A Comparative Analysis of Donald Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s Policies

The political landscape of the United States is marked by profound differences between the leaders shaping its future. Among the most prominent figures of the past decade are Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, and Kamala Harris, Vice President under Joe Biden. This article explores key aspects of their policies, including approaches to the economy, social issues, healthcare, and foreign policy.

Economic Policies

Donald Trump is remembered for his “America First” policy, which focused on tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate economic growth. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was one of the administration’s major achievements, reducing the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and providing tax cuts for individuals, particularly those in higher income brackets. Trump also aggressively pursued protectionist trade policies, such as tariffs on imported goods, especially from China.

In contrast, Kamala Harris supports more progressive economic approaches. She advocates for raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and supports initiatives aimed at reducing economic inequality. Harris also backs increasing taxes on corporations and the wealthiest Americans to fund social programs and infrastructure projects, which she believes will drive long-term economic growth.

Social Issues

Trump’s and Harris’s views on social issues are sharply divergent. Trump was often at the center of controversy due to his statements and policies aimed at limiting immigration, such as the travel ban from several Muslim-majority countries and family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border. His administration also opposed many initiatives aimed at expanding LGBTQ+ rights.

Harris, on the other hand, is known for her active defense of minority rights. She supports criminal justice reform aimed at reducing mass incarceration and advocates for immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants. Harris is also a strong proponent of LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality.

Healthcare

In the realm of healthcare, Trump sought to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and replace it with an alternative system. While his administration did not succeed in fully repealing Obamacare, it took several steps to undermine it, such as eliminating the individual mandate.

Harris, in contrast, supports expanding access to healthcare. She is a proponent of the “Medicare for All” plan, which proposes creating a single-payer national healthcare system. Harris believes that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, and advocates for policies that ensure all Americans have access to medical services.

Foreign Policy

Trump’s foreign policy was characterized by revising trade agreements and reducing U.S. involvement in international organizations. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, questioned the importance of NATO, and pursued new bilateral trade deals instead of multilateral agreements.

Harris adheres to a more traditional approach to foreign policy, supporting the restoration of alliances and active U.S. participation in international organizations. She advocates for rejoining the Paris Agreement and strengthening cooperation with NATO allies. Harris also supports the idea of bolstering democratic institutions worldwide and actively addressing climate change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the policies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris represent distinct approaches to governing the country. Trump focuses on economic nationalism, tax cuts, and deregulation, while Harris champions progressive reforms aimed at social justice, equality, and expanding access to healthcare. Their differing political philosophies continue to shape discussions about the future of the United States and its role in the world.

Richard Beneke’s analysis provides a comprehensive look at these two political figures, helping readers better understand their approaches and potential impact on the nation.