100 Days Of Trump: Focus On Trade, Deregulation, And Executive Branch Power

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Trade Policy Under Trump's First 100 Days

The early days of the Trump administration saw a significant reshaping of US trade policy, characterized by a focus on renegotiating existing agreements and imposing tariffs. Keywords like "Trump trade war," "NAFTA renegotiation," and "tariffs Trump" dominated headlines. This aggressive approach aimed to address perceived trade imbalances and protect American industries.

• Renegotiation of NAFTA: Trump's campaign promise to renegotiate or withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a central theme. This signaled a departure from decades of free trade policies and sparked uncertainty among businesses reliant on the agreement. The threat of withdrawing from NAFTA put pressure on Canada and Mexico to negotiate more favorable terms for the US.

• Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): Early in his presidency, Trump fulfilled another campaign promise by withdrawing the US from the TPP, a comprehensive trade agreement involving several Pacific Rim countries. This move was seen by some as a rejection of multilateral trade agreements in favor of bilateral deals. The withdrawal sent shockwaves through global trade circles and raised questions about the future of free trade agreements.

• Imposition of Tariffs: The Trump administration initiated a series of tariffs, primarily targeting steel and aluminum imports from China and other countries. This action was justified as a means of protecting domestic industries and addressing trade deficits. However, it also triggered retaliatory tariffs from other nations, escalating trade tensions and creating uncertainty in global markets.

  • Increased tariffs on steel and aluminum: These tariffs had a ripple effect throughout the global supply chain, impacting various industries that relied on imported steel and aluminum.
  • Initiation of trade disputes with key trading partners: The tariffs led to disputes with China, the European Union, and other countries, highlighting the complexities and potential downsides of protectionist trade policies.
  • Uncertainty surrounding future trade negotiations: The aggressive trade tactics adopted during the first 100 days created a climate of uncertainty, making it challenging for businesses to plan for the future.

Deregulation Efforts During the Initial 100 Days

The Trump administration prioritized deregulation, focusing on reducing environmental and financial regulations. Keywords like "deregulation," "environmental regulations," "financial regulations," "Dodd-Frank," and "regulatory rollback" became central to the policy narrative. This approach aimed to stimulate economic growth by reducing the burden on businesses.

• Environmental Regulations: Significant efforts were made to roll back environmental regulations, particularly those related to clean air and water. This sparked considerable controversy, with environmental groups raising concerns about potential damage to the environment and public health. The argument was that these regulations hindered economic growth and job creation.

• Financial Regulations: The administration sought to ease financial regulations enacted after the 2008 financial crisis, particularly those under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The argument was that these regulations were overly burdensome and stifled economic activity. Opponents countered that these regulations were crucial for protecting consumers and preventing future financial crises.

  • Executive orders targeting specific regulations: Numerous executive orders were issued to direct agencies to review and potentially weaken various regulations.
  • Appointment of individuals with deregulatory viewpoints to key positions: The administration appointed individuals known for their skepticism towards regulation to key positions within relevant agencies, signaling a clear shift in policy direction.
  • Potential long-term effects on the environment and the economy: The long-term consequences of these deregulation efforts remain a subject of ongoing debate, with projections varying widely depending on the model and assumptions used.

Expansion of Executive Branch Power in the First 100 Days

The first 100 days of the Trump presidency saw a significant expansion of executive power through the frequent use of executive orders. This strategy allowed the administration to bypass Congress and enact policy changes rapidly. Keywords such as "executive orders," "presidential power," "executive branch," "checks and balances," and "separation of powers" became increasingly relevant.

• Frequent Use of Executive Orders: The administration issued a large number of executive orders, significantly exceeding the average number issued by previous administrations during their first 100 days. This raised concerns about the potential erosion of the checks and balances inherent in the US system of government.

• Legal Challenges: Several executive orders faced legal challenges, highlighting the potential for conflicts between the executive branch and other branches of government. These challenges tested the boundaries of presidential authority and raised important questions about the separation of powers.

  • Number of executive orders issued during the first 100 days: The sheer volume of executive orders signaled a determined effort to reshape policy unilaterally.
  • Examples of significant executive orders and their impact: Specific executive orders had far-reaching consequences, impacting areas such as immigration, environmental protection, and healthcare.
  • Assessment of the effectiveness of using executive orders to achieve policy goals: The effectiveness of this approach was debated extensively, with some arguing that it was a necessary tool for swift action while others warned about the potential for overreach.

Conclusion

The first 100 days of the Trump presidency marked a dramatic shift in US policy across multiple sectors. The administration's actions regarding trade (including the initiation of a trade war and renegotiation of NAFTA), deregulation (with rollbacks on environmental and financial regulations), and the extensive use of executive orders to expand executive power had profound and far-reaching consequences for the economy, the environment, and the balance of power within the US government. These policies generated both strong support and significant opposition, creating a climate of intense debate and uncertainty.

Call to Action: Understanding the events of these critical first 100 days is crucial for comprehending the broader trajectory of the Trump presidency and its lasting impact. Further research into the long-term effects of these policy decisions on trade agreements, regulatory frameworks, and the balance of power remains essential. Continue your exploration of the 100 days of Trump and its enduring legacy by consulting additional resources and scholarly articles.