Would Trump’s policies really 'Make America Great Again'?

Trump likes to present himself as the candidate on the side of the everyday American, standing up for their interests. He is fond of tax cuts and hostile to foreign trade, preferring to incentivise US job creation and manufacturing, or ‘re-shoring’.

Protecting US jobs: Since the end of the Second World War, globalisation has made the economies of the world increasingly connected. Trump, unlike most Republicans, however, has consistently railed against free trade. In his first term, he described himself as a ‘tariff man’, claiming that imposing surcharges on imports was the best way to maximise America’s economic heft. He gained attention for announcing he would implement a universal minimum tariff of at least 10%.

Restricting immigration: Trump’s pledge to ‘get them the hell out’ is one of his headline-grabbing statements on immigration. His mode of politics is very much one of ‘nativism’ – ‘the policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants’. Trump argues that immigrants, particularly those crossing the southern border, are criminals who cost the US taxpayer too much money and even eat Americans’ household pets. This message resonates with some voters, especially in close-knit communities in rural border areas.

Mr Trump is remembered by many Americans as the most recent president to enact swingeing tax cuts

Cutting taxes: Mr Trump is remembered by many Americans as the most recent president to enact swingeing tax cuts. These cuts, he claims, could be funded by the tariffs mentioned above. In his first term, Trump introduced tax cuts that are due to expire in 2025 – including cuts to most individual income tax rates and rules making it easier for businesses to claim back money spent on investments.

On the other hand, Trump’s opponents decry his policies as dangerous and misguided. While some positions, such as his immigration policy, are primarily seen as cruel, his economic policies are questioned by many high-profile economists.

Eroding democratic norms:  Since the 2020 election, Trump has continued to deny the validity of the result. He has combined this with recent comments on whether or not he will accept the outcome in 2024, refusing to confirm he’d respect the result. This dangerous tone normalises mistrust of America’s established and robust electoral system, undermining democratic norms.

Harmful economic policy: While Trump’s policies are popular with many due to blockbuster tax cuts and penalties on imports, economic experts warn they could harm the American economy. By punishing foreign imports, the prices of typically cheaper imported goods could match or even exceed those of products made with more expensive American labour. Kamala Harris likes to cite estimates that Trump’s trade policies will cost the average family around $4,000 per year in price rises.

This dangerous tone normalises mistrust of America’s established and robust electoral system

Withdrawing from international allies: Trump’s isolationist position means he believes America should be more selective in its foreign involvements, especially military engagements. Republicans in the House of Representatives have increasingly been vocal in opposing additional aid to Ukraine. JD Vance, if Trump wins, would be another powerful isolationist voice as Vice President. This could reduce America’s presence and global influence, reducing their image as a global power.