WEEK NINE WINS: President Trump Puts America First

March 21, 2025

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Action Summary

Economic and Market Gains: Continued economic relief from Bidenflation with wholesale egg prices plummeting over 50%, declining gas prices below $3/gallon in most states, record-high industrial production, and a 4.2% rise in home sales.
Homeland Security and Law Enforcement: Invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport dangerous gang members; achieved key fugitive capture from MS-13; secured unprecedented drug seizures at borders; and awarded the first border wall construction contract of the second term.
Manufacturing and Investment Boost: Attracted major investments including Nvidia’s multi-billion-dollar U.S. manufacturing commitment, a $55 billion boost by Johnson & Johnson, Canadian firm Prepac shifting production to the U.S., and a $1.4 trillion investment framework from the UAE; additionally, Honda and Audi made moves favoring U.S. production.
Foreign Policy and Military Actions: Secured the release of an American hostage held by the Taliban; announced decisive military action against Houthi terrorists; engaged in bilateral calls with Putin and Zelensky to pursue a ceasefire and improved Ukrainian relations; and maintained maximum pressure on Iran through targeted sanctions.
Energy and Infrastructure Initiatives: Repealed the Biden-era natural gas tax; expanded U.S. critical minerals production; reversed bans with LNG approvals and nuclear plant loan disbursement; and initiated actions to tap Alaska’s natural resources while increasing firefighter pay.
Domestic Policy and Administration Reforms: Executed an order to close the Department of Education after decades of high spending; enhanced infant formula safety and food contaminant transparency through HHS initiatives; streamlined meat processing regulations via the Department of Agriculture; and improved disaster response and SBA reorganization efficiency.
Federal Workforce and Government Efficiency: Issued orders to remove radical “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policies from the U.S. Foreign Service, streamline emergency response coordination, grant full access to unclassified records for waste elimination, consolidate federal procurement, and enhance federal workforce suitability; also released thousands of JFK assassination files.
Space and Defense Advancements: Secured the early return of stranded NASA astronauts, accelerated mission schedules per administration direction, and unveiled the F-47— the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet.

Risks & Considerations

The executive order to close the Department of Education could significantly impact federal funding and support for educational institutions, including Vanderbilt University. This may lead to a reevaluation of funding strategies and partnerships.
The emphasis on American manufacturing and investment could create opportunities for Vanderbilt’s engineering and business programs to engage in research and development collaborations with companies like Nvidia and Johnson & Johnson.
The repeal of the natural gas tax and expansion of critical mineral production may influence Vanderbilt’s environmental and energy research initiatives, potentially affecting funding and research directions.
The removal of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” from the U.S. Foreign Service could impact Vanderbilt’s international programs and partnerships, particularly those focused on global diversity and inclusion efforts.
The civil rights investigation into Title IX violations may prompt Vanderbilt to review its own policies and practices to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal challenges.

Impacted Programs

Peabody College of Education and Human Development may need to adjust its focus and resources in response to changes in federal education policy and funding.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could benefit from increased collaboration opportunities with companies investing in U.S. manufacturing and technology.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion may need to reassess its strategies and initiatives in light of changes to federal diversity policies.
Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Energy Research Programs might experience shifts in funding and research priorities due to changes in energy policy and mineral production.

Financial Impact

The closure of the Department of Education could lead to a reduction in federal funding for educational programs, necessitating adjustments in Vanderbilt’s financial planning and resource allocation.
Increased investment in U.S. manufacturing and technology may open new funding opportunities for research and development collaborations with industry partners.
Changes in energy policy could affect funding for environmental and energy research, requiring strategic adjustments to maintain financial stability.
The potential reduction in federal support for diversity initiatives may impact funding for related programs and partnerships at Vanderbilt.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive orders present a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs and funding strategies.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the implications of the executive order to close the Department of Education. This could significantly impact federal funding and regulations affecting higher education institutions. Engaging with policymakers and educational coalitions will be crucial to advocate for the university’s interests and adapt to potential changes in federal education policy.
Vanderbilt’s Research and Innovation Office should explore opportunities arising from the increased investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and technology sectors. Collaborating with companies like Nvidia and Johnson & Johnson could lead to research partnerships and funding opportunities that align with the university’s strategic goals in innovation and technology.
The Department of Political Science should analyze the geopolitical implications of President Trump’s foreign policy actions, such as the pursuit of peace in Ukraine and the maximum pressure campaign on Iran. This research can provide valuable insights into international relations and inform the university’s global engagement strategies.
Vanderbilt’s Energy and Environmental Policy Program should assess the impact of the executive orders expanding U.S. production of critical minerals and reversing the natural gas tax. These actions could influence energy policy and environmental regulations, presenting opportunities for research and policy development in sustainable energy practices.
The Department of Health Policy should evaluate the implications of the Department of Health and Human Services’ initiatives, such as Operation Stork Speed and the online database for contaminant levels in human foods. These initiatives may offer opportunities for research and collaboration in public health and nutrition.

