President Trump has the authority to take significant action to rebuild American manufacturing through executive orders. By utilizing his executive powers, President Trump can implement various strategies to support and enhance the manufacturing sector in the United States. In my article, “What do Manufacturers Need to Succeed and Grow?, I highlighted several policies that would help rebuild American manufacturing. This article points out some actions that President Trump could take to rebuild American manufacturing through executive orders:
Protect Manufacturers from Unfair Trade Practices: In his first term, President Trump used executive orders to implement tariffs on imports from certain countries. Trump has said he would fulfill a campaign promise to levy tariffs on imports from America’s biggest trading partners immediately.
During his presidential campaign, Trump promised to impose between a 10 and 20 percent blanket tariff on all $3 trillion worth of U.S. goods imports and at least a 60 percent tariff on all Chinese goods.
In a Truth Social post on November 25, 2014, Trump promised to implement 25 percent tariffs on Day One on all goods from Canada and Mexico until they clamp down on drugs and migrants crossing the border. He also promises an additional 10 percent tariff on all Chinese goods unless China implements the death penalty for all drug dealers linked to fentanyl.
By continuing to use tariffs strategically, President Trump could protect American industries from unfair competition and create a level playing field for domestic manufacturers.
Reduce Regulatory Burdens: President Trump could issue executive orders aimed at streamlining regulations that hinder the growth of American manufacturing. By cutting red tape and eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens, businesses would be able to operate more efficiently and invest in expanding their manufacturing capabilities.
President Trump could end the Biden administration’s “electric vehicle mandate.” Biden’s EPA implemented limits on climate pollution from passenger cars, pushing for electric vehicles to make up two-thirds of new car sales by 2032.
Provide Access to Affordable Energy: President Trump could keep a campaign promise he made during a speech in Michigan to “declare a national emergency to allow us to dramatically increase energy production” in an effort to reduce energy costs. On Day One, he could issue an Executive Order to “approve new drilling, new pipelines, new refineries, new power plants, new reactors and slash the red tape.” His oft-stated campaign vow to “drill, baby, drill” and “frack, frack, frack” would open up all American sites for oil drilling and fracking.
In a campaign speech on May 11, 2024, Trump swore he would end offshore wind projects on Day One, “They ruin the environment, they kill the birds, they kill the whales.”
Promote Buy American Policies: President Trump could issue an executive order prioritizing the use of American-made products in federal procurement and infrastructure projects. By mandating the use of domestically produced goods, the demand for American manufacturing would increase, leading to the growth of the sector.
In addition to these important actions, President Trump could use executive orders to do the following:
Invest in Workforce Development: Establish programs that promote workforce development in the manufacturing industry. By providing funding for training programs and apprenticeships, the administration could ensure that the American workforce has the skills needed to drive innovation and growth in manufacturing.
Support Research and Development: Increase funding for research and development in key manufacturing sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, and clean energy. By investing in innovation, the administration could help American manufacturers stay competitive in the global market.
Establish Manufacturing Task Forces: President Trump could create executive orders to establish task forces or councils dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the American manufacturing sector. These task forces could bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to develop strategies and initiatives to support the growth of manufacturing in the United States.
By taking decisive action through executive orders, President Trump has the opportunity to revitalize American manufacturing and strengthen the country’s economic resilience. Through a combination of policies that promote domestic production, support workforce development, and encourage innovation, the administration can help rebuild American manufacturing and create a more prosperous future for the industry.