President Donald Trump has pledged ambitious action for his second term, outlining a broad agenda that reflects a mix of conservative principles and populist priorities.
His plans emphasize traditional conservative stances on tax cuts, deregulation, and cultural issues, coupled with a populist approach to trade and a recalibration of America's global role.
Additionally, Trump aims to scale back federal involvement in civil rights initiatives and significantly expand the powers of the presidency, marking a shift toward a stronger executive role in government.
Hare's a look at what Trump has proposed for each major policy area:
Immigration Reduction
The "Build the wall!" slogan from Trump's 2016 campaign has evolved into a call for what he describes as "the largest mass deportation program in history." Trump envisions using the National Guard alongside police forces to enforce this plan, although he has offered few details on how it would operate or how it would specifically target those in the country illegally.
His immigration agenda also includes "ideological screening" for new entrants, an end to birthright citizenship—which would likely require a constitutional amendment—and a revival of first-term policies such as "Remain in Mexico," restrictions based on public health, and potential entry bans for certain majority-Muslim countries.
Abortion Played Down
Trump has downplayed abortion as a key focus for his second term, while still claiming credit for the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which shifted abortion regulation back to the states. Notably, at Trump's urging, the GOP platform no longer calls for a national abortion ban—a first in decades. Trump argues that overturning Roe was sufficient action at the federal level.
However, Trump has stopped short of committing to veto any national abortion restrictions that might reach his desk. Anti-abortion advocates point out that the GOP platform still frames a fetus as entitled to protections under the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, which could serve as a legal basis for conservatives aiming to push for a national abortion ban through federal courts, with or without Trump's endorsement.
Tax Relief
Trump's tax agenda continues to favor corporations and wealthier Americans, largely due to his plan to extend the 2017 tax cuts, with key updates. Among his proposed changes is a reduction of the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 15 percent, a reversal of income tax increases on high earners enacted under President Biden, and the repeal of Inflation Reduction Act taxes that fund clean energy initiatives.
Trump is also emphasizing tax relief aimed at working- and middle-class Americans. His new proposals include exempting tips, Social Security wages, and overtime from income taxes.
National defense: A New Star Wars?
Trump's approach to foreign policy combines elements of isolationism, military non-interventionism, and economic protectionism, marking a departure from traditional U.S. strategies since World War II. He advocates for military expansion, pledges to shield Pentagon funding from austerity measures, and proposes a new missile defense system reminiscent of Reagan's Cold War "Star Wars" program. Trump claims he can swiftly end the conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, though he has provided no specifics on his strategies. Embracing Reagan's "peace through strength" philosophy, Trump is, nonetheless, vocal in his criticisms of NATO and the U.S. military leadership.
He has praised authoritarian leaders, including Hungary's Viktor Orban and Russia's Vladimir Putin, signaling admiration for strongman-style governance.
Tariffs Imposed
Trump's approach to international trade is rooted in skepticism toward global markets, viewing them as potentially harmful to American interests. He proposes imposing tariffs between 10 percent and 20 percent on imported goods, occasionally hinting at even higher rates in his speeches. He also plans to reinstate an executive order from August 2020 that requires the Food and Drug Administration to source "essential" medications exclusively from U.S.-based companies.
Signaling a more protectionist stance on foreign investments, Trump pledges to prevent Chinese buyers from purchasing any "vital infrastructure" in the United States.
DEI, LGBTQ and civil rights
Trump has advocated for reducing the societal focus on diversity and scaling back certain legal protections for LGBTQ individuals. He proposes ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within government institutions and using federal funding as leverage to enforce this shift. On transgender rights, Trump has pledged to eliminate what he calls "boys in girls' sports," though he provides no evidence that this is a widespread issue.
Power Redistribution
The president-elect plans to diminish the influence of federal bureaucrats and regulations across various economic sectors, portraying regulatory cuts as a remedy for economic growth. Trump promises significant reductions in household utility costs by eliminating barriers to fossil fuel production, including unrestricted access to federal lands for exploration—despite the fact that U.S. energy output is already at record levels. He also pledges to boost housing construction by slashing regulations.
Education De-Politized
In a second term, Trump has set his sights on dismantling the federal Department of Education, yet he does not intend to completely remove Washington's influence in schools. He plans to leverage federal funding to push K-12 schools to eliminate tenure, implement merit-based pay for teachers, and remove diversity initiatives across all educational levels.
Trump has also vowed to withdraw federal support from any school or program that, in his view, promotes Critical Race Theory, gender ideology, or what he deems as inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content for children. This approach would place considerable federal pressure on education systems to align with his administration's priorities.
Social Security, Medicare Protection
Trump has emphasized his commitment to protecting Social Security and Medicare, two programs highly valued by older Americans and significant contributors to federal spending. However, his proposal to exempt tips and overtime wages from taxes raises questions about potential impacts on these entitlements. If the exemptions apply solely to income taxes, Social Security and Medicare would remain unaffected. But if payroll taxes were included, it could reduce the funding sources for these programs. While Trump has largely avoided discussing Medicaid, his first term leaned toward granting states more flexibility, often approving waivers for federal rules and supporting state-level work requirements for Medicaid recipients.
Climate Hoax
Trump, who has dismissed climate change as a "hoax," has pledged to reverse Biden-era spending aimed at reducing fossil fuel reliance through clean energy initiatives. His proposed energy policy centers on traditional fossil fuels, advocating for infrastructure focused on roads, bridges, and combustion-engine vehicles. Rallying supporters with chants such as "Drill, baby, drill," Trump has embraced a pro-drilling stance. Although he claims not to oppose electric vehicles, he has vowed to end all incentives introduced by the Biden administration to boost the EV market.
Pro-Worker, Anti-Unions?
Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance positioned their campaign as champions of American workers. However, Trump's policies may pose obstacles to unionization efforts. When addressing autoworkers, Trump's criticism focused primarily on Biden's electric vehicle initiatives, which he claims threaten traditional manufacturing jobs. In his remarks about unions, Trump often grouped "union bosses and CEOs" together, accusing them of supporting what he calls a "disastrous electric car scheme." On Oct. 23, 2023, Trump directly addressed United Auto Workers members, advising, "I'm telling you, you shouldn't pay those dues," signaling a stance that could undermine union leadership.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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