Donald Trump is set to be the 47th President of the United States. Here are some of his proposed future policies that may affect students on three of the most pressing issues of his campaign.
Tariffs & Taxes
When a tariff is placed on another country, U.S. businesses importing goods from that country pay a tax that goes to the U.S. Treasury. While tariffs have not been common policy in the recent past, Trump brought them back in his first term through tariffs on Chinese steel, aluminum, solar panels, and washing machines. In the September presidential debate, Trump stated that if elected president, he is going to “have 10% to 20% tariffs on foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years.” This implies a blanket tariff on all imports coming into the U.S. from any country.
Additionally, while addressing the Economic Club of Chicago, he proposed placing tariffs of over 60% on Chinese goods. In the same address, he claimed these policies will “bring manufacturing back to the U.S.”, and raise revenue for the government. Despite this, economists argue over the efficacy of such a plan. In a study from the Peterson Institute, experts estimate that Trump’s tariffs may cost the average household $2,600 due to rising prices.
Trump is also in favor of lowering taxes, similar policy to what he pursued during his last presidency. According to Agenda47—Trump’s official campaign plan—his goals are to eliminate taxes on social security, tips, overtime pay, and lower the corporate tax rate to 15% (down from 21%). Additionally, he has also proposed removing the cap of $10,000 for the state and local tax (SALT).
Education
Of Trump’s policies on education, the largest is the proposed dismantling of the Department of Education (ED). The ED is in charge of services like Title I grants, which provide federal funding to schools in low-income areas, distributing Pell Grants, and handing out federal financial aid. While it is a large task, dissolving the ED is largely possible, and would likely distribute its responsibilities to other departments, while also cutting some.
According to his website, Trump has promised to “cut federal funding for any school or program pushing Critical Race Theory or gender ideology on our children.” This policy is generally vague, but would restrict the material educators are able to teach. He has also floated the idea of creating “a credentialing body to certify teachers who embrace patriotic values.” Trump has run on a platform barring transgender women from playing men’s designated sports.
Immigration
In Agenda47, Trump has stated that he will conduct “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” He has proposed using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deploy military forces to apprehend migrants at the border, though it is unsure if this will be put into action due to potential challenges in court. Trump has promised to expand the border wall, and proposed building detention camps to hold undocumented immigrants during the deportation process.
Additionally, Trump has stated that he will sign an executive order on “day one” to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-U.S. citizens. In a video posted on the Agenda47 website, Trump said “at least one parent will have to be a citizen or a legal resident in order to qualify [for citizenship].”
