With the 2024 presidential election less than a year away, it is important to look at the differences between the Trump Administration and the Biden Administration. The contrasting approaches of the Trump and Biden administrations in key policy areas, such as the economy, abortion rights, health care, climate change, immigration, and foreign policy, reflect a profound ideological shift in U.S. governance.
In a recent poll of 100 students at NECC, the difference between a vote for Trump and a vote for Biden is only 2% in Bidens favor. The overwhelming number of students are still undecided. The issues that matter most to students may be the difference between a Trump win or a Biden win in November of 2024.
Economy
Trump Administration: Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. economy was steered by policies that emphasized deregulation and substantial tax cuts, primarily benefiting corporations and the wealthy. Trump’s economic agenda was grounded in stimulating growth through these measures, coupled with a protectionist trade stance. This approach included renegotiating trade deals and imposing tariffs to safeguard domestic industries, which sometimes led to global trade tensions. However, this strategy also faced challenges like a growing national debt and economic uncertainties.
Biden Administration: President Joe Biden’s economic policy, dubbed ‘Bidenomics’, represents a significant departure from his predecessor’s approach. It focuses on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impacts through stimulus measures and large-scale infrastructure investments. These initiatives are funded by proposed tax increases on wealthier individuals and corporations, aiming to redistribute wealth and strengthen social safety nets. The Biden administration has overseen considerable job creation, rebounding from the pandemic-induced downturn and indicating a shift towards economic recovery and sustainability.
Abortion Rights
Trump Administration: Trump’s presidency marked a clear pro-life stance, demonstrated by policies like reinstating the Global Gag Rule and appointing conservative justices to the Supreme Court. These actions signaled a potential threat to abortion rights in the U.S. and were a pivot towards more restrictive reproductive health policies.
Biden Administration: In contrast, Biden’s administration has maintained a pro-choice perspective, advocating for reproductive autonomy and supporting women’s rights to access comprehensive health care, including abortion services. This stance aligns with broader efforts to ensure women’s reproductive rights are protected and accessible.
Health Care
Trump Administration: The Trump administration’s hallmark health care policy was its persistent effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This approach aimed at replacing the ACA with an alternative that potentially reduced coverage and protections, leading to widespread concerns about healthcare accessibility.
Biden Administration: Biden’s health care strategy sharply contrasts with Trump’s, focusing on expanding health care access and affordability. His administration has enhanced ACA subsidies, proposed a public option to compete with private insurers, and sought to lower the Medicare eligibility age. These policies aim to extend health care coverage to more Americans and address critical issues like high prescription drug costs.
Climate Change
Trump Administration: Climate change policy under Trump was characterized by skepticism and a departure from global environmental initiatives, most notably the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. His administration also rolled back numerous environmental protections, prioritizing economic interests over environmental sustainability.
Biden Administration: Biden’s administration has adopted a proactive stance on climate change, setting ambitious emission reduction targets and enacting significant legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act to promote clean energy and sustainability. This policy shift signifies a renewed commitment to tackling global climate challenges and fostering environmental stewardship.
Immigration
Trump Administration: Trump’s immigration policies were marked by strict enforcement and hardline measures, including the “zero tolerance” policy that led to family separations and the pursuit of a border wall. These policies, aimed at reducing illegal immigration, were criticized for their humanitarian consequences.
Biden Administration: Biden has adopted a more humanitarian approach to immigration, rescinding many of Trump’s policies and proposing measures to address the root causes of migration. His administration’s efforts include increasing asylum officer numbers and enhancing resources for border security and immigration processing, indicating a more balanced and comprehensive immigration strategy.
Foreign Policy
Trump Administration: Trump’s “America First” foreign policy favored unilateralism and national interests, leading to the U.S. withdrawing from several international agreements and often strained relations with allies. This approach emphasized bilateral over multilateral engagements and marked a significant shift in the U.S.’s global engagement strategy.
Biden Administration: In a stark contrast, Biden’s foreign policy has focused on multilateralism and rebuilding alliances. His administration has re-engaged with international organizations and agreements, emphasizing collective action in addressing global challenges. This approach aims to restore the U.S.’s position as a collaborative and reliable global player.
The Trump and Biden administrations’ divergent policies across these key areas underscore a shift from conservative to liberal ideologies. Under Trump, the focus was on economic growth through deregulation and national interests, sometimes at the expense of environmental and human rights concerns. In contrast, Biden’s policies reflect a commitment to inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation, encapsulating the dynamic shifts in U.S. political and policy orientations.
There is a stark difference between President Biden and Donald Trump and the way they have handle the issues. Hopefully in November 2024 voters will be informed where each candidate stands on the issues that matter most to them.
