Environmental Policy
The removal of the US from the Paris Climate Agreement was an early order of business for Trump, as he had already done so during his first term. The agreement aims to prevent a surpassing of 1.5 degrees Celsius for the global temperature recorded to fight global warming. The US, as the second largest user of fossil fuels behind China, plays an essential role in controlling the temperature rise. Although formally, the US will not be out of the agreement until next year, this move displays Trump’s disapproval of the current environmental policy.
Similarly, his “drill, baby drill” slogan alludes to staying away from renewable energy, which is crucial for reducing global warming. His executive order concerning Alaska’s natural resources links to his words about drilling for minerals and timber to take advantage of the resources the US has access to, failing to look at the environmental consequences that come with it. As stated many times before, Trump’s stance on climate change being a hoax does not play in the favor of climate advocates.
Finally, the latest change regards banning paper straws and thereby resorting to plastic once more. The shift backward instead of forward demonstrates Trump’s poor understanding of environmental policy and the effect of reintroducing plastic where it is unnecessary. Although plastic straws are a small percentage of the world’s plastic use, the overarching problem remains. The fact is that nanoplastics get eaten by animals, which in turn land in human bodies. While the policy may not bring about a concerning change, it is a step in the wrong direction.
Foreign Policy
Regarding foreign policy, Trump has brought some extravagant claims along with his return to the White House. Threats of buying Greenland, making Canada the 51st state, and taking control of the Panama Canal have made international leaders respond in disapproval. Additionally, Google Maps recently implemented Trump’s call to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which is only visible to American users, even after Mexico’s President Claudia Scheinbaum expressed disapproval. These tactics seem to lead to a neo-imperialistic approach, where the US remains in control of the world stage; Trump is testing the limits with his newest policies.
Concerning global health, Trump’s executive order on withdrawing from the World Health Organization is just as relevant as the US providing funds for resources that will need other countries’ financial support to continue. WHO is in charge of providing healthcare services for emergencies, especially for those who cannot afford them or may not have the resources available in their country.
Following a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump has claimed wanting to buy and own Gaza, relocating the Palestinians and rebuilding the strip after he promised to end the conflict. However, the leaders of the Middle East immediately expressed disagreement, and even the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that Gaza holds importance for Palestine’s future.
These do not encompass all foreign policies but provide a glimpse of the changes already made. Trump has also emphasized his will to place tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, most of which were quickly paused as leaders reached agreements to delay. Although Trump’s tariff plan has set the stage for a trade war, he defends it by claiming it will increase revenue, which is beneficial to the American economy.
Domestic Policy
With America’s rising political polarization, the conservative agenda is taking over the US domestic arena. Trump has ordered an end to all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility policies in the Federal Government. This decision creates a significant setback for marginalized communities and groups, as the DEI program helped limit discrimination. These anti-discrimination laws were signed in response to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s to promote inclusion and avoid a repetition of history, giving minority groups the same access opportunities.
Ending birthright citizenship is another controversial executive order signed by Trump, as multiple federal judges quickly blocked it, arguing that this is unconstitutional. Indeed, this order is said to go directly against the 14th
Amendment of the US Consitution, protecting citizenship. Trump has already stated that he will appeal this decision, which can end up in the Supreme Court if his appeals are successful.
A key current debate concerns Elon Musk and his power over Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency creation. US House of Representative Democrats have accused Musk of breaking the law in using his position and department to look into government wasteful spending, which they claim he does not have authority over. Since his term started, Trump has been dismantling federal agencies, such as offering a buyout for federal employees of the USAID. The future of other agencies, like the Department of Education, is also unsure.
With many policy changes ahead in the Trump presidency, citizens must stay updated on current events. American policy has the potential to significantly impact global politics, making it crucial to pay attention and stay informed.
By Laura Ridoux
