Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz – Part 1

February 20, 2025

Remarks

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Action Summary

One-Month Overview: Celebrates President Trump’s first month in office marked by 73 executive orders, significant Cabinet confirmations, and the signing of the Laken Riley Act to detain illegal aliens charged with theft or violence.
Domestic Policy & Regulatory Reforms:
- Regulatory Rollback: Ended burdensome regulations, eliminated DEI initiatives in federal agencies and contracting, and restored merit-based governance.
- Government Efficiency & Cost-Cutting: Launched a Department of Government Efficiency, terminated corrupt federal workers, and achieved $50 billion in savings in one year.
- Judicial & Law Enforcement Actions: Ended federal censorship of free speech, reinstated the death penalty for violent crimes and threats, and overhauled border security with 95% reduction in crossings.
- Public Health Initiative: Established the MAHA Commission to address root causes of the public health crisis, focusing on pediatric diseases and prevention.
Economic & Trade Policies:
- Inflation Control: Implemented spending cuts, restored Trump’s tax cuts, and introduced supply-side measures to lower inflation (evidenced by falling Treasury rates).
- Job Creation & Market Confidence: Noted significant improvements in small-business optimism, manufacturing activity (ISM), and CEO confidence.
- Trade Rebalancing: Engaged in reciprocal trade discussions—particularly with Mexico—to address the imbalance in tax contributions between U.S. companies and foreign multinationals.
- Energy Strategy: Opened 625 million acres to energy exploration and eliminated decades of red tape to bolster domestic energy production.
Foreign Policy & National Security:
- Diplomatic Engagements: Hosted multiple world leaders (from Israel, Japan, Jordan, India) with upcoming meetings with France and the United Kingdom; held direct calls with Putin and Zelenskyy.
- Terrorism & Hostage Negotiations: Designated Mexican cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, secured the release of American hostages, and eliminated targeted ISIS leadership.
- NATO & Allied Defense: Urged European allies to meet their defense spending commitments and reduce reliance on U.S. funding, emphasizing a need for greater shared responsibility in regional security.
- Regional Stability Efforts: Announced diplomatic measures in the Middle East (including humanitarian gestures for Gazans) and strategic moves in the Western Hemisphere regarding Chinese influence.
Media Engagement & Transparency: Highlighted an unprecedented press engagement routine, including frequent daily Q&A sessions and the inclusion of new media representatives to ensure transparency.

Risks & Considerations

The elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies across the federal government could impact Vanderbilt University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. This may lead to challenges in maintaining federal funding if compliance with new federal standards is required.
The emphasis on “America First” trade and foreign policies may affect international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University has with foreign institutions, potentially impacting research and student exchange programs.
The reclassification of certain organizations as foreign terrorist organizations and the increased focus on border security could affect international students and faculty, particularly those from regions affected by these policies, potentially leading to decreased enrollment and diversity.
The administration’s stance on gender identity and the exclusion of transgender individuals from certain federal policies could create a challenging environment for LGBTQ+ students and staff, impacting campus inclusivity and support services.

Impacted Programs

Office of Diversity and Inclusion may need to reassess its strategies and initiatives to align with federal policies while maintaining the university’s commitment to diversity.
International Student and Scholar Services could face increased demand for support and guidance as international students navigate changes in immigration and border policies.
Peabody College of Education and Human Development might need to adapt its curriculum and research focus to address changes in federal education policies, particularly those related to DEI.
The Office of LGBTQI Life may need to enhance its support services and advocacy efforts in response to federal policies affecting gender identity and inclusion.

Financial Impact

Changes in federal funding priorities, particularly those related to DEI and international collaborations, could impact grant opportunities and financial support for certain programs at Vanderbilt University.
The potential reduction in international student enrollment due to stricter immigration policies could affect tuition revenue and the financial diversity of the student body.
Vanderbilt may need to allocate additional resources to support affected students and staff, particularly in areas related to diversity, inclusion, and international engagement.

