Donald Trump, inaugurated for his second term as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, wasted no time in implementing a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. domestic and foreign policy. These actions reflect his commitment to the “America First” agenda, with significant implications for global geopolitics, trade, and climate action. This article provides an in-depth analysis of these executive orders and their worldwide effects.
1. Immigration Reform and Border Security
One of the first executive orders signed was a declaration of a national immigration emergency. This directive expanded the deployment of National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, increased funding for the construction of border barriers, and reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were processed.
Probable Global Impact:
The decision strained U.S.-Mexico relations, leading to diplomatic tensions and economic challenges for border communities. The policy shift also reignited debates on human rights violations, with international organizations like Amnesty International condemning the move. Countries with significant migrant populations, such as Honduras and Guatemala, faced increased pressure as deportation rates surged.
2. Withdrawal from Global Agreements
Trump fulfilled his campaign promise to prioritize U.S. sovereignty by withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization (WHO). He justified these moves by claiming they were detrimental to American interests and overly burdensome on taxpayers.
Probable Global Impact:
Exiting the Paris Accord disrupted global climate initiatives, as the U.S. is a key player in emission reduction efforts. Many nations criticized the decision, warning of increased greenhouse gas emissions. Withdrawal from the WHO amid ongoing health crises, including new pandemics, weakened global health collaboration, leaving low-income countries more vulnerable.
3. Energy Policies: A Focus on Fossil Fuels
The administration declared a national energy emergency to boost fossil fuel production. Trump’s executive order streamlined oil drilling permits, rolled back restrictions on coal mining and halted renewable energy subsidies.
Probable Global Impact:
This policy triggered fluctuations in global oil prices, benefiting oil-exporting nations but hindering renewable energy progress. European allies criticized the move, arguing it undermined international climate goals. Countries dependent on U.S. renewable energy technology imports experienced delays in transitioning to greener energy.
4. Repeal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs
Trump issued an executive order dismantling federal DEI initiatives, claiming they promoted division and inefficiency. The order prohibited federal contractors from conducting diversity training or implementing affirmative action programs.
Probable Global Impact:
This decision influenced other conservative governments worldwide, with some adopting similar measures. However, it drew sharp criticism from human rights groups and created challenges in U.S. multinational corporations that prioritize DEI for global operations.
5. Revoking Biden-Era Climate Policies
Trump rescinded several environmental regulations introduced during Joe Biden’s presidency, including limits on methane emissions and protections for endangered species.
Probable Global Impact:
The rollback of environmental policies emboldened industrial lobbies in other countries to push for relaxed regulations. It also strained U.S.-EU relations, as European nations expressed concern over the potential for increased environmental degradation.
6. Economic Policies: Tariffs and Tax Reforms
Trump reinstated tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from China, the European Union, and Canada, arguing that they were necessary to protect American industries. Additionally, he introduced tax cuts for corporations and middle-income earners to stimulate the economy.
Probable Global Impact:
The tariff policies escalated trade tensions, prompting retaliatory measures from affected nations. While U.S. industries benefited in the short term, global trade suffered disruptions, leading to higher consumer prices. The tax cuts bolstered U.S. economic growth but raised concerns about increasing federal deficits.
7. Pardons and Judicial Reforms
In a controversial move, Trump issued pardons to individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riots. He also signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to prioritize appointing conservative judges to federal courts.
Probable Global Impact:
The pardons drew widespread condemnation from international observers, who viewed them as undermining democratic norms. The focus on conservative judicial appointments influenced global debates on judicial independence and political influence over the judiciary.
8. Reinstatement of “Schedule F”
Trump reinstated the “Schedule F” executive order, which reclassified a significant portion of federal employees as at-will employees, making it easier to hire and fire individuals in policy-making roles.
Probable Global Impact:
This move raised concerns among U.S. allies about the stability of U.S. policymaking, as frequent personnel changes could disrupt continuity in international agreements and collaborations.
9. Social Policy: Transgender Ban and Criminal Justice
The administration reintroduced a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and proposed harsher penalties for drug-related crimes, including the reinstatement of the death penalty for certain offences.
Probable Global Impact:
These policies sparked international debates on human rights and criminal justice reform. European nations, in particular, criticized the death penalty’s return, calling it a step backwards for human rights advocacy.
10. Foreign Policy: A Tough Stance on China
Trump signed an executive order restricting Chinese companies from accessing U.S. markets, citing national security concerns. The order also banned Chinese social media apps, such as TikTok and WeChat, from operating in the U.S.
Probable Global Impact:
The order intensified U.S.-China tensions, with Beijing responding by restricting American businesses in China. The escalating economic and technological decoupling between the two superpowers reshaped global trade and technology supply chains.
The executive orders signed by President Trump during his second term reflect a continuation of his “America First” agenda, emphasizing sovereignty, economic protectionism, and a rollback of progressive policies. While these actions aimed to bolster U.S. domestic interests, their global implications are far-reaching, affecting trade, climate action, and international relations. As nations grapple with the consequences of these policies, the world faces an era of heightened geopolitical tension and shifting alliances.
