for his second, non-consecutive term. The challenges facing the nation are immense, from economic uncertainty to a fractured cultural landscape. Yet with challenge comes opportunity, and the next four years hold the promise of realignment and renewal under the banner of America First.
To make the most of this pivotal moment, here are ten New Year’s resolutions for President Trump to consider as he prepares to take office later this month. These resolutions reflect the core priorities of his supporters, the conservative movement, and the nation as a whole.
1. Secure the Southern Border
One of President Trump’s defining promises has been to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. With record-high illegal crossings, rampant drug trafficking, and human smuggling crises, fulfilling this promise is more critical than ever. Completing the border wall, expanding border patrol resources, and implementing strict immigration reforms should be a top priority. The message is clear: a nation without secure borders cannot ensure its sovereignty.
Beyond physical barriers, Trump should establish a streamlined immigration court system to address asylum claims swiftly, reducing the backlog and preventing abuse of the process. Partnering with local law enforcement to enhance border security and empowering state governments to act in defense of their own borders will also solidify his administration’s commitment to sovereignty. Immigration reform should also include merit-based systems that prioritize skilled workers and contributors to the economy.
2. Restore American Energy Independence
Under Trump’s first term, the U.S. achieved energy independence for the first time in decades. By unleashing domestic oil, gas, and nuclear energy production, his administration insulated Americans from global energy shocks. Recommitting to energy independence is essential not only for economic prosperity but also for national security.
In addition to supporting traditional energy sources, Trump should invest in domestic mining of critical minerals like lithium and rare earths, which are essential for modern technologies and energy production. Expanding the strategic petroleum reserve and forging stronger partnerships with energy-producing states like Texas and Oklahoma will further strengthen America’s energy future. A forward-looking policy that balances innovation with independence will ensure the U.S. remains a global energy leader.
3. Strengthen National Defense
In an increasingly volatile world, from tensions with China over Taiwan to Russia’s war with Ukraine, a strong national defense is paramount. President Trump should prioritize rebuilding the military, modernizing weapon systems, and increasing cybersecurity capabilities. However, this resolution goes beyond military spending—it’s about maintaining peace through strength.
Addressing recruitment challenges is essential, but Trump should also focus on ensuring military readiness through better training programs and advanced technology integration. Strengthening partnerships with NATO allies and rethinking America’s role in global conflicts will demonstrate that the U.S. is ready to lead without overextending. Trump should also commit to enhancing missile defense systems (like an American Iron Dome), ensuring the U.S. can counter modern threats from adversaries like North Korea and Iran.
4. Reinforce Law and Order
America’s cities have been plagued by rising crime and policies that undermine public safety. President Trump must recommit to vigorously supporting law enforcement, fighting back against radical district attorneys (the kind often backed by Soros and the like), and cracking down on violent crime. The emphasis should be on empowering police forces with the tools and funding they need to protect communities.
In addition to increased funding for police, Trump should advocate for better training programs to enhance officers’ skills and community engagement. Expanding federal task forces to combat organized crime, including drug cartels and trafficking networks, will address broader criminal enterprises. Trump should also push for reforms that protect law enforcement officers from politically motivated lawsuits, ensuring they can do their jobs without fear of reprisal (perhaps something akin to malpractice insurance for doctors).
5. Champion Free Speech
The rise of Big Tech censorship has made free speech one of the defining issues of our time. Conservatives, in particular, have seen their voices suppressed, their platforms de-platformed, and their ideas marginalized. President Trump must lead the charge to protect First Amendment rights in the digital age.
Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now X, was a pivotal moment in the fight for free speech, but much more work remains. Trump should prioritize policies that ensure tech platforms operate as neutral public forums, free from government interference. Additionally, exposing the government’s involvement in censoring speech under the guise of combating “disinformation” is essential for preserving transparency and trust. Supporting the development of alternative platforms and ensuring antitrust enforcement against monopolistic Big Tech companies will further empower individuals to speak freely.
6. Rebuild American Manufacturing
President Trump made great strides in bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., but the work is far from over. With global supply chains still recovering and China continuing to dominate key industries, rebuilding American manufacturing is a strategic and economic necessity.
Trump should also push for the expansion of “Made in America” initiatives to cover industries critical to national security, such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and renewable energy components. Incentivizing reshoring by offering tax breaks to companies returning production to the U.S. will further strengthen domestic manufacturing. Additionally, expanding apprenticeship and trade school programs will ensure that the next generation of workers is equipped to thrive in a manufacturing-driven economy.
7. Reduce Bureaucratic Overreach
One of the most significant achievements of Trump’s first term was cutting red tape and reducing the power of the administrative state. In his second term, this effort should expand dramatically, with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leading the charge. Spearheaded by innovators Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, DOGE has already begun identifying waste, fraud, and inefficiencies across federal agencies.
DOGE should also focus on simplifying the federal tax code, ensuring taxpayers understand how their money is being used, and reducing compliance burdens for businesses. Establishing performance-based reviews for all federal programs can further cut wasteful spending. Transparency will be critical—publishing the findings of DOGE’s audits can demonstrate accountability and reinforce public trust.
8. Reform Education
Education reform is essential to securing America’s future. Parents across the country have voiced concerns about declining academic standards, the influence of extreme woke ideology, and the lack of school choice. President Trump should prioritize empowering parents to take control of their children’s education.
Trump can also advocate for the expansion of charter schools in underserved areas and push for federal funding to be tied directly to student performance rather than bureaucratic mandates. Promoting alternative educational paths, like vocational training and STEM programs, will prepare students for a competitive global workforce. A comprehensive reform agenda will help re-establish American education as the gold standard.
9. Prioritize Election Integrity
The integrity of America’s elections is non-negotiable. While progress has been made at the state level, the federal government can play a role in ensuring that every vote cast is legitimate. Voter ID laws, transparent processes for counting ballots, and safeguards against fraud are critical to restoring public trust in elections, which has diminished.
Trump should also advocate for nationwide standards for mail-in voting security (or doing away with the bulk of it altogether) and real-time auditing of election results. Encouraging bipartisan oversight of election processes can help restore public faith. Additionally, exploring secure technologies like blockchain voting could modernize elections without compromising security or transparency.
10. Unify the Conservative Movement
Finally, President Trump has an opportunity to bring together Republicans, conservatives, Libertarians, and independents around a shared vision for America. The key to unity is results—delivering on promises that benefit all Americans while leaving behind distracting rivalries and divisions, including within the party.
Trump should also focus on even greater outreach to younger conservatives and minority communities to broaden the appeal of the conservative movement. Highlighting successes that benefit everyday Americans, regardless of political affiliation, will strengthen the base and build bridges for what comes next. A united conservative movement will be crucial for advancing Trump’s agenda and ensuring lasting success for the Republican Party after his term is up.
As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, these resolutions offer a blueprint for success. Each resolution reflects the priorities of a nation hungry for leadership, strength, and renewal. By securing the border, restoring energy independence, defending free speech, and championing American values, President Trump can make his second term one of the most transformative in American history.
The challenges ahead are significant, but the opportunities are even greater. With clarity of purpose, determination, and the unwavering support of the American people (or half of them, anyway), 2025 can mark the beginning of a bright new chapter for this great nation of ours.
Michael J. Hout is the Editor of Liberty Affair. He currently resides in Warsaw, Poland. Follow him on X: @michaeljhout
