After The Fact

Day 3 Orders

January 23, 2025

President Trump engaged in a series of policy announcements and actions on his third day in office. Key themes included economic revitalization through deregulation, tax cuts, and reshoring initiatives, a strong stance on immigration and border security, advancements in AI and cryptocurrency, and assertions of American leadership on the global stage. Several of these policies appear to align with Project 2025 goals, particularly those related to economic nationalism, border security, and a more assertive foreign policy.

Economic Policy

Trump emphasized economic revitalization through deregulation, aiming to eliminate 10 old regulations for every new one, potentially saving American households thousands of dollars. He also proposed the largest tax cut in American history, reducing corporate tax rates to 15% for domestic manufacturers and offering incentives for companies to relocate production to the U.S. A tariff would be imposed on goods produced outside the US.

Tariffs on imported cars and agricultural products and unspecified non-monetary tariffs are intended to address trade imbalances with the EU, Canada and Mexico.

Trump stated his intention to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to reduce oil prices, aiming to influence the Russia-Ukraine war and subsequently lower interest rates.

Immigration and Border Security

Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, deploying military and National Guard troops to halt illegal immigration and return individuals to their countries of origin.

Science and Technology

Trump signed executive orders and established advisory councils focused on achieving American dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrencies. He revoked prior AI policies perceived as hindering innovation and called for the development of an AI Action Plan to ensure U.S. leadership in the field.

Social Policy

Trump signed a memorandum directing the Secretary of the Interior to develop a plan for full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, fulfilling a campaign promise. This includes analyzing legal pathways for recognition and the possibility of extending federal benefits to the tribe.

Trump expressed support for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 21), stating his advisors would recommend signing it into law. This act mandates medical care for infants who survive abortion attempts, establishes legal recourse for violations, and protects mothers from prosecution.

Trump issued executive orders aimed at abolishing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in government and the private sector, asserting a merit-based approach and restricting transgender participation in sports and transgender surgeries.

Transparency and Declassification

Trump signed an executive order to declassify and release all records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Foreign Policy

Trump spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, discussing Middle East stability, regional security, and economic opportunities. He later publicly stated he would ask Saudi Arabia to invest $1 trillion in the U.S. and to lower oil prices.

Trump spoke with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, discussing immigration, gang activity, and regional leadership.

Trump called for NATO nations to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.

Last updated at 2/7/2025 10:43 PM

- After The Fact Editorial Team