America Is Back — and President Trump Is Just Getting Started

February 20, 2025

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Action Summary

Securing Our Homeland: Declared national emergency at the border; deployed military forces including the 10th Mountain Division; reinstated strict immigration enforcement through policies such as ending catch-and-release, the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and terminating CBP One; signed the Laken Riley Act to detain immigrants accused of serious crimes.
Protecting American Workers and Economic Growth: Imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum to safeguard domestic industries; unveiled a fair and reciprocal trade plan; secured hundreds of billions in investment, including historic AI infrastructure projects and major foreign investments; proposed a Sovereign Wealth Fund for U.S. assets.
Lowering the Cost of Living: Ordered emergency price relief measures; established the National Energy Dominance Council to lower energy costs; delayed onerous efficiency standards on appliances to reduce consumer expenses; mandated significant regulatory rollbacks to cut federal regulatory costs.
Re-Establishing American Strength: Secured the release of multiple American hostages; engaged in high-level diplomacy with leaders including Putin, Zelenskyy, Netanyahu, and Modi; imposed sanctions and designated major criminal organizations and terrorist groups; reversed policies seen as weakening U.S. foreign and domestic interests.
Unleashing American Energy: Declared a National Energy Emergency; rescinded Biden-era regulations and halted permits restricting fossil fuel development; re-opened offshore drilling areas; approved the first LNG projects after previous bans.
Bringing Back Common Sense: Directed policy changes to restrict transgender-related medical procedures for minors in several states; ended policies perceived as unfair in sports and educational settings; banned COVID-19 vaccine mandates in federally supported schools; reversed controversial environmental and energy policies.
Restoring Accountability and Transparency in Government: Established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to downsize bureaucracy and save taxpayer dollars; ordered a return to in-office work and major agency reforms; canceled contracts deemed politically biased; initiated extensive reviews of federal regulations and oversight processes.
Empowering the American People: Launched commissions and executive actions focused on health, religious liberty, and parental choice in education; formed a working group on digital asset markets; issued pardons for individuals viewed as wrongly persecuted; championed policies aimed at reinforcing American values and economic independence.

Risks & Considerations

The termination of taxpayer-funded public benefits for illegal aliens and the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program could impact the diversity and international student population at Vanderbilt University. This may affect the university’s cultural exchange programs and international collaborations.
The reinstatement of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and the additional tariffs on Chinese imports could lead to increased costs for materials and equipment used in university research and infrastructure projects.
The suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the crackdown on illegal immigration may affect the university’s ability to recruit international students and faculty, potentially impacting the diversity and global perspective of the academic community.
The establishment of the National Energy Dominance Council and the rollback of energy regulations could lead to changes in funding opportunities for research in renewable energy and environmental sciences at Vanderbilt.
The emphasis on “America First” foreign policy and the withdrawal from international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement may affect Vanderbilt’s international partnerships and collaborations, particularly in areas related to climate change and global health.
The changes in federal regulations and the reduction of regulatory costs could impact the university’s compliance requirements and administrative processes, necessitating adjustments in policy and procedure.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services may need to adapt to changes in immigration policies and support services for international students and faculty.
The School of Engineering could be affected by changes in tariffs and trade policies, impacting research and development projects that rely on imported materials and technology.
The College of Arts and Science may see shifts in research funding opportunities, particularly in areas related to energy, environmental science, and international relations.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion may need to address potential impacts on campus diversity and inclusion efforts due to changes in immigration and refugee policies.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds and changes in trade policies could impact the university’s budget and funding opportunities, particularly in research and infrastructure projects.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources and partnerships to mitigate the impact of reduced federal support for international programs and collaborations.
The potential increase in material and equipment costs due to tariffs could affect the university’s financial planning and resource allocation for research and development.

Relevance Score: 4 (The actions present a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs and policies at Vanderbilt University.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor changes in immigration policies, particularly those affecting international students and faculty. This includes the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the crackdown on visas for foreign students linked to certain organizations. Proactively engaging with policymakers and advocating for the interests of international students and faculty will be crucial.
Vanderbilt’s Energy and Environmental Research Center should explore opportunities arising from the National Energy Dominance Council and the rescinding of Biden-era energy regulations. By aligning research initiatives with the new energy policies, the center can secure funding and partnerships to advance sustainable energy projects.
Vanderbilt’s Department of Economics should analyze the economic impacts of the new tariffs on steel, aluminum, and imports from China. Understanding these changes will help the university anticipate shifts in the economic landscape and adjust its research and educational programs accordingly.
Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine should assess the implications of the executive order on “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation” and the resulting changes in healthcare practices. This includes understanding the impact on medical education and training programs related to gender-affirming care.
Vanderbilt’s Law School should evaluate the legal ramifications of the reinstated death penalty for federal capital crimes and the changes in federal immigration enforcement. This analysis can inform curriculum development and provide insights for legal research and advocacy.

