With the U.S. general election on November 5 fast approaching, Donald Trump’s rising approval ratings in key swing states have placed him neck-and-neck with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is leading by only a slim 1% margin in national polls.
Trump’s potential return to the White House could bring significant changes to both American and global policies, impacting a variety of areas from the economy to international relations. Here’s a look at some of the main promises he’s made and what they could mean:
1. Ending the Russia-Ukraine War
One of Trump’s boldest promises is to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war by the end of the year. He believes he can negotiate a peace agreement or find a solution that will stop the fighting. If he succeeds, it could reduce global tensions and stabilize the region. This could ease some of the economic burdens that other countries have faced due to sanctions, energy shortages, and higher prices caused by the conflict.
2. Boosting the U.S. Economy by Lowering Taxes and Interest Rates
Trump has pledged to cut both taxes and interest rates significantly. Lower interest rates make borrowing cheaper, which could encourage businesses to expand and help create more jobs. His plan aims to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. by creating a business-friendly environment. For countries with close economic ties to the U.S., this could mean greater flexibility in their own policies, allowing them to stimulate growth. China, for example, could find opportunities to increase trade with the U.S. as manufacturers adjust to this new landscape.
3. “America First” Policies and Trade Relations with China
Trump’s “America First” approach suggests he would introduce additional tariffs on foreign goods to protect American industries, encouraging consumers to buy more U.S.-made products. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean shutting out foreign businesses entirely. It could lead to new opportunities for Chinese companies to enter the U.S. market as partners or through niche products that American firms do not produce. In this way, China and other countries might find new openings despite the trade barriers.
4. Focusing on Traditional Energy and Changing Support for Electric Vehicles
Trump has always supported traditional energy sources, such as oil and gas, and he’s expressed intentions to reduce or eliminate subsidies for electric vehicles. This means he would favor policies that benefit oil and gas companies over newer energy technologies like electric cars. For the auto industry, this could lead to a divide between the U.S. and other countries like China, which has invested heavily in electric vehicle technology. While the U.S. might focus on increasing energy independence with traditional sources, China could continue advancing in electric vehicle production, setting up a potential long-term shift in the global automotive landscape.
5. Taking a Firm Stand on Social Movements
Trump has indicated he intends to push back against some social movements that he believes don’t align with his vision for the country. His approach here draws parallels to critiques in foreign media, which have discussed concerns about the “feminization” of certain aspects of society. This could mean a shift toward more traditional values, influencing not only political rhetoric but potentially affecting policies around education, media, and other areas of public life.
6. Global Impact and the End of the "S3 Season"
Trump’s return to the presidency could bring a shift in international relations, with a focus on ending what some have referred to as the “S3 season.” This term describes a period of recalibration in global strategies as major players re-evaluate their relationships and policies. With Trump in office, countries might make bold moves to adapt to a new U.S. stance, particularly as he is known for challenging established norms and promoting policies that emphasize national interests over multilateral cooperation.
In summary, if Trump wins, we could see major shifts in U.S. policy that would ripple out across global markets, trade dynamics, and social trends. Each promise he’s made hints at changes that could alter how America interacts with the world, with lasting effects on everything from economic policies to cultural values.
