After The Fact

Trade and Health Initiatives Take Center Stage

February 13, 2025

President Trump signed a memorandum and executive order focused on trade and public health. The 'Fair and Reciprocal Plan' seeks to address trade deficits through reciprocal tariffs and investigations into unfair trade practices. A new commission, the 'Make America Healthy Again Commission,' is tasked with investigating and recommending solutions for the childhood chronic disease crisis, including examining potential causes like diet, environmental factors, and over-medication.

Make America Healthy Again Commission Established

President Trump signed an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, tasked with investigating and recommending solutions to the childhood chronic disease crisis.

The Commission will study potential contributing causes, including diet, environmental factors, over-medication, and corporate influence.

This initiative aims to improve children's health and address rising rates of chronic diseases, impacting public health spending and military readiness. Statistics cited include: American life expectancy lagging behind other developed countries, 6 in 10 Americans having at least one chronic disease, the US having the highest age-standardized incidence rate of cancer in 2021, and 77% of young adults not qualifying for military service largely due to health reasons.

The Commission's initial assessment is due within 100 days and a strategy report within 180 days.

Fair and Reciprocal Trade Plan Announced

President Trump announced the 'Fair and Reciprocal Plan' to address trade deficits and what the administration calls 'unfair' trade practices.

The plan aims to impose reciprocal tariffs and investigate non-reciprocal trade arrangements with all US trading partners.

This approach targets tariffs, taxes, non-tariff barriers, currency manipulation, and other practices deemed unfair, with the goal of reducing the trade deficit and strengthening the US economy. It references a previous memorandum, 'America First Trade Policy Memorandum' from January 20, 2025, as justification for the need for this policy.

The plan involves investigations by the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, with a report detailing proposed remedies due to the President.

Trump Administration Emphasizes Rule of Law

The Trump administration reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and taking action against states and entities perceived as defiant.

Last updated at 2/13/2025 5:00 AM

- After The Fact Editorial Team