Donald Trump Sworn In As 47th President of the United States

Donald Trump Sworn In As 47th President of the United States

Donald Trump’s second term as 47th US President of the United States marks the start of a new ‘Trumpian’ era, defined by his leadership.

Donald Trump

  • Donald Trump started his second term as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025. He was also the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.
  • He signed several executive orders declaring a national emergency at the US border with Mexico, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organisation (WHO), and ending birthright citizenship.

Key Executive Orders signed by Trump in his second term

While Trump is expected to sign hundreds of orders on his first day in the White House. 

  • Ending Birthright Citizenship: Birthright citizenship, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, ensures that anyone born on US soil automatically receives citizenship. 
    • The order aims to prevent the issuance of documents confirming US citizenship to individuals born in the US within 30 days of the order’s enactment.
  • Exiting the World Health Organization: The US has announced plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 12 months and will cease all financial contributions to the global health body. 
    • As the largest financial supporter of the WHO, this marks a significant shift in US involvement.
  • Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement: Trump formally withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017
    • This latest executive order reaffirms his commitment to exit the global treaty aimed at addressing climate change, a promise made during his election campaign.
  • Renaming the Gulf of Mexico: Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the ‘Gulf of America’, fulfilling a pledge made during a recent press conference.
  • National Border Emergency Declaration: This executive action clears the way for deploying US troops to the southern border, fulfilling campaign promises to enforce stricter immigration policies.
    • The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 would help “eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to US soil”.

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Alien Enemies Act of 1798:

  • It empowers the U.S. President to deport aliens deemed dangerous to national security, particularly during wartime. 
  • It was invoked during the War of 1812, WWI, and WWII to target immigrants based on ancestry, such as Germans, Austro-Hungarians, Japanese, and Italians. 
  • Trump cited it to bypass immigration courts and expedite deportations.

  • Declaring a national energy emergency: To promote fossil fuel production, Trump declared a national energy emergency. 
    • This move is part of a broader strategy to increase US energy output, including lifting drilling restrictions in Alaska and reversing a pause on gas exports. 
    • The declaration allows for the fast-tracking of permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure projects.
  • Establishing a Two-Gender Policy: Trump signed an executive order to eliminate ‘gender ideology’ from federal documents, policies, and communications. 
    • The new policy asserts that only two genders — male and female — will be officially recognised by the government.

What is an Executive Order?

  • Executive orders: Executive orders are legally binding directives issued by the US President to manage federal operations or address national issues without Congressional approval.
    • Rooted in Article II of the US Constitution.
  • Purpose:
    • Used for significant policy shifts and routine administrative tasks.
    • Enables the President to exert authority over federal agencies and national matters.

Trump 2.0: Implications for the World

  • Weakening of Multilateralism: Trump’s withdrawal from international organizations and agreements (e.g., WHO, Paris Climate Agreement) undermines collective global action on health, trade, and climate.
    • U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement reduces momentum for global climate goals. The U.S., as the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, plays a pivotal role in global climate strategies. 

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Financial Implications of US Withdrawal from WHO

  • Impact on WHO Budget: The United States contributes 22.5% of assessed contributions, amounting to approximately $138 million out of the $578 million total, and 13% of voluntary contributions, equaling $356.3 million in 2023. 
    • Together, the US funds about 20% of WHO’s budget.
  • China’s Contribution: China contributes $87.6 million (15%) in assessed contributions and only $3.9 million (0.14%) in voluntary contributions, significantly less than the US.
  • Global Response: Other nations, including Australia, Indonesia, and Spain, pledged $1.7 billion in 2024, increasing WHO’s secured funding to 53% for its 2025-28 programs.
  • Challenges: The withdrawal of US funding could create significant financial gaps, potentially undermining global health programs and pandemic preparedness efforts.

Impact on India:

  • WHO funding cuts will affect health programs in India, including work on neglected tropical diseases, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and antimicrobial resistance.
  • WHO plays a crucial role in India’s immunisation program, including monitoring vaccine coverage.
  • Loss of US expertise may reduce WHO’s capacity to provide global health guidelines and implement local programs.

