By Asia Alexander
Howard University News Service
As young voters head to the polls this election season, their priorities are shaping the political landscape in numerous ways. From reproductive rights to climate action to economic justice, student loan forgiveness and mental health support, these issues reflect the concerns and aspirations of a generation deeply invested in the future.
This snapshot of presidential candidate former President Donald Trump’s policies explores each topic, offering insights into how these issues resonate with young voters and the impact they could have on this year’s election.
Abortion
This issue has put some Republicans at odds with many voters, particularly women.
Despite his significant role in reshaping the U.S. Supreme Court with three appointees who contributed to overturning Roe v. Wade, Trump’s stance on abortion has been inconsistent, often marked by vague, contradictory or evasive responses.
His shifting positions have made it difficult for him to solidify support among those concerned about reproductive rights.
Immigration
Trump’s immigration policy centers on a hardline approach aimed at restricting entry and tightening border security.
During his term, Trump advocated for building a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, framing it as a solution to illegal immigration, drug trafficking and national security concerns. He implemented policies like the “Remain in Mexico” program, requiring asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while awaiting their U.S. court hearings, which drew criticism from human rights advocates.
In addition, his administration’s “zero tolerance” policy led to family separations at the border, stirring public outcry.
Trump also tried to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, though the Supreme Court ultimately upheld it.
His stance on immigration is rooted in strict enforcement and limited pathways for legal entry, which remains a divisive issue among voters as he seeks to re-establish his immigration priorities on the campaign trail.
LGBTQ+
Trump’s policies regarding LGBTQ+ rights reflect a solid commitment to traditional gender norms and a rollback of protections for transgender individuals. He has pledged to sign legislation that would legally recognize only two genders as assigned at birth, which would have significant implications for gender identity protections across various sectors.
Additionally, Trump has voiced support for a nationwide ban on transgender women participating in women’s sports, positioning this as a way to “protect women’s sports.”
However, critics argue it marginalizes transgender youth. He has also expressed intentions to reinstate the transgender military ban, which his administration initially imposed in 2017, preventing transgender individuals from serving openly.
Trump has further proposed a federal prohibition on gender-affirming surgeries and hormone treatments for minors, saying it is a means of safeguarding children. However, this policy is widely opposed by LGBTQ+ advocates who argue it undermines transgender youth’s rights.
His education policies emphasize promoting the “nuclear family” and traditional gender roles in public schools, potentially limiting inclusive discussions around gender and sexuality in the curriculum.
Collectively, these policies signal a rollback of recent advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, resonating with some voters while sparking intense criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Education
Trump’s education platform dismantles Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). His education policies, mainly through Project 2025, focus on reshaping schools to reflect a conservative vision prioritizing “patriotic” values over DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives.
Trump advocates for banning DEI programs and restricting discussions around systemic racism and gender identity in classrooms, arguing that these topics foster divisiveness.
To enforce this, Trump proposes limiting federal funding to schools that teach critical race theory or maintain DEI-based initiatives.
His approach aims to increase local control over education and grant parents more influence over curricula.
Central to his agenda is expanding school choice, allowing families to use public funds for private and charter schools through voucher programs and education savings accounts.
Trump’s administration previously backed the Opportunity Scholarship Program in Washington, D.C., providing scholarships to low-income students for private schooling, an initiative that resonates with conservative voters who favor market-driven options.
Supporters view his policies as essential to combat what they see as “woke” educational ideologies.
In public schools, Trump’s education platform strongly emphasizes religion, workforce readiness and patriotism.
He has proposed measures to enable prayer and other religious activities, saying it is a way to honor students’ religious freedoms.
Additionally, he has pledged to direct the Department of Justice to investigate any school engaging in race-based discrimination, positioning this as a step toward ensuring equal treatment in education.
To expand opportunities for students after high school, Trump supports offering more low-cost post-secondary degree options and increasing funding for schools with job and career counselors, aiming to better prepare students for the workforce.
Military
Trump’s military policies emphasize strengthening national defense and maintaining a strong global presence.
He has pledged to increase defense spending to modernize the armed forces and ensure military readiness. Central to his approach is reinstating the transgender military ban, which he first introduced in 2017.
Trump argues this policy focuses resources on combat effectiveness and reinforces unit cohesion. His stance reflects prioritizing traditional military policies to boost recruitment and retention among active-duty service members.
In an October interview, Trump warned that Election Day could bring threats from “people from within,” describing them as “sick people, radical left lunatics.”
He emphasized that these threats should be swiftly addressed, stating that if necessary, the National Guard or even the military should be deployed to maintain order.
Trump’s remarks, made during a mid-October appearance on Fox News, have raised alarms among many observers.
Following these comments, John Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general and Trump’s former chief of staff, expressed concern that if re-elected, the former president might govern with an authoritarian approach reminiscent of a dictator.
Kelly’s insights underscore the potential implications of Trump’s rhetoric for American democracy and the integrity of the electoral process.
In 2020, amid widespread protests following the death of George Floyd, Trump threatened to deploy military force against demonstrators.
“If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” Trump stated.
After witnessing rioting in Washington, D.C., he declared, “I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel, and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property.”
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that Trump sought to send 10,000 active-duty troops to confront protesters in D.C.
In a May 2022 interview with CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell, Esper recounted a June 2020 meeting in which Trump asked, “‘Can’t you just shoot them? Just shoot them in the legs or something?'”
Trump has since dismissed Esper’s claims as “a complete lie.”
Following the reportedly contentious meeting, Esper publicly opposed invoking the Insurrection Act and using active-duty forces for law enforcement. Days after the 2020 election, Trump terminated Esper’s position as Defense Secretary.
Economy
Trump’s policies center on tax cuts, deregulation and trade reform to spur growth and support American industry.
His previous administration’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, is a key example of his approach to stimulate business investment and promote job creation.
Trump also champions trade policies prioritizing American interests, advocating for revised trade deals that reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing, which he argues will protect domestic jobs and secure critical supply chains.
His commitment to energy independence also includes proposals to deregulate fossil fuel industries to reduce energy costs and bolster the economy. Trump’s economic vision focuses on creating a self-reliant, competitive economy that he believes will strengthen America’s standing on the global stage.
Asia Alexander is a HU News Service reporter.
