Donald Trump, who won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has taken office for the second time as the 47th president of the country. During his first term from 2016 to 2020, Trump pursued policies that resonated worldwide. In his second term, he embarks on his presidency with more ambitious goals. His radical changes promised in economic growth, immigration policies, foreign trade, and foreign policy are among the key agenda items for his second term. Despite facing legal and political challenges during the election process, Trump achieved victory and plans to implement comprehensive reforms in domestic and foreign policy.
Donald Trump Inauguration (Source: AP)
Election Process
Donald Trump's return to the presidency for a second term was shaped by several significant developments.
Legal Challenges and Confirmation of Candidacy
After leaving office in 2021, Trump faced legal challenges related to election interference, financial irregularities, and the Capitol riot. However, these cases did not prevent him from running in the 2024 election. Although his candidacy was challenged in some states under the 14th Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that he could participate in the elections.
Assassination Attempt
During the election campaign, Trump survived an armed attack at a rally. Security forces responded swiftly, and Trump’s decision to continue the rally drew widespread public attention. The incident led to increased discussions about security measures and ultimately strengthened solidarity among his supporters.
Trump Assassination Attempt (Source: TRT)
Kamala Harris Becomes the Democratic Candidate
Following debates over Joe Biden's health and his weak performance in televised debates, he withdrew from the race. Kamala Harris was nominated as the Democratic Party's candidate, marking a turning point in the election campaign. Harris’s nomination altered the campaign dynamics, garnering significant public and political interest. Trump’s campaign portrayed Harris as a continuation of the current administration.
The Robert Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk Factor
During the election, Robert Kennedy Jr. publicly endorsed Trump, while Elon Musk also voiced his support through the social media platform X. Kennedy's endorsement appealed to independent and undecided voters concerned with environmental policies and personal freedoms, giving Trump an edge. Within the Democratic Party, this support led to internal divisions and strategic shifts. Musk’s backing, emphasizing a stance against government interventions and supporting free-market policies, bolstered Trump’s economic credibility and increased support from the business community.
Election Results
In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump secured 49.9% of the vote and won 312 electoral votes, defeating Kamala Harris, who garnered 48.4%. Throughout the campaign, Trump focused on solidifying the Republican base and increasing support among specific demographic groups.
The election results indicated that Trump maintained his strong support among non-college-educated white voters while increasing his share among Hispanic and Asian voters. Notably, he secured 54% of Hispanic male votes and increased his support among African-American men from 12% to 20%. Among young voters, his support rose from 35% to 42%.
Trump’s success in swing states played a crucial role in his victory. He reclaimed Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, which he had lost in 2020. In Arizona, Hispanic voters shifted towards Trump; in Georgia, Democratic support in the Atlanta suburbs declined; and in Michigan, discontent among Arab voters regarding Biden's foreign policy favored Trump.
Election security experts affirmed that the election process was conducted transparently and reliably, with no major disruptions or security issues reported.
2024 US President Election Results (Source: NBC News)
Election Promises
Trump's second-term agenda include comprehensive policies aimed at fulfilling approximately 60 commitments through executive orders on his first day in office. Although such actions are common for new administrations, Trump's action plan is considered more extensive this time.
His second-term promises include:
Economy and Trade: Continuing tax cuts, offering incentives to small businesses, and introducing new welfare packages for workers. Trump plans to expand the 2017 tax reforms and exempt tips from taxation. His goals include eliminating taxes on Social Security payments and further reducing corporate taxes. A 10% general import tariff and additional tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods are proposed to reduce the trade deficit and boost U.S. industry.
Energy Policies: Increasing fossil fuel extraction and restoring U.S. energy independence. Trump’s "drill, drill, drill" policy aims to boost fossil fuel production while cutting investments in renewable energy. Drilling in the Arctic region is also on the agenda.
Immigration Policies: Conducting the largest deportation operation in U.S. history and completing the Mexico border wall. Military forces are expected to be deployed for border security.
Justice: Pardoning individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot and implementing legal system reforms.
International Policies: Trump has emphasized the need to remove China's influence from the Panama Canal and plans to reinforce U.S. strategic control in the region. The idea of purchasing Greenland, previously discussed in his first term, has resurfaced as a strategic priority for Arctic presence.
These promises indicate significant changes in national security, the economy, and foreign policy, with anticipated legal and diplomatic challenges.
Foreign Policy Approaches
Trump's second term aims for radical changes in foreign policy, emphasizing a protectionist approach under the "America First" slogan.
U.S.-China Rivalry: Stricter trade policies against China and increased support for Taiwan.
Russia-Ukraine War: Reducing aid to Ukraine and prioritizing diplomatic solutions with Russia.
NATO and Europe: Reassessing U.S. commitments unless NATO members increase their defense spending.
Middle East Policies: Limited intervention, supporting the Gaza ceasefire, imposing stricter sanctions on Iran, and reducing military presence in Syria.
Climate and Energy Policies: Rolling back environmental regulations and increasing fossil fuel production. Trump, known for withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement during his first term, aims to support the U.S. automotive sector by eliminating electric vehicle incentives and promoting oil and gas production.
Trump's policies are expected to reduce energy costs but face scepticism from experts regarding their feasibility.
