WEEK 16 WINS: President Trump Advances America’s New Golden Age

5/9/2025

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Action Summary

Historic Trade Deal: Announced a “breakthrough” trade agreement with the United Kingdom to expand market access, reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and level the playing field for U.S. agricultural exports, earning praise from major agricultural associations.
Boost in Domestic Investment & Manufacturing: Encouraged onshoring and U.S.-based investments with major companies—Bristol Myers Squibb ($40B), Gilead Sciences ($11B), Invenergy ($1.7B), Merck Animal Health ($895M), and others—reinforcing manufacturing dominance.
Air Traffic Control Overhaul: Unveiled an ambitious plan to completely revamp the nationwide air traffic control system, supported by top airline CEOs to upgrade aging infrastructure and enhance flight safety and efficiency.
Border Security & Immigration Enforcement: Strengthened border control measures including housing dangerous criminals at Alcatraz, launching “Project Homecoming” for voluntary immigrant departures, dismantling major drug and weapons trafficking networks, and rescuing children from exploitation.
National Security & Global Initiatives: Advanced peace through strength by negotiating a ceasefire with Houthi forces in Yemen, enforcing aggressive sanctions (targeting Iranian oil facilitators and Haitian gangs), and rescuing hostages held by the Maduro regime.
Regulatory Reforms & Executive Orders: Implemented a series of executive orders to restore domestic production in key areas (prescription drugs, veterans’ care), ease regulatory burdens, halt problematic research funding, and eliminate outdated standards affecting consumers.
Judicial & Policy Appointments: Announced the first wave of judicial nominations while also rescinding Biden-era policies (such as the Digital Equity Act) and imposing new tariffs on foreign films to bolster American industries.
Federal Oversight & Departmental Actions: Directed various departments—Education, Energy, Agriculture, Labor, Transportation, and more—to enforce federal laws, launch investigations (Title IX, foreign funding at universities), reduce wasteful spending, and enhance taxpayer savings, including actions against invasive species and streamlining the Federal Register process.
Additional Milestones: Marked significant cultural and legislative moments by declaring May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II,” hosting the NFL Draft in Washington, D.C. (2027), and seeing legislative moves to codify executive actions through Congress.

Risks & Considerations

The executive actions and policies outlined in the text indicate a significant shift in federal priorities, which could impact Vanderbilt University in several ways. The emphasis on domestic manufacturing and investment may create opportunities for research partnerships and funding, particularly in areas related to technology and manufacturing.
The Department of Education’s rigorous oversight and investigations into compliance with federal law could pose risks for Vanderbilt if similar scrutiny is applied to its programs. Ensuring compliance with Title IX and other federal regulations will be crucial to avoid potential investigations or funding cuts.
The termination of federal funding for certain research areas, such as gain-of-function research, may affect Vanderbilt’s research initiatives and funding opportunities. The university may need to reassess its research priorities and seek alternative funding sources.
The resumption of student loan collections and the emphasis on supporting student loan borrowers could impact Vanderbilt’s financial aid strategies and student enrollment, particularly if students face increased financial pressures.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ warning regarding DEI admissions or employment practices could necessitate a review of Vanderbilt’s policies to ensure compliance and avoid risking federal funding.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Research Departments may need to adjust their focus and seek new partnerships or funding sources in response to changes in federal research funding priorities.
The Office of Compliance will play a critical role in ensuring that Vanderbilt adheres to federal regulations, particularly in areas related to Title IX and DEI practices.
Financial Aid and Student Services may need to develop strategies to support students affected by changes in student loan policies and increased financial pressures.
Vanderbilt’s Legal and Policy Teams should monitor federal policy changes and ensure that the university’s practices align with new regulations to mitigate risks of investigations or funding cuts.

