Friday, April 25, 2025

Can Trump Kill This $2.2 Trillion Regulatory Beast?

 President Donald Trump aims to significantly reduce the regulatory burden on the economy, which he deems a hindrance. A recent report highlights the scale of federal regulations costing over $2 trillion annually, suggesting that substantial deregulation might boost economic growth.

1. Regulatory State Overview:

• The regulatory framework in the U. S. has expanded impressively over the last century, with 400 federal agencies managing various aspects of life.

• Regulatory compliance costs exceed $2 trillion, constituting a hidden tax of about $16,061 for each household.

2. Impact of Deregulation:

• Experts, including former White House economist Donald Kenkel, support the idea that deregulating could elevate living standards, decrease inflation, and reduce the government deficit without harming citizens.

• The goal is to unleash economic potential by cutting through legacy regulations that weigh down businesses.

3. Trump's Approach:

• Trump has a more aggressive strategy this time, calling for federal agencies to list which regulations to eliminate.

• He plans to use innovative legal methods for quick repeal or suspension of regulations, bypassing traditional lengthy procedures.

4. Potential Benefits:

• A study from the Heritage Foundation suggests that merely freezing regulations could result in $1 trillion in deficit reduction over ten years while enhancing economic growth.

5. Legislative Actions Needed:

• To sustain deregulation, Congress should take steps like eliminating unnecessary agencies, requiring legislative approval for major rules, enhancing regulatory transparency, and establishing sunset provisions for new regulations.

If Trump’s deregulation efforts succeed, the economic implications could be significant. However, long-term success will depend on Congress implementing reforms to prevent future administrations from reinstating the removed regulations. The push against the regulatory state will likely face opposition from critics, but supporters argue it's vital for a thriving economy. 

https://issuesinsights.com/2025/04/25/can-trump-kill-this-2-2-trillion-regulatory-beast/

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