You’re not imagining things—Donald Trump has been hinting that he wants to run for president again in 2024. And if the last election taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t count Trump out. But what would his policy agenda look like if he returned to the White House? Our expert has the inside scoop on what programs and policies would likely be on Trump’s chopping block in his second term. From healthcare to immigration and beyond, Trump could take aim at some of his favorite targets again. Read on to find out what might be in store if Trump wins in 2024—and what it could mean for you and your family.
Trump’s Potential 2024 Presidential Bid
If Trump runs and wins again in 2024, his agenda will likely pick up where he left off. One of his top priorities will probably be building his long-promised border wall and implementing harsh anti-immigration policies. He’ll try to end DACA and restrict both legal and illegal immigration.
Trump will also likely pursue an “America First” foreign policy meant to isolate the U.S. on the global stage. He may withdraw the U.S. from more multinational alliances and trade deals, escalate trade wars, and cozy up to autocrats. Domestically, Trump will probably try again to repeal Obamacare and gut environmental regulations. He doesn’t believe in climate change, so he’ll likely pull the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord and roll back vehicle fuel efficiency standards and emissions rules for power plants.
The Chopping Block
A second Trump term would probably mean the end of the Department of Education. Trump has long wanted to cut the department and shift control of schools to state and local governments. Other programs like food assistance, Medicaid, and Social Security may also face cuts as Trump tries to slash government spending.
To please his base, Trump will probably pursue restrictions on abortion and advance a conservative social agenda. He may nominate more judges to the Supreme Court and lower courts to secure a conservative majority. Trump could also take aim at tech companies with antitrust actions or by revoking legal protections for platforms.
Of course, Trump faces significant obstacles to win another term, including potential criminal charges and a divided Republican party. But if he defies the odds and regains the presidency, his agenda seems clear: restrict immigration, isolate America, roll back Obama’s legacy, cut the social safety net, and remake the courts. The country would be in for a bumpy ride.
Trump’s “Chopping Block” if Re-Elected
Mass Deportations
If Trump regains power, he’ll likely resume his mass deportation agenda. During his first term, Trump expelled over 5 million migrants, more than any other president. According to experts, Trump aims to deport at least 10 to 15 million undocumented immigrants to reach his campaign promise of removing “every last illegal alien.” Such a cruel policy would tear families apart and violate human rights.
Rewriting Trade Deals
Trump is keen to reshape global trade to favor American companies. He may renegotiate or withdraw from trade deals like NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and reimpose tariffs on China and the EU. While Trump claims this will boost US manufacturing, economists argue it may spark a damaging trade war and raise consumer prices.
Loyalists in Key Roles
Trump has frequently appointed political loyalists and family members to senior government roles. If re-elected, Trump may fill his Cabinet and administration with sycophants who share his nationalist “America First” vision. Key departments like Justice, State, Defense and Homeland Security could be staffed by Trump devotees with little experience, threatening US security and governance.
Undermining Democratic Norms
Trump has frequently attacked democratic institutions and spread misinformation. Another term may see Trump further undermine confidence in the media, courts and election system. Trump may also leverage presidential powers to target political opponents or stifle dissent. Experts worry such authoritarian behavior could deal lasting damage to US democracy.
In summary, a second Trump term could bring harsh policies targeting migrants, risky economic strategies, an inexperienced administration and threats to democratic norms. Of course, there is still time before the next election, so the future remains uncertain. But if Trump’s past actions are any guide, America may be in for a rough ride.
Changes Trump Would Make to Healthcare Policy
If Trump returns to the Oval Office, his top priority will likely be dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Repealing Obamacare Trump has long promised to repeal the ACA, and replace it with something “terrific”. He would push Congress to fully repeal the law, eliminating protections for pre-existing conditions and the health insurance mandate. Instead, Trump favors health savings accounts, association health plans, and selling insurance across state lines.
Slashing Drug Costs
Trump claims he will reduce skyrocketing prescription drug costs, possibly by allowing Medicare to negotiate prices with Big Pharma, or allowing cheaper drugs to be imported from Canada. However, his administration has taken little meaningful action on this so far.
Promoting “Medical Freedom”
Trump’s HHS has focused on expanding “medical freedom” by deregulating the healthcare industry.
For example, Trump ended “burdensome” restrictions on short-term insurance plans and health reimbursement arrangements. He also issued rules requiring hospitals and insurers to disclose their negotiated prices in a push for more “price transparency”.
