As Donald J. Trump prepares to assume the presidency for a second term, his administration appears poised to implement sweeping changes across domestic and international policy domains. With a mandate bolstered by the results of the 2024 election and control over Congress and the Supreme Court, Trump’s plans signal a return to hardline stances on immigration, trade, energy, and social issues. Here is an in-depth look at the likely policy shifts under Trump 2.0:
Immigration: Mass Deportations and Birthright Citizenship
Trump’s immigration policy centers on a large-scale deportation operation targeting undocumented immigrants, a move he has described as the “largest deportation effort in U.S. history.” His administration plans to deploy the National Guard and, if necessary, federal troops to support these operations. Trump has also hinted at establishing internment camps to process individuals for deportation.
Additionally, Trump seeks to end birthright citizenship, which grants automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S., including those of undocumented immigrants. While such a move would face significant constitutional challenges under the 14th Amendment, Trump has suggested pursuing a constitutional amendment to achieve this goal. Sanctuary cities, which limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, are likely to resist these measures, setting the stage for prolonged legal battles. Analysts estimate the cost of these deportation efforts could exceed $300 billion.
International Trade: Aggressive Tariffs and Trade Wars
Trump’s trade policy is expected to focus on imposing tariffs to protect American interests. Key measures include:
- A 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada: This is aimed at pressuring both countries to enhance border security efforts to curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
- An across-the-board tariff of 10%-20% on all imports: Trump claims this will eliminate the trade deficit, but critics warn it could lead to higher consumer prices and global economic instability.
- A China-specific tariff of 60%: This builds on his first-term trade war, which targeted Chinese goods, particularly intermediate goods. Retaliation from trading partners like China, the EU, and India is anticipated.
- Potential 200% tariffs on imported cars: This measure is aimed at limiting vehicle imports from Mexico.
Trump’s tariff policies have drawn criticism for increasing costs for American consumers and businesses while escalating global trade tensions.
Foreign Policy: Resolving Global Conflicts
Trump has vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. On Ukraine, he has suggested halting U.S. financial support and demanding NATO allies reimburse Washington for war-related expenses. However, Trump has not provided a detailed roadmap for achieving peace in either conflict.
In his first term, Trump’s foreign policy decisions, such as moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, demonstrated his willingness to take controversial actions. It remains to be seen whether his approach in his second term will lead to tangible results or further geopolitical instability.
Boosting Domestic Oil and Gas Production
Trump plans to reverse key elements of President Biden’s climate agenda by expanding oil and gas drilling, including offshore drilling. He also aims to roll back tax credits for electric vehicles and other green initiatives, prioritizing traditional energy sources over renewable energy.
These measures are likely to draw criticism from environmental groups and could have significant implications for the U.S.’s ability to meet climate targets.
Restrictions on Transgender Rights and Critical Race Theory
Trump’s second term agenda includes measures targeting transgender individuals. He has vowed to ban transgender people from serving in the military and participating in schools, while recognizing only two genders: male and female. Additionally, he plans to cut federal funding for schools that teach about systemic racism, often referred to as “critical race theory.”
These measures align with Trump’s broader goal to eliminate what he describes as “transgender lunacy” and reduce federal influence in educational curriculums.
Tax Cuts and Economic Reforms
Trump is expected to renew corporate tax cuts introduced during his first term, despite criticism that these cuts disproportionately benefited the wealthy. His administration may also introduce new measures such as a carbon-border adjustment tax and restrictions on Chinese investments in critical U.S. industries like infrastructure and pharmaceuticals.
In addition, Trump has proposed a government efficiency initiative led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The initiative aims to identify $2 trillion in savings through mass layoffs, regulatory rollbacks, and agency closures. However, critics question the feasibility of these savings and warn of potential disruptions to essential government functions.
