Opinion: What We Can Expect When Trump Is Inaugurated Again.

By Mark Boushell

11/13/2024

Now that Donald Trump has won the 2024 election and is preparing for a second term, many of us are left wondering what’s next. After four years of controversial policies and bold decisions, a second term will likely bring more of the same—and in some cases, even more extreme versions of his previous actions. For those who care about issues like climate change, social justice, and the future of democracy, there are a lot of concerns about what Trump’s presidency will mean moving forward.

A Step Back on Climate Change

Trump’s stance on climate change has always been clear: he’s not convinced that it’s a pressing issue, and his policies have reflected that. During his first term, he pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement and rolled back a number of environmental protections. With a second term, it’s likely he’ll continue down this path, putting the interests of fossil fuel companies ahead of the planet’s future. This could mean less support for clean energy, more deregulation, and slower progress in the fight against climate change. For those of us who worry about the environment, this could have long-term consequences for our planet.

Threats to Social Programs

For millions of Americans, social programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and food assistance are lifelines. But during his first term, Trump tried to cut these programs, and he’ll probably push for more cuts if he gets a second chance. For those who rely on these services, the next four years could be a struggle. The focus will likely shift even more toward tax cuts for the wealthy and big businesses, leaving the most vulnerable behind. If you’re someone who depends on these programs, a second Trump term could bring real hardship.

The Trump Tax Plan

One of the most impactful policies from Trump’s first term was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This law primarily benefited the wealthiest Americans and corporations, cutting the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and offering temporary tax cuts for individuals. Many critics argue that these cuts disproportionately benefited the rich while adding trillions to the national deficit. In his second term, it’s likely Trump will seek to make these tax cuts permanent, further widening the gap between the wealthy and everyone else. For working-class Americans, this could mean fewer resources for social programs and infrastructure, as the government prioritizes tax cuts over public investment.

Tariffs and the Price of Everyday Goods

One of Trump’s hallmark policies during his first term was the use of tariffs, particularly on Chinese goods, to try to balance what he perceived as unfair trade practices. He imposed tariffs on billions of dollars of imported products, including electronics, machinery, and consumer goods. While these tariffs were meant to push China to the negotiating table and protect American businesses, they had an unintended consequence: they raised prices for everyday goods.

Many of the products we rely on, from clothing and toys to electronics and food, come from China and other countries affected by tariffs. With these tariffs in place, manufacturers and retailers face higher costs, and those costs are often passed down to consumers. For average Americans, this means higher prices at the checkout, stretching household budgets even further. In a second term, Trump is likely to continue these tariffs and could even increase them, particularly on Chinese imports. This would likely keep prices on everyday items elevated, adding financial pressure to working families and making it more expensive to purchase the products they rely on.

More Attacks on Democracy

One of the most concerning aspects of Trump’s first term was his repeated attacks on democratic institutions. He’s called the press “fake news,” tried to undermine the judicial system, and spread false claims about the 2020 election. These actions have already shaken people’s trust in the system. A second term could mean more of the same—and possibly worse. Trump has shown that he doesn’t shy away from challenging the very foundations of American democracy, and there’s a real risk that he could push things further, making it harder for people to trust their elections and their institutions.

Civil Rights at Risk

Under Trump, we saw policies that were harmful to many marginalized communities. From separating families at the border to undermining LGBTQ+ rights, his administration often made decisions that set back progress on civil rights. If he’s re-elected, we could see even more steps backward. With the potential for stricter immigration laws, cuts to programs that support minority communities, and fewer protections for vulnerable groups, a second Trump term could undo much of the progress we’ve made in the fight for equality.

Isolation on the World Stage

Trump’s foreign policy has always been “America First,” often at the expense of our relationships with other countries. He pulled out of international agreements, undermined alliances, and took a more isolationist stance on the world stage. In a second term, this could continue, leaving the U.S. less involved in global efforts to address issues like climate change, security, and trade. A more isolated America could lead to uncertainty on the global stage, and that might hurt the U.S. both economically and politically.

A Divided Nation

In the end, Trump’s second term could mean more division. His presidency has already highlighted the deep divides in our country, and a second term could widen those gaps even further. While his supporters cheer on his efforts to “drain the swamp” and “put America first,” many others fear that his presidency will deepen the problems we already face—climate change, inequality, and a lack of trust in our democratic system.

For those who care about social justice, climate action, and the future of democracy, it’s clear that a Trump victory will be a tough road ahead. The fight for progress will continue, but it’s up to all of us to make sure that, no matter who’s in power, we keep pushing for the changes our country needs. The next four years will be critical—and we must remain committed to creating a future where equality, sustainability, and democracy can thrive.

This article was written with assistance from ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.