The Positive Effects of Donald Trump’s Presidency: What Americans Can Expect

Donald Trump’s presidency was marked by bold policies and strong rhetoric that polarized the nation. However, many of his supporters believed that his approach could significantly benefit the United States, particularly in areas such as economic growth, job creation, national defense, and immigration reform. If Donald Trump were to be re-elected as president, his supporters anticipate several positive changes that would impact Americans’ daily lives, industries, and the nation’s future. From lowering taxes to strengthening national security, there are key policies that many believe could bring about substantial benefits for individuals, families, and communities across the country.

1. Economic Growth and Job Creation

Lower Taxes and Business Incentives
One of Donald Trump’s most touted accomplishments during his first term was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which aimed to reduce the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and lowered individual tax rates across various income brackets. The policy was designed to stimulate economic growth by giving businesses more capital to invest, expand, and hire. Supporters of Trump’s re-election believe that a second term would bring further tax cuts, possibly focusing on additional reductions for middle-income families and businesses.

For many Americans, lower taxes are seen as a direct benefit. Middle-class families, in particular, would enjoy higher disposable incomes as a result of reduced personal income taxes. Additionally, business owners and entrepreneurs would have more resources to invest in their companies, leading to further expansion and hiring. By lowering taxes, the administration hopes to stimulate demand in the economy as consumers have more money to spend, while businesses use their increased profits to drive innovation and job creation.

Focus on American Manufacturing
Another cornerstone of Trump’s economic agenda has been revitalizing American manufacturing. During his first term, Trump focused on bringing back manufacturing jobs that had been outsourced to other countries, particularly in industries such as steel, aluminum, and automotive manufacturing. His administration imposed tariffs on imports to protect domestic industries, arguing that this would level the playing field for American workers.

If re-elected, Trump would likely continue with policies that prioritize American manufacturing. His supporters point to the growth in manufacturing jobs that occurred during his first term, such as the 500,000 manufacturing jobs added to the economy between 2017 and 2019. Many believe that this trend could continue if Trump focuses on protecting industries critical to national security, such as defense manufacturing, and incentivizes companies to bring production back to the U.S. This would not only create jobs but could also rejuvenate entire regions of the country that depend on manufacturing, such as the Rust Belt.

Infrastructure and Employment
A second term for Trump might also focus on large-scale infrastructure projects. The need for significant infrastructure upgrades—ranging from highways to bridges and broadband access—is a bipartisan issue. Infrastructure projects provide immediate economic benefits by creating construction jobs and stimulating the construction and materials sectors.

For example, the rebuilding of America’s roads, railways, and airports could not only modernize the country’s infrastructure but also bring substantial employment opportunities to workers in the trades. Additionally, creating new jobs in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and green technologies could be part of Trump’s broader agenda to increase employment while modernizing key industries.

2. Strong National Defense and Foreign Policy

Strengthening National Security
Trump’s approach to national defense has always focused on a strong military and reducing vulnerabilities to threats, both foreign and domestic. His administration’s policies prioritized the modernizing of the U.S. military, increasing the defense budget by more than $700 billion during his first term. Many of Trump’s supporters view a strong military as critical to maintaining national security and deterring adversaries such as Russia, China, and North Korea.

If re-elected, Trump would likely continue to push for increased military spending, ensuring that U.S. forces remain the most advanced in the world. With heightened concerns over cyber threats, some Americans believe that expanding the military’s focus to include cyber defense would be crucial in protecting the U.S. from external threats. This focus on national security would be particularly welcomed by communities that feel threatened by global instability or are located near military bases that benefit from increased defense funding.

Assertive Foreign Policy
Trump’s foreign policy was often characterized as one of “peace through strength,” combining direct diplomacy with an emphasis on military deterrence. His supporters argue that this approach keeps adversaries in check while allowing for strategic negotiations that align with U.S. interests. Key moments such as the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, or the negotiation of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), demonstrated Trump’s unique approach to diplomacy.

A re-elected Trump would likely continue to pursue policies aimed at reducing America’s involvement in unnecessary conflicts abroad while ensuring the country’s global leadership position remains secure. The Trump administration’s focus on trade deals that benefit American workers, such as renegotiating NAFTA, resonates with working-class communities that feel left behind by past trade agreements. This approach might provide continued economic benefits by ensuring that trade deals are more favorable to U.S. industries, reducing the trade deficit, and increasing manufacturing output at home.

3. Immigration Reform

Reinforced Border Security
Trump’s stance on immigration has been one of the most divisive aspects of his presidency. His supporters argue that a strong border is necessary to protect American jobs, resources, and national security. Throughout his first term, Trump’s administration emphasized building a physical wall along the southern border and increasing the presence of immigration enforcement agencies like ICE. Many Americans believe that such measures ensure that only legal immigrants are allowed to enter the U.S., thus protecting the economy and society from potential strains caused by illegal immigration.

