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Trump's Policies Will Make America Weak Again



The Economy

Trump's proposed policies, particularly on trade and taxes, could have negative economic consequences:

  • The combination of proposed tax cuts and tariff increases is estimated to reduce long-run GDP by nearly 0.2% and eliminate 387,000 full-time equivalent jobs1.

  • Sweeping tariffs, including a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and up to 60% on goods from China, could lower real U.S. GDP by 0.3% to 0.5% in 20252.

  • These policies are projected to significantly increase the national debt, with estimates ranging from $7.50 trillion to $15.15 trillion added to the debt over a 10-year period3.


Immigration and Labor Force

Trump's proposed immigration policies could negatively impact the U.S. labor supply and economic growth:

  • Mass deportations of undocumented immigrants could reduce the U.S. labor supply, potentially hindering economic growth2.

  • These policies could increase federal deficits by reducing the number of people paying federal taxes, with estimates ranging from $350 billion to $1 trillion over ten years3.


International Relations and Trade

Trump's proposed trade policies could strain international relationships and disrupt global trade:

  • Imposing high tariffs, especially on China, could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, potentially harming U.S. exports and global economic cooperation12.

  • Withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement could reduce U.S. influence in global affairs and environmental policy4.


Civil Liberties and Democratic Institutions

There are concerns that Trump's proposals could weaken democratic institutions and civil liberties:

  • Plans to expand executive power could potentially undermine checks and balances in the U.S. government system5.

  • Proposed crackdowns on protests and threats to deport student protesters who are not U.S. citizens could infringe on First Amendment rights5.

  • Potential use of federal law enforcement agencies against political opponents and advocacy organizations could further polarize the country and erode democratic norms5.


The potential for increased debt, reduced economic growth, strained international relations, and erosion of democratic norms could collectively diminish America's global standing and internal stability.


Trump's Health Care Proposals


Maintaining the Status Quo

  • Trump has not released a comprehensive health care plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) since his previous efforts to repeal it failed early in his first presidency5.

  • The campaign seems to be betting that voters prefer the current system over significant reforms5.


Focus on Pharmaceuticals

  • Trump promises to lower Medicare drug prices, though specific details are lacking5.

  • He pledges to address shortages of critical drugs by increasing domestic production in the United States5.


Vague Promises for Broader Changes

  • The campaign offers general statements about increasing transparency, promoting choice and competition, and expanding access to affordable healthcare options5.

  • However, concrete specifics on how to achieve these goals are not provided5.


Potential Areas of Action

  • Trump's "Project 2025" blueprint suggests several actions that could impact healthcare:

    • Eliminating the Affordable Care Act (ACA)1.

    • Cutting Medicaid benefits and implementing stricter eligibility requirements1.

    • Increasing Medicare Part D prescription drug prices1.

    • Allowing health insurance companies to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions1.

    • Restricting women's access to contraception1.


Approach to Policy Development

  • The campaign has not released detailed policy proposals, suggesting that specific reforms would be developed through "the give and take of bipartisan negotiation" rather than proposing comprehensive legislation upfront5.


Rick Bright, a former whistleblower under the Trump administration, warns of significant risks to public health if Donald Trump returns to the White House in 2025. As the former leader of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Bright observed firsthand how the Trump administration weakened America's health systems.


Key Points


Pandemic Mismanagement

  • Bright and other public health experts warned the Trump administration about medical supply shortages and the need for a unified national response to COVID-19, but their suggestions were disregarded and suppressed2.

  • The administration's mishandling of the pandemic response led to an estimated 40% more deaths in the U.S. compared to other high-income nations, potentially costing 180,000 lives1.


Weakening of Public Health Infrastructure

  • Trump's initial budgets proposed severe cuts to crucial health agencies:

    • 17% reduction ($1.2 billion) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    • 18% cut ($5.8 billion) for the National Institutes of Health

    • Significant cuts to the Food and Drug Administration2

  • By 2020, funding for state and local preparedness at the CDC had decreased by 20% compared to 2003 levels2.


Future Risks

  • Trump's potential return to office could lead to:

    • Dismantling of the CDC and limiting its ability to provide vaccine guidance

    • Weakening of FDA approval processes for medical products

    • Further reduction of NIH funding2


Current Health Threats

Bright warns that America faces multiple infectious disease threats, including ongoing COVID-19 cases, potential H5N1 avian influenza, mpox, West Nile virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis2.


Bright emphasizes the need for a robust and well-funded public health infrastructure to address current and future health challenges. He cautions that Trump's potential return, combined with plans to undermine critical agencies, risks leaving the U.S. dangerously unprepared for public health crises2.

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