  • Increased Unilateralism in Trade: Trump’s emphasis on “America First” policies and tariff threats risks igniting trade wars.
    • Imposition of tariffs on BRICS nations for exploring non-dollar trade systems could strain global trade frameworks and disrupt supply chains​.
    • During his first term, Trump imposed $360 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods, which led to retaliatory measures and disrupted global markets​​.
  • Climate Policy Reversals: Revival of fossil fuel-centric policies and halting of green energy initiatives threaten global climate goals.
    • Declaration of a national energy emergency to expand fossil fuel production contrasts with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C​​.
    • The renewable energy sector in the U.S., which employs over 3.4 million people, may face setbacks due to halted green initiatives​.
  • Erosion of International Legal Order: Actions like rejecting the global corporate tax deal and revisiting sovereignty in multilateral treaties challenge established norms.
    • U.S. refusal to adopt the OECD’s 15% global minimum corporate tax could lead other countries to reinstate unilateral digital taxes, risking retaliatory tariffs​.
    • The OECD tax deal involves 140 countries and aims to address profit-shifting by multinational corporations​.
  • Geopolitical Realignments: U.S. normalization with Russia and overtures to China could shift power dynamics, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • While welcoming closer ties with Moscow, Trump’s history of seeking “grand bargains” with China raises concerns among U.S. allies like Japan and India​​.
    • Under Trump 1.0, the U.S. withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), creating a void that China exploited by promoting the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
  • Impact on Global Governance: Trump’s obstruction of WTO Appellate Body appointments left the dispute resolution mechanism dysfunctional​.
    • Between 1995 and 2018, the WTO resolved 500+ trade disputes. Its current dysfunction risks unchecked trade conflicts globally​.

Birthright Citizenship

  • About: Birthright citizenship grants citizenship to individuals born on a country’s territory, regardless of the parents’ nationality or immigration status.
  • U.S. Context: The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (1868) guarantees birthright citizenship, stating that all persons born in the U.S. are citizens.
  • Legal Basis: The principle of jus soli (right of the soil) is followed in the U.S., where anyone born on U.S. soil automatically gains citizenship.

Impact on India

  • Indian-American Population: As of 2024, over 5.4 million Indian Americans make up 1.47% of the U.S. population. 
    • Among them, two-thirds are first-generation immigrants, many of whom could be impacted by the loss of birthright citizenship for their children.
    • India’s government is prepared to collaborate with the US administration to repatriate 18,000 illegal Indian migrants in the US, signaling a willingness to avoid a trade war.
  • Indian Students in the U.S.: Indian students represent the second-largest group of international students in the U.S., with approximately 200,000 students in 2024. 
    • The new policy could discourage new students and families from seeking opportunities in the U.S., opting for more immigration-friendly countries like Canada, which received over 120,000 Indian students in 2024.
  • Economic Contribution: Indian Americans are crucial to key sectors like technology, healthcare, and education. 
    • Indian-born professionals constitute about 25% of the U.S. tech workforce, with major contributions from Silicon Valley. 
  • Birth Tourism: Birth tourism, where women travel to the U.S. to secure citizenship for their children, predominantly comes from countries like India and China. 
    • Around 33,000 births to non-citizen mothers were reported in the U.S. in 2020, with a significant number from India.

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Trump 2.0: Implications for India 

  • Trade Challenges: Increased pressure to open Indian markets and address trade imbalances could strain economic relations.
    • Trump’s emphasis on tariffs and protectionism, including threats of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations exploring non-dollar trade, may affect Indian exports like pharmaceuticals and IT services​.
  • Immigration Policies: Crackdown on H-1B visas and removal of birthright citizenship could adversely impact Indian professionals and their families.
    • In 2022, Mexico was the top country of birth for immigrants who arrived in the last year, with about 150,000 people and India (about 145,000) and China (about 90,000) were the next largest sources of immigrants..
    • 24,766 out of the total 1.3 lakh H-1B visas were issued to Indian-origin companies in the April-September 2024 period.
  • Defense and Strategic Cooperation: Continued focus on the Indo-Pacific and Quad partnerships could strengthen India-U.S. defense ties.
    • India has procured over $20 billion worth of U.S. defense equipment, reflecting growing defense ties​.
  • Energy and Climate Policies: Reversal of U.S. climate commitments and focus on fossil fuels may hinder global renewable energy efforts, indirectly affecting India’s clean energy goals.
    • Reduced global momentum on climate finance may challenge India’s renewable energy targets of 500 GW by 2030​.
  • Geopolitical Realignments: U.S. normalization with Russia may realign global power structures, creating complexities for India’s foreign policy.
    • India imports over 60% of its defense equipment from Russia, highlighting its strategic dependence on Moscow.
  • Technology and Innovation Collaboration: Enhanced focus on emerging technologies (e.g., AI, quantum computing) could offer opportunities for India-U.S. partnerships.
    • The U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) provides a platform for joint research and innovation​.
  • Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Stricter U.S. immigration policies and potential deportations of undocumented Indians could affect bilateral relations.
    • The Indian diaspora in the U.S., numbering over 4.2 million, plays a significant role in fostering India-U.S. ties​.

