No Monday Blues For President Trump

It was a busy first day on the job for President Trump. The Donald fulfilled one of his campaign pledges yesterday when he signed an executive order to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP. The 12-nation trade deal covered 40% of the world’s economy and included measures to enforce labor and environmental standards, copyrights, patents and other legal protections. TPP was heavily backed by US businesses but was considered a hallmark of former President Obama’s Asia policy, so, it’s gone now. Of course, the agreement was never actually ratified by US Congress so Trump’s executive order is mostly symbolic, but still drives home the message that he plans to dismantle many of his predecessor Obama’s creations. 

In addition to cheering up China, Trump also cut funding for international groups that provide abortions and ordered a broad hiring freeze for federal jobs. Meanwhile, late Monday evening, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson. All they require now is confirmation from the full Senate and Rex will be the next diplomatic voice of America.