President Trump is Putting American Workers First — And Bringing Back American Manufacturing
March 4, 2025
Action Summary
- Tariffs to Protect Industries: President Trump reinstated a 25% tariff on steel imports and imposed a 25% tariff on aluminum imports to protect U.S. industries from unfair foreign competition.
- Fair and Reciprocal Trade Policy: Announced a plan to ensure that trade partners adhere to fair trade practices, signaling that the U.S. will no longer tolerate being exploited in international trade.
- Industry and Worker Support: Received praise from key industry associations (Steel Manufacturers Association, Aluminum Association, American Iron and Steel Institute) and business leaders for boosting domestic job creation and manufacturing.
- Encouraging Domestic Production: Notable companies, including Nissan, Honda, and Stellantis, have shifted or planned to shift production to the U.S., with significant job creation and facility investments announced across multiple states.
- Historic Investment Announcements: Secured nearly $2 trillion in new U.S. investments, including:
- TSMC’s $100 billion investment in semiconductor manufacturing.
- Apple’s $500 billion investment creating 20,000 jobs.
- The largest artificial intelligence infrastructure project with $500 billion in planned private investment.
- Investments from international entities including Saudi Arabia ($600 billion) and pledged support from Taiwan.
- Other major investments from DAMAC Properties, Clarios, and Eli Lilly and Company.
- Potential Reshoring of Manufacturing: Electronics giants Samsung and LG are considering moving their production facilities from Mexico to the U.S. as a response to these policies.
Risks & Considerations
- The restoration of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports could lead to increased costs for industries reliant on these materials, potentially affecting research and development costs at Vanderbilt University, particularly in engineering and technology programs.
- The focus on bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. may lead to increased demand for skilled labor, which could impact the job market for graduates, potentially increasing opportunities in manufacturing and related fields.
- Significant investments in U.S.-based manufacturing and technology sectors could create opportunities for collaboration and funding for research initiatives at Vanderbilt, particularly in areas related to artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology.
- The emphasis on fair trade and reciprocal tariffs may lead to changes in international collaborations and partnerships, which could affect Vanderbilt’s global engagement strategies.
Impacted Programs
- School of Engineering at Vanderbilt may benefit from increased industry partnerships and funding opportunities in manufacturing and technology sectors, particularly in semiconductor and AI research.
- Owen Graduate School of Management could see increased demand for expertise in international trade and business strategy, as companies navigate the new trade landscape.
- The Office of Global Strategy may need to reassess international partnerships and collaborations in light of changing trade policies and increased domestic focus.
- Vanderbilt’s Career Center might need to adjust its strategies to prepare students for emerging opportunities in manufacturing and technology sectors.
Financial Impact
- The influx of investments in U.S. manufacturing and technology could lead to increased funding opportunities for research and development at Vanderbilt, particularly in engineering and technology fields.
- Changes in trade policies and tariffs may affect the cost of imported materials and equipment, potentially impacting budget allocations for certain programs and projects.
- Vanderbilt may need to explore new funding sources and partnerships to capitalize on the increased focus on domestic manufacturing and technology development.
- There could be potential for increased tuition revenue if the demand for programs related to manufacturing and technology rises due to the new economic focus.
Relevance Score: 3 (The actions present moderate risks and opportunities, particularly in compliance and strategic alignment with new economic policies.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore partnerships with companies investing in U.S.-based semiconductor and AI infrastructure, such as TSMC and Apple. By aligning research and development efforts with these industry leaders, the school can enhance its technological capabilities and provide students with cutting-edge learning opportunities.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in trade policies and tariffs, particularly those affecting the steel and aluminum industries. Understanding these changes will be crucial for advising university leadership on potential impacts to research funding and collaborations with affected industries.
- Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management should consider developing case studies and courses focused on the economic impacts of tariffs and trade policies. This will provide students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of international trade and its effects on domestic industries.
- The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess opportunities for collaboration with companies like Clarios and Eli Lilly, which are expanding their U.S. manufacturing operations. By fostering partnerships, Vanderbilt can facilitate technology transfer and commercialization of research innovations.
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science should conduct research on the broader implications of President Trump’s trade policies. This research can provide valuable insights into how these policies affect global trade dynamics and domestic economic growth, positioning Vanderbilt as a thought leader in political and economic analysis.
Opportunities
- The emphasis on bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to expand its research in advanced manufacturing technologies. By collaborating with industry partners, the school can contribute to the development of innovative manufacturing processes and materials.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on U.S.-based production by developing new programs and partnerships with companies relocating their operations to the U.S. This could include joint research initiatives, student internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the manufacturing sector.
- The significant investments in AI infrastructure offer an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute to engage in cutting-edge research and development. By leveraging these investments, the institute can advance its research capabilities and attract top talent in the field of artificial intelligence.
- The order’s focus on securing historic investments aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for startups and entrepreneurs, enhancing their opportunities for success in the evolving economic landscape.
- By engaging with the broader business community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on trade and economic policy. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of trade policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative economic thought and practice.
Relevance Score: 4 (The actions and opportunities present potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on research, partnerships, and economic policies.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – No explicit deadline or timeline was mentioned for implementing any directives in the provided text.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- N/A: No specific government agencies are mentioned in the text; it focuses on economic initiatives and industry investment rather than directing actions to particular governmental bodies.
Relevance Score: 1 (The text does not explicitly reference any government organizations, resulting in minimal direct impact.)
Responsible Officials
- N/A – The text is a public announcement by the President and does not specify particular agencies or officials responsible for implementing the directives.
Relevance Score: 1 (The directives mentioned in the text lack specificity regarding implementation, thus they primarily affect general administrative actions rather than specific agency heads or executive officials.)