Previewing Policy Priorities of the Incoming Trump Administration

Trump Administration: Policies and Priorities for Second Term

President-Elect Donald Trump is set to extend his policies from his first term, including limited government, lower taxes, and state rights. He’s also expected to challenge several Biden administration policies on various areas including the environment, immigration, and foreign policy. This is likely to take place through executive orders early in his second term.

This article aims to provide a summary of the key policy focuses of the Trump Administration as detailed in the Republican Party Platform.

Transportation Focus

Trump is expected to stall several upcoming rulemaking initiatives such as family seating and wheelchair accessibility in aviation and take a laissez-faire approach to airline competition. Drones and Advanced Air Mobility, which were a priority in his first term, will continue to be a focus. The administration will likely reverse the Biden Administration’s light-duty vehicle emissions standards, deemed by Trump as an electric vehicle (EV) mandate. He plans to increase support for autonomous vehicles and alter several of the Biden Administration’s railway policies. Trump Administration will also review the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and likely seek to roll back parts seen as excessive spending.

Environment and Climate Change

Trump’s agenda includes aggressive deregulatory efforts, opposing any regulation that he believes restricts American industries. This includes rolling back Biden-era regulations promoting EV adoption and banning environmental, social and governance investments. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will likely face budget cuts and a reduced sphere of influence. Trump aims to increase domestic oil production, cut back on spending related to climate change, and withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. The administration may also reform several public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Healthcare and Taxes

Trump’s healthcare plan includes repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), allowing states more control over reproductive health measures, and lowering prescription drug costs. Veterans’ healthcare is also a focus area, with plans to expand access to private care. In terms of tax, Trump aims to extend the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA), make individual tax provisions permanent, and reintroduce unlimited itemized deductions for state and local taxes.

Energy Policy and Immigration Rules

Trump’s energy policy includes a strong emphasis on fossil fuels, regulatory rollbacks, and a scaling back of renewable energy policies. In terms of immigration, Trump plans to implement mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and end “catch and release”. He also plans to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and “birthright” citizenship.

Foreign Policy and Trade

Trump plans to take a tough stance on China’s trade status and promote domestic manufacturing. His foreign policy includes standing with Israel, ending the Russia-Ukraine war, and renegotiating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Education

Trump’s education policy focuses on reversing the Biden Administration’s focus on student loan forgiveness, promoting workforce development initiatives, supporting school choice, and possibly eliminating Affirmative Action and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.