100 Days Of Trump: Executive Actions, Trade Deals, And Deregulation Explained

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Executive Actions: A Reshaping of Domestic Policy

The Trump administration utilized executive orders extensively to reshape domestic policy during its first 100 days. These presidential actions bypassed the often-lengthy legislative process, allowing for swift implementation of key policy goals. However, this speed also led to significant legal challenges and political controversies.

• Immigration: One of the most controversial executive actions was the travel ban, initially targeting several Muslim-majority countries (Executive Order 13769, January 27, 2017). This order faced immediate legal challenges and was eventually revised (Executive Order 13780, March 6, 2017). The impact on immigration policy, legal processes, and public perception was profound, sparking widespread protests and debates about national security and religious freedom.

• Environmental Regulations: Numerous executive orders targeted environmental regulations, aiming to roll back Obama-era initiatives. These actions affected areas such as clean water, air quality, and endangered species protection. For example, executive orders significantly altered regulations related to the Clean Power Plan, a key initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The consequences included increased environmental risks and a shift towards less stringent environmental protection measures.

• Healthcare: Executive orders also sought to dismantle or modify aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), leading to uncertainty in the healthcare market and affecting millions of Americans' access to healthcare. Specific actions included efforts to weaken the individual mandate and reduce funding for ACA programs. The effects on healthcare coverage and costs remain a subject of ongoing debate and analysis.

• Federal Bureaucracy: The Trump administration’s executive actions also aimed to streamline the federal bureaucracy, reducing the size and scope of certain agencies. This resulted in significant changes to agency staffing, budget allocations, and regulatory processes, leading to both increased efficiency in some sectors and accusations of undermining crucial governmental functions in others.

Trade Deals and International Relations: A New Approach to Global Commerce

The "100 Days of Trump" were characterized by a significant recalibration of US trade policy, marked by a shift away from multilateral agreements and towards bilateral negotiations and protectionist measures.

• NAFTA Renegotiation: The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), resulting in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), dominated trade policy discussions. Key changes included increased protections for intellectual property and labor provisions. While proponents claimed this increased fairness and protected American jobs, critics argued it negatively impacted trade flow and efficiency. The impact on trade volume between the three countries requires further long-term analysis to fully understand.

• Trade Disputes with China: Tensions with China escalated, marked by the imposition of tariffs on various Chinese goods. These actions triggered retaliatory tariffs from China, escalating into a trade war impacting industries ranging from agriculture to technology. The impact on global markets and supply chains was significant, affecting manufacturers and consumers worldwide. Specific examples include the impact on soybeans and technology components.

• International Trade Relationships: The Trump administration adopted a more protectionist stance in its relationships with various other countries, leading to renegotiation of several trade agreements and imposition of tariffs. This protectionist approach created uncertainty in global trade, leading to increased tensions and challenges in international cooperation.

• Economic Impact: The impact of Trump’s trade policies on the American economy was multifaceted. While some sectors benefited from protectionist measures, others suffered from increased costs and reduced export opportunities. The overall effect on the US economy remains a topic of ongoing economic debate and research.

Deregulation: Easing the Burden on Businesses and Industries

A core aspect of the Trump administration's economic policy during its first 100 days was deregulation, aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on businesses and industries.

• Sectoral Deregulation: Deregulation efforts targeted various sectors, including finance, energy, and the environment. Specific examples include rollbacks of regulations related to Wall Street reform (Dodd-Frank Act) and environmental protection rules. These actions were intended to stimulate economic growth and job creation by reducing compliance costs for businesses.

• Consequences of Deregulation: The consequences of deregulation were varied. Proponents argued it led to increased economic activity and job creation. However, critics voiced concerns about potential negative impacts on worker safety, environmental protection, and consumer protection. The long-term consequences, particularly concerning environmental protection and financial stability, are still being assessed.

• Impact on Specific Industries: The impact of deregulation varied across industries. While some sectors saw a reduction in compliance costs, others faced challenges due to increased competition or uncertainty. Specific industry-level analyses are needed to fully comprehend the effects.

• Long-Term Implications: The long-term implications of the Trump administration's deregulation policies remain a significant area of study. The potential impact on economic growth, public health, and environmental sustainability are all subject to ongoing research and debate.

Conclusion

The first 100 days of the Trump presidency saw significant and sweeping policy changes. Executive actions reshaped domestic policy, generating both swift action and considerable controversy. Trade policy shifts dramatically altered international relationships, leading to both benefits and significant disruptions in global trade. Deregulation efforts aimed to boost the economy, though their long-term impacts are still being evaluated. This analysis provides a framework for understanding these critical first 100 days, laying the groundwork for further examination of the long-term implications of these pivotal policy decisions. To further your understanding of the Trump presidency and its legacy, explore additional resources on the 100 Days of Trump, and delve deeper into the specific executive orders, trade deals, and deregulation initiatives mentioned in this article. Continue your research into the lasting effects of the Trump administration’s 100 days on US and global policy.