Gavin Howe
Donald Trump, during his presidency from 2017 to 2021, did not personally write laws, as the U.S. Constitution grants legislative authority to Congress. However, he championed and signed numerous pieces of legislation that aligned with his policy agenda. Notable examples include the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which overhauled the federal tax code, and the First Step Act of 2018, aimed at criminal justice reform. Additionally, Trump supported deregulation efforts, signing executive orders and promoting bills to reduce federal regulations. While he influenced legislative priorities through advocacy and executive actions, the actual drafting and passage of laws were carried out by Congress, with Trump’s role primarily focused on signing them into law.
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What You'll Learn
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 stands as one of the most significant legislative achievements of the Trump administration, reshaping the U.S. tax code in ways that continue to influence economic behavior and fiscal policy. Signed into law on December 22, 2017, the TCJA introduced sweeping changes aimed at stimulating economic growth, simplifying tax filing, and making American businesses more competitive globally. Its provisions affected individuals, corporations, and international taxation, with a focus on reducing tax rates and broadening the tax base.
For individuals, the TCJA nearly doubled the standard deduction, increasing it to $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married couples filing jointly. This change simplified tax filing for millions, as fewer taxpayers needed to itemize deductions. However, the law also capped the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000, a move that disproportionately affected high-tax states like California and New York. Additionally, the TCJA reduced individual income tax rates across most brackets, with the top rate dropping from 39.6% to 37%. These changes were designed to put more money in taxpayers’ pockets, though they were set to expire after 2025, creating uncertainty for long-term financial planning.
Corporations saw even more dramatic changes under the TCJA. The corporate tax rate was slashed from 35% to 21%, marking the lowest rate in decades and aligning the U.S. more closely with global competitors. This reduction was permanent, unlike many individual provisions. The law also introduced a one-time repatriation tax on overseas corporate profits, encouraging companies to bring trillions of dollars back to the U.S. at reduced rates. While proponents argued these measures would boost investment and job creation, critics pointed to the potential for increased deficits and the concentration of benefits among large corporations and shareholders.
A lesser-known but impactful aspect of the TCJA was its treatment of pass-through businesses, such as partnerships, S corporations, and sole proprietorships. These entities, which account for roughly 95% of U.S. businesses, were granted a 20% deduction on qualified business income. This provision aimed to level the playing field between pass-throughs and corporations, which benefited from the lower 21% rate. However, the deduction came with complex rules, including income thresholds and restrictions on certain professions, making it a double-edged sword for some business owners.
In evaluating the TCJA, its economic impact remains a subject of debate. Proponents highlight the surge in corporate investment and stock market gains following its passage, while critics argue that the law disproportionately benefited the wealthy and contributed to a widening federal deficit. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the TCJA would add $1.9 trillion to the national debt over a decade, raising questions about its long-term sustainability. Regardless of perspective, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act represents a bold attempt to reshape the U.S. tax system, with its effects still rippling through the economy and political discourse today.
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First Step Act (criminal justice reform)
The First Step Act, signed into law by President Trump in 2018, stands as a landmark piece of legislation aimed at reforming the federal prison system. Its primary goal is to reduce recidivism—the tendency of former prisoners to reoffend—by providing inmates with the tools and opportunities to successfully reintegrate into society. This act addresses long-standing issues within the criminal justice system, such as overly harsh sentencing and lack of rehabilitation programs, by implementing evidence-based practices and incentivizing positive behavior among inmates.
One of the key provisions of the First Step Act is the expansion of vocational training, educational programs, and mental health treatment within federal prisons. Inmates who participate in these programs can earn "time credits," which allow them to serve part of their sentence in home confinement or halfway houses. For example, a nonviolent offender with a history of substance abuse could enroll in a drug treatment program and, upon completion, reduce their time behind bars. This not only benefits the individual but also eases the burden on overcrowded prisons, saving taxpayer dollars in the process.
Critics argue that the First Step Act falls short in addressing systemic racial disparities in sentencing, particularly for drug offenses. While the law retroactively applies the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010—which reduced the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses—it does not eliminate mandatory minimum sentences entirely. Advocates for further reform emphasize the need for comprehensive sentencing overhauls to truly achieve justice. Despite these limitations, the act represents a bipartisan effort to move away from punitive measures and toward a more rehabilitative approach.