Opportunities

The establishment of the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to expand its research and educational offerings in digital finance and cryptocurrency. By positioning itself as a leader in this emerging field, the school can attract students and partnerships.
The focus on reducing regulatory costs and promoting economic growth offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Entrepreneurship to engage with small businesses and startups. By providing resources and support, the center can help these entities navigate the changing regulatory environment and capitalize on new opportunities.
The emphasis on American energy independence and infrastructure development aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to sustainability. The university can leverage this focus to enhance its research and educational programs in renewable energy and environmental policy.
The changes in federal education policies, including the end of certain mandates and the promotion of parental choice, offer an opportunity for Peabody College to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the college can influence educational reforms and support diverse learning environments.
The renewed focus on American strength and international relations presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science to conduct research on the geopolitical implications of these policies. This research can inform public discourse and enhance the university’s role as a thought leader in international affairs.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive orders and actions present significant opportunities and challenges that require major process changes and strategic adjustments for Vanderbilt University.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No explicit deadlines or timelines were provided, with actions described as already implemented or in progress.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

U.S. Border Patrol: Tasked with enforcing immigration laws at the border, its operations are significantly affected by the new border security measures and deployment of military forces.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Oversees border security, immigration enforcement (including ICE and CBP), and even the administration of FEMA, which is implicated in funding adjustments under this order.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Directly impacted by the shutdown of the “CBP One” app and increased enforcement measures at the border.
Department of Justice (DOJ): Involved in filing lawsuits against sanctuary cities, pursuing legal actions over immigration enforcement, and implementing policies affecting federal law.
Department of Defense (DoD): With elements like the 10th Mountain Division deployed to the border, the military plays an active role in the enhanced border security strategy.
FEMA: Subject to oversight as funds are clawed back from misallocations in housing illegal aliens, impacting its operational budgeting.
Department of Energy (DOE): Affected by the postponement of energy efficiency standards and regulatory rollbacks on appliances that shape consumer energy costs.
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia: Provided revised economic growth and unemployment projections, influencing the administration’s economic policy narrative.
Department of Transportation (DOT): Involved in resetting fuel efficiency (CAFE) standards and terminating schemes like New York City’s congestion pricing, reflecting broader regulatory changes.
National Energy Dominance Council: Newly established to maximize the use of domestic energy resources and contribute to lowering energy costs, it reflects the administration’s reorientation of energy policy.
Department of the Treasury: Tasked with measures such as stopping penny production and overseeing financial aspects of tariff and trade policies, the Treasury plays a key role in implementing fiscal changes.
Department of Education (ED): Initiates investigations (for example, into interscholastic sports federations) to ensure compliance with new policies affecting educational institutions and athlete participation.
U.S. Military Services: Through actions like the dismissal of military Advisory Boards and policy reversals regarding service members and enlistment practices, all branches (Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard) are impacted.
Department of State (DOS): Directed to lead a foreign policy pivot that includes changes in embassy protocols, a pause on foreign aid grants, and tighter control over diplomatic operations.
UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency): Faces funding bans as part of broader measures to limit U.S. support for agencies perceived to advance specific geopolitical agendas.
International Criminal Court (ICC): Targeted for sanctions, reflecting the administration’s stance on international legal bodies asserting jurisdiction over U.S. matters.
USAID: Subject to reviews and potential funding cuts to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are not used to support projects that contradict new policy directives.
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): A newly established body aimed at downsizing the federal bureaucracy and eliminating waste, directly impacting government operations.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Ordered to halt operations as part of an effort to end what is viewed as politically motivated advocacy within the federal bureaucracy.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Impacted through contract cancellations, personnel changes, and initiatives to reassess environmental justice programs, reflecting a broader rollback of regulations.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Faces reversal of expansion initiatives from the previous administration, as part of measures to curtail perceived bureaucratic overreach.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Included in the broader push to return to merit-based hiring practices and reassess employment policies within federal agencies.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Directed to investigate and address discriminatory practices and issues related to media contract censorship, as part of a campaign to reform federal oversight.
Federal Executive Institute: Terminated in efforts to cut federal waste and streamline government operations.
The Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees: Affected by leadership changes intended to remove what is characterized as partisan ideological influence within federally affiliated cultural institutions.

Relevance Score: 5 (Numerous federal agencies and related institutions across border security, economic regulation, foreign policy, energy, defense, and bureaucratic reform are impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies – Charged with executing directives such as delivering emergency price relief and managing workforce policies across federal agencies.
Secretary of the Treasury – Instructed to stop the production of the penny.
Secretary of Transportation (Secretary Sean Duffy) – Directed to initiate rulemaking to reset Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.
Head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Ordered to halt operations as part of regulatory changes.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet-level officials and agency heads, signaling high-level impact.)