The First 100 Hours: Historic Action to Kick off America’s Golden Age

January 24, 2025

Presidential Actions

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Action Summary

Historic Administration Launch: President Trump’s second term begins with a record number of executive orders in the first 100 hours, fulfilling key campaign promises.
Historic Economic Investments: Secured over $1 trillion in investments, including a landmark $500 billion AI infrastructure project, a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia, and major auto industry investments in Illinois, Detroit, and beyond.
Border and Immigration Enforcement: Strengthened border security with a significant drop in illegal crossings, increased ICE arrests of criminals, shutdown of the CBP One app, initiation of deportation flights, and reinstatement of traditional terminology (“illegal alien”).
Government Policy and Workforce Reforms: Revoked discriminatory DEI practices and affirmative action mandates, reinstated merit-based hiring (including at the FAA), and ordered the end of remote work practices to restore traditional office settings.
Energy and Environmental Reforms: Declared a National Energy Emergency to unlock domestic energy potential, rescinded Biden-era energy regulations (including those affecting EV mandates and offshore drilling), halted new federal wind farm permits, and withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Other Key Executive Actions: Declassified the JFK files, designated cartels as terrorist organizations, used military support to secure the border, pardoned law enforcement and J6 hostages, and restored freedom of speech by ending government censorship.
Industry and Public Endorsements: Garnered praise from leaders in steel, energy, manufacturing, trucking, and tech sectors for cutting red tape and promoting American economic strength and energy independence.

Risks & Considerations

The executive orders to eliminate DEI practices and ensure merit-based hiring could impact Vanderbilt University’s diversity initiatives. This may lead to challenges in maintaining a diverse student body and faculty, potentially affecting the university’s reputation and inclusivity goals.
The emphasis on merit-based hiring and the elimination of affirmative action mandates in federal hiring could influence the university’s hiring practices and policies, necessitating a review to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
The rescinding of energy regulations and withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement may affect Vanderbilt’s sustainability initiatives and research funding related to climate change and renewable energy.
The focus on American energy independence and the reversal of electric vehicle mandates could impact research and development programs at Vanderbilt related to green technology and sustainable energy solutions.
The executive order to stop remote work practices and direct workers to return to the office may influence Vanderbilt’s policies on remote work and flexible working arrangements for faculty and staff.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion may need to reassess its strategies and programs to align with the new federal directives on DEI practices.
The School of Engineering could see changes in research funding opportunities related to energy and technology, particularly in areas affected by the new energy policies.
The Law School may need to provide guidance and expertise on the legal implications of the changes in federal hiring practices and energy regulations.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development might need to adjust its curriculum and research focus to address the impacts of the new policies on educational equity and diversity.

Financial Impact

The changes in energy policy and the focus on American energy independence could lead to shifts in research funding priorities, potentially affecting grants and partnerships related to renewable energy and climate change.
The elimination of DEI practices in federal hiring may impact funding opportunities for programs focused on diversity and inclusion, necessitating adjustments in funding strategies.
The emphasis on merit-based hiring and the end of affirmative action mandates could influence the university’s recruitment and retention strategies, potentially affecting financial aid and scholarship programs aimed at promoting diversity.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive orders 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 hiring practices, particularly the shift to merit-based hiring and the elimination of DEI practices. This could impact the university’s federal funding and partnerships, necessitating adjustments in how Vanderbilt aligns its hiring and diversity policies with federal standards.
Vanderbilt’s Energy and Environmental Policy Program should evaluate the implications of the National Energy Emergency declaration and the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. This presents an opportunity to research and develop strategies that align with the new energy policies, potentially influencing national energy discourse and policy.
The Vanderbilt Law School should analyze the legal ramifications of the executive orders related to immigration and border security. Understanding these changes will be crucial for advising on compliance and potential impacts on international students and faculty.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology and Innovation should explore opportunities arising from the significant investments in AI infrastructure. Engaging with industry leaders and securing partnerships could position Vanderbilt as a key player in AI research and development.
Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department should conduct research on the societal impacts of the executive orders, particularly those related to immigration, energy, and federal hiring practices. This research can provide valuable insights and contribute to public policy discussions.

Opportunities

The focus on American energy independence offers Vanderbilt’s Engineering School an opportunity to develop innovative energy solutions and collaborate with industry partners. This could enhance the university’s reputation in energy research and attract funding.
The emphasis on AI infrastructure investment presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute to expand its research capabilities and collaborate with leading tech companies. This could lead to new research initiatives and funding opportunities.
The shift in federal hiring practices could allow Vanderbilt’s Human Resources Department to align its recruitment strategies with federal standards, potentially increasing the university’s competitiveness in attracting top talent.
The changes in immigration policy may impact Vanderbilt’s International Student Office, necessitating a review of support services and compliance measures to ensure the university remains a welcoming environment for international students.
The focus on reducing regulatory burdens offers Vanderbilt’s Business School an opportunity to study the economic impacts of deregulation and develop strategies for businesses to thrive in a less regulated environment.

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

Average Relevance Score: 4.2

Timeline for Implementation

First 100 Hours: Many of the executive orders and actions were executed within the first 100 hours of the president’s second term—an approximate four‐day window indicating an extremely urgent, immediate implementation.
Return-to-Office Directive: The executive order directing agencies to end remote work was implemented immediately (as evidenced by the State Department’s prompt order to employees to return to the office), though no specific additional deadline was provided.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (including Border Patrol and the CBP One app): The text details significant actions at the border, including a drop in illegal crossings and the shutdown of an app used to parole immigrants.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE is mentioned as rounding up criminal aliens and executing deportations.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): DHS is directly referenced through the reinstatement of terminology and its overarching role in border security and immigration enforcement.
Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ is involved in actions regarding sanctuary city policies and the designation of cartels as terrorist organizations.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA is mandated to resume merit-based hiring practices as per the executive order.
Department of State: The State Department is active in adjusting workplace practices and issuing guidance on flag usage at embassies.
Department of Defense (The Pentagon/U.S. Military): The Pentagon is noted for deploying troops to secure the border and assist with deportation flights.
U.S. Coast Guard: The Coast Guard is referenced as increasing its assets in the Gulf of America as part of the border security measures.
Metropolitan Police Department: Local law enforcement is impacted through presidential pardons and initiatives to support police officers.
Department of the Interior (implied): Energy exploration and deregulation—including the opening up of offshore drilling and reversing regulations in Alaska—suggest the involvement of agencies under the Department of the Interior.

Relevance Score: 3 (A moderate number of distinct Federal and local agencies are directly or implicitly impacted by the executive actions.)

Responsible Officials

Department of Homeland Security Officials (Border Patrol & ICE Enforcement Operations) – Charged with executing directives on border security, immigration enforcement, and the designation of criminal activities.
Department of Defense (Pentagon) – Responsible for deploying troops to the border as ordered.
U.S. Coast Guard – Tasked with supporting border security operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
State Department – Implementing the executive orders related to office return policies, directives on remote work, and embassy flag representation.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Charged with reinstating merit-based hiring practices in accordance with the executive order.
Department of Energy – Responsible for executing policies on energy deregulation, offshore drilling, and other energy-related directives.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact Cabinet-level officials and agency heads, making them highly significant in strategic implementation.)