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

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Trade Policy Under Scrutiny: Re-negotiations and Protectionism

Trump's trade policies were a central theme of his presidency, marked by a focus on renegotiating existing agreements and implementing protectionist measures. This section explores the key aspects of his approach.

NAFTA Renegotiation and Potential Withdrawal

Trump's stated intention to renegotiate or withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created considerable uncertainty.

• Analysis: He argued that NAFTA disadvantaged American workers and businesses. The renegotiation process, culminating in the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), aimed to address these concerns.
• Economic Consequences: The renegotiation and potential withdrawal created anxieties about economic disruption for all three countries involved. Industries like agriculture and automotive manufacturing were particularly vulnerable.
• Alternative Trade Agreements: The administration explored alternative bilateral agreements as a fallback position if NAFTA failed. However, these often lacked the comprehensive scope of NAFTA.
• Industry Impact: The automotive industry, for example, faced potential supply chain disruptions and increased costs due to the uncertainty surrounding NAFTA. Agricultural producers also experienced price volatility and market uncertainty.

Increased Tariffs and Trade Wars

Trump's administration implemented increased tariffs on imported goods from China and other countries, triggering retaliatory measures and escalating trade tensions.

• Potential Tariffs: These tariffs targeted various sectors, aiming to protect American industries and reduce the trade deficit.
• Trade Wars: The resulting trade war led to increased costs for consumers and businesses in both the US and the countries affected by the tariffs.
• Consumer Prices: American consumers faced higher prices on imported goods, impacting their purchasing power. Businesses experienced increased input costs and decreased competitiveness.
• International Relations: The trade conflicts strained relationships with key trading partners, creating uncertainty in global markets.

"America First" and its Global Implications

Trump's "America First" trade philosophy emphasized prioritizing American interests, potentially leading to increased isolationism and decreased US influence in global trade organizations.

• Impact on Global Trade Agreements: This approach challenged the multilateral trading system, raising questions about the future of global cooperation on trade issues.
• Increased Isolationism: The administration's actions led to concerns about a retreat from global leadership and a reduction in US engagement in international trade organizations.
• International Relationships: The trade disputes damaged relationships with key allies, creating tension and uncertainty in international relations.

Deregulation Drive: Easing Environmental and Financial Restrictions

The Trump administration pursued a significant deregulation agenda, aiming to ease environmental and financial restrictions.

Environmental Regulations Under Review

Numerous environmental regulations faced scrutiny and potential rollback.

• Clean Power Plan: The Clean Power Plan, aimed at reducing carbon emissions from power plants, was a key target for deregulation.
• Impact on the Environment: Rollbacks of environmental regulations raised concerns about the impact on air and water quality, climate change, and public health.
• Industry Responses: Industries often welcomed the deregulation efforts, but environmental groups and public health advocates strongly opposed them.

Financial Deregulation and its Potential Risks

The administration considered easing financial regulations implemented after the 2008 financial crisis.

• Systemic Risk: Critics warned that relaxing these regulations could increase systemic risk and potentially lead to another financial crisis.
• Consumer Protection: Easing regulations could weaken consumer protections, leaving individuals vulnerable to financial exploitation.
• Expert Opinions: Economists and financial experts offered varied opinions on the potential consequences of financial deregulation.

Executive Actions and Presidential Power

Trump's presidency witnessed extensive use of executive actions.

Use of Executive Orders and Memoranda

Executive orders and memoranda allowed the administration to bypass Congress on certain policy matters.

• Scope of Executive Power: The use of executive orders sparked debate about the scope and limits of presidential power.
• Examples of Executive Actions: Many executive actions addressed immigration, healthcare, and national security.
• Legal Challenges: Many executive actions faced legal challenges, highlighting the ongoing tension between the executive and judicial branches.

Impact on Bureaucracy and Government Agencies

Executive actions influenced the structure and function of government agencies.

• Restructuring Agencies: Several agencies experienced restructuring or changes in leadership, reflecting the administration's policy priorities.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness: The impact of these changes on the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations remained a subject of ongoing debate.

Conclusion

Trump's first 100 days marked a period of significant change and uncertainty, driven by major decisions in trade, deregulation, and executive action. Analyzing the impact of these actions on various sectors is crucial for understanding the trajectory of the administration and its effects on the American economy and the world stage. To gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal period, further research into the specific policies and their consequences is recommended. Understanding the intricacies of these policies is vital; continue to explore the multifaceted impact of Trump's Next 100 Days and beyond.