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Donald Trump's second term: Defeat coronavirus, finish the Wall, and then back to the Moon

Trump - Reuters
Trump - Reuters

Donald Trump has set forth a host of ambitious projects for his second term, including finishing his border wall, and the return of American astronauts to the Moon.

The first priority though would be securing a coronavirus vaccine and restoring the economy to where it was before the pandemic.

As cases in the US reach record highs going into winter Mr Trump has ruled out further lockdowns in a second term, and he would view his re-election as a mandate to continue his policies of returning to normality.

It is believed one of his first acts would be to strengthen his control of the government security apparatus, rooting out a host of leaders within his administration.

Trump - Sipa
Trump - Sipa

Names that have been suggested for quick termination include FBI Director Christopher Wray, CIA Director Gina Haspel, and defence secretary Mark Esper.

Just before the election Mr Trump signed an executive order making it simpler for him to fire career civil servants.

Mr Wray, Ms Haspel and Mr Esper are viewed by some in the White House as being too independent.

The president was said to have been particularly frustrated with Mr Wray for not launching an FBI investigation into Hunter Biden and his business dealings.

There have been suggestions that, in the period between the election and inauguration in January, officials may face so-called "loyalty tests" as Mr Trump seeks to strengthen his grip on his own administration, and settle internal scores from the first term.

The White House has suggested that he will focus on creating jobs, particularly in energy and manufacturing, and on trade deals.

A post-Brexit trade deal with the UK would be near the top of his in-tray.

Speaking on Fox News recently Mr Trump said in his second term he would prioritise "defeating the invisible enemy" of the virus, and "rebuilding the economy."

He said:  We’re going to bring back jobs from all of these foreign lands that have stolen our jobs on horrible trade deals. We are going to continue to make great trade deals."

At the Republican national convention in August the party issued pledges for the president's second term incluing “Return to normal in 2021” and “Drain the Globalist Swamp".

Mr Trump has also promised a further tax cut aimed at middle-income families, and he has vowed to complete construction of the US-Mexico border wall, which is only partially built.

wall - AP
wall - AP

However, much of what he can do will depend on whether Republicans keep control of the senate.

According to his senior adviser Stephen Miller a second term would include an expansion of Mr Trump's immigration policy.

That would mean a widening of the president's travel ban, and "raising and enhancing the standard for entry" to the US.

Mr Miller said: "That's going to be a major priority. It's going to require building a very elaborate and very complex screening mechanism."

There would be a reduction in asylum numbers, and also a crack down on sanctuary cities.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump is keen for a defining moment at the end of his second term.

He has tasked Nasa with landing the first woman, and next man, on the Moon in 2024, the final year of his second term.

His administration will also work on an international legal framework called the Artemis Accords, to facilitate mining on the Moon.