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Return of Trump or Trump-like Policies in 2024
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Return of Trump or Trump-like Policies in 2024
With the 2024 United States presidential election around the corner, the possibility of
Trump’s return or Trumpism policies becoming active in the country serves as one of the most
discussed topics of politics. Several factors cause this possibility; such as themes of retribution,
nationalism, and a huge shift in domestic and foreign policies. This essay discusses the driving
factors behind Trump’s return, impacts on globalization and free trade, and how nationalism is
gradually gaining dominance in the global markets.
Factors Driving the Return of Trump 2024
Vengeance
One of the most defining characteristics of Trump’s agenda is retribution. He has openly
declared that he will appoint a special prosecutor to investigate President Joe Biden and his
family (Panetta, 2023). Trump’s recent comments about forming a truth-and-reconciliation
commission to air various allegations against the United States national security system further
show his desire to exact revenge. In pledging to issue pre-emptive pardons to many of the
January 6 Capitol rioters, Trump proves he will be loyal to his supporters, therefore cementing
the polarization of American politics.
This revenge attitude may create a very volatile political climate that could unsettle the
legal systems, and democracy. The possibility to subordinate the Department of Justice as a
political instrument generates doubts in believability of police and the legal framework of the
United States. Such actions could reduce public confidence in governmental organizations and
agencies and deepen political divisions.
Transgender Care and Social Policies
Trump’s position on the issue of the treatment of transgenders specifically minors is a
departure from current policies. He recommends denying federal health funds to hospitals and
doctors who provide gender-affirming care to young people and promoting lawsuits against these
providers. Such a position corresponds to an extensive conservative strategy to roll back the
protections of transgender individuals and deny them access to proper treatment within the
framework of the LGBTQ+ population (Panetta, 2023).
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The proposed policies are regressive seen from the perspective of moving towards the
culture that encompasses more liberal views towards sex and sexuality. This could lead to more
prejudice and discrimination of the transgender persons, their mental as well as health status
could worsen. In addition, such policies may be deemed unlawful hence subjecting the country to
more legal complexities that will exert more pressure on the judicial sector.
War on Drugs and National Security
Some of the attack plans that Trump has suggested such as the use of military force
against drug cartels through cross-border attacks into Mexico are considered radical ways of
fighting drug related crime (Panetta, 2023). Strategically, such actions might be appealing to
voters who are worried about drug trafficking; however, they come at a very high cost including
diplomatic and trade cost.
In case of the use of force against another sovereign country, relations between the US
and Mexico are bound to decline and such actions would be reciprocated. Further, using the
National Guard to confront domestic drug factions may not be effective and may lead to legal
issues over the use of military within the USA territory.
Immigration and Birthright Citizenship
Another major point on Trump’s agenda which raises a number of concerns is the
abolishment of birthright citizenship for children of immigrants who entered the United States
illegally. This policy would involve the complete overhaul of the birthright citizenship clause of
the Constitution. Trump also plans to use an old law to keep “Marxists” out of the US, which
could include members of the Chinese Communist Party elite (Panetta, 2023).
These proposals are in line with current global tendencies in tightening immigration
policies and increasing national security. With regard to birthright citizenship, Trump aims at
discouraging the practice of Illegal immigration and reducing its incentivization. However, such
measures could encounter serious legal problems and resistance from the human rights activists.
Ukraine and Foreign Policy
Trump in the election campaign criticized the US position on support of Ukraine during
Russian intervention which points to the possible changes in the strategy. He demanded freezing
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the financial support for Ukraine and claims that he would make Ukraine and Russia sit for
negotiations for a cease-fire agreement and it may demand the part of the Ukraine territory
(Arnsdorf et al., 2024). This position emphasizes a general distrust of international relations and
intercessions. Evaluating this decision as having prioritized the national interest over the global
one, Trump even seems to abandon the post-WWII system based on multilateralism and
collective defense. That move may aggravate authoritarianism and destabilize the world.
Trade and Tariffs
Donald Trump’s campaign for a universal base tariff and more aggressive approach
toward China typify a protectionist approach to trade. Trump’s measure proposes that countries
that have high tariffs should also pay higher tariffs so as to defend American industries as well as
decrease trade imbalances (Panetta, 2023). He also calls for the revoking of China’s preferential
status for standard U. S. tariffs and limitations on Chinese investments in sectors deemed
sensitive.