Restricting Abortion and Funding for Women’s Health
While Trump has seesawed on whether he supports banning abortion outright, his administration has taken actions to restrict abortion and cut funding for women’s health programs like Planned Parenthood. For example, Trump reinstated the global gag rule, blocking US funding for international health organizations that provide abortion counseling. At home, Trump’s judicial appointments have supported state laws making it more difficult for women to access abortions.
In summary, Trump’s approach to healthcare policy centers around deregulating private insurance, reducing coverage mandates, and restricting women’s reproductive rights. His actual success in achieving meaningful reforms, however, has been mixed. If given another term, Trump would likely take more aggressive actions to dismantle Obamacare and curb abortion rights, although lowering drug prices and protecting people with pre-existing conditions would remain mostly empty promises.
Trump’s Approach to Immigration Reform
If elected again in 2024, Trump has vowed to enact his signature “America First” policy on immigration reform. Expect mass deportations, ending birthright citizenship, and “extreme vetting” of immigrants.
Mass Deportations
Trump previously signed executive orders to ramp up deportations of undocumented immigrants, especially those with criminal records. Under a second Trump term, deportations would likely skyrocket, with ICE agents given broad authority to detain and remove immigrants without due process. Even immigrants with deep ties to the U.S. would face deportation.
Ending Birthright Citizenship
Trump seeks to end the constitutional right to citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. He believes this “anchor baby” policy encourages illegal immigration and chain migration. However, revoking birthright citizenship would require amending the Constitution, an arduous process. Trump may issue an executive order to interpret the 14th Amendment differently, but its legality would face court challenges.
‘Extreme Vetting’ and Travel Bans
Trump’s “Muslim ban” targeting travelers from several Muslim-majority nations could be reinstated and expanded. His administration would implement “extreme vetting” of immigrants and refugees, denying entry based on characteristics like religion, national origin, and political beliefs. The border wall with Mexico would also likely resume construction, with the goal of sealing off the southern border completely.
In summary, Trump’s hardline stance and nationalist rhetoric on immigration would shape policies prioritizing enforcement over compassion. For Trump, “America First” means severely limiting immigration and deporting as many undocumented migrants as possible, no matter the humanitarian consequences. His vision is of an America closed off from the outside world, where immigrants are seen more as threats than contributions. If he returns to the presidency, Trump’s immigration crackdown would only intensify.
What a Second Trump Term Could Mean for Foreign Policy
Disruption on the Global Stage
If Trump regains the presidency in 2024, expect his “America First” foreign policy to continue disrupting global alliances and institutions. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord in his first term. He could pull the U.S. out of other treaties like the World Health Organization or NATO in a second term. Long-time allies may distance themselves from the U.S. if Trump pursues more unilateral actions on trade, defense, and other issues.
Changes to Foreign Aid
Under Trump, the budget for foreign aid through USAID was slashed. Another four years of Trump could mean even deeper cuts to programs for global health, education, economic growth, and disaster relief. Some critics argue this weakens America’s standing abroad, while supporters say it reduces government spending. Either way, many vulnerable populations could lose lifesaving assistance.
Global Power Vacuum
On the world stage, Trump’s isolationist moves created a power vacuum that China and Russia eagerly filled. After the U.S. withdrew from the TPP trade deal and Iran deal, China and Russia strengthened ties with both countries. U.S. adversaries and competitors are poised to gain more influence in a second Trump term, as the administration cedes global leadership on security, trade, climate, and beyond.
Managing North Korea and Iran
Trump’s approach to North Korea and Iran was mixed. He pursued denuclearization talks with Kim Jong Un but made little progress. Tensions with Iran escalated to the brink of war but later eased slightly. How Trump would handle these complex relationships in a second term is unclear but could significantly impact global security. Another four years may bring stalled talks or direct confrontation with these regimes.
In summary, U.S. foreign policy under a second Trump administration would likely remain “America First,” for better or worse. Alliances and aid could weaken as adversaries gain ground. But unpredictability is key—global politics could look very different in 2024. Trump’s return may bring disruption or status quo, confrontation or dealmaking. Only time will tell.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Trump’s potential plans if he regains the presidency in 2024 seem ambitious yet controversial. Healthcare, immigration, energy, and more could see major changes. Whether you love or hate the proposals, they would undoubtedly shake things up in a big way. The next election is still a couple years off, but the policy plans give an early glimpse of what a second Trump term might prioritize. For now, it’s interesting fodder for political junkies to analyze and debate. But soon enough, voters may have to grapple with the real-world impacts if Trump returns to the Oval Office. Buckle up, it could be a wild ride.