Trump’s 2024 Comeback: Renewing the ‘America First’ Agenda

Donald Trump’s return as the 47th president marks a Republican resurgence. Despite heavy media criticism & two fatal attacks during his nearly 700-day campaign, his ‘America First’ agenda, focused on tax cuts & industry revitalization, is set to shape his term.

But as Trump seeks to tackle inflation & promote a conservative agenda, will this approach resonate with Americans this time around?

Election Results

With the historical win of Trump, James David Vance is set to become Vice President. Trump reaffirmed his “Make America Great Again” vision, emphasizing that America’s oil reserves surpass those of Saudi Arabia & Russia, making energy independence a top priority.

He also praised supporter Elon Musk’s recent space ventures, suggesting they highlight America’s technological prowess & bolster its power stance over China and Russia.

Voter Demographics

Younger voters and working-class Americans fueled Trump’s 2024 comeback, with slight shifts among non-white voters contributing to his strong performance in swing states.

As final counts wrap up, precincts are still tallying in-person, absentee, & mail-in ballots.

Also See: US Elections 2024: Trump Returns to The White House

Party Positions and Policy Differences

Democrats:
Led by Kamala Harris, the Democrats push for policies supporting abortion rights and healthcare reform. Harris’s agenda promised continued support for Ukraine and economic competitiveness against China.

Republicans:
The Grand Old Party’s (GOP) neoliberal approach under Trump stresses deregulation, lower taxes, and aggressive tariff policies, aiming for reduced foreign involvement and a bolstered domestic economy.

Electoral College and Swing States

With 270 minimum electoral votes required to win, Trump leads with 279 votes, while Harris has 223. Trump’s victory has been declared, with his success in key swing states helping secure his path back to the White House.

Crucial wins in Georgia (16 electoral votes), North Carolina (16), and Pennsylvania (19) have strengthened his position, although other swing states, including Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin, remain too close to call.

Key Policy Differences

• Foreign Policy: Harris favours for continued aid to Ukraine and a two-state solution in Israel-Palestine, while Trump emphasizes reducing foreign military commitments. He proposes a swift peace in Ukraine and presents himself as a firm ally of Israel.
  
• Trade and Tax: Harris pledged tax cuts for middle-income families and a corporate tax increase, while Trump’s trade policies emphasize tariffs, particularly targeting Chinese goods to boost U.S. industries.
  
• Border Security & Immigration: Harris advocates immigration reform, while Trump intends to expand deportations and complete the border wall.
  
• Climate: Harris supports renewable energy via the Inflation Reduction Act, while Trump backs Arctic drilling and expanded fossil fuel production.
  
• Guns: Harris advocates stricter gun laws, whereas Trump is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, promising to protect gun rights.

Impact on South Asia

South Asian nations are closely watching Trump’s return, anticipating potential shifts in U.S. alliances and policies. Analysts foresee stronger U.S.-India maritime cooperation to counter China.

• Pakistan: With the U.S. as Pakistan’s fourth-largest export partner, Trump’s focus may lie on climate and clean energy initiatives. The influential Pakistani-American community could impact bilateral relations, with Trump supporters like Syed Jawad Anwar potentially affecting the policy landscape.
  
• India: Trump’s restrictive export policies could strain relations, particularly in light of India’s close ties with Russia. Canada-India tensions may also influence policy directions.
  
• Afghanistan: The Taliban favors a practical U.S. policy; Trump’s administration previously negotiated the U.S. military withdrawal, though ongoing development aid remains uncertain.
  
• Bangladesh: With Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus leading Bangladesh’s interim government, U.S. ties could strengthen even as Bangladesh maintains a strategic relationship with China.

Timeline and Potential Scenarios

As Trump prepares to resume office with the Republican Party regaining control of the U.S. Senate, his victory speech promised to heal America. Historically, election result outcomes have varied in timing:

2020: Biden’s win confirmed four days post-election.
2016: Trump’s victory was announced hours after polls closed.
2012: Obama’s re-election was declared on election night.

Isolationism & America First Foreign Policy

Trump’s agenda signals a shift toward isolationism in some areas, with reduced foreign military engagements & an “America First” trade policy designed to reduce reliance on China.

His Middle East focus will likely strengthen ties with Israel, echoing his first term when he authorized airstrikes in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia, & other regions. U.S. drone strikes in Syria, for instance, increased by 400% during his presidency, with 65 U.S. troops and hundreds of thousands of civilians losing their lives in overseas conflicts.

As president-elect, Trump will assume office after the inauguration on January 20, 2025, marking the start of an administration whose policies will impact both domestic & international relations.

His “America First” doctrine will redefine global alliances, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region—a strategy both Trump & Biden have supported. In 2019, Trump’s administration published the Indo-Pacific Strategy, aiming to maintain a “free and open” region through strengthening alliances and countering China’s growing influence.

SAT Commentaries’ are social media threads by various authors, reproduced here for website use. Views are their own.

SAT Commentary

SAT Commentaries, a collection of insightful social media threads on current events and social issues, featuring diverse perspectives from various authors.

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