Practical implementation of the First Step Act requires collaboration between federal agencies, prison administrators, and community organizations. For instance, prisons must assess inmates' needs and match them with appropriate programs, while halfway houses need to prepare for an influx of individuals transitioning out of incarceration. Families and employers also play a role by offering support and opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals. By focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, the act aims to break the cycle of crime and create safer communities.
In conclusion, the First Step Act is a significant, though imperfect, stride toward criminal justice reform under President Trump's administration. Its emphasis on reducing recidivism through education, training, and mental health support marks a shift from punishment to rehabilitation. While it does not address all the flaws in the system, it provides a framework for future reforms and demonstrates the potential for bipartisan cooperation on critical social issues. For those affected by the criminal justice system, the act offers a glimmer of hope and a chance at a fresh start.
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CARES Act (COVID-19 relief)
The CARES Act, signed into law by President Trump in March 2020, stands as one of the most significant legislative responses to a public health crisis in U.S. history. With a price tag of $2.2 trillion, it aimed to stabilize an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Its provisions touched nearly every sector, from individuals to small businesses, healthcare systems, and state governments. At its core, the act sought to provide immediate financial relief while laying the groundwork for recovery.
One of the CARES Act’s most visible impacts was the direct economic impact payments, often referred to as stimulus checks. Eligible individuals received up to $1,200, with an additional $500 per child. These payments were phased out for those earning above $75,000 annually ($150,000 for married couples). For families, this meant a critical infusion of cash to cover essentials like groceries, rent, and utilities during widespread job losses and business closures. The simplicity of the program—automatic deposits for most taxpayers—ensured rapid distribution, though critics noted gaps in coverage for dependents over 16 and certain low-income groups.
For small businesses, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) emerged as a lifeline. This $659 billion initiative offered forgivable loans to businesses with fewer than 500 employees, provided the funds were used for payroll, rent, and utilities. Borrowers could have up to 100% of the loan forgiven if they maintained staffing levels and wages. While PPP faced early criticism for favoring larger businesses, subsequent revisions prioritized smaller firms and simplified forgiveness rules. For entrepreneurs, this meant a chance to retain employees and keep operations afloat during lockdowns.
The CARES Act also addressed the healthcare crisis directly by allocating $100 billion to hospitals and healthcare providers through the Provider Relief Fund. This funding helped cover uninsured COVID-19 patients and offset revenue losses from postponed elective procedures. Additionally, the act expanded unemployment benefits, introducing a $600 weekly supplement and extending eligibility to gig workers and freelancers for the first time. This expansion, though temporary, provided a safety net for millions facing sudden joblessness.
In retrospect, the CARES Act was a bold, if imperfect, attempt to mitigate the pandemic’s economic and health impacts. Its success lies in its immediacy and breadth, though long-term recovery required subsequent legislation. For individuals and businesses, it offered a critical bridge during unprecedented uncertainty. As a piece of Trump’s legislative legacy, it underscores the federal government’s role in crisis response, setting a precedent for future emergency relief efforts.
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USMCA trade agreement (NAFTA replacement)
The USMCA, or the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, stands as a cornerstone of Donald Trump's trade policy, replacing the nearly 25-year-old NAFTA. Signed into law on January 29, 2020, this agreement reflects Trump's "America First" approach, aiming to bolster U.S. manufacturing, protect intellectual property, and modernize trade rules for the digital age. While not a standalone law written by Trump himself, the USMCA was championed and negotiated under his administration, making it a significant legislative achievement during his presidency.
From an analytical perspective, the USMCA addresses several criticisms of NAFTA, particularly regarding job losses in the U.S. manufacturing sector. For instance, the agreement mandates that 75% of a vehicle’s components must be manufactured in North America to qualify for tariff-free treatment, up from 62.5% under NAFTA. Additionally, 40-45% of automobile parts must be made by workers earning at least $16 per hour, a provision designed to level the playing field for U.S. and Canadian workers against lower-wage Mexican labor. These changes aim to incentivize production within the U.S., potentially reversing outsourcing trends.
Instructively, businesses trading across North America should take note of the USMCA’s updated rules of origin, labor standards, and digital trade provisions. For example, the agreement includes first-of-their-kind chapters on digital trade, ensuring data can flow freely across borders while prohibiting customs duties on digital products. Companies must also comply with stricter labor enforcement mechanisms, such as the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism, which allows for investigations and penalties if factories in Mexico fail to meet labor standards. Practical tips include reviewing supply chains to ensure compliance with the new rules of origin and investing in training to meet higher labor standards.
