Trump's Next 100 Days: A Deep Dive Into Trade, Deregulation, And Executive Actions

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Trade Policies and Their Potential Impact

Trump's approach to trade has been characterized by a focus on "America First," prioritizing domestic industries through renegotiation of existing deals and the imposition of tariffs.

Re-negotiating Trade Deals

Trump's administration signaled its intent to renegotiate or withdraw from several key trade agreements.

• NAFTA renegotiation: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a primary target, with the administration aiming for a deal more favorable to the US. This involved renegotiating terms related to labor, environmental standards, and intellectual property rights.
• Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): The TPP, a large multilateral trade agreement, was abandoned early in Trump's presidency. This signaled a shift away from multilateral trade agreements towards bilateral deals.
• Potential consequences: Renegotiating trade deals can lead to both positive and negative economic consequences. While it could potentially protect domestic industries from foreign competition, it also risks triggering trade wars and harming export-oriented sectors.

Imposition of Tariffs and Trade Barriers

The use of tariffs and other trade barriers formed a central pillar of Trump's trade strategy.

• Steel and aluminum tariffs: Tariffs were imposed on steel and aluminum imports from several countries, sparking retaliatory measures from affected nations.
• Tariffs on Chinese goods: A significant trade war with China involved imposing tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods, impacting various industries.
• Impact on domestic industries and consumers: While some domestic industries may benefit from protectionist measures in the short term, consumers often face higher prices due to increased import costs. This can lead to inflation and reduced consumer spending.

Impact on Global Trade Relations

Trump's trade policies significantly strained relationships with key trading partners.

• Trade disputes with China, the EU, and Canada: These disputes resulted in retaliatory tariffs, escalating trade tensions globally.
• Potential for escalation of trade conflicts: The aggressive use of tariffs increased the risk of a global trade war, potentially harming the global economy.
• Impact on international cooperation: Trump's unilateral approach to trade undermined international cooperation and weakened multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Deregulation Efforts and Their Consequences

A key aspect of the Trump administration was a significant push for deregulation across various sectors.

Rollback of Environmental Regulations

The administration pursued a rollback of several environmental regulations.

• Clean Power Plan rollback: Efforts were made to weaken or eliminate the Clean Power Plan, aiming to reduce restrictions on power plants' carbon emissions.
• Relaxation of vehicle emission standards: The administration sought to loosen fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.
• Environmental and health consequences: Critics argued that these rollbacks could lead to increased pollution, worsening air and water quality, and exacerbating climate change.

Financial Deregulation

Efforts were made to ease financial regulations.

• Easing of Dodd-Frank Act provisions: The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, enacted after the 2008 financial crisis, saw some of its provisions weakened.
• Relaxation of banking regulations: Measures were taken to lessen the regulatory burden on banks and financial institutions.
• Potential risks and benefits: While deregulation could potentially stimulate economic growth by reducing compliance costs, it also carries the risk of increased financial instability.

Impact on Business and the Economy

The overall impact of deregulation on the economy was a subject of debate.

• Potential for increased economic growth: Proponents argued that deregulation could boost economic growth by reducing burdens on businesses.
• Increased risk: Critics warned of increased risks, such as environmental damage and financial instability.
• Job creation versus job losses: The net effect on job creation and losses was complex and varied across different sectors.

Executive Actions and Their Significance

Trump's presidency was marked by the frequent use of executive orders and significant appointments.

Use of Executive Orders

Executive orders played a central role in implementing Trump's agenda.

• Travel ban executive orders: These orders temporarily restricted entry from several Muslim-majority countries.
• Executive orders on immigration: Several executive orders aimed to tighten immigration policies.
• Legal challenges to executive orders: Many executive orders faced legal challenges, highlighting the limitations of presidential power.

Appointments to Key Positions

Judicial and cabinet appointments significantly shaped the direction of policy.

• Conservative judicial appointments: The appointment of conservative judges to federal courts had long-term implications for legal interpretation.
• Cabinet appointments: Cabinet secretaries often reflected the administration's policy priorities.
• Long-term implications of these appointments: These appointments shaped the policy landscape for years to come.

Impact on the Federal Government

Trump's actions had a profound effect on the federal government.

• Changes to government agencies and departments: Several agencies experienced budget cuts or changes in mission.
• Impact on bureaucratic efficiency and effectiveness: The impact on bureaucratic efficiency and effectiveness varied depending on the agency and specific actions taken.
• Changes to inter-agency coordination: The administration's approach to inter-agency coordination sometimes hindered effective policy implementation.

Analyzing Trump's Next 100 Days: Trade, Deregulation, and Executive Actions

Trump's first 100 days were marked by significant shifts in trade policy, aggressive deregulation, and a heavy reliance on executive actions. While some policies aimed to boost domestic industries and economic growth, others sparked international tensions and raised concerns about environmental protection and financial stability. The long-term consequences of these actions remain to be fully assessed. To stay informed about the ongoing impact of these policies, we encourage you to continue following developments related to Trump's first 100 days in office and engage in informed discussions about the implications of these policies. For further in-depth analysis, explore reputable news sources and academic journals that specialize in political science and economics.