Photo: AFP file
Donald Trump's potential second presidential term could significantly impact US trade policy, climate change, the Ukraine conflict, electric vehicles, tax policies, and illegal immigration. While some of his campaign proposals would need congressional approval, here is a summary of the policies he has indicated he will pursue if he returns to office in January:
More Tariffs
Trump has proposed a 10% or higher tariff on all goods imported into the US, claiming it would eliminate the trade deficit. Critics argue this would raise prices for American consumers and destabilize the global economy. He has also suggested increasing tariffs on countries that impose tariffs on US imports, threatening a 200% tariff on certain car imports, particularly from Mexico. Additionally, he has targeted China, proposing to phase out imports of electronics, steel, and pharmaceuticals over four years and banning Chinese companies from owning US real estate and infrastructure in energy and tech sectors. Trump views tariffs as revenue generators for the government.
Mass Deportations
Trump plans to reinstate his first-term policies on illegal border crossings and implement sweeping new restrictions. He aims to limit asylum access at the US-Mexico border and initiate the largest deportation effort in US history, likely facing legal challenges and opposition from Democrats. He has mentioned using the National Guard and federal troops if necessary, and has not ruled out setting up internment camps for deportation processing. Trump also seeks to end automatic citizenship for children of immigrants and revoke protected legal status for certain populations. He plans to reinstitute the 'travel ban' restricting entry from predominantly Muslim countries.
Drilling Away
Trump promises to boost US fossil fuel production by easing drilling permits on federal land and encouraging new natural gas pipelines. He plans to reauthorize oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and create a National Energy Council to coordinate policies boosting US energy production. Trump also intends to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords and support increased nuclear energy production, while rolling back Biden's electric vehicle mandates. He argues that boosting energy production is crucial for developing AI systems.
Tax Relief
Alongside his trade and energy policies, Trump aims to cut federal regulations and maintain the 2017 tax cuts. His economic team is considering further individual and corporate tax cuts. Trump pledges to reduce the corporate tax rate to 15% for US-based companies and end the taxation of tips and overtime wages. He has also hinted at pressuring the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.
Doing Away with Diversity Programs
Trump plans to require US colleges and universities to uphold American and Western traditions, purging diversity programs. He would direct the Justice Department to pursue civil rights cases against schools engaging in racial discrimination. At K-12 levels, he supports programs allowing parents to use public funds for private or religious instruction. Trump also wants to abolish the federal Department of Education.
No Federal Abortion Ban
Trump appointed three justices to the Supreme Court, contributing to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. He likely would continue appointing judges upholding abortion limits. However, he believes abortion should be regulated at the state level and opposes a federal ban. Trump supports policies advancing IVF, birth control, and prenatal care.
A Push to End Wars
Trump has criticized US support for Ukraine and claims he could end the war in 24 hours. He suggests Ukraine may need to cede territory for a peace deal, which Ukraine rejects. Trump's national security adviser pick, Michael Waltz, criticized Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use US missiles against Russian territory. Trump also plans to rethink NATO's purpose and mission, naming Marco Rubio as secretary of state to execute his foreign policy goals.
Investigating Enemies
Trump has pledged to use federal law enforcement to investigate political foes, including election officials and party donors. He appointed Matt Gaetz as attorney general, who supports Trump's agenda. Trump may appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Biden and consider firing US attorneys not following his directives. He also plans to pardon those convicted in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and use regulatory powers to punish critics.
Purging the Federal Bureaucracy
Trump aims to dismantle the 'deep state' through an executive order reclassifying federal employees for potential firing. He plans to set up an independent panel led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to eliminate waste in the federal government. Trump would also crack down on federal whistleblowers and monitor US intelligence agencies.
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