Donald Trump and the Engineering Sector: Policies, Impact, and Future Outlook
By Jake Page
During his current term, President Donald Trump has introduced several initiatives impacting the engineering sector, focusing on infrastructure development, energy policies, and trade measures.
Infrastructure Development
In March 2025, President Trump announced the creation of the United States Office of Shipbuilding, aiming to revitalize the nation’s shipbuilding industry. This initiative seeks to compete with China’s dominance in global maritime industries by increasing wages for shipyard workers and reviewing procurement processes to enhance efficiency.
Energy Policies
The administration has prioritized expanding energy infrastructure, particularly in natural gas exports. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently endorsed the expansion of Venture Global’s LNG facility in Louisiana, aligning with Trump’s pro-oil and gas stance. This expansion aims to boost exports to Europe and Asia, supporting the local economy and job market.
Trade Measures
Trump’s trade policies, including tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, have raised concerns among industry leaders. Morten Wierod, CEO of ABB, a Swiss industrial giant, warned that these tariffs could create an inflationary environment, increasing prices in the U.S. and potentially decreasing investment from key trade partners.
Environmental Deregulation
The administration has continued efforts to streamline environmental reviews for infrastructure projects. Proposed revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) aim to expedite project approvals by relaxing certain environmental regulations, potentially reducing litigation delays for projects like pipelines.
Critiques and Controversies
Critics argue that the administration’s policies favor the fossil fuel industry. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse accused the industry of orchestrating a massive disinformation and political interference campaign, supported by significant political spending, including $96 million on Trump’s re-election efforts.
In summary, President Trump’s current term has seen a continued focus on bolstering the engineering sector through infrastructure initiatives, energy expansion, and deregulation, while facing critiques regarding environmental impacts and industry influence.
