Trump’s Second Term Agenda: Radical Departure from Convention

Former President of the US - Donald Trump | Credits: Reuters
Former President of the US - Donald Trump | Credits: Reuters

United States: In the potential inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States in January 2025, intricate legal entanglements notwithstanding, national polling suggests a competitive edge for the former President over President Joe Biden.

Should Biden secure a second term, the trajectory could entail either continuity or a surge of progressive policies, contingent upon Democratic control of both legislative chambers.

Conversely, another term under Trump’s helm could usher in a profound departure from both his preceding tenure and conventional presidential governance, according to Business Insider. 

This prognosis emerges from an analysis of Trump’s electoral propositions, his dialogue with TIME in April, journalistic investigations by The New York Times, and policy blueprints from the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025.

Certain propositions hinge on Republican ascension in both the House and Senate, a plausible scenario if Trump clinches the presidency.

A non-exhaustive glimpse into a prospective Trump administration reveals:

Revolutionizing Federal Governance:

An unconventional aspect of Trump’s second-term agenda revolves around reorganizing the executive arm to bolster presidential authority significantly.

This envisages tighter reins on the multitude of non-partisan bureaucrats inhabiting federal agencies, a demographic often spanning administrations.

Trump’s revival of the dormant “Schedule F” classification, an endeavor thwarted by Biden’s subsequent annulment, seeks to circumvent customary safeguards for career bureaucrats.

His blueprint extended to commandeering independent agencies like the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission, deviating from historical norms. Even the Federal Reserve’s autonomy could be in question, as reported by Business Insider. 

Moreover, the resurrection of “impoundment,” a dormant practice since 1974, challenges legislative prerogatives.

These stratagems illustrate Trump’s quest for expanded executive latitude, a pivot from his initial term’s constraints.

Ambiguity on Abortion Policy:

Trump’s stance on abortion decentralization, articulated in April, posits state prerogatives over federal intervention, ostensibly sidestepping nationwide regulatory impositions.

Nonetheless, this stance belies the complexity of the issue and leaves room for conjecture on Republican posturing.

His refusal to veto abortion restrictions passed by a GOP-controlled Congress and silence on mifepristone legality fuel conjecture about his administration’s abortion policies.

Advocates have mooted leveraging the archaic Comstock Act to curtail mifepristone distribution, exacerbating reproductive rights debates.

Immigration Overhaul and Birthright Citizenship:

Trump’s re-election heralds stringent immigration policies, including large-scale deportations possibly facilitated by National Guard deployment.

Proposals for expansive detention facilities in Texas signal a militarized approach to border security.

Moreover, Trump eyes revoking “birthright citizenship,” a constitutional guarantee under the 14th Amendment, vowing executive action despite legal challenges, as per Business Insider. 

Prosecutorial Vendettas:

Trump vows retribution against the Biden clan, advocating a special prosecutor to counter alleged malfeasance. This escalates efforts to curtail the Department of Justice’s autonomy, eroding established norms.

Pardoning January 6 Rioters:

Pardoning implicated insurrectionists denotes a symbolic endorsement of Capitol rioters, framing them as political martyrs rather than lawbreakers.

Protectionist Economic Policies:

Trump’s protectionist agenda envisions universal tariffs, reciprocated tariffs, and bolstered domestic manufacturing. Experts warn of economic ramifications, cautioning against trade wars.

Foreign Policy Realignment:

Trump’s skepticism towards NATO underscores his vision for recalibrating global engagements, critiquing entrenched foreign policy paradigms.

Tax and Social Welfare Revisions:

Proposals to extend tax cuts and reform entitlements signal potential fiscal policy shifts, albeit amid ambiguity surrounding Social Security and Medicare.

In sum, a prospective Trump presidency heralds a seismic departure from conventional governance paradigms, punctuated by executive overreach, contentious social policies, and disruptive global realignments.