President Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders: How They Impact Your Business

At a glance

• The main takeaway: President Trump’s 2025 executive actions have wide-ranging implications for businesses across various sectors, including immigration, tax, cybersecurity, energy, the environment, federal workforce policies, and artificial intelligence.
• Impact on your business: These changes could affect compliance requirements, operational strategies, and overall business planning. Understanding the impact of executive orders on businesses and adapting to these new regulations is crucial for maintaining compliance and competitiveness.
• Next steps: Remain aware of the new administration’s executive actions and consider how your business may need to respond. 

Connect with Aprio to discuss how these actions could impact your business.

Overview of President Trump’s 2025 executive orders

Since President Donald Trump began his second term on January 20, 2025, he has issued an array of executive actions that could have significant implications for various sectors. In addition to rescinding 78 of former President Joe Biden’s executive actions, he also signed dozens of new executive orders, memorandums, and proclamations. Taken together, these actions cover a wide range of areas, including immigration, tax, cybersecurity, energy, the environment, federal workforce policies, and artificial intelligence (AI) and carry varying levels of authority for enforcement. Some of those actions are immediate, while others may take longer to implement and could face legal challenges. 

Understanding these changes and their potential impact on your business is crucial. Aprio is here to help you navigate these new regulations and help ensure your business remains compliant and competitive.

Key sectors affected by Trump’s executive actions

Taxes and tariffs 

President Trump has proposed significant new U.S. tariffs and regulations on imports — particularly targeting China and other countries — with the aim of boosting American manufacturing, creating jobs, and reducing trade deficits. He has also proposed an External Revenue Service (ERS) to manage tariffs and trade revenue. Information about how the proposed agency will function remains unclear. As news unfolds, Aprio can assist both international and domestic businesses in navigating and complying with new tariff regulations. Our International Tax Services can help businesses understand the implications of new tariffs on their operations and develop strategies to mitigate their impact. Aprio’s Customs and Trade Compliance Services can provide guidance on adhering to new regulations and avoiding potential penalties. 

For domestic businesses, Aprio’s Financial Consulting and Business Advisory Services can offer strategic guidance on how to adapt to the changing trade landscape and leverage opportunities for growth. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives

Artificial intelligence (AI) investment under Trump made headlines when the President highlighted a potential joint venture investing up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure through a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, intends to focus on building data centers and generating the electricity needed for AI development. 

Aprio’s ISO42001 Certification Services can help businesses involved in AI development and infrastructure projects comply with international standards. Our team can provide guidance on achieving and maintaining ISO42001 certification, which is crucial for organizations aiming to demonstrate their commitment to quality and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving AI industry. We can also assist businesses with Technology Consulting Services to aid them in incorporating AI technology into their businesses and bringing AI-based services to market.

Energy and environmental deregulation

President Trump declared a “national energy emergency,” ordering expedited, deregulated drilling and rescinding former President Biden’s protections around Alaska’s coastal areas. He paused offshore wind leasing in federal waters and directed relevant agencies not to issue new or renewed approvals for onshore or offshore wind projects pending a review. 

The President also signed an order withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, which could impact federal procurement targets for clean power and electric vehicles. He directed the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary to restart application reviews for liquefied natural gas export projects and revoked a 2021 executive order that set a goal for 50% of U.S. vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. 

Aprio’s Manufacturing and Distribution Advisory Services can help businesses navigate the changes in energy policies and environmental regulations. Our team can provide strategic advice on compliance, risk management, and leveraging opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.

Federal workforce policy changes

President Trump required a full-time return to in-office work for federal employees and ordered a hiring freeze on government positions, with exceptions for the military, immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety. He reinstated his first-term Schedule F executive order, which could make it easier to fire some civil servants. This order could strip employment protections from thousands of federal employees; although employees are not required to personally or politically support the current President, they must faithfully implement the administration’s policies to the best of their ability. 

Aprio’s Government Contractor Services can assist federal contractors in understanding and adapting to these changes. Our team can provide guidance on compliance with new federal workforce policies, and offer strategies for navigating the reinstated Schedule F order.

Preparing your business for regulatory changes

President Trump’s 2025 executive orders have far-reaching implications for businesses across various sectors. It is essential to understand these changes and their potential impact on your operations. 

Help ensure your business complies  with President Trump’s 2025 executive orders. Contact Aprio today for guidance on navigating tax, energy, AI, and workforce changes.