Trump’s vision: Tariffs, energy independence and new defense strategies

President Donald Trump has promised 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 positions on tax cuts, deregulation and cultural issues, combined with a populist approach to trade and a recalibration of America’s global role.

In addition, Trump aims to scale back federal involvement in civil rights initiatives and significantly expand presidential powers, marking a shift toward a stronger executive role in government.

Here’s a look at what Trump has proposed for each major policy area:

Immigration reduction

“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 along with police forces to enforce this plan, though he has provided few details on how it would work 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 Muslim-majority countries.

Abort played

Trump has played down abortion as a key focus of his second term, while still claiming credit for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which moved abortion regulation back to the states. Notably at Trump’s urging, the GOP platform no longer calls for a national abortion ban — the first in decades. Trump argues that overturning Roe was sufficient action at the federal level.

However, Trump has stopped short of pledging to veto any national abortion restrictions that might reach his desk. Abortion advocates point out that the GOP platform still frames a fetus as entitled to protection 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 reliefs

Trump’s tax agenda continues to favor corporations and wealthier Americans, largely because of his plan to extend the tax cuts in 2017 with key updates. Among his proposed changes are a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 15 percent, a rollback 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 cuts aimed at working and middle-class Americans. His new proposals include exempting tips, Social Security wages and overtime from income tax.

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 US strategies since World War II. He favors military expansion, promises to protect 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 quickly end the conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, although he has not given any details about his strategies. Embracing Reagan’s “peace through strength” philosophy, Trump is nevertheless vocal in his criticism of NATO and the US military leadership.

He has praised authoritarian leaders including Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, signaling admiration for strongman-style governance.

Charged rates

Trump’s approach to international trade is rooted in skepticism about global markets, seeing them as potentially harmful to American interests. He proposes imposing tariffs of between 10 percent and 20 percent on imported goods, occasionally hinting at even higher rates in his speeches. He also plans to reinstate an August 2020 executive order requiring the Food and Drug Administration to source “essential” drugs exclusively from US-based companies.

Trump is signaling a more protectionist stance on foreign investment, vowing to bar Chinese buyers from buying any “critical infrastructure” in the United States.

DEI, LGBTQ and civil rights

Trump has advocated reducing the societal focus on diversity and scaling back certain legal protections for LGBTQ individuals. He proposes ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state institutions and using federal funding as leverage to enforce this shift. On transgender rights, Trump has promised to eliminate what he calls “boys in girls’ sports,” though he offers no evidence that this is a widespread problem.

Redistribution of power

The president-elect plans to reduce the influence of federal bureaucrats and regulations across various economic sectors, portraying regulatory cuts as a means to economic growth. Trump is promising significant reductions in household utility costs by removing barriers to fossil fuel production, including unrestricted access to federal lands for exploration — despite US energy production already at record highs. He also promises to boost housing construction by cutting down on regulations.

Education depoliticized

For another term, Trump has set his sights on dismantling the federal Department of Education, but he has no intention of completely eliminating Washington’s influence in schools. He plans to leverage federal funding to pressure K-12 schools to eliminate tenure, implement merit-based pay for teachers and eliminate diversity initiatives across all levels of education.

Trump has also vowed to withdraw federal aid from any school or program that he believes promotes Critical Race Theory, gender ideology, or what he deems to be inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content for children. This approach would put significant federal pressure on education systems to conform to 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. But his proposal to exempt tips and overtime pay from taxes raises questions about potential implications for those rights. If the exemptions apply only to income taxes, Social Security and Medicare will remain unaffected. However, if payroll taxes were included, it could reduce funding sources for these programs. While Trump has largely avoided discussing Medicaid, his first term leaned toward giving 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 vowed to reverse Biden-era spending aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels through clean energy initiatives. His proposed energy policy is centered on traditional fossil fuels, and advocates infrastructure focused on roads, bridges and vehicles with internal combustion engines. Rallying supporters with chants of “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 electric market.

Pro-Worker, Anti-Union?

Trump and Vice President JD Vance positioned their campaign as champions of American workers. However, Trump’s policies may pose obstacles to union efforts. Addressing auto workers, 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 lumped together “union bosses and CEOs” and accused them of supporting what he calls a “disastrous electric car scheme.” On October 23, 2023, Trump directly addressed members of the United Auto Workers and advised, “I’m telling you, don’t pay these dues,” signaling a stance that could undermine union leadership.

This article includes reporting from the Associated Press