100 Days Of Trump: Examining The Impact Of Trade Policy, Deregulation, And Executive Actions

Rajiv Sharma

6 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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The first 100 days of any presidency are scrutinized intensely, and Donald Trump's were no exception. This period, often referred to as the "100 Days of Trump," witnessed a flurry of activity impacting trade policy, deregulation efforts, and sweeping executive actions. This article examines the significant shifts implemented during these crucial 100 days and analyzes their lasting consequences. We will explore the successes, failures, and lasting implications of his early policy decisions, providing a comprehensive overview of this pivotal period in American political history.

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

Trump's "100 Days of Trump" agenda significantly reshaped US trade policy, prioritizing an "America First" approach. This involved renegotiating existing agreements, imposing tariffs, and fundamentally altering America's relationship with the global trading system.

<h3>Renegotiation of NAFTA</h3>

Trump consistently criticized NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), claiming it harmed American workers and businesses. His administration initiated the process of renegotiating NAFTA, eventually leading to the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).

• Initial Steps: Trump's early actions included issuing statements signaling his intent to withdraw from NAFTA unless a more favorable deal could be reached.
• Economic Impacts: The potential impact on sectors like agriculture and manufacturing was significant, with concerns about job losses in some areas and potential gains in others. The actual impact varied greatly depending on the specific industry and country.
• Executive Orders/Actions:
  • Withdrawal notice (threatened, not ultimately enacted).
  • Initiation of renegotiation talks.

<h3>Imposition of Tariffs and Trade Wars</h3>

One of the most visible aspects of the "100 Days of Trump" was the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. This sparked retaliatory tariffs from other countries, leading to trade wars.

• Tariff Announcements: The initial tariffs targeted countries like China, Canada, and Mexico.
• Retaliatory Tariffs: These actions provoked retaliatory measures from affected nations, escalating tensions and impacting global trade.
• Impact on Businesses and Consumers: American businesses faced increased costs for imported materials, while consumers experienced higher prices for certain goods.
• Examples of Tariffs and Consequences:
  • Tariffs on steel and aluminum led to increased prices for domestic manufacturers.
  • Retaliatory tariffs on agricultural products impacted American farmers.

<h3>"America First" Trade Strategy</h3>

The core principle of Trump's "America First" trade strategy was to prioritize American interests above all else, even if it meant disrupting established global trade relationships.

• Core Principles: This involved reducing trade deficits, protecting American jobs, and promoting domestic manufacturing.
• Impact on Global Trade Relations: The strategy led to increased tensions with major trading partners and a more protectionist approach to international trade.
• Effectiveness: The effectiveness of this strategy in achieving its stated goals remains a subject of debate, with studies producing mixed results.
• Affected Trade Deals/Agreements: Besides NAFTA, other trade agreements and negotiations were impacted by this approach.

<h2>Deregulation Efforts During the First 100 Days</h2>

The "100 Days of Trump" also saw a significant push towards deregulation across various sectors of the American economy.

<h3>Environmental Regulations</h3>

The Trump administration initiated efforts to roll back or weaken various environmental regulations.

• Rollbacks: The Clean Power Plan, designed to reduce carbon emissions from power plants, faced significant challenges and was eventually replaced by a weaker version.
• Environmental Consequences: These actions raised concerns about increased pollution and the impact on climate change.
• Economic Impacts: Affected industries, such as coal mining, experienced some short-term economic benefits, while long-term environmental costs were debated.
• Targeted Regulations:
  • Clean Power Plan
  • Regulations related to vehicle emissions

<h3>Financial Regulations</h3>

The administration also sought to reduce financial regulations enacted after the 2008 financial crisis, specifically targeting aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act.

• Changes to Dodd-Frank: Efforts were made to weaken or eliminate certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
• Implications for Stability and Protection: Concerns were raised about potential risks to financial stability and consumer protection resulting from these deregulation efforts.
• Risks and Benefits: The debate centered on balancing the potential benefits of reduced regulation with the risks of increased financial instability.
• Modified/Repealed Regulations: Specific regulations related to banks, financial institutions, and consumer protection were targeted.

<h3>Other Deregulation Initiatives</h3>

Deregulation efforts extended beyond environmental and financial sectors, impacting healthcare, telecommunications, and other industries.

• Healthcare Deregulation: Attempts were made to weaken the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Telecommunications Deregulation: Efforts focused on reducing regulations on internet service providers.
• Driving Factors: Political ideology, economic interests, and a desire to reduce government overreach were cited as motivations for these actions.
• Summary of Initiatives: A range of regulations across various sectors were reviewed and modified or removed.

<h2>Significant Executive Actions in the First 100 Days</h2>

The "100 Days of Trump" were marked by significant use of executive power to implement policy changes.

<h3>Immigration Policies</h3>

Several executive orders related to immigration and border security were enacted during this period.

• Executive Orders: These orders addressed issues such as building a wall on the US-Mexico border and restricting immigration from certain countries.
• Legal Challenges and Social Impact: These actions faced legal challenges and sparked significant social and political debate.
• Effectiveness: The effectiveness of these policies in achieving their stated goals remained a point of contention.
• Key Executive Orders: Specific executive orders related to immigration enforcement and border security were central.

<h3>Other Key Executive Actions</h3>

Beyond immigration, various other significant executive orders were issued.

• Overview of Orders: These actions covered a range of policy areas, including environmental regulations, energy policy, and international relations.
• Use of Executive Power: The administration's frequent use of executive orders to bypass Congress generated considerable discussion.
• Long-Term Consequences: The long-term impact of these executive actions continued to be analyzed and debated.
• Noteworthy Actions and Impact: Specific examples of executive orders and their consequences are detailed.

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

The first 100 days of the Trump presidency, the "100 Days of Trump," witnessed a dramatic shift in US policy across various sectors. The ambitious agenda focused on renegotiating trade agreements, significantly deregulating industries, and implementing sweeping executive actions, all aiming to fulfill a platform centered around an "America First" approach. While some measures yielded immediate results, the long-term consequences of these changes continue to unfold, prompting ongoing debate and analysis. Understanding the impact of these early decisions is crucial for comprehending the trajectory of the Trump administration and its legacy. To further explore the lasting impacts of these pivotal 100 days, continue researching the "100 Days of Trump" and its effect on various sectors.