U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Deal

  • It is a bilateral agreement that allows India to access nuclear technology and fuel for civilian purposes. 
  • The agreement was signed in 2008, and is also known as the 123 Agreement. 
  • It allowed India to engage in nuclear trade despite not being a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
  • It granted India access to nuclear fuel, reactors, and technology for civilian purposes while committing to the separation of its civilian and military nuclear programs under IAEA safeguards.
  • Challenges
    • Liability Risk: India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) places liability on suppliers, contrary to global norms.
      • U.S. companies (GE, Westinghouse) have refrained from participation due to potential risks.
      • Russian entities, being government-backed, have continued to expand their role in India.
    • Technological Barriers: U.S. companies need to provide cutting-edge technology at competitive prices.
      • Indian authorities are wary of high costs and past experiences of cost overruns in nuclear projects.
    • Regulatory Concerns: Security issues regarding dual-use technology and its potential diversion.
      • Alignment of export control systems between India and the U.S.
    • Commercial Viability: The absence of affordable nuclear technology from the U.S. has stalled progress on constructing plants.
      • Westinghouse’s proposed six nuclear plants in India, announced in 2016, remain unbuilt.

Way Forward for India in Strengthening India-US Relations

  • Strengthening Defense and Strategic Cooperation: Expand joint military exercises and enhance defense technology collaboration under initiatives like INDUS-X.
    • Increase co-production of defense equipment through agreements such as BECA and COMCASA.
  • Boosting Trade and Economic Relations: Resolve trade disputes and ensure better market access for Indian goods and services.
    • Engage actively in the India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum (TPF) to address tariff issues and IT service concerns.
  • Funding from Alternative Sources: India should work with philanthropies, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and explore private sector investments to fill the funding gaps left by WHO.
    • Pursue innovative financing models for health programs, including public-private partnerships, to ensure continuity in key initiatives.
  • Enhancing Technology and Innovation Collaboration: Leverage the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) to foster partnerships in AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing.
    • Strengthen research and development links between Indian and U.S. universities and industries.
  • Collaborating on Climate and Energy Goals: Deepen cooperation under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) to advance renewable energy and hydrogen projects.
    • Seek U.S. investments in India’s clean energy sector to meet its 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.
  • Strengthening the Indian Diaspora’s Role: Leverage the influence of the 4.2 million-strong Indian diaspora in the U.S. to bolster bilateral ties.
    • Promote cultural and educational exchanges to create goodwill and enhance people-to-people connections.
  • Proactively Addressing Immigration Issues: Advocate for reforms in U.S. visa policies, particularly H-1B visas, to benefit Indian professionals.
    • Enhance diplomatic engagement to ensure smoother deportation processes for undocumented Indians.
  • Managing Geopolitical Challenges: Maintain a balanced approach between the U.S., Russia, and China while leveraging strategic partnerships like Quad.
    • Support U.S. Indo-Pacific strategies to counterbalance Chinese influence while securing India’s regional interests.

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Conclusion

The evolving dynamics of U.S.-India relations under Trump 2.0 present both challenges and opportunities. By focusing on strategic partnerships, addressing economic and policy disputes, and enhancing collaboration in defense, technology, and clean energy, India can solidify its role as a key partner to the U.S. while safeguarding its national interests.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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