For communities that are most affected by illegal immigration, such as those in border states like Arizona, Texas, and California, a tougher immigration policy could be viewed as an attempt to reclaim local resources and reduce crime. Additionally, stronger border security would theoretically reduce the flow of illegal drugs and human trafficking, making these regions safer.

Focus on Legal Immigration and Merit-Based System
While his critics often focus on Trump’s stance on illegal immigration, his supporters believe that his policies favoring legal immigration are just as important. Trump has proposed a shift toward a merit-based immigration system, which would prioritize immigrants who possess skills needed by American businesses. This policy aims to attract highly educated and skilled workers from around the world to fill job vacancies in technology, healthcare, and other critical industries.

In practical terms, such a system would benefit businesses seeking to hire qualified employees while reducing the number of low-skill workers entering the labor market. It could also lead to a more streamlined immigration process, making it easier for individuals to enter the U.S. legally. This system would be particularly popular in industries that require high levels of skill, such as STEM fields, where the U.S. currently faces shortages in qualified professionals.

4. Support for Small Businesses

Reducing Red Tape
One of Trump’s most significant promises was to reduce government regulations that he argued stifled business growth. The Trump administration worked to roll back numerous Obama-era regulations, particularly in sectors like energy and finance. Supporters of Trump’s policies believe that less regulation means more opportunities for small businesses to thrive.

Small business owners who face numerous challenges in complying with local, state, and federal regulations would benefit from a re-election of Trump, as many anticipate continued efforts to simplify and reduce these rules. By removing unnecessary restrictions, Trump could make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, thus providing job opportunities and stimulating the economy.

Financial Support and Loans
Throughout his presidency, Trump’s administration expanded programs designed to help small businesses secure funding, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provided financial assistance to companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. If re-elected, Trump could continue to support small business owners through financial incentives, tax relief, and expanded access to loans. These efforts would benefit many sectors, including retail, hospitality, and agriculture, which have traditionally relied on small businesses as their backbone.

5. Judicial Appointments

Constitutional Originalism
During his first term, Trump made a lasting impact on the judiciary by appointing three conservative justices to the Supreme Court. Additionally, he appointed numerous federal judges who adhere to a philosophy of constitutional originalism. This philosophy emphasizes interpreting the Constitution based on its original meaning, rather than evolving with changing societal norms.

If re-elected, Trump would likely continue appointing judges with similar judicial philosophies, which would be welcomed by conservatives who want to preserve what they see as traditional American values. For many Americans, the prospect of having a judiciary that upholds religious freedom, gun rights, and other constitutional rights is a significant benefit of a Trump presidency.

6. Healthcare Reforms

Private Sector Involvement
Trump’s approach to healthcare reform was focused on reducing government involvement in the healthcare sector and increasing competition in the marketplace. His administration worked to repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and promoted policies aimed at reducing drug prices. For many Americans, Trump’s healthcare policies would provide an opportunity to reduce costs, expand choices, and improve the overall quality of care.

If re-elected, Trump’s healthcare reforms might involve expanding access to affordable healthcare plans, lowering drug costs, and encouraging private-sector innovation. These reforms would benefit individuals, families, and communities who are burdened by high healthcare costs and limited access to care.

7. Focus on National Sovereignty
Emphasis on “America First”
Trump’s “America First” agenda focused on prioritizing U.S. interests in every aspect of governance. From trade deals to foreign relations, the central idea was to ensure that decisions made by the U.S. government reflected the interests of American citizens first and foremost, without undue influence from external powers. Trump’s policies in this area were designed to strengthen U.S. sovereignty and restore a sense of independence on the global stage.

• Trade Policies: Under his administration, the U.S. took a more assertive stance in trade negotiations, renegotiating existing agreements like NAFTA (which became the USMCA) to better benefit American workers and businesses. By focusing on bilateral trade deals, Trump sought to eliminate trade deficits and ensure that the U.S. would no longer be taken advantage of in international commerce.
• Immigration Reform: His “America First” stance also extended to immigration policies, where he advocated for a merit-based system and emphasized securing the U.S. borders. He argued that legal immigration should serve the country’s economic interests, and policies like the “border wall” were meant to reduce illegal immigration, which he believed put unnecessary strain on U.S. resources and jobs.
• International Agreements: Trump also withdrew the U.S. from several international agreements that he believed compromised American sovereignty, including the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran Nuclear Deal. His administration emphasized that global agreements should not come at the expense of U.S. interests, ensuring that the nation would not be bound by policies that could harm its economy or security.
• Defense and Military Spending: National sovereignty was closely tied to Trump’s emphasis on strengthening the U.S. military. By increasing military spending, he sought to ensure that the country had the resources and strength to protect itself from external threats, emphasizing that a strong national defense is essential to maintaining independence in a complex global environment.

Through these policies, Trump aimed to assert the U.S.’s right to govern based on its national interests, free from external influence. His approach was meant to give Americans greater control over their own economic future and national security, aligning with the core principles of American sovereignty.