WASHINGTON – On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump’s executive orders and announcements sent shockwaves through global politics and the American public. Despite expectations of sweeping trade policy shifts, the newly inaugurated president refrained from imposing broad tariffs as anticipated. However, he hinted at using tariffs as a bargaining chip to advance his policies.
In a spontaneous press conference while signing numerous executive orders, Trump suggested tariffs might be used to push China into agreeing to the divestiture of Chinese ownership in TikTok. Additionally, he warned of potential 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl. Regarding the European Union, Trump decried their trade imbalance, proposing tariffs or demands for increased purchases of U.S. oil.
Trump’s actions also included withdrawing the U.S. from both the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord, fulfilling long-standing campaign promises. He declared two national emergencies, one to bolster border security and the other to expedite oil and gas exploration. A controversial political move followed with a mass pardon for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol Hill riot.
Perhaps the most surprising move was his decision to pause the enforcement of a ban on the popular app TikTok for 75 days, suggesting that the U.S. could secure a deal for TikTok’s compliance with a 2024 law requiring the app to be sold to an American company. Trump hinted that tariffs on China could be the leverage needed to finalize this deal.