Wasting no time since returning to the White House, President Trump has issued a series of executive orders that could significantly impact the physical and electronic security industry.
On Monday, Trump signed nearly 200 executive actions, memoranda and proclamations, reversing Biden-era mandates while advancing his “America First” agenda. Some of the directives address border security, workplace operations, artificial intelligence (AI), trade policies and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), signaling shifts that security professionals and companies will need to navigate.
A key directive focuses on strengthening U.S. border security through increased funding for physical barriers and additional personnel. While the order emphasizes constructing physical infrastructure and bolstering manpower at the southern border, it does not explicitly address advanced security technologies. However, their integration could become a possibility depending on the implementation strategies adopted by authorities.
Trump’s first-term border security strategy combined physical barriers with advanced technologies like drones, sensors, surveillance towers, AI analytics, biometric scans and inspection systems. With border security a key focus of his 2024 campaign, it’s likely that a second Trump term could see further technological investments at the border, Jake Parker, senior director of government relations for the Security Industry Association (SIA), told SecurityInfoWatch in November.
“One of challenges will be accomplishing these goals while addressing growing concerns about budget deficits among those coming to power, which could potentially result in significant cuts to programs and agency activities with security functions,” Parker said. “It will be pivotal to make the case for benefits and appropriateness of these programs during budget considerations.”
The administration also issued a federal mandate for government employees to return to in-person work, reversing remote work policies instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the directive is expected to increase activity in federal buildings and offices, any resulting changes to physical security measures will depend on how agencies assess and address evolving security needs.
In the realm of technology, the administration revoked Executive Order 14110, which previously governed the safe and trustworthy development of artificial intelligence (AI). The decision raises questions about the future of AI regulations and their implications for the security industry, which increasingly relies on AI for video analytics, threat detection, operational efficiencies and more.
Additionally, Executive Order 14135, which established the order of succession within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been rescinded. The revocation may create uncertainty about leadership transitions within DHS, potentially affecting security policies and initiatives under the department’s purview.
The administration also introduced the “America First Trade Policy,” which reestablishes tariffs on imported goods to protect domestic manufacturing. While intended to bolster U.S. industry, the policy could impact the security industry’s supply chain, potentially driving up costs for equipment and components sourced internationally.
Jake Braunger, vice president of advocacy and public affairs for the Electronic Security Association (ESA), recently expressed his concern with SecurityInfoWatch about the potential for tariffs to impact the industry, and not just those that may be levied against China.
“No matter where the devices are produced, if they are made outside of the U.S., they could be impacted on cost,” he said.
