America First Policies Take Center Stage

February 19, 2025

President Trump delivered remarks at the Future Investment Initiative Institute Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida, emphasizing his administration's commitment to economic growth, deregulation, and restoring America's global standing. He highlighted the positive economic trends since his election, including rising stock markets and increased business optimism. He also discussed his administration's efforts to reduce government waste and abuse, end the "Green New Scam," and secure America's energy independence. Trump also addressed immigration policy, criticizing the Biden administration's open border policies and stressing the importance of strong borders. In addition, Trump discussed efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine and his administration's broader foreign policy objectives. He also announced upcoming tariffs on cars, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and lumber. Other policy announcements from the White House on February 19th included the appointment of staff to the Office of Political Affairs, the formation of a National Energy Dominance Council, and several executive orders aimed at reducing the federal bureaucracy and ending taxpayer subsidization of open borders.

Immigration and Border Security

President Trump signed an Executive Order to prevent taxpayer resources from being used to support illegal immigration, citing the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

The order directs agencies to identify federally funded programs that permit illegal aliens to obtain benefits and take action to align them with federal law.

Agencies are instructed to ensure that federal payments to states and localities do not facilitate the subsidization of illegal immigration or "sanctuary" policies.

The order also mandates the enhancement of eligibility verification systems to exclude illegal aliens from taxpayer-funded benefits.

President Trump criticized the Biden administration's open border policies, stating his intention to remove criminals who entered the country illegally.

Deregulation and Government Efficiency

President Trump signed an Executive Order to commence the reduction of unnecessary elements of the federal bureaucracy.

The Executive Order on lawful governance directs agency heads to review all regulations under their jurisdiction and identify those that are unconstitutional, based on unlawful delegations of power, not based on the best reading of statutory authority, impose significant costs without corresponding benefits, or harm the national interest.

The Order also aims to prioritize the deconstruction of the administrative state through targeted deregulation. Agencies are to identify and report these regulations for potential rescission or modification.

The administration implemented a hiring freeze, a regulation freeze, and a foreign aid freeze.

A "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) has been established, led by Elon Musk, tasked with identifying and eliminating government waste, fraud, and abuse.

A proposal under consideration would give 20% of the savings from DOGE to American citizens and allocate another 20% towards paying down the national debt.

An executive order mandates the elimination of 10 old regulations for every new regulation added.

Economic Policy and Tariffs

President Trump announced plans for the largest tax cuts in American history, including extending the Trump tax cuts, cutting taxes for families, workers, and companies, and eliminating taxes on tips, Social Security, and overtime. The plan also includes 100% expensing for new factory construction and capital investments in the United States, and substantial tax cuts for domestic oil and gas producers.

The President stated his intention to impose tariffs on cars, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, lumber and other products in the near future, aiming to incentivize domestic production and bring trillions of dollars into the US Treasury. Businesses that manufacture their products in the US would be exempt from these tariffs.

President Trump discussed returning the US to "energy dominance" through increased domestic oil and gas production, including the approval of the ANWR drilling project and the construction of a pipeline to Alaska. He criticized the Biden administration for hindering domestic energy production and rejoining the Paris Climate Accord.

Social Policy

President Trump expressed opposition to men participating in women's sports and transgender issues.

Foreign Policy and Ukraine

President Trump emphasized his foreign policy objective of ending wars and restoring peace globally, and he has initiated negotiations with Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.

He criticized Zelenskyy's leadership and Ukraine's handling of U.S. aid, citing missing funds and a lack of elections.

Trump advocated for a policy of "peace through strength," highlighting his efforts to denuclearize Russia and China during his previous term.

Appointments

President Trump announced the appointment of several individuals to the Council of Governors, a bipartisan group focused on state-federal partnerships.

The White House announced multiple appointments to both the Office of Political Affairs and Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Commemoration

President Trump issued a proclamation commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.