Biden and Trump Campaign Promises Compared

Biden and Trump Campaign Promises Compared as the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, the political landscape is brimming with promises from both Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Voters across the nation are watching intently, assessing which candidate’s vision aligns best with their hopes for the future. The Biden Trump campaign promises reflect not just political strategies, but the philosophical differences that shape their approaches to governance.

From economic policy to healthcare, climate change to foreign relations, Biden and Trump have staked out clear, contrasting positions. Understanding these promises is essential for anyone looking to make an informed choice. Let’s break down the Biden Trump campaign promises, comparing their policies and offering insights into the future each candidate envisions.

Economic Policy: A Tale of Two Economies

Biden’s Economic Vision

Joe Biden’s economic policies are grounded in the idea of rebuilding the middle class and ensuring that prosperity is shared more equitably. In fact, the Biden Trump campaign promises on economic issues represent a marked contrast in priorities. While Biden focuses on progressive taxation, job creation, and social safety nets, Trump emphasizes tax cuts and deregulation.

• Raising the Minimum Wage: Biden has been a strong advocate for increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. His rationale is simple: by ensuring workers earn more, they will have more purchasing power. Consequently, this will boost the economy. This proposal is particularly significant for low-income earners, who have long struggled with stagnant wages.
• Taxation and Wealth Inequality: Biden has promised to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans, particularly those earning over $400,000 a year. By reversing some of the tax cuts passed under the Trump administration, Biden aims to reduce income inequality and generate additional revenue to fund social programs like healthcare and education.
• Infrastructure and Job Creation: Biden’s economic agenda places a heavy emphasis on infrastructure. His administration has already rolled out a sweeping plan to improve roads, bridges, and public transportation, which would create millions of jobs in the process. Additionally, Biden also focuses on green jobs, believing that investment in clean energy can be a key driver of economic growth.
• Health Care Expansion: Expanding access to affordable healthcare is another cornerstone of Biden’s economic vision. By increasing the availability of public health insurance options and reducing prescription drug prices, Biden hopes to ease the financial burden on American families.

Trump’s Economic Vision

On the other hand, Donald Trump’s economic promises, in stark contrast, are grounded in a philosophy of deregulation and tax cuts. The Biden Trump campaign promises in this realm reflect Trump’s desire to create a business-friendly environment, one where individuals and corporations can flourish with minimal government interference.

• Lowering Corporate Taxes: Trump’s administration slashed the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. Trump has promised to keep taxes low for businesses and individuals. He argues that this will encourage investment, spur economic growth, and create jobs. Furthermore, he has also promised to make these cuts permanent.
• Deregulation: One of Trump’s core economic principles is reducing governmental oversight. He believes that rolling back regulations, particularly in industries like energy, banking, and manufacturing, can spur economic growth. According to Trump, excessive regulation stifles innovation and burdens businesses.
• Trade Policies and Protectionism: Trump’s economic policies also focus heavily on protectionism. Under the banner of “America First,” Trump has promised to renegotiate trade deals, impose tariffs on foreign goods, and prioritize American manufacturing. He has also taken a strong stance against China, accusing the country of unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft.
• Tax Cuts for the Middle Class: While his 2017 tax reform package benefited corporations, Trump has also promised to extend tax cuts for the middle class. He argues that reducing taxes on individuals will provide relief to families and allow them to keep more of their earnings.

Healthcare: Access, Affordability, and Reform

Biden’s Healthcare Promises

Biden’s healthcare agenda is rooted in expanding coverage and reducing costs. The Biden Trump campaign promises on healthcare reflect Biden’s commitment to improving access to affordable care for all Americans.

• Strengthening the Affordable Care Act: Biden has promised to expand the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by adding a public option to the marketplace. This would allow Americans to buy into a government-run insurance plan alongside private options, which would aim to drive down costs and increase competition.
• Lowering Prescription Drug Prices: Another major part of Biden’s healthcare plan is to reduce the high cost of prescription drugs. He has pledged to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, aiming to reduce the financial burden on seniors and individuals reliant on expensive medications.
• Expanding Medicaid: Biden’s plan includes expanding Medicaid in states that have yet to adopt it, increasing healthcare access for low-income individuals. This would particularly benefit those in the South and Midwest, where Medicaid expansion has been a point of contention.
• Mental Health and Addiction Services: Biden has made a commitment to address the growing mental health crisis in America. He promises increased funding for mental health services, particularly for those affected by the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders.

