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Jimmy Williams
As Donald Trump prepares to be inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2024, his administration is expected to pursue aggressive changes in several key areas, from immigration and the economy to foreign policy and social issues.
With the Republicans projected to control the Senate, Trump may have a clear path in the upper chamber, though a close House race could affect his ability to pass legislation. Below is an overview of Trump’s expected policy agenda.
1. Immigration
Trump has vowed to “seal” the southern border and enact what he calls “the largest deportation program in American history,” utilizing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations of undocumented immigrants. His immigration plan includes:
- Restoring “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42 policies.
- Requiring local law enforcement to participate in federal deportations.
- Increasing the number of border agents by 10,000 and offering raises and bonuses for retention.
- Banning sanctuary cities and cutting federal funds for jurisdictions that do not cooperate with deportation policies.
- Instituting a new version of the travel ban on certain Muslim-majority countries, including new ideological screenings.
2. Abortion
Trump has pledged to leave abortion decisions to individual states but faces criticism for his comment that he would “protect” women “whether they like it or not.” With three of his Supreme Court appointees helping overturn Roe v. Wade, Trump has clarified he would veto a federal abortion ban and instead support state-level regulation.
3. Economy
Trump’s economic policies aim to lower taxes and deregulate industries to drive economic growth:
- A significant reduction in federal taxes, including eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, Social Security benefits, and homeschooling costs up to $10,000.
- Collaborating with Elon Musk to reduce regulations, with the goal of cutting ten regulations for each new one created.
- Lowering the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15% and implementing tariffs on imports to prioritize American-made goods.
- Reinstating the SALT deduction and supporting a new tax credit for family caregivers.
Trump also plans to address inflation by directing his Cabinet to target price issues related to housing, education, and daily goods, with a goal of achieving results within 100 days.
4. Environmental and Energy Policy
To support U.S. energy independence, Trump plans to:
- Withdraw from the Paris Agreement and cut taxes for gas-powered car purchases.
- Halt Biden-era electric vehicle regulations.
- Reduce consumer energy prices by promoting fracking, drilling, and opening new land for housing to alleviate high housing costs.
5. Foreign Policy
Trump has made bold promises for international conflict resolution, especially concerning Russia’s war in Ukraine. He plans to:
- Meet with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy within a day of taking office to negotiate an end to the conflict.
- Address Middle East tensions by pushing for stability and “preventing World War III.”
In addition, Trump has expressed interest in developing a missile defense system akin to Israel’s Iron Dome, enhancing homeland security.
6. Social and Cultural Issues
On the social front, Trump’s platform includes significant restrictions in education and healthcare for minors:
- Cutting federal funding for schools that teach critical race theory or promote gender-affirming care for minors.
- Proposing to “keep men out of women’s sports” and ban gender-affirming treatments for minors.
- Planning to downsize or eliminate the Department of Education and empower states to manage education standards independently.
7. Legal Retaliation and Justice Reforms
Throughout his campaign, Trump highlighted his intent to address perceived injustices against him and his supporters:
- Dismissing ongoing investigations related to his legal matters, including removing special counsel Jack Smith.
- Appointing a special prosecutor to investigate the Biden family.
- Prosecuting lawmakers and officials involved in the Jan. 6 committee and other investigations he deems politically motivated.
- Pardoning individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and penalizing journalists who refuse to reveal their sources.
As he returns to office, Trump is expected to wield his expanded executive power in reshaping federal operations, legal norms, and economic regulations. With his focus on streamlining government and reversing policies from the Biden administration, Trump’s new term will likely usher in a significant shift in U.S. domestic and foreign policy.
