Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency to Increase our Competitive Edge, Protect our Sovereignty, and Strengthen our National and Economic Security

April 2, 2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

National Emergency Declaration: President Trump declares a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to address large, persistent trade deficits and nonreciprocal trade practices.
Tariff Implementation:
- Imposes a 10% tariff on all countries effective April 5, 2025.
- Introduces individualized, higher reciprocal tariffs on nations with the largest trade deficits starting April 9, 2025.
- Provides modification authority to adjust tariffs based on trading partners’ responses.
Exemptions & Specific Trade Measures:
- Certain goods—including specific steel, aluminum, autos, copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, bullion, and energy minerals—are exempt.
- Maintains existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders for Canada and Mexico with USMCA-based tariff treatments.
Economic and National Security Rationale:
- Aims to restore national and economic security by curbing deficits that have hollowed the manufacturing base and undermined critical supply chains.
- Addresses harmful practices such as currency manipulation, exorbitant VAT, and non-tariff barriers that disadvantage U.S. businesses.
Reprioritizing U.S. Manufacturing:
- Emphasizes reshoring manufacturing to rebuild advanced domestic capacity in sectors vital for national security and defense.
- Seeks to reverse decades of manufacturing decline and job losses, strengthening the U.S. industrial base.
Addressing Global Trade Imbalances:
- Confronts unfair tariff disparities and non-tariff barriers imposed by other nations.
- Presses trading partners to “treat us like we treat you” by balancing access to markets and leveling the economic playing field.
Broader Strategic Agenda:
- Integrates tariff measures into a wider economic strategy that includes energy competitiveness, tax cuts, deregulation, and overall economic strengthening.
- References studies supporting tariffs’ effectiveness in reshoring production, enhancing U.S. competitiveness, and spurring economic growth without significant inflationary effects.

Risks & Considerations

The imposition of tariffs by the U.S. could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, potentially affecting international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University may have with foreign institutions.
Increased tariffs could raise the cost of imported goods and materials, impacting research projects that rely on international resources or equipment, thereby increasing operational costs for the university.
The focus on reshoring manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains may lead to changes in funding priorities at the federal level, potentially affecting grants and financial support for research in areas related to international trade and economics.
Vanderbilt University may need to reassess its international student recruitment strategies, as economic tensions could influence visa policies and the attractiveness of the U.S. as a study destination.

Impacted Programs

Owen Graduate School of Management may need to adjust its curriculum to address the changing landscape of international trade and economic policies, providing students with updated knowledge and skills relevant to the new economic environment.
Vanderbilt’s International Programs could face challenges in maintaining partnerships and exchange programs with institutions in countries affected by the tariffs, necessitating strategic adjustments to sustain international collaboration.
The Office of Research might need to explore alternative funding sources and partnerships to mitigate the impact of potential changes in federal research funding priorities.
Programs focused on global studies and international relations may need to incorporate new content related to the economic and political implications of the tariffs and trade policies.

Financial Impact

The tariffs could lead to increased costs for imported research materials and equipment, affecting the budget and financial planning for research projects at Vanderbilt University.
Changes in federal funding priorities towards domestic manufacturing and economic security could impact the availability of grants and financial support for research in international trade and economics.
Vanderbilt University may need to explore new funding opportunities and partnerships to offset potential reductions in federal support for research and international programs.
The economic impact of the tariffs on international students’ home countries could influence their ability to afford education in the U.S., potentially affecting enrollment and tuition revenue.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the implementation of the new tariffs and assess their potential impact on the university’s international collaborations and partnerships. This includes evaluating how changes in trade policies might affect research funding, international student enrollment, and global academic exchanges.
The Owen Graduate School of Management should consider developing programs or courses focused on international trade and economic policy to prepare students for careers in a changing global economic landscape. This could include case studies on the effects of tariffs and trade policies on different industries.
Vanderbilt’s Research Centers should explore opportunities to conduct studies on the economic and social impacts of the tariffs, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and technology. This research could provide valuable insights for policymakers and contribute to the national conversation on trade policy.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess the potential for increased domestic manufacturing and innovation in response to the tariffs. This could involve identifying new opportunities for technology development and commercialization that align with national priorities.
Vanderbilt’s International Student Office should prepare for potential changes in international student enrollment due to the economic impacts of the tariffs. This includes developing strategies to support and retain international students who may be affected by changes in their home countries’ economies.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to engage in research and development of advanced manufacturing technologies. By focusing on innovation in sectors like microelectronics and bio-manufacturing, the school can contribute to strengthening the U.S. manufacturing base.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on domestic manufacturing by forming partnerships with industry leaders to develop new educational programs and research initiatives. This could include collaborative projects that address supply chain vulnerabilities and promote sustainable manufacturing practices.
The emphasis on reducing reliance on foreign producers offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to explore legal and regulatory aspects of trade policy. By providing expertise on international trade law, the school can influence policy discussions and support businesses navigating the new trade environment.
By engaging with policymakers and industry stakeholders, 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 the tariffs can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative economic thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on international collaborations and economic policies.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

April 5, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT: 10% tariff on all countries comes into effect.
April 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT: The individualized reciprocal higher tariff for countries with the largest trade deficits comes into effect.

Since the shortest timeline (April 5, 2025) is less than 30 days from the directive’s fact sheet date (April 2, 2025), this directive calls for an urgent response.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR): This agency is expected to play a central role in executing and overseeing the reciprocal tariff measures as well as engaging in international trade negotiations under the authority of the IEEPA.
Department of the Treasury: Tariff implementation affects revenue collection and economic policies, making this department critical in managing the financial impact and enforcement of trade measures.
Department of Commerce: With responsibilities that include monitoring U.S. manufacturing, trade deficits, and economic compliance, this department is directly impacted by the efforts to rebalance trade and boost domestic production.
Department of Defense: National security considerations highlighted in the order—especially regarding the defense industrial base—mean that this department is indirectly affected by the economic and supply chain measures.
Department of State: The international diplomatic fallout and engagement with foreign counterparts over tariff policies will involve this department in managing global trade relations.

Relevance Score: 2 (3-5 Federal Agencies are impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The fact sheet does not designate any specific agency or official responsible for implementing the tariff directives, but rather uses the President’s authority under IEEPA without detailed delegation.

Relevance Score: 1 (No specific implementation officials are identified, so the impact is not directly assigned to any mid- or high-level management.)