Trump’s Healthcare Promises

Trump’s approach to healthcare is grounded in the idea of reducing government involvement and increasing competition. His Biden Trump campaign promises in this area reflect his preference for market-driven solutions rather than expanded public programs.

• Repealing the Affordable Care Act: Trump’s most significant healthcare promise is to fully repeal the ACA, a goal he has pursued since his first term. He argues that the ACA is too costly and restrictive, and that it fails to deliver affordable care for many Americans.
• Expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Trump has proposed expanding Health Savings Accounts, which allow individuals to save money tax-free for medical expenses. By increasing the contribution limits and expanding eligibility, Trump believes individuals can take more control over their healthcare spending.
• Lowering Drug Prices: Like Biden, Trump has promised to lower prescription drug prices. However, his approach focuses on increasing transparency in drug pricing and encouraging competition in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Portability of Insurance: Trump’s healthcare promises also include making insurance more portable, allowing people to take their health plans with them if they move or change jobs. This, he believes, will provide individuals with more flexibility and security.

Climate Change and Environmental Policies

Biden’s Environmental Promises

Biden has made climate change one of the defining issues of his presidency. His Biden Trump campaign promises on climate and environmental issues reflect his belief that the U.S. must take immediate action to combat global warming and promote sustainability.

• Rejoining the Paris Agreement: On his first day in office, Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to global climate action. He has promised to continue working with international partners to limit carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Green New Deal: Biden has expressed support for a Green New Deal, a sweeping initiative to transition the U.S. economy to renewable energy. His plan includes massive investments in solar, wind, and other clean energy sources, as well as upgrades to the nation’s infrastructure to make it more energy-efficient.
• Carbon Emissions Reduction: Biden has set a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This ambitious target would require sweeping changes across the energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, as well as aggressive policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Environmental Justice: Biden has also promised to address environmental racism, focusing on communities that have been disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change. His plan includes investing in these communities and ensuring that they are part of the nation’s transition to a green economy.

Trump’s Environmental Promises

Trump’s environmental promises reflect his preference for policies that prioritize economic growth over environmental regulation. His Biden Trump campaign promises in this area focus on promoting energy independence and reducing government oversight.

• Energy Independence: Trump has made it a priority to reduce the U.S.’s reliance on foreign energy sources. He has promised to continue expanding domestic oil, gas, and coal production, viewing energy independence as a key national security concern.
• Rolling Back Regulations: Trump has promised to continue rolling back environmental regulations that he believes hinder economic growth. This includes easing restrictions on drilling, mining, and other industries that rely on fossil fuels.
• Climate Change Skepticism: Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the severity of climate change, stating that he does not believe it poses an existential threat to the planet. As president, he withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, and he has promised to continue pursuing policies that prioritize American industry over environmental concerns.
• Promoting Innovation in Energy: While Trump supports fossil fuel development, he has also expressed interest in advancing new technologies in energy, such as nuclear power and clean coal. He believes that innovation will allow the U.S. to meet its energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.

Foreign Policy: Nationalism vs. Globalism

Biden’s Foreign Policy Promises

Biden’s foreign policy is centered around rebuilding international alliances, championing human rights, and fostering global cooperation. The Biden Trump campaign promises on foreign policy reflect Biden’s belief in multilateralism and diplomacy.

• Rebuilding Alliances: Biden has committed to restoring America’s traditional alliances with NATO, the European Union, and other global partners. He believes that a strong, united front of democracies is essential to addressing global challenges like terrorism, climate change, and cybersecurity.
• Re-engaging with Global Institutions: Biden has promised to re-engage with international institutions like the United Nations and the World Health Organization, prioritizing global cooperation on issues such as public health and peacekeeping.
• Human Rights and Democracy Promotion: Biden has made human rights a central part of his foreign policy agenda, pledging to stand up for democratic values and support countries that are