As we begin to shift towards public policy, we're gonna look at how these promises might become policy.
As of 2024, Donald Trump's campaign promises for his bid to return to the presidency reflect his continued populist and nationalist agenda, while responding to current political, economic, and cultural concerns. Below are some of the major promises he has made during his 2024 campaign:
1. Secure the Border and End Illegal Immigration. Trump has consistently vowed to complete the border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and implement stricter immigration policies. He has reiterated his commitment to building a physical wall (while also emphasizing technological and personnel enhancements) and has promised to use his administration's powers to prevent illegal immigration. Trump also supports reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy for asylum seekers and other policies designed to reduce illegal immigration.
2. “America First” Economic Agenda. Trump promises to revive the U.S. economy by cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and bringing jobs back to America. He has reiterated his stance on trade, emphasizing the need for fairer trade deals that prioritize American workers. This includes focusing on industries like manufacturing and energy production, and imposing tariffs where necessary to protect U.S. jobs. Trump has also indicated plans to end dependence on China and reinvest in American industries.
3. Energy Independence and Energy Policy. Trump has promised to restore U.S. energy independence, which includes expanding domestic fossil fuel production, drilling, and fracking. He has vowed to reverse policies set by the Biden administration that hinder the energy sector and promote a more pro-business environment for oil, gas, coal, and nuclear energy.
4. Rollback on Biden Administration’s Policies. A major theme of Trump's 2024 campaign is to reverse much of President Joe Biden's agenda, including undoing regulations on the energy sector, rolling back climate change-related policies, and eliminating green energy subsidies that Trump believes are harmful to the U.S. economy. He has also pledged to address inflation and cut government spending, emphasizing that his approach would strengthen the dollar and improve the purchasing power of American families.
5. Law and Order, and Criminal Justice Reform. Trump has made a strong "law and order" stance a cornerstone of his 2024 platform, positioning himself as the candidate who will crack down on crime, particularly in Democrat-run cities. He promises to take a hard line on violent crime, defunding movements, and supporting police forces. Additionally, Trump has made it clear that he plans to continue to push for criminal justice reform, including addressing prison conditions, expanding sentencing reforms, and supporting more robust rehabilitation initiatives, similar to the First Step Act he championed in his first term.
6. Energy, Manufacturing, and Trade. Trump has focused on bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. by retooling trade policies to make outsourcing less attractive. He has also talked about bringing back key supply chains, such as pharmaceuticals and technology, to American soil.
He promises to end reliance on China for critical technologies and manufacturing, emphasizing an America-first trade policy to bolster U.S. industry and reduce dependency on foreign nations.
7. Reversing Woke Agenda and Protecting American Culture. Trump has strongly opposed what he describes as a "woke" culture that he believes is undermining American values. His campaign promises include taking action against woke indoctrination in schools and government, protecting free speech, and cracking down on critical race theory in education. He has positioned himself as a defender of traditional American values, vowing to protect parents' rights in the education system.
8. Veterans’ Care and Support. Trump has made continued commitments to improving veterans' services and care, promising to expand access to healthcare and benefits for veterans and ensuring they are treated with the respect they deserve.
9. Strengthen the Military. Trump has promised to increase defense spending, modernize the military, and ensure U.S. military readiness. This includes focusing on new technologies, improving the veteran care system, and ensuring the U.S. military can confront future challenges, such as those posed by China and Russia.
10. Anti-Globalist, “America First” Foreign Policy. Trump has pledged to end foreign entanglements and focus on America's interests first in the international arena. He has vowed to bring American troops home from overseas deployments, reduce involvement in international conflicts, and challenge the role of international organizations like the United Nations and NATO in U.S. affairs. He has also positioned himself as an advocate for energy independence, which he argues would strengthen U.S. global leverage.
11. Election Integrity. Trump has repeatedly called for election reforms that would ensure secure elections and address voter fraud. Although he has not provided a specific policy on how to ensure election integrity, he has consistently questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election and advocated for tighter voter ID laws and other measures to make elections more secure. He has vowed to continue challenging what he perceives as fraudulent election practices.
12. Ending "Biden's Socialist Policies" Trump has promised to reverse what he describes as the "socialist agenda" of the Biden administration, which includes expanding government-run programs like Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and free college tuition. He advocates for reducing the size and scope of the federal government, along with cutting taxes and regulations to allow businesses to thrive.
13. Strengthening the Supreme Court. Trump has pledged to continue appointing conservative judges to federal courts, particularly the Supreme Court, ensuring that it remains a conservative stronghold for years to come.
14. Second Amendment Rights. Trump has promised to continue defending Second Amendment rights and oppose any efforts to impose stricter gun control laws, positioning himself as a defender of gun ownership and individual rights.
These promises are largely designed to appeal to Trump's base of conservative, nationalist, and populist voters, while addressing concerns over immigration, the economy, crime, and government overreach. His rhetoric has also positioned him as an outsider who seeks to undo what he portrays as the failed policies of the establishment, which he blames for many of America's current struggles.
