Trump's First Day: Key Actions & Policies

On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States, marking the beginning of a new era in American politics. Trump's first day in office was significant, as he signed several executive orders and took key actions that would shape the direction of his presidency. In this article, we will delve into the key actions and policies implemented by Trump on his first day, providing an in-depth analysis of their implications and impact.

Executive Orders and Memoranda

Trump signed a total of three executive orders and four memoranda on his first day, setting the tone for his administration’s priorities. The first executive order, titled “Minimizing the Economic Burden of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Pending Repeal,” instructed federal agencies to take steps to minimize the economic burden of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. This order marked the beginning of Trump’s efforts to repeal and replace the ACA, a promise he had made during his presidential campaign. The order also instructed agencies to waive or defer provisions of the ACA that would impose a fiscal burden on states, individuals, or healthcare providers.

The second executive order, "Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals for High Priority Infrastructure Projects," aimed to streamline the environmental review process for infrastructure projects. This order directed federal agencies to expedite reviews and approvals for high-priority projects, such as roads, bridges, and airports, in an effort to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. The third executive order, "Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Appointees," imposed a five-year ban on lobbying by former executive branch officials, a move intended to reduce the influence of special interests in government.

Key Policy Initiatives

Trump’s first day in office also saw the introduction of several key policy initiatives. One of the most significant was the freezing of federal hiring, except for the military, in an effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce. This move was part of Trump’s broader effort to reduce government spending and streamline the bureaucracy. Another key initiative was the withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade agreement negotiated by the Obama administration. Trump’s decision to withdraw from the TPP marked a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, as he had campaigned on a promise to protect American workers and industries from unfair trade practices.

Implications and Impact

The actions taken by Trump on his first day in office had significant implications for various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, and businesses. The executive order on the ACA, for example, created uncertainty for healthcare providers and patients, as it was unclear how the order would be implemented and what the consequences would be for the healthcare system. The order on infrastructure projects, on the other hand, was seen as a positive development by businesses and industry groups, as it promised to streamline the regulatory process and reduce costs.

The withdrawal from the TPP also had significant implications for trade policy, as it marked a shift away from multilateral trade agreements and towards bilateral agreements. This move was seen as a victory for Trump's base, which had been skeptical of trade agreements and their impact on American workers. However, it also raised concerns among businesses and trade experts, who argued that the move could lead to trade wars and reduced economic growth.

Future Implications

The actions taken by Trump on his first day in office have had lasting implications for his presidency and the country as a whole. The efforts to repeal and replace the ACA, for example, have been ongoing, with the passage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) in the House of Representatives in 2017. However, the AHCA ultimately failed to pass the Senate, and the ACA remains in place. The streamlining of environmental reviews for infrastructure projects has also led to the approval of several major projects, including the Keystone XL pipeline and the Dakota Access pipeline.

The withdrawal from the TPP has also had significant implications for trade policy, with the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the imposition of tariffs on certain imports. These moves have led to trade tensions with other countries, including China, Canada, and Mexico, and have raised concerns about the impact on the global economy.