Persuasively, the USMCA represents a modernization of trade policy for the 21st century. By incorporating provisions on e-commerce, intellectual property, and environmental standards, it addresses issues that were largely absent in NAFTA. Critics argue that some of its gains are modest, but supporters highlight its potential to create a more balanced trading relationship. For instance, the agreement extends copyright protections to 70 years beyond the life of the creator, benefiting U.S. entertainment and tech industries. This modernization positions the U.S. to compete more effectively in a globalized economy.
Comparatively, while NAFTA was often criticized for its lack of labor and environmental protections, the USMCA introduces enforceable standards in these areas. Unlike NAFTA, which included side agreements on labor and the environment, the USMCA integrates these provisions directly into the core text. This structural change allows for stronger enforcement, such as the ability to impose penalties for non-compliance. For example, if a Mexican factory violates labor rights, the U.S. or Canada can initiate a dispute resolution process that could lead to tariffs or other sanctions. This contrasts sharply with NAFTA’s weaker enforcement mechanisms.
In conclusion, the USMCA is a defining piece of Trump’s trade legacy, reflecting his administration’s efforts to renegotiate agreements perceived as unfair to the U.S. While not a law written by Trump himself, it embodies his policy priorities and marks a significant shift in North American trade dynamics. Businesses and policymakers alike must navigate its complexities to capitalize on its opportunities and avoid pitfalls. As the global economy evolves, the USMCA serves as a blueprint for future trade agreements, balancing economic growth with labor and environmental considerations.
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Energy policy (fossil fuel deregulation)
During his presidency, Donald Trump significantly reshaped U.S. energy policy by prioritizing fossil fuel deregulation, aiming to boost domestic production and reduce barriers to industry growth. One of his most notable actions was the rollback of the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, which had sought to limit carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Trump’s replacement, the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, granted states greater flexibility in regulating emissions, effectively weakening federal oversight. This shift reflected his administration’s commitment to prioritizing economic growth and energy independence over stringent environmental regulations.
Trump’s deregulation efforts extended to streamlining permitting processes for fossil fuel infrastructure projects. For instance, he issued executive orders expediting approvals for pipelines like the Keystone XL and Dakota Access, which had faced prolonged legal and environmental challenges. These actions were framed as job-creating measures, though critics argued they undermined environmental protections and exacerbated climate risks. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, Trump sought to accelerate fossil fuel extraction and distribution, positioning the U.S. as a global energy leader.
A key component of Trump’s energy policy was the promotion of coal, an industry he vowed to revive despite its declining competitiveness against natural gas and renewables. His administration repealed the Stream Protection Rule, which had aimed to minimize coal mining’s impact on waterways, and relaxed methane emission standards for oil and gas operations. These moves were celebrated by industry stakeholders but drew criticism from environmentalists and public health advocates, who highlighted the continued health and ecological hazards associated with coal and fossil fuel extraction.
Comparatively, Trump’s approach starkly contrasted with global trends toward decarbonization and renewable energy adoption. While other nations invested heavily in wind, solar, and battery technologies, his administration slashed funding for clean energy research and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. This divergence underscored a deliberate focus on fossil fuels as the cornerstone of U.S. energy policy, despite growing scientific consensus on the urgency of addressing climate change.
In practical terms, Trump’s fossil fuel deregulation had immediate and long-term implications. Short-term gains included increased oil and gas production, lower energy prices, and job growth in energy-dependent regions. However, the long-term environmental and health costs—such as heightened air pollution, water contamination, and accelerated climate impacts—remain significant concerns. For individuals and communities, this policy shift highlighted the need for localized advocacy and sustainable energy alternatives to mitigate the adverse effects of deregulation.
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Frequently asked questions
Donald Trump did not personally write any laws, as legislation is drafted by members of Congress. However, he signed numerous bills into law, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017) and the First Step Act (2018).
Executive orders are not laws but directives issued by the president to federal agencies. Trump issued over 200 executive orders, such as those related to immigration (e.g., travel bans) and deregulation, but these do not carry the same legal weight as congressional legislation.
Trump’s presidency saw the passage of significant legislation, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017), which reformed the tax code, and the CARES Act (2020), which provided economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also signed the First Step Act (2018), a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill.
