February 4, 2025 9:47am
Updates on recent executive orders and what they mean for your business
Over the last few weeks, we have seen a wide array of executive orders issued by the Trump administration. Many of these orders impact businesses like yours, and legal challenges and reversals have created a great degree uncertainty and confusion on compliance. GLI is committed to providing you with the latest guidance on these orders and serving as a resource for your business.
Executive actions overview
The U.S. Chamber has put together a running list of executive actions and their potential impact on businesses. To learn about all executive orders, click here.
Tariffs
Over the weekend, President Trump issued sweeping 25% tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian goods, and a 10% tariff on all imports from China. Since then, the tariffs on Mexico and Canada have been paused until March. Last night, the Chinese tariffs went into effect and were met with an immediate response. China has now imposed tariffs on U.S. coal, gas, and other goods, as well restrictions on some exported minerals.
While we are glad to see the tariffs on Mexico and Canada paused, we are still concerned about the impact the Chinese tariffs will have and what will happen over the next month. If enacted, these tariffs will undoubtedly raise costs for almost every Greater Louisville business and are likely to impact consumers directly. GLI continues to oppose these tariffs and is working closely with our partners at the U.S. Chamber and our federal delegation to minimize impact to businesses.
As we continue to learn more about these impacts, please reach out if GLI can help connect you with any new, local suppliers that can mitigate price increases your industry might encounter.
Check out a recent New York Times article that details potential impacts to Louisville businesses and our region specifically.
Immigration
President Trump signed sweeping executive orders related to immigration during his first week in office. These new orders include pausing, reviewing and potentially terminating funding to non-profits and other groups supporting or providing services to undocumented immigrants, detaining undocumented immigrants to the extent permitted by law until their successful removal, and constructing a physical barrier along the southern border.
There remains confusion over enforcement of these laws, specifically employers’ responsibilities and rights should an immigration officer come to their place of business. We plan to share updated guidance from a local legal expert in the coming week.
The latest on rescinded federal spending freeze
Last week the White House released a memo through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) freezing all federal payments for grants and other programs. The freeze was initially set to take effect Tuesday, January 28 evening and would have placed a pause on all federal payments until the administration had time to review each expense. The freeze was ultimately paused by a number of federal judges and the memo was rescinded Wednesday.
As of this publication no further changes have been made on this memo, though the White House has assured the public that reviews of federal spending should still be expected. Government agencies with programs that have been cut or altered by other recent executive orders may still experience a spending freeze.
We want to hear from you!
GLI prides ourselves on being the voice of the Greater Louisville business community. To serve as your voice, we need to hear how these actions are impacting you. While we can share anecdotal evidence and economist predictions, your stories are most impactful.
Please reach out to me or any member of the GLI team to share your concerns or experiences. This helps us communicate with our elected leaders and our partners who are working on your behalf.