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47th President of US Donald Trump

GS Paper – II: Bilateral Groupings & Agreements, Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests, Indian Diaspora

Why in News? 

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. He announced several important executive orders and directives, immediately after taking office. These orders signal a decisive shift in policy direction.

  • The oath ceremony took place at the Capitol Rotunda.
  • Donald Trump (78 years old) took the oath of 47th President of the US for a second term.
  • J.D. Vance (40 years old) took the oath as the 50th Vice President in a ceremony.

Executive Orders Signed by Donald Trump in Second Term

  • End of Birthright Citizenship: Trump signed an order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. The order seeks to halt the issuance of citizenship documentation to individuals born in the U.S. within 30 days of the order’s implementation.
  • Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO): The U.S. plans to withdraw from the WHO within 12 months and stop all financial contributions to marke a significant change in America’s relationship with the global health body.
  • Exit from the Paris Climate Agreement: Trump reaffirmed his commitment to leaving the Paris Climate Agreement, echoing his 2017 decision, to focus on national climate policies rather than global climate frameworks.
  • Renaming the Gulf of Mexico: Trump issued an order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
  • Control of the Panama Canal: Trump proposed bringing the Panama Canal back under U.S. control.
  • National Border Emergency Declaration: Aimed at reinforcing immigration policies, Trump declared a national border emergency to pave the way for deploying U.S. troops along the southern border.
  • Canceling Electric Vehicle Targets: Trump revoked Biden’s non-binding order to ensure 50% of all new vehicles sold by 2030 would be electric, and announced intentions to relax auto pollution standards.
  • Federal Employees Reclassification: Trump redefined the status of thousands of federal employees, classifying them as political appointees to make it easier to dismiss them.
  • National Energy Emergency Declaration: Trump declared a national energy emergency to boost fossil fuel production, allowing faster approval of drilling permits in Alaska and eliminating restrictions on gas exports.
  • Pardoning January 6th Defendants: Trump issued pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack to direct the Justice Department to dismiss related legal cases.
  • Banning Gender Ideology in Federal Policies: Trump signed an order to abolish gender ideology in federal policies. He confirmed that only two genders—male and female—would be officially recognized in government documents.
  • Trade and External Revenue Service Reform: Trump introduced major reforms in the trade system and unveiled plans to establish an External Revenue Service to collect revenue from foreign sources. He proposed imposing tariffs of 10% on global imports, 60% on Chinese products, and 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico.
  • Tough Immigration Policies: Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border to stop illegal immigration and implement plans to send immigrants back to their home countries. He also promised to reinstate the “Stay in Mexico” policy and strengthen border security.

Paris Agreement:

  • The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015.
  • It is a global environmental pact aimed at addressing climate change
  • Goal: Limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, aiming for 1.5°C.
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: All nations are required to reduce their emissions, with countries setting their own targets.
  • Climate Finance: Developed nations are expected to support developing countries in combating climate change through financial assistance.
  • Review Mechanism: Every five years, countries must review and enhance their climate actions.
  • Global Cooperation: It encourages local governments, businesses, and other sectors to contribute towards climate goals.
  • India signed Paris Agreement in 2016, India has pledged to reduce its carbon intensity by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and increase its forest cover to absorb additional Carbon dioxide

Panama Canal:

  • The Panama Canal is an 82 km artificial waterway in Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Panama Canal

  • It divides North and South America, forming an isthmus between the two continents.
  • Ships use the canal to avoid the dangerous voyage around Cape Horn, saving time and distance.
  • The canal is operated by the Panama Canal Authority.
  • The canal lifts ships through locks to Gatun Lake and then lowers them to continue their journey.
  • It is different from straits, which are natural narrow waterways connecting larger bodies of water, like the Strait of Gibraltar.

Gulf of Mexico:

  • The Gulf of Mexico is a vast body of water bordered by the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Cuba.

gulf of mexico

  • As the largest gulf in the world, it serves as a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The Gulf’s formation dates back 300 million years, shaped by tectonic activities causing the seafloor to subside.
  • Two significant rivers, the Mississippi River and the Rio Grande, contribute water to the Gulf.
  • The Gulf is linked to the Atlantic Ocean through the Straits of Florida.
  • It also connects to the Caribbean Sea via the Yucatán Channel.
  • With an average depth of 1,615 meters, the Gulf features both deep waters and shallow continental shelf areas.
  • The Gulf’s coastline includes Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and the eastern coast of Mexico, including the Yucatán Peninsula.
  • The region experiences a tropical to subtropical climate, with frequent hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms.

What are Executive Orders?  

Executive orders are instruments that allow the President of the United States to manage federal government actions, direct agencies, or address specific national issues without requiring approval from Congress. 

  • These orders derive their authority from Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which empowers the President to exercise executive power over various governmental functions. 
  • These orders grant presidents the ability to manage the workings of federal agencies, enact immediate policy changes, or make important decisions that affect the nation.
  • There is no limit to the number of executive orders a U.S. president can issue during their tenure. 
  • Before being issued, executive orders must go through a review process conducted by the Office of Legal Counsel to ensure they comply with U.S. law. 
  • In 2017, during President Trump’s tenure, he approved decisions on oil pipeline projects and authorized the quick closure of government departments, which had been ordered by former President Barack Obama in 2015.

Impact of Trump Executive Orders on the World

  • Immigration and Border Control: Trump’s executive orders on immigration, such as “Remain in Mexico” policy, had global repercussions. They will impact the lives of migrants and refugees from specific countries.
  • Trade Policies and Tariffs: Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese goods (60% on Chinese products) and other trade partners like Canada and Mexico reshaped global trade dynamics. His “America First” approach led to trade wars. This will affect international businesses and cause disruptions in global supply chains.
  • Environmental Policies: Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement through executive orders undermined global efforts to combat climate change. This move was widely criticized by international leaders. The U.S. is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its withdrawal has significant implications for the global effort to mitigate climate change. It will also weaken the Green Climate Fund.
  • Middle East Diplomacy: Trump’s executive decisions regarding the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria influenced the geopolitical balance in the Middle East. These decisions caused tensions with Palestinian leadership and altered alliances in the region.
  • Trade Agreement Renegotiations: Trump renegotiated major international trade deals, such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), replacing NAFTA. This had a significant impact on the economies of North America and influenced global trade policies.

Impact of Trump Executive Orders on India

  • Trade Relations and Tariffs: Trump’s executive decisions regarding his “America First” trade policy, may affect India and may face higher tariffs on goods exported to the U.S. This could impact India’s trade surplus with the U.S. of $118.8 billion, with India potentially facing retaliatory measures, particularly in sectors like technology and agriculture.
  • Impact on H-1B Visa Holders: Trump’s executive decisions with stricter H-1B visa regulations will affect Indian IT professionals. The proposed increase in minimum salary thresholds for H-1B visas may reduce the number of Indian workers eligible to apply.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Economic Impact: Trump’s policies may lead to an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar to make U.S. investments more expensive for India. This may discourage Indian businesses from making investments in the U.S., potentially decreasing the flow of Indian FDI, which stood at $3.7 billion in 2022.
  • BRICS and Global Trade Relation: Trump’s stance on BRICS countries may lead to heightened tensions, as he could impose tariffs on nations like Russia and China. As India is a member of BRICS, it may face indirect consequences, affecting its trade relations with the U.S. and its stance in global economic forums.

UPSC Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Question (2019): ‘What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples.

Question (2023): Consider the following statements :

  • Statement-I : Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the Trade and Technology Council’.
  • Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

  1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-ll is incorrect
  4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-ll is correct

Answer: Option 3

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