In November 2025, the US White House and the administration are leading significant policy changes both domestically and internationally. In particular, the new administration (assuming a second term for Donald Trump) that emerged after the last presidential election is implementing a comprehensive policy overhaul in economy, diplomacy, society, environment, technology, and more, based on the 'America First' principle. This shows a clear contrast to the policy direction of the Biden administration, significantly impacting not only the domestic political landscape but also the global economy and international relations. Currently, the US is facing complex economic problems such as inflation, high interest rates, and supply chain instability, while aiming to stabilize the job market and promote economic growth. It is very important to deeply analyze the major decisions of the White House and to predict their background and future in this situation.
The new administration's economic policy focuses on manufacturing promotion and domestic industry protection, with 'America First' as its core value. In particular, high tariffs on Chinese products (increased to a maximum of 60%), as well as a re-examination of tariff policies on major trading partners such as Mexico and Canada, are underway. This protectionist stance aims to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic industries and create jobs, but it also raises concerns about rising consumer prices and disruption of global supply chains. Furthermore, the easing of regulations on companies and tax cuts are also noticeable, with the aim of attracting investment and promoting economic growth. In the second half of 2025, the US economy is expected to slow down as the effects of the tariff increases gradually become apparent amidst such policy uncertainties.
In the fields of foreign affairs and security, there is an active movement to reorganize alliances based on 'America First.' In particular, the containment of China is the core axis of the administration's foreign policy, with strong pressure policies continuing to counter China's economic and military expansion. This is extending beyond the trade war to a technology hegemony competition, significantly impacting the international economy. Demands for increased burden-sharing of defense costs are being made to allies, and attempts are being made to seek new economic relations based on reciprocity. Relations with Russia and North Korea add unpredictability, which will have a significant impact on the Korean Peninsula situation. The focus of foreign policy is shifting towards reducing reliance on international organizations and expanding the US's independent influence.
Social policies, especially immigration policies, are being shifted in a 180-degree different direction from the previous administration. Border controls are being strengthened, and the deportation of illegal immigrants is being expanded, as well as the legal immigration procedures and visa screening are becoming stricter. In particular, guidelines are being announced that restrict the issuance of visas to applicants with certain diseases, considering the health status of immigrants or their potential dependence on public benefits. This also raises concerns about the labor market suffering from a manpower shortage. In addition, movements to emphasize traditional family values, restrict abortion, and oppose sex confirmation treatment, are also visible, aiming to spread conservative values throughout society. Some changes are expected in social welfare programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
Climate change and environmental policies are moving towards completely reversing the decarbonization policies of the previous administration. Based on the claim that 'climate change is a hoax,' the possibility of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is being mentioned again, and the repeal of the climate provisions of the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the abolition of environmental regulations are being pursued. Instead, the fossil fuel industry is actively supported, and reducing energy costs and energy independence are set as top priorities. This is expected to have a major impact on the international community's efforts to respond to climate change, and is facing strong opposition from environmental groups.
Technology and innovation policies are committed to the AI hegemony competition by announcing 'America's AI Action Plan' to secure the absolute superiority of the US in the global AI competition. It has set a goal to lead the AI era through three axes: abolishing the AI regulations created by the Biden administration, accelerating AI innovation, building US AI infrastructure, and strengthening international AI diplomacy and security. In particular, active investment and deregulation are being pursued in cutting-edge technology fields such as AI and quantum computing. However, there are also concerns that the possibility of a large-scale cut in the federal government's R&D budget could threaten the science and technology innovation system. It is also strengthening its strategy of building technological alliances with allies and preempting international standards, putting the technology hegemony competition with China at the forefront.
As of November 2025, the policy trends of the White House and the US administration are undergoing radical changes in various aspects under the strong principle of 'America First.' Protectionism and tax cuts in the economic field, alliance reorganization and hard-line measures against China in the diplomatic field, strengthening immigration regulations and spreading conservative values in the social field, and the abolition of decarbonization policies in the environmental field are causing considerable controversy and uncertainty both domestically and internationally. In particular, the hegemony competition in cutting-edge technology fields such as AI is being treated as a top priority directly related to national security. These policy changes will have a significant impact on the future growth engine and international status of the United States, and continuous analysis and response to the actual effects of each policy and unexpected side effects will be required. The international community, including South Korea, needs to pay close attention to these policy changes in the US and prepare flexible and multifaceted strategies.
Q1: What are the main features of the US economic policy in 2025?
A1: High tariffs based on 'America First,' protection and fostering of manufacturing, deregulation of companies, and tax cuts are the main features. This aims to protect domestic industries and create jobs.
Q2: How has the new administration's immigration policy changed?
A2: Strengthening border controls, expanding the deportation of illegal immigrants, and tightening legal immigration and visa screening procedures are key. The possibility of certain illnesses or dependence on public benefits is also considered in the visa issuance screening.
Q3: What changes are there in climate change response policies?
A3: The decarbonization policies of the previous administration are being withdrawn, the possibility of re-withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is being implied, and support for the fossil fuel industry and deregulation of environmental regulations are being pursued. The perception that 'climate change is a hoax' is reflected in the policy framework.
Q4: What is the White House's main strategy in the field of AI and technological innovation?
A4: Securing AI hegemony is set as the top priority through 'America's AI Action Plan.' It is focused on AI deregulation, infrastructure building, and strengthening international AI diplomacy, and aims to gain an advantage in the technology competition with China.
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