Trump's First 100 Days, Part 2: Trade, Deregulation, And The Impact Of Executive Orders

Laila Abdi

6 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Trade Wars and Renegotiations

The Trump administration's approach to trade was characterized by aggressive renegotiations and the imposition of tariffs, sparking significant global trade disputes.

NAFTA Renegotiation

The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a central promise of the Trump campaign. The administration aimed to create a more favorable trade balance for the United States, addressing concerns about job losses and the trade deficit. This led to the creation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

• Specific executive actions taken: The Trump administration initiated formal renegotiations with Canada and Mexico, leading to several rounds of talks and significant concessions from all parties involved.
• Initial successes and failures: While the USMCA ultimately replaced NAFTA, the process was fraught with challenges. Initial negotiations were tense, with disagreements over issues such as agricultural trade and dispute resolution mechanisms. The deal faced significant opposition in the US Congress before its final ratification.
• Economic impact on specific industries: The automotive industry, a major beneficiary of NAFTA, faced uncertainty during the renegotiation process. The agricultural sector also experienced fluctuations, with some products facing increased tariffs in the interim.

Keywords: NAFTA renegotiation, trade agreements, USMCA, tariffs, trade deficit, trade balance

Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

In early 2018, the Trump administration imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, citing national security concerns. This decision triggered retaliatory tariffs from several countries, escalating trade tensions globally.

• Affected countries: The tariffs affected a range of countries, including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and China, leading to widespread criticism and retaliatory measures.
• Retaliatory tariffs: Many countries responded by imposing their own tariffs on US goods, impacting various sectors of the American economy.
• Impact on manufacturing jobs: The intended goal was to protect domestic steel and aluminum industries and safeguard jobs. However, the impact was complex, with some sectors benefiting while others faced higher input costs.
• Cost of goods: The tariffs led to an increase in the price of steel and aluminum, impacting the cost of goods across numerous industries.

Keywords: Steel tariffs, aluminum tariffs, trade protectionism, global trade, import tariffs, national security

Trade Disputes with China

The trade relationship with China became increasingly strained during this period, marked by escalating tariffs and accusations of unfair trade practices. This was labeled by many as the "US-China trade war."

• Specific tariffs imposed: The US imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods, targeting various sectors including technology, consumer goods, and agricultural products.
• Chinese retaliation: China retaliated with its own tariffs on US goods, creating a cycle of tit-for-tat trade actions.
• Impact on supply chains: The trade war disrupted global supply chains, forcing companies to reconsider sourcing strategies and potentially increasing production costs.
• Consumer prices: The tariffs contributed to increased prices for consumers in both the US and China.

Keywords: US-China trade war, trade sanctions, intellectual property, technology transfer, trade dispute

Deregulation and its Economic Impact

The Trump administration pursued a policy of deregulation across multiple sectors, aiming to stimulate economic growth by reducing regulatory burdens on businesses.

Environmental Regulations

The rollback of environmental regulations was a significant aspect of the administration's agenda. This sparked controversy, with critics raising concerns about environmental protection and public health.

• Specific regulations rolled back: The administration eased or repealed several environmental regulations, impacting areas such as clean air, clean water, and emissions standards.
• Environmental consequences: Critics argued these actions would lead to increased pollution and exacerbate climate change. Supporters countered that the regulations were overly burdensome and hindered economic growth.
• Industry responses: Industries subject to the regulations generally welcomed the deregulation, claiming it reduced compliance costs and fostered economic activity.

Keywords: Environmental deregulation, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, climate change, environmental protection, environmental regulations

Financial Regulations

Changes to financial regulations, particularly those introduced after the 2008 financial crisis, were another focal point.

• Specific regulations altered or removed: The administration sought to reduce the regulatory burden on banks and financial institutions, aiming to unlock lending and stimulate investment.
• Impact on banks and financial institutions: Banks generally benefited from the reduced regulatory oversight, but concerns remained about the potential risks to financial stability.
• Risks and rewards: While deregulation aimed to stimulate economic growth, critics warned of increased risks of another financial crisis.

Keywords: Dodd-Frank Act, financial deregulation, banking regulations, Wall Street, financial stability

The Impact of Executive Orders

The Trump administration made extensive use of executive orders to implement its policy agenda.

Executive Order Examples

Executive orders were a key mechanism for enacting changes in trade, deregulation, and other policy areas.

• Specific executive orders: Numerous executive orders were issued, targeting various aspects of the economy and government.
• Their goals: These orders aimed to achieve specific policy objectives, such as renegotiating trade deals, rolling back regulations, and strengthening border security.
• Implementation challenges: The implementation of executive orders often faced challenges, including legal disputes and resistance from various stakeholders.
• Legal challenges: Several executive orders faced legal challenges, leading to court battles and uncertainties regarding their ultimate enforcement.

Keywords: Executive orders, presidential power, regulatory reform, policy implementation, legal challenges

Long-Term Consequences

The long-term consequences of the policies implemented during the first 100 days remain a subject of ongoing debate and analysis.

• Potential economic growth or stagnation: The impact on economic growth is complex and debated, with different perspectives on the effectiveness of deregulation and trade policies.
• Job creation or loss: The net effect on job creation and job losses is uncertain, depending on the sector and specific policy.
• Social impacts: The social impacts of these policies are wide-ranging, affecting different communities and social groups differently.

Keywords: Long-term economic impact, policy analysis, political consequences, social impact

Conclusion

The first 100 days of the Trump administration witnessed a dramatic shift in economic policy, particularly concerning trade, deregulation, and the extensive use of executive orders. The consequences of these actions, ranging from renegotiated trade agreements and the imposition of tariffs to the rollback of environmental regulations, continue to be debated and analyzed. Understanding the full impact of these initial moves requires ongoing monitoring and further research. To stay informed on the evolving landscape of Trump-era economic policies and their lasting consequences, continue following updates on Trump's first 100 days and related policy developments.