Trump's Agenda: Trade, Deregulation, And Executive Orders In The Next 100 Days

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

4.4

Share

The first 100 days of a presidential term often set the tone for the entire administration. Donald Trump's presidency was no exception, marked by a flurry of activity on trade, deregulation, and executive orders that dramatically reshaped the American political and economic landscape. This article analyzes Trump's key policy initiatives during his initial 100 days in office, focusing on his trade policy, deregulation efforts, and the unprecedented use of executive orders. We'll examine the impact of these actions on various sectors and consider their long-term consequences.

<h2>Trade Policy in Trump's First 100 Days</h2>

Trump's trade policy during his first 100 days was characterized by a pronounced shift towards protectionism and a renegotiation of existing trade agreements. This approach, fueled by his campaign promises, immediately impacted global trade relations.

<h3>Renegotiating Trade Deals</h3>

One of Trump's most significant early actions was the withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a multinational trade agreement negotiated under the Obama administration. This move signaled a departure from previous US trade policy and a commitment to prioritizing bilateral agreements.

• Withdrawal from TPP: The withdrawal from the TPP was seen by many as a rejection of global trade liberalization and a move towards protectionist policies.
• NAFTA Renegotiation Efforts: Trump initiated efforts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada, expressing concerns about the agreement's impact on American jobs and the trade deficit. These negotiations were fraught with tension and resulted in a revised agreement, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).
• Threats of Tariffs on Imported Goods: Throughout his first 100 days, Trump frequently threatened to impose tariffs on imported goods from various countries, leveraging this as a negotiating tactic to secure better trade deals.

<h3>Protectionist Measures</h3>

Trump's administration implemented several protectionist measures, most notably the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. These actions triggered trade disputes with several countries, including China.

• Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: These tariffs, justified on national security grounds, led to retaliatory tariffs from other countries, escalating trade tensions.
• Trade Disputes with China: The trade war with China, which intensified after the first 100 days, involved reciprocal tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods, significantly impacting global supply chains.
• Impact on American Businesses and Consumers: The impact of these protectionist measures on American businesses and consumers was mixed, with some industries benefiting from increased domestic demand while others faced higher input costs due to tariffs. The effects are still being debated and analyzed today.

<h2>Deregulation Under Trump: The First 100 Days</h2>

Trump's agenda also included a significant push for deregulation across various sectors of the economy. This effort was based on the belief that excessive regulation stifled economic growth and job creation.

<h3>Environmental Regulations</h3>

The Trump administration initiated efforts to roll back or weaken several environmental regulations, particularly those related to climate change and emissions.

• Clean Power Plan Rollback: The administration moved to repeal the Clean Power Plan, an Obama-era initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions from power plants.
• Emissions Standards: Efforts were made to relax emissions standards for vehicles and other sources of pollution.
• Weakening of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations: The EPA's regulatory authority was significantly reduced, impacting its ability to enforce environmental protection laws. These actions drew criticism from environmental groups and sparked numerous lawsuits.

<h3>Financial Regulations</h3>

The administration also pursued deregulation in the financial sector, aiming to reduce the burden of regulations imposed after the 2008 financial crisis.

• Easing of Bank Regulations: Efforts were made to ease certain banking regulations implemented under the Dodd-Frank Act, leading to concerns about potential risks to financial stability.
• Impact on Financial Institutions: The changes benefited financial institutions by reducing compliance costs but also sparked debates about potential increased risks.
• Potential Risks and Benefits: The long-term consequences of these financial deregulation efforts remain a subject of ongoing discussion and analysis among economists and policymakers.

<h2>Executive Orders: A Defining Feature of Trump's Early Presidency</h2>

Trump's use of executive orders was a defining characteristic of his early presidency. He utilized this power extensively to implement policy changes without needing Congressional approval.

<h3>Number and Scope of Executive Orders</h3>

The sheer number and scope of executive orders issued during Trump's first 100 days were remarkable compared to previous administrations. This demonstrated his willingness to use executive power to achieve his policy goals.

• Comparison to Previous Administrations: The number of executive orders signed in Trump's first 100 days exceeded that of many previous presidents.
• Key Policy Areas Affected: Executive orders covered various policy areas, including immigration, trade, environmental regulations, and national security.
• Use of Executive Orders to Bypass Congress: This approach circumvented the legislative process, allowing for rapid policy implementation but also raising concerns about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

<h3>Controversial Executive Orders</h3>

Several executive orders issued during Trump's first 100 days generated significant controversy and faced legal challenges.

• Travel Bans: The controversial travel bans targeting citizens of several Muslim-majority countries faced immediate legal challenges and widespread protests.
• Immigration Policies: Executive orders related to immigration enforcement and border security sparked intense debate and concern about human rights.
• Impact on Public Opinion and Legal Challenges: These executive orders significantly impacted public opinion and resulted in numerous legal challenges, highlighting the contentious nature of Trump's early policy decisions.

<h2>Conclusion: Assessing Trump's First 100 Days Agenda</h2>

Trump's first 100 days were marked by a decisive shift towards protectionist trade policies, significant deregulation efforts across various sectors, and a heavy reliance on executive orders to implement his agenda. These actions had a profound impact on the American economy and society, sparking debates about their long-term consequences. The trade wars, environmental rollbacks, and controversial immigration policies shaped both domestic and international relations.

To further understand the ramifications of these policies and their ongoing effects, we encourage you to research Trump’s 100-day plan, delve deeper into his trade policy specifics, and explore the lasting impact of his executive orders. You might also want to focus your research on specific areas mentioned, such as the NAFTA renegotiation, the Dodd-Frank rollback, or the various legal challenges to his executive actions. Understanding these policies is crucial for grasping the complexities of contemporary American politics and economics.