These policies can be ascribed to the growing phenomenon of economic nationalism and
shift away from the liberalization of trade that has characterized world economy for the last sixty
years. Although protectionism may then assist specific home industries to protect them, many
adverse effects include the distortion of international supply chains and eliciting
countermeasures from trading partners. This may lead to trade wars that would be damaging to
the global economy as consumers are likely to end up paying more for their imports while
international cooperation may be affected.
Effect on Globalization and Free Trade
The prospect of Trump’s return or a Trump-like figure raises major questions about
globalization and free trade. These principles have been used in the past sixty years for
stimulating growth of the economy, development of new technologies and for encouraging
international cooperation. However, economic nationalism and protectionism as the means of
economic recovery pose a potential danger to these outcomes.
Trump has adopted a very aggressive and protectionist tone on trade issues, which could
result in a division of the two largest economies. This would strain supply chains, raise costs for
consumers and producers, and, consequently, stifle growth. Furthermore, universal tariffs would
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likely elicit countermeasures and the tendency towards protectionism, which is
counterproductive to global commerce.
The Role of Nationalism
Nationalism is one of the leading factors contributing to the revival of Trumpism. The
focus on national interests, borders and domestic industries as drivers for action point to the
general shift towards protectionist approaches (Araya, 2024). These changes stem from
frustrations with globalization, perceived threats to national identity, and concerns over
economic stability. Populists like nationalist language because it appeals to the citizens who have
been sidelined by globalization and are dissatisfied with the political class. Through such
campaign slogans as ‘Make America Great Again’ and ‘America First’ Trump caters to such
feelings of the electorate. Nevertheless, the growth of nationalism also poses the danger of
disintegration within society and the weakening of international cooperation.
Impact on the Canadian Economy and Trade
If Donald Trump returns to the presidency in 2024, trading relations between the US and
Canada are expected to deteriorate in line with Trump’s protectionism history and future
policies. Canada might consider boosting ties on trade relations with other big economies such as
India and the United Kingdom out of the necessity of needing to diversify past a relatively
protectionist United States. Though Canada faced some difficulties due to the first Trump
administration’s tariffs on steel and aluminum, the Canadian economy expanded moderately.
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will have a sensitive decision in 2026,
along with the trade deficits, and Trump’s emphasis on the goods’ sector may create undue stress
on the trilateral relation (Olive, 2024). Still, Canada will continue to be an important neighbor for
the US in terms of energy and other vital products, which indicates that Ottawa can always use
this factor to offset or prevent any possible economic impacts.
Conclusion
The return of Donald Trump or the emergence of Trumpist policies in 2024 means a
fundamental change in the political and economic environment. This agenda has themes such as
revenge, protectionism, nationalism and thus presents serious threats to the progresses of
globalization and free trade. The increased tensions regarding trade specifically with Canada and
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the overall increase in protectionist sentiments represent a shift away from a more cooperative
international relations system to an American-centric system. While this could open up avenues
for Canada to build new trade relations with various other countries, it does also require strategic
changes to try to avoid economic disturbances. Finally, managing the challenges that would
come with a second Trump administration will in a way, call for diplomatic skills in the
management of their international relations and proper shifting of gears in economic policies to
sustain order in the unstable world.
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References
Araya, D. (2024). With Trump Favoured to Reclaim Power, America Faces a Turning Point.
Centre for International Governance Innovation. https://www.cigionline.org/articles/with-
trump-favoured-to-reclaim-power-america-faces-a-turning-point/
Arnsdorf, I., Dawsey, J., & Birnbaum, M. (2024). Inside Donald Trump’s secret, long-shot plan
to end the war in Ukraine. Washington Post.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/04/05/trump-ukraine-secret-plan/
Olive, D. (2024). David Olive: What a Donald Trump victory would mean for Canada’s
economy. Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/business/opinion/what-a-donald-trump-
victory-would-mean-for-canadas-economy/article_0c99d48e-c1ef-11ee-b6e2-
930970685e0d.html
Panetta, A. (2023). Trump could be U.S. president again. Here’s what he plans to do if he wins.
CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-2024-platform-so-far-1.6961527
