The 2024 U.S. election reshaped the nation’s political dynamics, delivering the presidency to Donald Trump and granting Republicans control of both the Senate and the House.
Trump’s victory, with 312 electoral votes, relied on flipping key battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Republicans secured a 53-47 majority in the Senate and at least 218 seats in the House, establishing unified control of the federal government.
This outcome suggests significant legislative shifts and equally significant implications for the Middle East. Trump’s previous administration emphasized strengthening alliances with key regional players like Saudi Arabia – also the location of his first international visit as president in 2016 – emphasizing his belief in the importance of the region. His focus on international diplomacy could also see positive outcomes for the Palestinian people and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. His approach often prioritized economic partnerships and countering Iran’s influence, which could lead to increased arms deals, energy collaborations, and pressure on Tehran regarding its nuclear program.
Additionally, Trump’s return may alter U.S. involvement in regional conflicts, with a potential reduction in direct military interventions while bolstering diplomatic and economic ties to curb China’s growing presence in the Middle East.
At home, Trump’s administration is expected to prioritize economic deregulation, particularly in energy. A revival of domestic oil and gas production and reduced restrictions on coal usage are likely to define his energy agenda. These measures aim to strengthen U.S. energy independence and reduce reliance on renewable mandates enacted under President Biden.
Immigration reform is anticipated to be another focal point. Proposals may include tighter border controls, expanding the border wall system, and limiting asylum opportunities.
Simultaneously, tax reforms, potentially extending Trump-era cuts, are on the table to stimulate economic growth and benefit corporations and middle-class Americans. In healthcare, Republicans aim to reduce federal oversight, potentially revisiting the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Alternatives, such as health savings accounts and privatized insurance markets, could take center stage. Educational reforms are expected to push school choice initiatives, including increased funding for charter schools and voucher programs. Social policy shifts may include restrictions on abortion access, with efforts to pass federal limits after a certain gestation period, and protections for religious freedom in businesses and public institutions.
Conversely, Democrats in Congress will likely focus on defending climate policies and social welfare programs while opposing initiatives they view as undermining equity and civil rights. This Republican sweep reflects voter concerns about inflation, border security, and geopolitical challenges, which resonated more strongly than Democratic appeals on climate and social justice.
However, governing cohesively may prove challenging given party divisions on issues like entitlement reform and trade policy. As the GOP solidifies its agenda, the balance of power in the Supreme Court and state governments will further influence the policy landscape, with both parties preparing for the broader implications of these electoral outcomes. Elon Musk has been appointed to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency under President Trump’s administration. This department, a key component of Trump’s second-term agenda, is tasked with streamlining federal operations and significantly reducing bureaucracy.
Musk’s approach includes using advanced technologies to identify inefficiencies and proposing up to $2 trillion in spending cuts across various sectors. His leadership style, honed at companies like Tesla and SpaceX, emphasizes innovation and aggressive cost management. One of Musk’s primary goals is to overhaul outdated systems within the federal government, potentially relocating agencies to reduce centralized inefficiencies.
His role also involves leveraging artificial intelligence to modernize administrative processes and auditing programs to eliminate waste. Additionally, Musk aims to champion public- private partnerships to accelerate technological advancements in sectors such as infrastructure and defense.
This appointment reflects Trump’s emphasis on blending entrepreneurial thinking with governance to achieve fiscal discipline and foster innovation in public administration. Musk’s involvement may also signal a closer alignment between federal policy and cutting-edge industries.
The recently announced policies under President Trump’s second term outline a sweeping vision for economic reform, national security, and social initiatives. These plans aim to reshape critical areas such as trade, manufacturing, and governance while introducing bold new ideas for domestic development.
Policies overview
Economic and Trade Policies
A cornerstone of Trump’s agenda is the “America First” trade policy, which proposes universal tariffs on most foreign goods to level the playing field for U.S. businesses. The plan also includes phasing out dependence on China for critical imports such as electronics and pharmaceuticals. Measures like revoking China’s Most Favored Nation status and preventing outsourcing of jobs to China are central to this strategy.
By prioritizing domestic production, these policies aim to create millions of jobs, increase household incomes, and strengthen GDP growth. Another notable initiative is the Strategic National Manufacturing Initiative, which seeks to revitalize American industry, particularly in areas impacted by globalization. By leveraging tariffs and offering incentives for domestic producers, the administration intends to transform overlooked regions into industrial hubs.
Infrastructure and Urban Development
The proposal to establish “Freedom Cities” is one of the most ambitious domestic initiatives. These new urban centers, developed on federal land, aim to provide affordable housing and opportunities for families.
Additionally, the administration envisions advancements in transportation, including the development of vertical takeoff-and- landing vehicles to revolutionize mobility.
Social and Family Support
Trump’s administration plans to introduce “baby bonuses” to support young parents, aiming to reduce the financial burdens of raising a family. Efforts to lower costs for essentials such as housing and vehicles are part of a broader initiative to improve the standard of living for working families.
Governance and Accountability
To address perceived inefficiencies and corruption in federal governance, the administration seeks to expand the President’s authority to remove underperforming bureaucrats. Other proposals include imposing term limits on Congress members and decentralizing the federal bureaucracy by relocating key agencies outside Washington, D.C. Additionally, plans for an independent auditing system aim to enhance transparency in intelligence and federal agencies.
National Security
National security reforms include restructuring FISA courts and creating a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to expose government abuses. These measures aim to rebuild public trust and ensure that federal agencies operate within the bounds of their authority These policies reflect a focus on bolstering economic self-sufficiency, increasing government accountability, and improving the quality of life for American families. For more details, refer to the original proposals.