Trump Implements Promise to Withdraw from Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, on Monday issued an order for the United States to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), fulfilling one of his campaign promises. Trump referred to the withdrawal as a "big action for American workers." CNN reported that the TPP was one of the significant achievements of Barack Obama's second term, but it was never ratified by the Republican-controlled Congress. The agreement was signed in 2015 after five years of negotiations between the Obama administration and 12 Pacific Rim countries. It was previously expected that Trump would also issue an order to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) alongside the TPP withdrawal. NAFTA, which has been in effect since 1994 between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was criticized by Trump during his campaign. He stated that he aims to secure better terms and concessions for the U.S. in the NAFTA renegotiation. In his inauguration speech, Trump promised that renegotiations on NAFTA would begin soon. On Sunday, Trump also announced plans to meet with Canadian and Mexican leaders regarding the NAFTA negotiations. Reuters noted that NAFTA and other trade agreements have been a primary source of dissatisfaction among residents of industrial areas in the central U.S., which helped Trump win their votes. On Monday, Sean Spicer, the White House spokesman, also reported that Trump issued orders to halt new hiring in most government agencies, except for the military, and to prohibit federal funding for international pro-abortion groups. On the same day, Trump promised to reduce regulations and taxes for major U.S. industries during a meeting with industry executives, but added that if these companies relocate their manufacturing abroad, import taxes would be imposed on them. In this context, Trump signed his first executive order opposing Obama's universal healthcare. Additionally, state media in China warned Trump about the potential "harm" to free trade. The implications of Trump's victory and the future of the free trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union are also significant. Trump's "100-day plan" for his presidency is under scrutiny, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Iran and the potential for military options against the country. The article also touches on the recent death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iranian crisis, internet outages during protests, and Trump's comments regarding executions in Iran and potential threats from the Iranian government.