Trump’s ‘America First’ Agenda
Former President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda focuses on prioritizing national interests across various sectors, including immigration, energy, and trade. His immigration policies aimed to enhance border security. Trump sought to end catch-and-release practices from the previous administration. He wanted to bring back the Remain in Mexico program for asylum seekers and build border wall infrastructure.
Additionally, he aimed to limit asylum eligibility for those illegally crossing the border and classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations. The agenda also included emergency assistance information for U.S. citizens to ensure their safety abroad.
He sought to restrict asylum eligibility for illegal crossers and designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
In energy, Trump emphasized achieving independence from foreign oil. He declared energy dominance as a key goal, aiming to reduce reliance on OPEC and other hostile nations. He withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord and ended wind farm leasing on federal lands, arguing it would protect landscapes.
He also aimed to streamline the permitting process for energy production and mineral extraction to boost domestic production.
Economically, Trump’s agenda encouraged foreign investment to strengthen American markets. He welcomed investments from allied nations and sought to expedite environmental reviews for large projects. His administration aimed to create a business-friendly environment through tax cuts and deregulation, fostering job creation. Notably, the administration utilized CFIUS to limit PRC-affiliated investments in sensitive sectors.
In terms of national security, Trump focused on bringing critical industries back to the U.S. He aimed to protect American jobs by securing domestic supply chains and restricting investments from entities linked to China. His administration strengthened oversight on foreign investments, particularly in sensitive sectors.
On the regulatory front, Trump pushed for zero-based regulatory budgeting to cut costs in energy production and consolidate federal procurement. His reform efforts also included changes to federal hiring processes and the elimination of diversity programs.
In foreign policy, Trump prioritized direct benefits for Americans, moving away from nation-building. He reviewed military strategies and withdrew from multilateral institutions that conflicted with U.S. security interests. His approach sought to align closely with nations ready to combat common threats.
