To Vote, or Not to Vote: A Breakdown of Trump and Biden’s Plan for America

As the election approaches, it is essential to understand the policies and positions of each of the major candidates, President Joe Biden, 81, and former President Donald Trump, 77. Each president-elect’s respective agendas have commonalities and differences. Here is a snapshot of the two candidates’ proposed impacts on budget policy and social justice—critical knowledge for any engaged voter.

Budget

With inflation and prices being a major issue for Americans, many are asking: “What does President Biden’s tax policy look like?” CNN reported that President Biden’s budget plan considers raising tax obligations on affluent corporate entities. If passed, the plan would increase the tax rate up to 28%. For the top-earning 0.01%, Biden intends to implement a 25% minimum tax, which includes appreciated assets, which, right now, is not taxed.

Housing & Welfare

Furthermore, President Biden’s budget plan aims to tackle the housing crisis with a $258 billion investment. According to CNN, this is coupled with a dual tax-credit inducement for homeowners and buyers. Homeowners who wish to sell would receive a $10,000 tax credit, and buyers would receive a $10,000 tax credit to help them buy their first home.

Amidst high inflation and prices, the Commander-on-Chief has scaffolding for families in need of care. This is integral to the budget platform, according to the Associated Press. The initiative seeks to lower costs and financial barriers. The news publication explained that qualifying families may not have to pay more than $10 daily.

Student Loan Debt

Integral to this financial blueprint is the alleviation of student debt as well, and many have wondered about America’s top leader and student loan debt. These measures perhaps arise from embattled Gen Z students and graduates. According to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, they are encumbered by student debt. The Associated Press revealed that President Biden pushes to annul the origination fee.

While efforts to forgive student loan debt wholesale have been met with resistance, President Biden aims to refocus the approach. This includes advocating for improved access to education with free college tuition for the first two years, AP News outlined.

Foreign Policy

Finally, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel have deeply resonated with many Americans, sparking debates about the most compassionate and effective actions the United States can take. AP News further added that President Biden’s budget proposal reflects this concern, as it not only assesses foreign aid options for both nations but also seeks to enhance the traditional scope of support by emphasizing humanitarian efforts.

Trump’s Tax Cuts

Trump’s budget plan would extend the tax cuts he established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, during his presidency. The Atlantic reported that Trump and other Republicans aim to tackle debt and deficits by trimming government programs and raising tariffs.

These tax cuts are forecasted to hurt middle-class savings while favoring top-earner savings. Reduced government revenue is another consequence of the extensions, as estimates consider a further $3 to $3.5 trillion decrease. Trump’s plans would also cover deportations and border security.

Border Security

Both President Biden and Trump agree that more resources must be allocated to the United States border with Mexico. However, they take different approaches to handling the situation.

According to CNN, President Biden’s approach to border security involves two key measures: enhancing technological assets for detection and expanding border patrol human resources.

Contrastingly, AP News noted that Trump intends to orchestrate a sweeping deportation effort using current agency assets, including the FBI, along with the deployment of military force, seeking to anchor his actions in legal justification.

As both president-elects are considering tackling the housing crisis. Trump proposes to build and develop urban centers on untouched federal land, as the New York Magazine explained.

Stances on Social Issues

Both candidates seek to address various social issues, such as gun control and racial inequality. Trump, in particular, is interested in gender rights. The platforms of each candidate outline distinct approaches to some of these challenges.

Gun Violence

As worries over gun violence have grown, so has public pressure on President Biden to take bold action. Persistent calls from mayors and community organizations to concerned citizens alike for the Biden administration to implement more vital gun control legislation and safety initiatives have been continuous. This puts much weight on what he should do, calling him to act promptly.

As such, Biden plans to take further action against gun violence. Proposed measures would involve limiting access to firearms. According to NPR, a key initiative targets prohibiting domestic abusers from purchasing firearms, a move underscored by its implications for women’s and children’s rights and protection, as they are often the victims of domestic assault.

Racial Inequality

Racial inequality remains a profoundly ingrained issue, and many activists and lawmakers have urged greater action while also praising the initiatives already underway. Discussions at state and local governance about the best approach are still ongoing.

In light of these efforts, a White House spokesperson said that President Biden’s current plans have reduced unemployment and opened small-business opportunities for many Black Americans. With progress towards a more equitable landscape in action, it seems likely that he will further these efforts if he wins the next election.

Immigration

The influx of immigrants into the United States has many demands for government action. In response, Trump’s campaign is considering restrictions on state-subsidized welfare and aid for undocumented immigrants. However, Trump has an even more unique proposal—the termination of birthright citizenship. This action, if successful, would redefine the contours of residency and citizenship even for those born on American soil.

Transgender Rights

Who Will Come Out On Top?

Another social debate is on the rights and status of transgender individuals, particularly regarding their involvement in sports, healthcare, and recognition of identity. Trump aims to curtail access to gender-affirming care for minors and looks at legislative methods to codify the recognition of only two genders. This has led to further discussions on the government’s place in the conversation on gender identity and whether or not it should be involved much at all.

The two candidates champion their initiatives and plans on two completely different political topographies. Biden’s is not shy with his agenda’s focus on economic reform and social welfare, backed by tax increases on wealthy corporations and the ultra-rich to fund social programs and reduce long-term financial issues for the government. His plans also extend to enhancing gun control, combating racial inequality, and bolstering foreign aid with a humanitarian focus.

Conversely, Trump remains steadfast in his conservative fiscal policies and stringent immigration controls. He strives to extend tax cuts for higher earners, trim government expenditure, and enforce border security through measures like mass deportations and the potential use of military force to do so.

Trump’s social outlook seeks almost to redefine citizenship while restricting welfare to undocumented immigrants. Furthermore, he is outspoken on transgender rights, with a firm conservative standpoint that looks to establish “only two genders.”