Former President Donald Trump has outlined an ambitious agenda for his potential second term in the White House. From reshaping global trade to reforming education, Trump’s proposals reflect his “America-first” philosophy. Below are the key areas he plans to address if elected in November 2024.
Tariffs and Trade
Trump aims to impose significant tariffs on imported goods. He recommends imposing minimum tariffs of 10 percent on all imports. This move, he believes, will eliminate trade deficits and protect American industries. Trump has consistently argued that such tariffs will level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers and reduce dependence on foreign goods.
Energy Policies
Trump plans to boost domestic energy production. He promises to lower fuel costs by expanding drilling and mining activities. His agenda includes eliminating the Green New Deal, which he claims hampers economic growth. Trump also supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, aiming to increase fossil fuel production. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, fossil fuels accounted for 81% of U.S. energy production in 2022. Trump’s energy policy seeks to maintain and expand this dominance.
Immigration Reforms
Immigration remains a cornerstone of Trump’s agenda. He plans to reinstate many first-term immigration policies. This includes limiting asylum access at the U.S.-Mexico border and eliminating birthright citizenship for children born to immigrant parents. Trump also intends to deputise the National Guard and local law enforcement to remove migrants without documents, gang members and criminals swiftly. He advocates for a merit-based immigration system, emphasizing skills and economic contributions over family ties.
Trump also proposes a total naval embargo on cartel ships. He wants the U.S. Department of Defense to target cartel leadership and operations aggressively. Designating cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations is a priority for Trump. He urges other governments to follow suit and expose the corruption enabling these criminal networks.
Law Enforcement and Crime
Trump pledges to grant record funding for hiring police officers. He criticizes the Biden administration and the “radical left” for defunding police departments. Trump claims that murder rates have increased in Democratic cities since he left office. The Pew Research Center reports that U.S. murder rates surged by 30 percent in 2020. Although preliminary data suggests a decrease in 2023, Trump insists on more robust law enforcement measures to ensure public safety.
Educational Reforms
Trump plans to overhaul the U.S. education system. He wants to remove what he calls “Biden’s radical left ideology” from schools and the military. He proposes cutting federal funding for programs that promote critical race theory, gender ideology, and other leftist ideals. Project 2025, initiated by The Heritage Foundation, aligns with Trump’s vision. This project aims to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.
In place of current policies, Trump supports rewarding schools that abolish tenure for K-12 teachers. He advocates for a Parental Bill of Rights, reducing the number of administrators, and electing school principals by parents. Trump also champions protecting the constitutional right to prayer in public schools. While the U.S. Department of Education allows private prayer, it prohibits prescribed prayers by school officials. Trump seeks to emphasize religious freedom within educational settings.
Free Speech and Judicial Appointments
Restoring free speech is a significant part of Trump’s agenda. He aims to limit social media platforms’ ability to censor or restrict users’ First Amendment rights. Trump argues that these platforms have become overly partisan and suppress conservative viewpoints.
He also pledges to continue appointing judges and justices who enforce the law impartially. Trump emphasizes that judicial appointments should not reflect personal political agendas. Instead, they should uphold the Constitution and existing laws.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s proposed policies for a second term reflect his commitment to an “America-first” approach. His agenda includes significant changes in trade, energy, immigration, law enforcement, education, and free speech. Trump’s plans are ambitious, aiming to reshape the U.S. domestic and international landscape. If elected, his policies will likely spark intense debate and significant shifts in American governance and society.
