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VIDEO: Trump’s Executive Orders and Roofing

RC Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, provides some perspective on the first round of President Trump’s executive orders.

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

The new Trump Administration promised a ‘shock and awe’ approach to executive orders signaling wide-ranging changes, and it didn’t disappoint. The flurry of activity from the first hours following the inauguration called for major shifts in policy on immigration, commerce, and oversight, just to name a few.

Roofing Contractor presents The Best of Success Podcast Show

Highlights from Trump’s First Executive Orders

President Donald Trump’s first round of executive orders since taking office for the second time called for some weeping changes across the federal government on important issues that impact workforce and overall commerce. In this brief episode, RC Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney has tried hard to stay on top of it all and discusses what he thinks are the main takeaways from the action in the Oval Office, and what roofing entrepreneurs can expect in his second term.

RC Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney has tried hard to stay on top of it all and discusses what stands out for roofing contractors in this brief episode. He especially honed in on changes at the Mexican border and on trade policy.

“That’s going to be interesting. He’s mentioned using tariffs specifically focused on Mexico and Canada and China, and he’s looking to even the playing field and using tariffs as a basis to negotiate better business deals,” Cotney explained.

Though the short- and long-term impact of these orders may not be known for a while, Cotney also had a message of reassurance for those contractors feeling anxious over any of these sweeping changes.

“Anytime you have this kind of transformative change it has ripples and it causes waves,” he said. “I think as an industry, we just keep our heads down and keep going until we know what all this means. Until I know that I wouldn’t do a lot of hand wringing at this point. ”

Watch the full conversation here.

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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.

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.

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.