It is pretty safe to say that most Americans had not really given much thought to what would happen next in the US after Donald Trump’s surprise win last year. Well, they might want to stop now. Here’s what you need to know.
A Democrat-Led Government
On November 8th, 2016, millions of Americans voted for Donald Trump because they believed that he was the best candidate to take on Hillary Clinton. The billionaire businessman had positioned himself to the political center, promising to be a uniter not a divider. He also pledged to fight for the little guy, ending political correctness and raising the minimum wage. Many Americans hoped that Trump would usher in a new era of prosperity – but that wasn’t to be the case.
After the shock of the election results, many Americans are left wondering what will happen next. So far, it looks like they will get their wish for a Democrat-led government. On January 20th, 2017, President-elect Trump will welcome former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D) to the White House for tea. The president-elect and the former presidential candidate will then proceed to have a fairly cordial relationship, according to a report in The Hill.
Tax Cuts, Reductions And Reform
One of the main issues that Trump focused on during the campaign was tax reform. He proposed overhauling the tax code so that it is simpler and more fair. He also pledged to slash corporate income tax rates from 35% down to 15%, eliminate the estate tax, and provide relief to the middle class.
To be sure, Trump’s proposed tax cuts are highly controversial. The nonpartisan Institute on Tax Reform and Economic Policy (ITREPP) estimates that they would cost the federal government $1 trillion over the next ten years. That’s a large chunk of change. But the group also estimates that it would result in an annual reduction of $100 billion in consumer prices. So while taxes may go up to pay for the tax cuts, they will also result in lower costs for many American consumers. Moreover, the plan would also likely accelerate economic growth, resulting in even more jobs.
Health Care
Another area that Trump focused on during the campaign was health care. He proposed expanding insurance coverage and lowering premiums. He also wants to repeal and replace Obamacare. However, this is a very delicate issue for Trump as it pits him against Republicans, who see it as a cornerstone of their policy platform, and Democrats, who vehemently oppose it.
Even so, Trump’s proposed health care reforms are less ambitious than those of his predecessor. In 2010, President Obama (D) fought for and won passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which dramatically expanded insurance coverage and lowered premiums for millions of Americans. This law includes protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, which Democrats have always opposed. Additionally, it provides state funds for outreach and informational campaigns for those who want to get coverage but don’t know what insurance would be best for them. Finally, the law created a mechanism for individuals to get tax credits if they make less than $25,000 per year.
Given that Trump has already proposed some truly awful ideas, it would be unwise to expect miracles. But the President-elect has promised to work hard to repeal as much of Obamacare as he can. He has also expressed openness to working with Democrats to make health care better and more affordable for Americans. Hopefully, he will keep his word and make health care a priority in his administration. It’s a tall order, but it’s something that millions of Americans are looking forward to.
Energy
Trump also mentioned energy in his campaign platform, pledging to support domestic energy production and to rescind President Obama’s executive orders on climate change. He has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the scientific consensus regarding human-induced climate change, which poses a threat to future generations. His position on climate change is similar to that of the large number of Americans who reject anthropogenic climate change; almost 60% of Americans don’t believe it, according to a 2016 survey by the Pew Research Center.
On the subject of energy, Trump has been somewhat of a mixed bag. On the one hand, he promised to uphold and protect the USA’s energy sovereignty. He also promised to support American workers and fight for their right to unionize. He has already proposed a number of measures that would directly impact workers and the energy industry, such as revising the Clean Air Act to allow more coal mining and less environmental impact, and banning federal funding for abortion.
However, Trump has also expressed support for expanding renewable energy production and decreasing US oil consumption. He wants to protect consumers from soaring oil prices, which could cause severe economic hardship for average Americans. His goal is to provide affordable energy to all Americans.
A More Active Diplomacy
One of the most interesting aspects of the Trump administration will be its foreign policy. During the campaign, Trump frequently spoke of his desire to expand economic and military ties with other countries and to bring jobs back to the United States. He has already appointed a number of individuals with experience in the area of foreign policy. Moreover, he will likely focus heavily on the matter. In the past, Trump has shown little patience for international dealings and has made it clear that he wants to do deals as quickly and as cheaply as possible.
If Trump’s foreign policy is any indication of what’s to come, it would appear that the world as we know it is about to change. And that’s a good thing. We need a dose of reality and self-reflection in our world, and that’s exactly what Trump’s presidency will bring.