Opportunities

The executive order to streamline federal procurement presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Procurement Office to engage with federal agencies and explore new procurement processes that could enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in university operations.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on American manufacturing by developing partnerships with companies relocating or expanding their operations in the U.S. This could include joint research initiatives, internships, and workforce development programs that benefit both the university and industry partners.
The emphasis on reducing reliance on foreign energy sources aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to sustainability. The university can leverage this focus to advance its research and initiatives in renewable energy and sustainable practices, potentially securing funding and partnerships in these areas.
By engaging with the broader educational community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on educational reform. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of closing the Department of Education can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative educational thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The actions and opportunities identified suggest major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to potential impacts on federal funding, research partnerships, and educational policy.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

N/A. After careful review, no explicit deadlines or specific timelines for implementing the directives are mentioned in the text.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Tasked with fugitive captures and law enforcement actions, as noted by the capture of a key gang leader from its “Ten Most Wanted” list.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Directed to secure the homeland with actions such as unprecedented drug seizures at the borders.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Involved through the awarding of the first border wall construction contract, reinforcing border security directives.
Department of Education: Targeted by an executive order to begin the process of closing the agency, in addition to launching investigations into civil rights issues.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Tasked with rapidly adjusting schedules to secure the safe return of astronauts and coordinating innovations with commercial partners.
Department of State: Engaged in sanctioning actions against foreign entities and active in diplomatic negotiations related to Ukraine and other international issues.
Department of the Treasury: Sanctioning Chinese entities involved in Iranian oil shipments, integrating financial oversight with foreign policy.
Department of Energy: Involved in natural gas approvals and nuclear plant loan disbursements to ensure energy security.
Department of the Interior: Charged with unleashing Alaska’s resource potential and implementing permanent pay increases for wildland firefighters.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Launched initiatives like Operation Stork Speed and improved consumer information on food contaminants.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Implemented policy changes affecting medical coverage, notably stopping the coverage for gender-affirming surgeries.
Department of Agriculture (USDA): Directed to streamline processing operations in pork and poultry sectors by eliminating outdated practices.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Focused on expediting disaster assistance to communities after catastrophic events.
Small Business Administration (SBA): Undergoing an agency-wide reorganization to restore its founding mission while scaling back expansive initiatives.
U.S. Foreign Service: Received a directive removing radical “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policies, indicating a shift in its operational framework.
Executive Orders Impacting Federal Operations: Several orders (e.g., on federal records access, procurement consolidation, emergency response, and workforce suitability) affect agency heads across the entire federal government, extending the impact well beyond individual departments.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directives and actions impact 16 or more agencies or apply across the entire federal government.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Education – Charged with implementing the executive order to officially begin the process of closing the Department of Education.
Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Energy (Agency Heads) – Expected to coordinate the implementation of the executive order expanding U.S. production of critical minerals, thereby reducing reliance on China.
Secretary of Homeland Security and/or FEMA Administrator – Responsible for executing the executive order that streamlines emergency response to empower states and communities.
Agency Heads across Federal Agencies – Tasked with granting full, prompt access to unclassified records, data, and systems as directed by the executive order aimed at eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.
General Services Administration Leadership or Appropriate Procurement Officials – Will oversee the consolidation of federal procurement to eliminate inefficiencies and duplication.
Office of Personnel Management/Agency HR Leadership – Charged with strengthening the suitability and fitness of the federal workforce under the respective executive order.
Secretary of State – Responsible for implementing the directive that removes radical “diversity, equity, and inclusion” from the U.S. Foreign Service.

Relevance Score: 4 (The directives primarily impact agency heads and senior federal officials responsible for strategic policy implementation.)