With President Donald Trump set to start his second term in 2024, Americans and world leaders alike are curious about what his administration will bring from 2024 to 2028. Analysts based on Trump’s campaign promises and his actions from 2017 to 2021 expect a mix of economic reform, immigration crackdowns, foreign policy shifts, and a stronger focus on energy independence. Here’s a look at what a second Trump term could entail:
Economic Policies: Tax Cuts and Deregulation
Central themes for the Trump administration remain economic growth and job creation. Trump has done the same in his first term, signing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered taxes for individuals and corporations, especially businesses. If re-elected, he has promised more tax cuts, including a push to spur small businesses and manufacturing jobs in America.
Trump says that easing tax burdens will spur job growth and raise household incomes but critics say that such policies could raise the national debt. Another key component of Trump’s economic approach is deregulation. The president intends to continue cutting the federal oversight of industries, including fossil fuels, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The cuts are designed to cut business costs, particularly in traditionally regulated sectors such as energy, where Trump promises to promote independence by removing what he describes as excessive environmental red tape.
Immigration: Tightening Border Control
Trump’s policy agenda has always been focused on immigration. One of his signature campaign promises from 2016, he has pledged to increase border security efforts and expand the controversial border wall. Stricter measures for approvals of visas, asylum applications, and expulsions could be considered a renewed focus on immigration enforcement.
In addition, the Trump administration has also hinted at changing 'birthright citizenship,' which gives anyone born on American soil U.S. citizenship, a change that would be sure to draw strong legal and public opposition if it were to occur. Trump’s administration may also try to reduce legal immigration by raising visa requirements and limiting the way undocumented immigrants can become citizens. Previously in his administration, Trump had imposed restrictions on high-skilled H-1B visas and family-based visas that could be revived with his continued push to favor American workers.
Foreign Policy: America First, Renewed Focus on Trade
The key element of Trump’s foreign policy is expected to be his “America First” agenda, which entails renegotiating trade deals to the advantage of American manufacturers and workers. He renegotiated NAFTA replacing it with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and slapped tariffs on goods from countries such as China. And analysts predict a similar strategy: Trump will use tariffs and sanctions to get favorable trade terms, especially with countries he sees as strategic rivals, such as China.
Trump has long criticized NATO member countries for not contributing enough to collective defense in NATO. He could even press allies harder for more money in a second term. But Trump’s foreign policy could shift away from getting involved in international conflicts and nation-building, which he pushed in 2016. In a recent rally, he underscored his focus on avoiding long military commitments overseas: 'We’re not the world’s policeman,' he said.
Energy Independence and Climate Policy
Continuity in energy policy can be expected from Trump’s first term, including an emphasis on energy independence and fossil fuel production. The president has pledged to build on the domestic oil, natural gas, and coal industries. Already under his administration, EPA regulations aimed at reducing emissions have been rolled back, and if he wins a second term, more would be cut to help promote American energy jobs.
The critics say that Trump’s environmental policies neglect climate change issues as he withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017 and his administration refused to invest in renewable energy. Trump has been skeptical about climate change but has suggested he would back some technologies if they are economically viable, such as carbon capture.
Healthcare: Reducing Costs, Increasing Transparency
Trump has said he wants to lower prescription drug prices and increase healthcare transparency to create a system in which patients can see the costs of services upfront. In his first term, Trump signed an executive order aimed at making hospitals more price transparent, but its rollout has been delayed. The administration may also seek to expand healthcare savings accounts (HSAs) that allow people more control over how they spend their medical money.
It's unlikely the Trump administration will let the Affordable Care Act off the hook, but eliminating it may be beyond the administration's reach without congressional backing. But if Congress is aligned, Trump may go further, seeking a more sweeping repeal of ACA provisions that cut back on Medicaid expansions or insurance protections for pre-existing conditions.
Education: School Choice and Critical Race Theory
Trump’s campaign heavily pushed “school choice” initiatives that seek to allow parents to choose between charter schools and private schools over traditional public schools. He says this approach will improve educational outcomes and bring competition to schools.
But critics say school choice could shift resources from public education systems already struggling with funding. He has promised to purge what he calls ‘political indoctrination’ in schools, with a special eye on critical race theory (CRT) and other diversity measures. If Trump wins another term, federal incentive or mandate for states to adopt new curriculum guidelines, especially those that focus on 'patriotic education'.
Judicial Appointments and Law Enforcement
But the Trump administration could also have a major influence on the judicial landscape by filling federal courts with conservative judges. With several possible retirements in the coming years, Trump could have opportunities to further tilt the Supreme Court and the lower courts toward conservatism, strengthening the judiciary’s conservative lean. It could have long-term effects on things like abortion, voting rights, and labor laws.
Trump will maintain his 'law and order' stance, and law enforcement will stay a priority. He has pushed for tougher penalties for crime and vowed to fight what he calls 'rising crime in cities.' His administration may try to expand federal support for local police departments, push for tougher sentencing for drug offenses, and take steps to deal with the ongoing opioid crisis through enforcement and treatment efforts.
Social Issues: Culture Wars and Civil Liberties
In terms of cultural issues that resonate with his base, Trump’s second term is likely to be about that. Freedom of speech on social media, religious liberties, and Second Amendment rights have become increasingly popular topics. He has said he will 'take on Big Tech' by reducing protections for tech companies that shield them from liability, claiming social media companies have silenced conservative voices.
The Trump administration could also push for policies that prioritize religious freedoms, which could mean that protections for LGBTQ+ people are diminished. This has been a point of contention, however, with opponents arguing that it may infringe on civil liberties and lead to discrimination.
Outlook and Challenges
Trump’s second term has ambitious changes in store, but it could confront big challenges too. If Democrats remain the majority in either chamber, many of his proposed policies, from immigration restrictions to healthcare reform, will need Congressional approval — but that could be hard.
There is also a public opinion divide on issues such as climate policy, immigration, and healthcare, with the possibility of opposition from both advocacy groups and international allies. As President Trump’s team starts sketching out their legislative agenda in coming months, Americans and the world will be watching closely. It remains to be seen whether his policies will strengthen the economy, reduce government regulation, and fortify American borders or whether they will continue to deepen the chasm between a nation already divided.
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