During his meetings with voters, US President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced the plans he intends to implement during his second term in office. They cover such areas as the economy, education and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. This was reported by the Associated Press.
Immigration policy
In his first term, Trump initiated the ‘largest deportation programme in history’. Now he is proposing an ‘ideological test’ for new migrants, as well as the abolition of birthright citizenship. He promises to reverse the ‘Stay in Mexico’ policy, which restricts the rights of refugees.
The right to abortion
Trump says that the overturning of Roe v. Wade is sufficient at the federal level, and that abortion should be a matter for each state to decide. Last month, he announced that he would veto a federal ban on abortion if such a resolution was passed. The Associated Press also notes that it is unclear how his administration will act on restrictions on access to medical abortion.
Tax reform
Trump’s tax policy is focused on corporations and wealthier individuals. He aims to continue the 2017 reform by reducing the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15%. At the same time, Trump promises to exempt middle-class workers from tip taxes, as well as provide tax breaks for social security and overtime pay.
International trade
Trump wants to impose tariffs on imports of goods, setting rates between 10% and 20%, and limit the purchase of life-saving drugs to US companies. He has also promised to limit the purchase of critical US infrastructure by foreign companies, especially from China.
LGBTQ+ rights
Trump calls for an end to funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programmes in government agencies. He also proposes to ban transgender people from participating in women’s sports and to abolish policies that allow for gender to be determined differently from biological sex.
Education policy
Trump intends to use federal funding to influence the education system. He proposes to introduce merit pay for teachers, as well as to cancel programmes that introduce critical race theory or gender studies. He also said that he would impose heavy taxes on private universities if their activities do not comply with his educational initiatives.
Climate policy and energy
Criticising the Biden administration’s clean energy initiatives, Trump proposes to increase the use of diesel engines. He is not against electric cars, but plans to stop the financial incentives introduced for their development.
National defence
Trump promises to strengthen the US army, avoid cuts to the Pentagon budget, and create a new missile defence system. He says he will be able to end the wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, although he does not disclose the details of his plans.
The Associated Press notes that Trump often uses a ‘peace through strength’ approach that is reminiscent of Ronald Reagan’s policy. At the same time, he has repeatedly criticised NATO but praised leaders such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
