100 Days Of Trump: Examining The Presidency's Impact On Trade, Regulations, And Executive Power

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

4.8

Share

Trade Policy Shifts Under the Trump Administration's First 100 Days

The "100 Days of Trump" initiated a significant overhaul of US trade policy, marked by a protectionist stance and a renegotiation of long-standing agreements.

Renegotiation of NAFTA

Trump's early pronouncements on NAFTA were highly critical, threatening to withdraw the US from the North American Free Trade Agreement unless it was renegotiated to a more favorable terms for the United States.

• Actions Taken: Trump's administration immediately began negotiations to revise NAFTA, signaling a departure from decades of established trade policy. The administration voiced concerns about job losses in the US manufacturing sector and the trade deficit with Mexico.
• Economic Arguments: Supporters of renegotiation argued that NAFTA had led to job losses in the US and unfair trade practices. Opponents argued that NAFTA had stimulated economic growth and fostered regional integration.
• Impact on USMCA: The renegotiation eventually led to the creation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which aimed to address some of the concerns raised by the Trump administration. However, the overall economic impact remains a subject of ongoing debate.

Imposition of Tariffs and Trade Wars

The "100 Days of Trump" also witnessed the initial imposition of tariffs, foreshadowing the larger trade wars that would characterize his presidency.

• Specific Tariffs: Early tariffs targeted specific industries and countries, aiming to protect American businesses and jobs. Steel and aluminum imports were a significant focus.
• Reactions from Other Countries: These tariffs prompted retaliatory measures from other nations, escalating trade tensions and disrupting global supply chains. Countries like China and the European Union responded with their own tariffs on US goods.
• Economic Consequences: The initial trade disputes led to uncertainty in the global economy and increased costs for consumers and businesses.

Regulatory Rollbacks During the Initial 100 Days

The Trump administration's first 100 days saw a significant push towards deregulation across various sectors.

Environmental Regulations

A key aspect of the "100 Days of Trump" was the rollback of environmental regulations.

• Regulations Targeted: The Clean Power Plan, aimed at reducing carbon emissions from power plants, was a primary target. Other environmental regulations related to clean water and air quality also faced scrutiny.
• Arguments for and Against Deregulation: Supporters argued that the regulations were burdensome for businesses and hindered economic growth. Opponents highlighted the potential environmental damage and public health risks.
• Environmental Impact: The rollbacks had a noticeable impact on environmental protection efforts, leading to concerns about increased pollution and climate change.

Financial Regulations

The financial sector also saw deregulation efforts during the first 100 days of the Trump administration.

• Regulations Affected: The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted in response to the 2008 financial crisis, was targeted for significant changes. This aimed to reduce regulations on banks and financial institutions.
• Impact on the Financial Sector: The changes sought to reduce compliance costs for banks, but concerns remained about the potential for increased systemic risk.
• Potential Risks and Benefits: The debate centered on balancing the need for financial stability with promoting economic growth.

Expansion of Executive Power in the First 100 Days

The "100 Days of Trump" witnessed a notable expansion of executive power through various means.

Executive Orders and Presidential Decrees

The Trump administration made extensive use of executive orders during its first 100 days.

• Significant Executive Orders: Numerous executive orders addressed immigration, trade, and regulatory reform. These actions often bypassed Congress and faced significant legal challenges.
• Debate Around Bypassing Congress: Critics argued that this approach undermined democratic processes and the balance of powers. Supporters claimed that executive orders were a necessary tool to enact policy quickly and efficiently.
• Legal Challenges: Several executive orders faced immediate legal challenges, highlighting the contentious nature of the administration's approach.

Appointments and Judicial Nominations

The early appointments made during the "100 Days of Trump" had long-term implications for policy.

• Key Appointments: The appointments to key cabinet positions and judicial branches reflected the administration's policy priorities and ideological leanings. These appointments significantly influenced the direction of various government agencies and the federal judiciary.
• Long-Term Implications: These appointments shaped the future direction of policy across various sectors, from environmental protection to judicial interpretations of law.
• Confirmation Battles: The confirmation process for these appointments often resulted in highly partisan battles, further highlighting the political divides within the nation.

Conclusion

The first 100 days of the Trump presidency, often remembered as the "100 Days of Trump," were marked by significant shifts in trade policy, regulatory approaches, and the exercise of executive power. These initial actions set the tone and direction for many of the key policy battles and debates of his entire term. Understanding this crucial period provides vital context for comprehending the broader consequences of his presidency. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this impactful period, further research on the "100 Days of Trump" is strongly recommended, using a combination of reputable news archives and academic sources. Analyzing the legacy of these first 100 days remains a vital exercise for anyone seeking to understand modern American politics and policymaking.