Preparing Your Business for President Trump

Time can be a great clarifier of the areas in which what was promised overlaps with what is possible. Therefore, leaders in business sectors throughout the United States—as well as executives around the world who hope to sustain ties with the U.S. economy—are looking forward to transparency on the new government’s direction. They’re hoping to understand that direction as soon as the first 100 days of President-Elect Trump’s term.

It’s worth noting that although Washington will have an all-Republican government, the dynamics between the president-elect and Congressional Republicans may make implementation of a common policy agenda challenging. The Washington establishment is very likely to present stiff headwinds on certain issues. There is pent-up demand for major legislative action on a range of issues, but the president-elect will have to effectively harness the power of the Oval Office in order to deliver on his campaign promises.

Policy Priorities of Trump’s First 100 Days

That said, the following issues will likely be priorities of the new administration within its first 100 days:

1. Dealing with the Affordable Care Act (i.e., “Obamacare”), which was a linchpin of the campaign: Should it be fixed, or dismantled and replaced?
2. Reversing executive orders, particularly those related to immigration.
3. Clarifying immigration policy, with an early emphasis on securing the border.
4. Establishing a tax-reform strategy to simplify the tax code and reduce taxes.
5. Filling the current U.S. Supreme Court vacancy.
6. Clarifying trade policy.
7. Repealing or rolling back the Iran nuclear deal.
8. Cracking down on corporate offshoring.
9. Launching infrastructure investment programs, including the wall on the border with Mexico.
10. Abandoning the Paris climate accord.

The new administration’s focus on rebuilding infrastructure and renegotiating trade agreements, tax reform, fiscal policy, and immigration rules may directly or indirectly affect the overall health of the U.S. and global economy. Notwithstanding the new administration’s goal of boosting economic growth, the president-elect’s proposed fiscal expansion could increase both deficits and inflation.