SUNDAY SHOWS: Trump Administration is Putting Americans First

7/13/2025

Action Summary

  • Rapid Disaster Response: Immediate deployment of Department of Homeland Security resources to assist Texas flooding victims, marking one of the fastest FEMA responses in recent decades.
  • Public Safety and Law Enforcement: Emphasis on apprehending dangerous criminals including murderers, rapists, and child pedophiles; criticism of political interference in disaster response and law enforcement matters.
  • Border Security and Immigration Enforcement: Strong stance against criminal aliens in sanctuary cities; highlighted issues of human trafficking and contrasted current border security practices with previous administrations.
  • Economic and Trade Policy: Projected $3 trillion tariff revenue over the next ten years aimed at reducing the deficit and bolstering entitlement programs; part of an “America First” approach to prepare for a national Golden Age.
  • Defense Industrial Base: Strategic move to boost domestic copper production to secure materials critical for American weapons and overall national security.

Risks & Considerations

  • The emphasis on national security and supply chain resiliency could lead to increased federal focus on domestic production and resource allocation. This may impact Vanderbilt’s research funding, particularly in areas related to international collaboration and global supply chains.
  • Changes in immigration enforcement and border security policies could affect Vanderbilt’s international student population and faculty, potentially leading to decreased diversity and challenges in recruitment and retention.
  • The administration’s focus on tariff revenue and trade policy may influence federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grants and financial support for research and development at Vanderbilt.
  • Vanderbilt may need to consider the implications of these policies on its strategic partnerships, particularly those involving international entities or supply chains that could be disrupted by new trade and tariff policies.

Impacted Programs

  • Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services may need to enhance support for international students and faculty affected by changes in immigration policies.
  • The Office of Federal Relations might need to increase advocacy efforts to ensure continued research funding and support amidst shifting federal priorities.
  • Vanderbilt’s Research Centers focusing on global supply chains and international trade may need to adjust their research agendas to align with new federal policies and priorities.
  • The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could see increased demand for expertise in policy analysis and the impacts of federal actions on education and community resilience.

Financial Impact

  • Potential changes in federal funding priorities could impact Vanderbilt’s research grants, particularly those related to international collaboration and global supply chains.
  • Increased focus on domestic production and resource allocation may present new funding opportunities for research in areas such as materials science and engineering.
  • Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources to mitigate potential reductions in federal support due to shifting trade and tariff policies.
  • The university’s financial aid strategies might need to adapt to changes in the demographics of the student body, particularly if international student enrollment is affected by immigration policies.

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

Key Actions

  • Vanderbilt’s Emergency Management Team should review and update its disaster response protocols in light of the rapid deployment of FEMA resources during the Texas flooding. This could involve enhancing coordination with federal agencies to ensure swift action in the event of a local emergency.
  • The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in national security and supply chain resiliency policies. Engaging with policymakers on these issues could position Vanderbilt as a leader in research and innovation related to national security and infrastructure resilience.
  • Vanderbilt’s Law School should consider expanding its research and advocacy efforts on immigration policies, particularly in relation to sanctuary cities and the legal implications of federal immigration enforcement actions. This could include hosting forums or workshops to discuss the impact of these policies on communities.
  • The Department of Economics should analyze the potential impacts of tariff and trade policies on the U.S. economy and Vanderbilt’s research initiatives. By understanding these economic shifts, the department can provide valuable insights and recommendations to policymakers and industry leaders.
  • Vanderbilt’s Engineering School should explore opportunities for research and development in materials science, particularly in relation to copper production and its applications in national defense. Collaborating with industry partners could enhance the university’s contributions to national security and technological advancement.

Opportunities

  • The focus on supply chain resiliency presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to develop programs and research initiatives that address supply chain challenges and solutions. This could include partnerships with industry leaders to enhance supply chain education and innovation.
  • Vanderbilt can capitalize on the emphasis on national security by expanding its research and educational programs related to homeland security and emergency management. This could involve interdisciplinary collaborations across departments to address complex security challenges.
  • The administration’s focus on economic policies offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the program can influence policy decisions related to trade, tariffs, and economic growth.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive actions present significant opportunities and challenges that require major process changes and strategic engagement across multiple departments at Vanderbilt.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No explicit deadlines or specific timelines for implementing directives were mentioned; the actions are described as immediate responses or general strategic measures rather than time-bound directives.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The order directs DHS to respond rapidly to emergencies, as seen with the immediate deployment during the Texas flooding.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA’s deployment in response to the disaster highlights its critical role in emergency management and assistance.
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE is referenced in discussions about border security and handling criminal aliens, indicating its enforcement role in immigration policy.
  • U.S. Border Patrol: The reference to practices in sanctuary cities and border enforcement underscores the Border Patrol’s involvement in national security.
  • National Economic Council: The council is mentioned regarding tariff revenue and economic strategies to support national security and prepare for future conflicts.

Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal Agencies, within the 3-5 range, are impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

  • Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem – Charged with deploying DHS resources for expedited disaster relief and overall homeland security, including the response to Texas flooding.
  • Border Czar Tom Homan – Responsible for overseeing border security initiatives and immigration enforcement actions related to safeguarding communities.
  • National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett – Tasked with implementing economic directives such as tariff policies and measures to enhance supply chain resiliency critical for national defense.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect high-level officials, including a Cabinet secretary and other senior White House appointees, signaling extensive executive impact.)