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 monitor changes in federal funding policies, especially those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Understanding these changes will be crucial for aligning the university’s programs with new federal guidelines and ensuring continued eligibility for federal funds.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the implications of the administration’s foreign policy shifts, particularly regarding NATO and European defense commitments. This research can provide insights into international relations and security studies, enhancing Vanderbilt’s academic contributions in these fields.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Health Policy should explore opportunities to engage with the MAHA Commission’s initiatives on public health. By contributing research and expertise, the center can influence national health policies and address public health challenges.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development should assess the impact of changes in federal education policies, particularly those affecting DEI and gender ideology. This assessment will help the college adapt its programs and maintain compliance with federal requirements.
Vanderbilt’s Law School should analyze the legal implications of the administration’s actions on civil rights and free speech. By providing legal expertise and analysis, the law school can contribute to the national dialogue on these critical issues.

Opportunities

The emphasis on restoring economic opportunity presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to develop programs focused on entrepreneurship and job creation. By aligning with national economic priorities, the school can attract students and partnerships interested in these areas.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the administration’s focus on energy exploration by expanding research initiatives in sustainable energy and environmental policy. This could include partnerships with government agencies and private sector entities to advance energy innovation.
The administration’s focus on national security and border control offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies to engage in research and policy analysis on immigration and border issues. This engagement can enhance the center’s impact and visibility in these areas.
By engaging with the administration’s public health initiatives, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in health policy research and innovation. Hosting conferences and workshops on public health challenges can further establish the university as a hub for health policy thought leadership.
The focus on international diplomacy and peace efforts aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to global engagement. The university can develop programs and partnerships that support diplomatic studies and international relations, enhancing its global reputation and reach.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive actions present significant opportunities and challenges that require major process changes and strategic alignment for Vanderbilt’s programs.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

Next Monday (February 24, 2025): The President will host France’s President, Emmanuel Macron.
Next Wednesday (February 26, 2025): The President will hold his first official Cabinet meeting.
Thursday (February 27, 2025): The White House will welcome the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

Among the noted scheduled events, the earliest is next Monday, which establishes a timeline falling under urgent implementation (less than 30 days).

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE is affected by the Laken Riley Act, which directs the agency to detain illegal aliens charged with theft or violence, and is also centrally involved in the large-scale deportation operations.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): DHS is engaged in sealing the border, implementing immigration policies, and coordinating with other agencies to secure the nation’s borders.
Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ is impacted through the restoration of its traditional mission—including reinstating the death penalty—and in its role in counterterrorism and law enforcement operations against designated cartel and gang members.
Department of Defense (DoD): The DoD is mentioned as undergoing a rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with renewed emphasis on military readiness and the use of military resources at the border.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI is highlighted by the announcement regarding the upcoming nomination of its next director and is involved in joint operations alongside immigration and law enforcement efforts.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): These agencies are participating in the coordinated deportation efforts, working alongside ICE and the FBI to address cross-border criminal activities.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA is involved through the administration’s moves to open up vast acres for energy exploration and to reduce regulatory red tape associated with environmental permitting.
Department of Government Efficiency: A newly established agency intended to root out waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal workforce is a direct outcome of the cost-cutting and anti-corruption measures announced.
National Economic Council (NEC): The NEC is featured prominently in implementing and communicating economic policies aimed at reducing inflation and promoting job creation.
U.S. State Department: While mentioned indirectly in the context of diplomatic engagements and foreign policy negotiations, the State Department is affected by actions aimed at restoring American influence abroad.

Relevance Score: 4 (Eleven to fifteen Federal agencies are impacted by the directives and policies described in the briefing.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – Although the briefing names several senior White House officials, the speech does not explicitly assign implementation responsibilities to any particular official for the directives mentioned.

Relevance Score: 1 (Since no clear, specific implementation assignments are provided, the directives are interpreted as broadly impacting general agency actions.)