Donald Trump’s presidency has been marked by a series of sweeping policy changes that have reshaped the political landscape both in the United States and internationally. Originating from his 'Agenda 47' proposals and influenced by think tanks like the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, the administration has implemented significant reforms. Yet, there remain numerous proposals and policy areas that Trump might explore further.
Revamping the Department of Education
The Department of Education, established in 1980 under President Jimmy Carter, has been a significant focus for reform efforts. A potential executive order aimed at significantly limiting the department's power is one of the reforms Trump has considered. Education Secretary-designee Linda McMahon could find herself out of a job, as Trump humorously suggested. However, dismantling a department that oversees billions in federal spending and legal mandates, particularly concerning low-income schools and student loans, poses substantial challenges.
Changes in Abortion Policy
Throughout his campaign, Trump cautiously addressed abortion, despite his role in appointing justices responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade. In potential upcoming moves, Project 2025 outlines tighter restrictions on abortion medication, a response to increased demand post-election. The proposal suggests a rollback of FDA approvals and stricter safety protocols for drugs like Mifeprex, including a 49-day gestation limit and in-person dispensing requirements. Alongside, invoking the 1873 Comstock Act could block the mailing of abortion-related materials, emphasizing the administration's focus on hampering medication abortions.
Education: Return to States and School Choice
Project 2025 emphasizes returning education control back to states while simultaneously promoting 'universal school choice.' This ambition includes using federal power to influence private school subsidies and eliminate teacher tenure—typically managed at the state level. Nationalizing such changes requires overcoming significant legislative and constitutional hurdles.
Higher Education Reformation
Trump has taken a firm stance against prominent U.S. universities, labeling them as hotbeds for unwelcome ideologies. By proposing changes to accreditation processes and targeting large university endowments, Trump envisions collecting substantial funds to redirect into a non-political, tuition-free online educational institution: the American Academy.
International Trade and Tariff Policies
Tariffs have been a cornerstone of Trump's trade strategy, initially targeting China, and could potentially expand to include broader trade initiatives. While the 'Trump Reciprocal Trade Act' intends to reverse U.S. trade deficits, the implications on global trade relations and domestic markets remain deeply complex.
Labor Relations and Worker Rights
Trump's policy plans may involve dismantling regulations from Biden’s administration that expanded worker rights, especially concerning gig economy workers and overtime pay. A shift towards relaxing labor laws, as suggested by Project 2025, could reshape how employment and labor disputes are handled, granting more flexibility to businesses at the potential cost of worker protections.
Global Peace Negotiations
On an international stage, Trump has promised swift resolutions to conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas tension. By seeking financial reimbursements and strategic partnerships, such as tapping into Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, his approach reinforces a broader narrative of transactional diplomacy.
As President Trump considers these pending proposals, the impact on both domestic policies and international relations is poised to be significant. The administration's trajectory remains a point of critical observation for policy analysts and political commentators alike.