A Summary of President Trump’s First Executive Orders

31 Executive Order Summary

Following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, President Donald Trump wasted no time in signing a series of Executive Orders (EOs) and memorandums aimed at reshaping U.S. policy. These actions, spanning areas such as energy, climate, trade, and immigration, reflect the administration’s vision of an “America First” approach.

Below, we provide a high-level overview of these directives. Clients who wish to explore the full details are encouraged to reach out to A10 Associates for our comprehensive memos.

 

1. Energy Policy: A Focus on Domestic Development

EO 14159: Declaring a National Energy Emergency

This Executive Order declared a national energy emergency, emphasizing the need to expand domestic energy production and streamline permitting processes for energy projects. The order gives agencies, such as the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior, broad powers to fast-track critical infrastructure projects.

Key Points:

  • Focus on increasing U.S. production of oil, natural gas, and critical minerals.
  • Prioritization of energy infrastructure development in Alaska, the West Coast, and the Northeast.
  • Exclusion of wind and solar energy from prioritized energy sources, halting offshore wind farm projects.

EO 14162: Unlocking Alaska’s Energy Potential

This order centers on expanding Alaska’s fossil fuel and natural gas production, including the expedited permitting of the Alaska LNG Project and other natural resource extraction initiatives. The EO revokes environmental restrictions that previously lengthened the amount of time it took to finalize these developments.

Implications:

  • Strengthens Alaska’s role as a key player in the domestic energy market.
  • Signals a significant shift away from renewable energy growth in favor of traditional energy sources.

Executive Order 14154: Unleashing American Energy

This EO repeals climate change-focused initiatives such as tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) and halts disbursement of funds allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for renewable energy programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ends the EV mandate and removes federal tax credits for EV purchases.
  • Redirects focus to traditional energy sources such as oil and gas.
  • Suspends federal support for EV infrastructure projects like charging stations.

Additional Reading:
For more details, read the Bloomberg article on the Energy Department spending freeze: Trump Freezes Energy Department Spending

 

2. Trade Policy: Reviewing “America First” Trade Practices

Memorandum: America First Trade Policy

While President Trump stopped short of immediately imposing universal tariffs, this memorandum tasks federal agencies with reviewing trade practices and identifying unfair practices.

Highlights:

  • Investigates potential tariffs on trade partners such as Canada, Mexico, and China.
  • Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to prepare for the 2026 review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
  • Calls for an evaluation of a potential External Revenue Service to collect tariffs and trade-related revenues.

 

3. Immigration: Redefining U.S. Border Policies

Executive Orders on Immigration

President Trump fulfilled several campaign promises regarding immigration. Key actions include:

  • Denying birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants, though this EO has already faced legal challenges and is not enforceable by the U.S. government.
  • Declaring a national emergency at the southern border and invoking INA Section 212(F) to bar individuals deemed public health risks.
  • Investigating the use of the military for deportation efforts, raising questions about the legality under the Posse Comitatus Act.

Labeling Mexican Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

This EO designates Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, potentially paving the way for U.S. military action in Mexico. However, it also complicates U.S.-Mexico relations, raising concerns about increased asylum needs due to cartel violence.

 

4. DEI Policies: Overhauling Diversity Programs in the Federal Government

Executive Order on DEI in the Federal Workforce

President Trump’s EO halts all DEI-related initiatives in federal agencies, including putting DEI administrators on paid leave and preparing for layoffs. The order targets programs related to workplace protections for transgender and LGBTQ+ employees and includes a proposal to Congress recognizing only two genders.

Potential Implications:

  • Removes DEI-focused initiatives in the federal government.
  • Raises legal questions regarding compliance with the 2020 Bostock ruling on LGBTQ+ protections.

 

5. Revocation of Biden Administration Policies

Omnibus Executive Order: Rescinding Biden-Era EOs

President Trump’s omnibus order rescinds 78 of President Biden’s executive orders, impacting industries such as transportation, technology, and infrastructure. Key areas affected include:

  • Feasibility studies and greenhouse gas requirements.
  • Adjustments to application processes for federal funding opportunities.
  • Rollback of Biden’s AI regulations and policy directives.

 

6. Other Key Executive Actions

Stopping Environmental Restrictions in California

A presidential memorandum directs federal agencies to prioritize Southern California’s water needs over protecting the Delta smelt, aiming to address wildfire-related water shortages.

Action on Fentanyl and Public Health

The administration has prioritized investigating illegal fentanyl entry into the U.S., with a report due by April 1st to inform future policy actions.

 

Looking Ahead

President Trump’s initial wave of Executive Orders marks a dramatic shift in U.S. policy, with an emphasis on energy independence, trade reform, and immigration enforcement. The revocation of previous administration policies signals significant changes across multiple industries, particularly those focused on green energy and DEI initiatives.

For clients seeking deeper insights into how these EOs may impact their businesses, contact A10 Associates for access to our full memos and tailored strategic guidance.

 

Stay Informed and Stay Ahead

A10 Associates is here to help you navigate the evolving policy landscape. Reach out to learn how these changes could affect your business opportunities.

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