Legal

VIDEO: What to Expect with a New Trump Administration

RC Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, offers pros and cons to a second Trump Administration for the construction trades.

By Jill Bloom, Group Publisher, Roofing Contractor, Trent Cotney, Art Aisner

A new Trump Administration is about to take office, and the speculation over who will lead several key departments and their priorities is running rampant. But roofing contractors with concerns can look at the overall economic performance of the former president’s first term for some clarity, says RC Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney.

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What to Expect with a New Trump Administration

Roofing contractors with concerns about the incoming Trump Administration can look at the overall economic performance of the former president’s first term for some clarity, says RC Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney. In this exclusive episode, RC’s Legal Insights expert discusses some specific policies that will simply disappear in a second Trump term, and how roofing contractors can prepare.

“I think the Trump administration will be good for construction,” Cotney, a partner with Adams & Reese, said in this exclusive videochat with RC.

Upon taking office in January, Trump will likely issue a slew of executive orders that will walk back numerous regulations enacted during the Biden Administration, Cotney said. Among are the OSHA heat standard, and the Corporate Transparency Act, which was recently dealt a legal setback in court. Other ‘pros’ of a second Trump presidency for businesses include tax policies and reducing the reliance on sub labor. That also has the potential to hurt the roofing industry in terms of workforce, but Cotney said he’s staying optimistic for now.

“He’s had the ability to really prepare for this and I think recognizing the value of labor and the skilled trades is very important,” he explained. “There are higher things on his agenda, and if it’s anything like his first tenure, it should be a positive environment for businesses. Union and non-union alike.”

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Jill Bloom is the innovative Group Publisher of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.

Trent Cotney is a Partner with Adams & Reese and a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer, licensed to practice in multiple states across the U.S. and in Canada. With nearly 25 years of experience, Trent has dedicated his career to serving the construction and roofing industries. He is a zealous advocate for the international commercial roofing sector and serves as general counsel for over 10 prominent trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). Trent’s commitment to the industry extends beyond legal counsel; he is an active participant in education, advocacy, and innovation, working tirelessly to address the challenges contractors face and advance the industry as a whole. Known for his deep understanding of construction law and unwavering dedication, Trent Cotney remains a trusted advisor and leader in the roofing community.

Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.