Winning Streak: Record-Breaking Tariffs, Border Security, and Safer Cities
9/3/2025
Action Summary
- Tariff Revenues: Record-breaking tariffs have generated $31 billion in August and $158 billion for the calendar year, with projections to reduce total deficits by $4 trillion over the next decade.
- Federal Workforce Policy: The return-to-office order has effectively doubled the in-office presence of federal employees, boosting local economies and enhancing overall workforce cohesion.
- Border Security and Migration: A marked decline in illegal immigration, including a 97% drop in northward migration from Central America and a 93% decrease in unaccompanied migrant crossings, underscores the success of enhanced border security measures.
- Local Government Partnership: A continued collaboration with Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in the “Make D.C. Safe Again” initiative serves as a model for improving safety in major urban areas.
Risks & Considerations
- The increase in tariff revenues could have mixed effects on the economy. While it may reduce the federal deficit, it could also lead to higher costs for imported goods, potentially affecting consumer prices and the cost of materials for educational institutions like Vanderbilt University.
- The return-to-office order for federal employees may influence Vanderbilt’s administrative and operational strategies, especially if similar policies are considered for university staff. This could impact work-life balance and employee satisfaction.
- The significant reduction in migration and border crossings may affect the diversity of the student body at Vanderbilt, particularly if immigration policies become more restrictive. This could impact the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
- The partnership between the Trump Administration and D.C. Mayor to reduce crime could serve as a model for Vanderbilt’s own community engagement and safety initiatives, potentially influencing campus security policies.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s International Student Office may need to adjust its strategies to support international students, particularly in light of changing immigration patterns and policies.
- The Office of Human Resources might need to consider the implications of a return-to-office policy for university staff, balancing operational needs with employee preferences for remote work.
- Vanderbilt’s Economic Research Department could find opportunities to study the effects of tariff policies on the economy, potentially securing funding for research in this area.
- The Office of Community Engagement could explore partnerships with local law enforcement and government agencies to enhance campus and community safety, drawing on successful models from other cities.
Financial Impact
- The increase in tariff revenues may lead to changes in federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grant opportunities for research and development at Vanderbilt.
- Higher costs for imported goods due to tariffs could impact the university’s budget, particularly in areas such as construction, technology, and laboratory supplies.
- Changes in immigration patterns could affect tuition revenue if there is a decline in international student enrollment, necessitating adjustments in financial planning and recruitment strategies.
- Partnerships with federal and local government agencies could open new funding streams for community safety and engagement initiatives, aligning with national priorities.
Relevance Score: 3 (The executive actions present moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on university operations and diversity initiatives.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor the impact of increased tariff revenues on federal budget allocations, as changes in federal spending could affect funding for research and educational programs. Engaging with policymakers to understand potential shifts in funding priorities will be crucial.
- The Immigration Services Office should assess the impact of reduced migration on international student enrollment and support services. Developing strategies to maintain and attract international students will be important for sustaining diversity and global engagement at the university.
- Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies Department could explore research opportunities related to the effects of border security policies on migration patterns and their broader societal impacts. This research can contribute to policy discussions and enhance Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in immigration policy.
- The Community Engagement Office should consider partnerships with local governments to address public safety and community development, drawing on the model of collaboration between the Trump Administration and D.C. Mayor. This could enhance Vanderbilt’s community impact and reputation.
Opportunities
- The emphasis on border security and reduced migration presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in legal research and advocacy related to immigration law and human rights. By providing expertise and analysis, the law school can influence policy and support affected communities.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on in-office work by developing programs and partnerships that support workforce development and training for federal employees. This could include offering executive education and professional development courses tailored to the needs of federal agencies.
- The success of crime reduction efforts in D.C. offers a model for Vanderbilt’s Criminal Justice Program to study and potentially replicate in other urban areas. By analyzing the strategies and outcomes, the program can contribute to national discussions on effective crime prevention and public safety.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with changes in federal policies and capitalize on new opportunities.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A (The article is a report on achieved outcomes rather than directives with specific deadlines.)
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of the Treasury: Responsible for managing tariff revenue collections that have reached record levels, directly impacting federal fiscal strategies.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Charged with safeguarding the nation’s borders; its agencies are key to implementing border security measures and managing migration flows.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): As a component of DHS, directly involved in enforcing border security and monitoring migration trends.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Plays a role in immigration enforcement, particularly in addressing declining rates of unaccompanied migrant crossings.
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM): Influenced by the federal return-to-office directive, which affects workforce management and operational logistics across agencies.
Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal Agencies are impacted by multiple facets of the initiative.)
Responsible Officials
- Heads of Federal Agencies – Responsible for executing President Trump’s return‐to‐office directive for federal employees.
- United States Trade Representative (USTR) – In charge of implementing tariff policies that generated record revenue.
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Overseeing border security initiatives and immigration enforcement that produced the dramatic reduction in illegal crossings.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives from the President impact Cabinet-level and agency head officials, with significant national implications.)