AN ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PROTECTIONIST AND TRADE POLICIES UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF GLOBAL AND EMERGING ECONOMIES Dr. G. YOGANANDHAM, Professor, Department of Economics, Thiruvalluvar University (A State University) Serkkadu, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India- 632 115. This study examines the economic impacts of protectionist and trade policies implemented during the Trump administration (2017–2025) on global and emerging economies, with a focus on India and Tamil Nadu. It highlights how tariffs, trade wars, and withdrawal from multilateral agreements disrupted global supply chains, increased production costs, and heightened economic uncertainty. Emerging economies faced declining FDI, currency volatility, and sector-specific challenges, particularly in textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing. While some nations benefited from supply chain diversification and regional trade agreements like RCEP and CPTPP, infrastructural and regulatory constraints limited their growth. The analysis underscores the adverse effects of tariffs on commodity prices, trade balances, employment, and sustainable development, especially in vulnerable sectors. Strategic responses such as trade diversification, domestic reforms, regional cooperation, and infrastructure investments are vital for resilience. The case of Tamil Nadu and Vellore district illustrates significant trade and employment impacts, with short-term economic gains potentially compromising environmental sustainability. Overall, Trump’s protectionist policies exposed vulnerabilities in emerging economies, emphasizing the need for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development strategies to navigate ongoing global trade uncertainties. The study explores pressing and rapidly changing issues that are gaining growing importance in today’s highly interconnected global environment. Keywords: Protectionism, Currency Volatility, Economic Uncertainty, Trade Diversification, Regional Cooperation, Foreign Direct Investment and Sustainable Development. Journal For Basic Sciences ISSN NO : 1006-8341 Volume 25, Issue 10, 2025 PAGE NO: 444