Donald Trump’s first week in office was nothing short of eventful, especially when it came to the economy. Love him or hate him, the policies and executive orders he started pushing forward immediately had people talking. Whether it’s about trade, jobs, or taxes, Trump’s early actions give us a glimpse of the economic road ahead.

The Moves So Far

One of Trump’s big talking points has always been about bringing jobs back to America. In his first week, he wasted no time addressing it. He signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a major trade deal between the U.S. and 11 other countries. Trump argued that the TPP was bad for American workers, as it incentivized companies to outsource jobs overseas. But withdrawing from such a massive trade agreement has ripple effects. While it might protect certain industries in the U.S., like manufacturing, it could also mean higher prices for goods and fewer opportunities for American businesses to export products abroad. For consumers, this could translate to paying more for everyday items like electronics or clothing. Trump also met with CEOs of major companies, urging them to keep their factories in the U.S. He’s floated the idea of tax cuts for businesses that stay domestic and penalties for those that move jobs overseas. For now, it’s unclear how much these measures will actually influence corporations, but it’s clear that Trump is setting a tone that puts pressure on businesses to prioritize American jobs.

What It Means for the Economy

These early moves highlight Trump’s “America First” approach to economics, but it’s a double-edged sword. Protecting American industries sounds great in theory, but economists argue that it could lead to retaliation from other countries. If nations start imposing their own tariffs or restrictions on U.S. goods, it could hurt industries that rely on exports, like agriculture and tech. On the other hand, some companies may genuinely benefit from the push to stay domestic. Small manufacturers, in particular, could see a boost if larger corporations start reshoring their supply chains. And if Trump follows through on tax cuts and reducing regulations, businesses might find it easier—and cheaper—to operate in the U.S.

What’s Next?

Trump’s first week sets the stage for a highly unpredictable economic future. His policies could lead to more jobs for American workers and a stronger manufacturing sector, but they could also raise costs for consumers and create tensions with global trading partners. Long-term, it’s likely that industries will adapt, as they always do. New policies may bring challenges, but they also open doors for innovation and change. Regardless of political views, one thing is clear: Trump’s economic decisions are already making waves, and we’re only at the beginning of this story.