End Illegal Immigration
Trump’s tough stance against illegal immigration was among his most commanding rally cries during his campaign for the presidency. He has vowed to end President Obama’s plans to protect millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation, build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and to temporarily suspend immigration from countries with a history of terrorism. Trump has also called for “extreme vetting” and an “ideological screening” of potential immigrants to ensure they share America’s values before entering the U.S.
Repeal Obamacare
Trump has a plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, and with a Republican Congress he has a clear path to replacing it. In broad terms, Trump’s plan includes establishing tax-free health savings accounts designed to help individuals save money to pay for healthcare costs, and allows policyholders to deduct premium costs on their personal income tax returns. Trump has also said he wants to allow insurers to sell their policies across state lines to increase competition. However, according to outside analysts, “Trumpcare” will increase the number of uninsured Americans by up to 21 million people.
Clean up Washington
The president-elect has proposed an ethics reform plan designed to “drain the swamp in Washington, D.C.” The plan centers around legislation that would minimize the influence of government officials after they leave their jobs, prohibiting former executive branch employees from lobbying the government for a period of five years after their tenure ends. Trump has criticized former President Bill Clinton for canceling that ban at the end of his second term, saying that Clinton “rigged the system on his way out.”
Strengthen National Security
In September, Trump unveiled his plan to boost defense spending and rebuild the military, while calling for a new strategy to defeat Islamic State, as part of his campaign to boost national security. His proposals include asking military generals to submit a plan to destroy ISIS within 30 days of him taking office, building an active Army of about 540,000 soldiers, and creating a new “state-of-the-art” missile defense system. Trump said the increase in spending will come from cutting waste and streamlining bureaucracy.
Rebuild U.S. Infrastructure
During his campain, Trump called for more than $550 billion to be poured into rebuilding failing roads and bridges over the next five years, in a move that has drawn criticism from both conservatives and his own economic advisers. At a rally in Detroit in August, Trump said he wants to “build the next generation of roads, bridges, railways, tunnels, seaports, and airports.” However, like so many of his ambitious plans, Trump has yet to submit a detailed plan for the renovations, nor has he explained how he’s going to come up with the money.
Whether or not Trump makes good on these proposals, during his first 100 days or at any time during his tenure, is anyone’s guess at this point. The only thing for certain is that our most unpredictable president-elect is prepared to make some big changes, both at home and abroad. Buckle up, Americans. It’s going to be a wild ride.
Source: The New York Times