Access Alert: Trump's First Executive Orders Access Partnership

Following his inauguration yesterday, President Trump has quickly moved to sign a series of executive orders, marking a decisive shift in the political landscape. These actions reflect his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises and initiating policy changes that will shape US governance in the coming years.

Immigration and Border Policy

On immigration, Trump’s administration has moved swiftly to address border security. Among his first actions was declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, alongside a series of measures aimed at controlling illegal immigration. These include reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, designating Central American cartels as terrorist organisations, and addressing the “catch and release” practices. These actions are consistent with President Trump’s broader agenda of ensuring stronger border security.

Social and Cultural Policies

In terms of social and cultural policy, Trump has moved to revise various Biden-era directives. Notably, his executive orders challenge the way gender is represented in federal documents, affirming a binary understanding of gender. Additionally, the administration has shifted its stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes within the federal government, calling for a review of these initiatives. These changes reflect Trump’s priorities in shifting the focus from issues of identity and inclusion to other matters more central to his administration, such as national security, free speech, and the fight against illegal immigration. These will likely be closely monitored by various advocacy groups.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

On the international stage, Trump has reaffirmed his “America First” approach. His decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement reflects a focus on prioritising US interests in global governance and climate actions. Additionally, Trump’s recent restoration of the Chinese TikTok platform and his proposal for a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture respond to ongoing legal concerns about the influence of foreign-owned platforms in the US. These actions aim to address potential national security risks, as outlined in previous legal debates, and seek to ensure compliance with US regulations regarding foreign investment and data security.

Energy and National Security

Trump’s executive orders have also focused on energy independence and national security. A national emergency declaration to bolster the nation’s energy production has been linked to the need to compete globally in areas like artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to China. The administration has also moved to reduce regulatory barriers for oil production, seeking to enhance US energy security and reduce reliance on foreign sources.

Free Speech and Content Moderation

Another area of significant focus has been free speech, particularly concerning online platforms. Trump’s executive order addressing government interference in online content moderation showcases concerns about censorship. By seeking to reverse previous policies on regulating speech, the Trump Administration aims to promote a freer online environment. This move aligns with broader industry trends, where social media platforms are revisiting their content policies.

On this point, Meta’s recent transition from third-party fact-checkers to a community-driven model, giving users the freedom and responsibility of fact-checking, represents a fundamental shift in how political content might be moderated moving forward. While this move could create a more open environment for discussion, it also places considerable responsibility on users to accurately assess the truth. Trump’s vocal criticism of Meta’s fact-checking policies has undeniably influenced this change. By abandoning third-party fact-checkers, Meta appears to be aligning itself with a wider trend of deregulation and minimal government oversight. The success of this approach will depend largely on the community’s ability to responsibly identify fact from fiction.

Regarding AI, Trump has replaced President Biden’s AI Executive Order, which aimed to provide a government-wide effort guiding private companies on online safety through federal agencies, with a new framework centred on promoting AI development through “Free Speech and Human Flourishing”. This shift is designed to facilitate the transfer of technology from federal initiatives to the private sector. While a more flexible regulatory environment could foster even more innovation, it may also lead to inconsistent safety and compliance standards. As a result, companies could encounter a fragmented regulatory landscape, similar to the current state of US privacy laws.

Moving Forward

The swift signing of executive orders by President Trump has marked the beginning of a new phase in governance, with bold shifts in immigration, culture, social policy, energy, and international relations. These actions reflect the administration’s priorities and its commitment to fulfilling campaign promises. As these executive orders begin to take effect, their full implications will continue to unfold, significantly influencing both the technology and political landscape. Given the ever-evolving nature of the policy environment, the impact of these shifts on various sectors will certainly be profound.

At Access Partnership, we are equipped with the expertise and strategic insights to help businesses navigate these changes, bridge potential gaps, and adapt to the shifting political framework. Should you wish to explore how these shifts may affect your strategy or understand their broader implications, please contact us.