Financial Impact

The potential for increased federal investment in domestic manufacturing and technology could open new funding opportunities for Vanderbilt’s research initiatives, particularly in engineering and technology fields.
Changes in federal research funding priorities may require Vanderbilt to diversify its funding sources and seek partnerships with private industry or international collaborators.
The resumption of student loan collections and potential financial pressures on students could impact Vanderbilt’s enrollment and financial aid distribution, necessitating adjustments in financial planning and support services.
Ensuring compliance with federal regulations, particularly in areas related to DEI and Title IX, will be essential to maintaining federal funding and avoiding potential financial penalties.

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

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor changes in federal funding policies, especially those related to DEI admissions and employment practices, as these could impact the university’s federal funding and compliance requirements.
Vanderbilt’s Research and Development Departments should explore opportunities for increased investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and technology, as highlighted by the significant investments announced by companies like Bristol Myers Squibb and Gilead Sciences.
Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science should analyze the implications of the new trade deal with the United Kingdom and its potential impact on the U.S. economy and international relations, providing insights that could inform the university’s global engagement strategies.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should consider the potential impacts of the overhaul of the nation’s air traffic control system on research and development in aerospace and related fields, potentially positioning itself as a leader in this area.
Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should prepare for the resumption of collections for student borrowers in default and ensure that support systems are in place to assist affected students.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Business School to engage in research and partnerships related to the expansion of market access and reduction of trade barriers, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on domestic manufacturing by developing new programs and partnerships with companies investing in U.S.-based operations, enhancing its reputation and reach in the manufacturing sector.
The emphasis on improving air traffic control infrastructure offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to engage in research and development projects that contribute to the modernization of this critical system.
By engaging with the broader educational community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on educational reform, particularly in areas related to compliance with federal law and maximizing parental options for school choice.

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: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No explicit implementation deadlines or timelines are mentioned in the directives, with all actions announced without a set timeframe.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Justice (DOJ): Involved in operations ranging from dismantling drug and weapons trafficking networks to conducting investigations on race-based plea agreements and enforcing child protection measures.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Implements initiatives to secure borders, manage illegal immigration through programs like Project Homecoming, and coordinate enforcement through agencies such as ICE and CBP.
Department of the Treasury: Takes measures targeting entities involved in sanctionable activities (e.g., Iranian oil delivery) and establishes fast-track processes to attract foreign investments in U.S. businesses.
Department of State: Acts in areas including the designation of Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, rescuing hostages held abroad, and restructuring offices like the Office of Palestinian Affairs.
Department of Education: Oversees a series of investigations and enforcement actions related to Title IX compliance, foreign funding disclosures at universities, and direct actions affecting student loan collections.
Department of Agriculture: Manages programs to remove hazardous fuels and tighten SNAP benefit eligibility enforcement.
Department of Labor: Engages in wage recovery actions and provides funding for disaster-relief jobs and workforce training initiatives.
Department of Energy: Adjusts grant policies by limiting indirect costs and rolls back bans affecting fossil fuel use in federal buildings.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Partners in initiatives aimed at preventing homelessness, particularly among vulnerable populations such as aging foster care youths.
Department of Transportation: Oversees the overhaul of the nation’s air traffic control system and terminates grant funding deemed inconsistent with current policy priorities.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): Implements policy changes such as the termination of beagle experiments on its campus.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Warns medical schools about discriminatory admissions or employment practices tied to DEI initiatives, impacting federal funding allocations.
Department of Veterans Affairs: Is impacted by the Executive Order aimed at enhancing veterans’ care, including the establishment of a National Center for Warrior Independence.
Office of the Federal Register: Receives directives to expedite the publishing process as part of the broader deregulatory agenda.
Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI): Plays a role in the release and management of sensitive documents related to national security matters.
Supreme Court: Through its ruling upholding the administration’s military ban on individuals with gender dysphoria, it impacts policies related to military personnel eligibility.

Relevance Score: 5 (A directive with significant cross-government impact, affecting 16 government organizations.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary Duffy – Tasked with overseeing the complete overhaul of the nation’s air traffic control system as highlighted by industry leaders and referenced in the directive.
Office of the Federal Register – Directed to accelerate the publishing process and reduce associated costs in support of the administration’s deregulatory agenda.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives are aimed at agency heads with significant operational responsibilities.)