Post-Election Trump: Predictions For The Next 100 Days On Trade, Regulation, And Executive Orders

Hugo van Dijk

6 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Trade Policy: Potential Shifts and Impacts

The Post-Election Trump administration's approach to trade is expected to be significantly different from its predecessors. A key focus will be on renegotiating existing trade deals and implementing protectionist measures.

Renegotiation of Existing Trade Deals

• Focus on NAFTA renegotiation: Expect immediate pressure on Canada and Mexico to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Trump has repeatedly called NAFTA a "disaster" and threatened to withdraw from it entirely.
• Potential withdrawal from the WTO: The possibility of withdrawing from or significantly altering the US's relationship with the World Trade Organization (WTO) cannot be ignored. This would have far-reaching global consequences.
• Increased tariffs on specific imports: Increased tariffs on goods from China and other countries are likely, targeting industries deemed to be unfair competitors. This could trigger retaliatory tariffs and a potential trade war.

These actions could significantly impact specific industries. For example, the agricultural sector could face challenges due to potential trade wars with Mexico and Canada, while the manufacturing sector might see both job losses (from increased import costs) and potential job gains (from protectionist measures). The ultimate economic impact will depend on the specific details of any new trade agreements and the responses from other nations. Key players to watch include Robert Lighthizer (USTR) and Wilbur Ross (Commerce Secretary), whose stances will heavily influence the direction of trade policy.

"America First" Approach and its Global Implications

The "America First" approach prioritizes domestic interests, potentially leading to protectionist measures that disrupt global supply chains. This could result in:

• Increased prices for consumers: Tariffs and trade barriers will likely lead to higher prices for imported goods.
• Retaliation from other countries: Other nations are likely to retaliate with their own tariffs and trade restrictions, leading to a trade war that harms all participants.
• Shifting global alliances: The US might see a decline in its influence in international organizations and a weakening of existing alliances.

The balance between isolationism and strategic partnerships remains uncertain. While a focus on domestic manufacturing could boost some sectors, the overall economic consequences of protectionism, particularly the potential for decreased global trade and economic slowdown, are significant concerns. Monitoring key economic indicators like GDP growth, inflation, and unemployment will be crucial to assessing the success – or failure – of this approach.

Regulatory Rollbacks and Deregulation

A major focus of the Post-Election Trump administration is likely to be the rollback of regulations across various sectors.

Environmental Regulations

• Reversal of environmental protections: Expect significant efforts to reverse or weaken the Clean Power Plan, potentially withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change.
• Impact on environmental agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other environmental agencies may face significant budget cuts and a shift in priorities.

This could lead to increased pollution, accelerated climate change, and decreased investment in renewable energy. Experts predict significant environmental damage, potentially reversing decades of progress. Data on air and water quality, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, will be critical to tracking the impact of these policy changes.

Financial Regulations

• Changes to Dodd-Frank: Significant changes to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act are anticipated, potentially weakening consumer protections and financial stability regulations.
• Impact on banks and financial institutions: Deregulation could lead to increased risk-taking by banks and financial institutions, potentially increasing the likelihood of another financial crisis.

The potential benefits of deregulation, such as increased lending and economic growth, need to be carefully weighed against the risks of decreased financial stability and consumer protection. Independent analysis of these risks will be crucial to understanding the consequences of any regulatory changes.

Healthcare Regulations

• Changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA): The future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains uncertain, with potential for partial or complete repeal.
• Impact on healthcare costs and access: Changes to the ACA could lead to increased healthcare costs, reduced access to healthcare, and a rise in the number of uninsured Americans.

Expect intense political battles over healthcare reform, with significant implications for millions of Americans. Predictions regarding insurance premiums, the number of uninsured, and the quality of healthcare services will be key indicators of the success – or failure – of any reforms.

Executive Orders: A Powerful Tool for Rapid Change

Executive orders allow the President to enact policies quickly, bypassing the traditional legislative process. This offers the Post-Election Trump administration a powerful tool to implement its agenda rapidly.

Expected Focus Areas

Executive orders are anticipated in several key areas:

• Immigration and border security: Expect significant changes to immigration policy, potentially including increased border security and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
• National security: Expect a shift in national security priorities and potentially increased military spending.

These executive orders could face legal challenges, and their effectiveness in achieving stated goals will depend on several factors including judicial review and public reaction.

Speed and Scope of Change

The use of executive orders allows for rapid implementation of policies, but this speed can also lead to unintended consequences and a lack of transparency.

• Bypassing legislative processes: This approach circumvents the checks and balances inherent in the legislative process, potentially raising concerns about democratic governance.
• Potential for backlash and resistance: Rapid changes implemented via executive order are likely to face significant opposition and resistance, both from the public and from other branches of government.

Conclusion:

The first 100 days of a Post-Election Trump administration are predicted to bring significant changes across trade, regulation, and executive orders. Renegotiation of trade deals, deregulation across multiple sectors, and rapid implementation of policies through executive orders are likely. These changes will have broad implications for the US and the global community, impacting various industries, the environment, and the financial system. The potential for trade wars, environmental damage, and increased healthcare costs are serious concerns. Careful monitoring of economic indicators, environmental data, and public health metrics will be essential in assessing the effects of these policies.

Call to Action: Stay informed about the evolving political landscape and the impact of Post-Election Trump policies on your business, industry, and community. Continue following updates on Post-Election Trump developments to navigate this period of significant change. Understanding the intricacies of Post-Election Trump's policy shifts is crucial for strategic planning and informed decision-making.