Trump’s bold promise to slash regulations like never before

President-elect Donald Trump is laying out ambitious plans to reignite economic growth by offering incentives to major investors. Trump announced that any individual or company investing at least $1 billion in the United States would receive expedited approval for necessary permits and regulatory clearances, including environmental approvals.

“Any person or company investing ONE BILLION DOLLARS, OR MORE, in the United States of America, will receive fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental approvals,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform, adding, “GET READY TO ROCK!!!”

This move aligns with Trump’s broader commitment to revive his first-term agenda of deregulation. During his initial term, Trump issued Executive Order 13771, which required the elimination of two existing regulations for every new one added. The policy aimed to reduce bureaucratic red tape and encourage business growth.

Jason Trennert, chairman of Strategas, described the potential impact of Trump’s return to the White House, saying the “excitement” surrounding his deregulation policies “overwhelms” concerns over trade.

If Trump’s rhetoric is any indication, his second term may bring an even more aggressive approach. He has pledged to erase ten regulations for every new one introduced. The plan signals an escalation of his earlier efforts, which were already seen as a dramatic shift from the regulatory stance of his predecessor.

Trump’s regulatory agenda stands in sharp contrast to President Joe Biden’s, whose administration has set a record for the most federal regulations in a single year. As of December 3, 2024, the Biden administration had filled 96,088 pages in the Federal Register, surpassing the previous record of 95,894 pages set by President Obama in 2016. The total is projected to exceed 100,000 pages by the end of Biden’s term.

Critics of Biden’s regulatory approach argue that it burdens businesses and stifles economic growth. Supporters, however, contend that the regulations address critical environmental, labor, and consumer protections.

Trump’s renewed emphasis on deregulation signals a clear shift in policy direction. His promise to reward billion-dollar investments with fast-tracked approvals is seen as a strategy to attract large-scale domestic and foreign investments. If successful, the approach could bolster economic growth, increase employment, and reduce supply chain bottlenecks.

With Trump’s inauguration approaching, investors and businesses are keeping a close watch on how his deregulation policies will shape the economic landscape. Some see opportunity, while others brace for potential risks related to reduced oversight.

As Trump himself declared, it’s time to “GET READY TO ROCK!”