Donald Trump, now president-elect, has set forth ambitious plans for a second term that aim to blend traditional conservative policies with more populist stances on trade and a shift in America’s global role. His proposals broadly cover economic reforms, immigration crackdowns, shifts in social policies, and increased presidential authority.
Trump’s agenda includes traditional conservative policies on tax and deregulation, emphasizing corporate-friendly cuts. He seeks to extend his 2017 tax reform and proposes lowering the corporate tax rate to 15%. At the same time, his policies are targeted toward working- and middle-class Americans, proposing tax exemptions on tips, Social Security, and overtime wages. However, concerns remain that such measures might inadvertently benefit higher-income earners by enabling the reclassification of certain incomes as “tip income.”
On immigration, Trump proposes the largest deportation initiative in U.S. history, involving the National Guard and local police, though without detailed specifications. He aims to reintroduce past measures like “Remain in Mexico” and end birthright citizenship, a move that would likely require constitutional changes. These policies seek to limit illegal migration and reduce overall immigration.
While Trump claims he will safeguard Social Security and Medicare, his tax exemptions might impact these programs’ funding. He opposes the Affordable Care Act but has not provided a clear alternative. Instead, he proposes appointing vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to overhaul healthcare.
In trade, Trump has a protectionist approach, advocating for tariffs of up to 20% on foreign goods and mandating that essential U.S. medications be sourced domestically. He also intends to limit foreign investments in U.S. infrastructure, specifically targeting Chinese buyers.
Trump’s social agenda includes rolling back federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as tightening policies on transgender rights, particularly in schools and sports. He aims to alter Title IX protections and mandate legal recognition of only two genders. Education would also be impacted by his call to eliminate the Department of Education while using federal funds to influence school curricula.
In climate policy, Trump dismisses climate change concerns and emphasizes a return to fossil fuels, seeking to lift restrictions on federal lands for energy production. He opposes electric vehicle incentives and Biden’s climate initiatives.
Finally, Trump’s foreign policy is characterized by a more isolationist stance, proposing non-interventionist policies while advocating a strong military defense, including a new missile defense system. He remains critical of NATO and has praised authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin.
Overall, Trump’s proposed agenda emphasizes an expansion of executive power, focusing on reduced federal oversight, and a significant shift in immigration, social policies, and trade. While many proposals face potential legal and political hurdles, they indicate a robust shift toward populist conservatism and a recalibration of America’s role domestically and globally.
