Although it seems like President Donald Trump has already enacted many controversial policies, there are still many more yet to come.
Here is an overview of his plans for the next few months.
Tariffs
Trump has a few tariff plans he’s hoping to implement. Tariffs are a tax on certain imported items from other countries.
Trump has already implemented tariffs on countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico. He argues he’s taking bold actions to hold these countries accountable to their promises of stopping illegal immigration and drugs such as fentanyl from flowing into America.
AP United States and World History teacher Daniel Sweetnam provided his insights about Trump’s approach of using tariffs.
“What I think Trump is trying to do with these policies is assert US trade dominance because he feels like we have leverage,” Sweetnam said.
He said if Trump takes other steps to increase American manufacturing along with tariffs, that could work strategically. But after a history of being trade-friendly, a sudden turn to tariffs could increase prices for consumers.
“Internationally, I think the general trend is the more tariffs you put up, you’re reducing international trade, [which] decreases economic growth overall,” Sweetnam said.
A 25% tax on all foreign cars will be imposed on April 2.
The financial firm Morningstar reports this will affect half of the vehicles sold in America. Domestic car producers could be affected if European countries reciprocate by implementing an equal tax.
In addition, new reports indicate that high price increases are coming for Americans looking to buy a new truck or car.
According to the Anderson Economic Group (AEG), they found that popular vehicles like the gas powered crossovers could see price hikes of at least $3500, while pick up trucks (a staple of many working class Americans and business owners) could see costs jump up to $8000.
On the topic of reciprocation, Trump will also start the Fair & Reciprocal Plan on April 15. Like the name suggests, Trump will implement the same tariffs for other countries that they impose on America.
Although many countries have higher tariffs than the US, CNN predicts it could still cause these countries to retaliate with even higher tariffs, resulting in a trade war.
“This will reduce global trade, and historically, that usually doesn’t improve economies around the world,” Sweetnam said.
He said this policy could potentially produce a trade war, depending on how much other countries rely on global trade.
The metal tariff, a 25% tax on all steel and aluminum products coming into the nation, will start this month. Trump recently announced a 50% tariff on all steel imported from Canada.
Previously, countries allied with America were excluded from this, but Trump is now implementing a no exemption policy. While some say this could estrange those nations, others argue that it could promote domestic production.
“I’m not too much into politics, but I think maybe [the tariffs] could be a better idea,” sophomore Lillie Love said.
She said tariffs could even affect Cal students.
“It just depends on the people,” Love said. “If [students] are going to buy a car, maybe there aren’t enough cars that are cheaper.”
Immigration
Trump is continuing to push policies focusing on immigration reform.
Sweetnam looked at historical examples, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and pointed out that policies restricting immigration will reduce diversity in the country.
“Diversity is a positive impact. You get different perspectives, different ways to solve problems,” he said. “Cultural transfusion is awesome.”
One of the policies Trump is planning to reinstate is Title 42, which expels immigrants seeking to enter the country if they’re recently coming from a nation where a communicable disease was present. This was initially enacted during the beginning of the COVID-19 lock downs, but removed under President Joe Biden in 2023.
While this program didn’t have a significant effect on the pandemic, it did increase immigrant expulsions by more than 2.5 million, possibly sending people back to dangerous situations, according to the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies.
Trump has also signed an order stopping undocumented immigrants from receiving taxpayer federal benefits. Despite them already not qualifying for most benefits, it was enacted as an incentive to stop people from entering the country illegally.
“I don’t think undocumented immigrants should be getting federal aid,” senior Sameer Polji said. “It just doesn’t really make sense.”
Sweetnam thinks even the threat of these policies have already been successful in deterring immigrants.
“I think the message is getting across, and potential undocumented immigrants are having to weigh that decision a little heavier,” he said.
Trump is also planning to start using military bases to detain migrants. While these bases provide more space to hold such a large number of people, there’s been a history of immigrants being held in poor conditions in these locations.
“I don’t know much about that, but they should keep [detained immigrants] humanely and not have poor conditions,” Polji said.
Sweetnam said this policy expands the role of the military and puts a burden on their budget.
“That would put a bigger burden on the military budget, because they have to house those people and feed those people,” Sweetnam said. “It’s expanding the role of the US military, taking away from what their actual mission is, to protect the states.”
He also thinks that these policies could change the community in San Ramon and the diversity at Cal.
“It’ll affect who’s in the classroom,” Sweetnam said. “One of the things I like about Cal High is diversity. Without that, it wouldn’t be as fun or interesting a place to work.”
Dubious Predictions
Although Trump has been vocal in his desire to absorb foreign territories, many are doubtful if it will actually happen.
Trump has been proposing the idea of buying Greenland since his first term, but he now seems serious in obtaining this autonomous Danish territory. This is because of the rare materials found on the island, as well as its strategic proximity to Europe and the Arctic.
But a purchase could strain international relations since Denmark opposes the idea.
Additionally, America had control of the Panama Canal throughout the 20th century, and Trump wants that power to return.
Thew Panama Canal is a great shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, which would reduce shipping time and costs.
Trump is also worried that Chinese companies have gained too much influence over the canal due to their many investments in facilities in the area, giving the nation more power.
Sweetnam said Trump could leverage those ideas into gaining other deals, like possibly getting preferential treatment on the canal, but not having complete ownership over either territory.
“I just don’t think it’s a smart decision,” junior Nidhi Jammy said. “I don’t think he’d be able to because of the fear of nuclear arms and nuclear weapons in general.”
Trump’s desire to take over areas extends to Gaza, which he wants the US to own and rebuild to earn profits for America through real estate. But the 1.8 million Palestinians living there will have to be relocated to neighboring countries. Many are saying this would be a violation of human rights.
Sweetnam said that historic examples like the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the relocation of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire in 1917 and the removal of Jewish people from European cities in World War II reflect the current situation.
“Previous incidents of forced relocation of large populations have been looked upon later as crimes against humanity,” Sweetnam said. “It’s hard to see how removing millions of people from their homes without their consent would be good for anyone, or legal.”
Jammy thinks a purchase proposal would be bad for foreign relations.
“It just causes animosity in general,” Jammy said. “I also don’t think that they believe it’s going to happen.”
As Trump sends the country in a whole new direction, Cal students and staff look forward, seeing what happens next with all the changes.
“My hope is that he doesn’t make too many rash decisions, at the end of the day it’s not just his people at stake,” Jammy said. “It’s the world, the economy, everything at stake.”
