Isabella McNutt ’27 is a government and history double major, and she is currently studying in Washington, D.C. She loves rom coms, country music and reading just about every genre. Email her at immcnutt@wm.edu.
The views expressed in the article are the author’s own.
President Donald Trump’s first two months in office during his second administration have been nothing short of a whirlwind, marked by an unprecedented level of executive orders and significant foreign policy maneuvers. From his 89 executive orders to his high-profile meetings with world leaders, Trump’s approach has been both aggressive and controversial.
Living in Washington, D.C. during this time has given me a firsthand look at the unfolding political landscape, and it has been an experience I didn’t think I needed to witness. The real-time reactions of the people around me, the excitement and tension in the air as foreign dignitaries come and go from the White House and the constant echoes of protests enveloping the city make this period both fascinating and deeply concerning.
The defining characteristic of Trump’s second term so far has been his unrelenting drive to exert executive power, particularly in the realm of trade policy. In just two months, the administration has undertaken a series of aggressive economic measures that have elicited both fervent support and widespread criticism.
My biggest concern: Trump has seemingly abandoned all fear to mess with the market.
Trump appears determined to leave a mark not through careful, measured policy decisions but by enacting rapid and dramatic changes that shake the very foundations of global economic relationships.
Trump signed executive orders Feb. 1, 2025, imposing a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico, citing national security concerns related to drug trafficking and immigration. Initially, these tariffs were paused following promises from both nations to strengthen border enforcement. However, when the administration deemed each nation’s efforts insufficient, the tariffs were officially enacted March 4, 2025. The following week, Trump expanded tariffs on steel and aluminum imports globally, raising the aluminum tariff from 10% to 25%, further escalating tensions with key trade partners.
These aggressive trade policies illustrate a fundamental principle of Trump’s economic strategy: the use of economic punishment to enforce political will.
His administration has repeatedly punished those perceived as adversaries and even some of our closest allies, often with little regard for long-term diplomatic or economic consequences. Tariffs have been a particularly attractive instrument to this administration, not only because they provide the president with a tangible demonstration of authority, but also because they project an image of economic nationalism that appeals to his political base. By positioning these policies as necessary measures to put “America First,” Trump strengthens his populist narrative, even as economists warn of the potential consequences for consumers and businesses alike.
One of the most striking aspects of this approach is its unpredictability. Markets thrive on stability and clear expectations, yet Trump’s policy decisions introduce uncertainty at every turn. His willingness to abruptly alter trade relationships with major partners like Canada, Mexico and China undermines confidence in the global economic system. The ripple effects of these actions are far-reaching, affecting everything from supply chain stability to investment decisions by multinational corporations. Investors and businesses now operate in an environment where sudden policy shifts can upend entire industries overnight, creating an atmosphere of caution and hesitancy that is detrimental to sustained economic growth.
People claim that presidents have limited power over the economy, particularly when it comes to stimulating long-term growth. However, I argue that while their power to create economic prosperity is constrained, their ability to disrupt and damage the economy is far greater. Trump’s second term is proving this point in real time. His ability to break things is on full display as his administration reshapes global trade relationships, disrupts established economic norms and introduces uncertainty to financial markets.
We have to care about the economy — not necessarily because we want to, but because, as students, we will eventually enter the workforce and need to support ourselves. A strong economy creates more opportunities, but a weak economy increases the financial risk we would have to face.
Whether these measures will yield long-term benefits or merely leave behind economic turmoil remains to be seen, but for now, one thing is clear: Trump’s second term is defined by an aggressive and often chaotic exercise of executive power. And this time, he is not holding back.
