All in on Growth: Trump’s Strategy to Reignite the American Economy in His New Administration
Stephen Graves
President of @GothamPolling & Analytics. Expert in state-level polling. Technology and Operations Executive. SME in Technology, Polling, Blockchain, Elections, Lean Startup and Process Innovation.
With the recent confirmation that Donald Trump will be the next President, coupled with a Republican majority in the Senate likely to confirm his cabinet appointees and support legislative initiatives, the question arises: What does this mean for the U.S. economy and what plans has Trump outlined? Here’s a look at his approach to key policy areas and their potential economic impacts.
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1. Immigration and Border Security
A primary focus of Trump’s economic strategy revolves around border security, specifically building the southern wall and strengthening measures to deter illegal immigration. The administration estimates that between 20-30 million people may be in the U.S. illegally, accounting for approximately 8-9% of the population. This presence increases the demand for government services such as schools, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure, which can contribute to inflationary pressures. Therefore job number one will be to restore many of the immigration related Executive Orders from his previous administration and make a highly public campaign around completing a physical barrier on the US Southern border to substantially reduce migrant ingress.
While acknowledging that low-cost labor can have deflationary effects, Trump’s policy aims to shift the balance by reducing job competition and easing strains on public resources. The proposed solution includes bolstering e-verify systems for employers and landlords to curb job and housing access, promoting self-deportation, and prioritizing the removal of individuals with criminal records. This measure not only targets cost savings in public spending but also addresses public safety, potentially enhancing economic confidence and reducing crime-associated costs.?
Trump’s emphasis on public safety is a message that resonates with many. By focusing on criminal elements within the illegal immigrant population, he aims to demonstrate immediate, tangible improvements in safety and public order. This strategy, coupled with pressure on sanctuary cities through potential federal funding cuts, seeks to create an environment where staying in the U.S. illegally becomes increasingly difficult and less desirable. This way, much of the desired effect is achieved through self deportation and
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2. Energy Independence and Lower Costs
Trump’s “Drill, baby, drill” approach emphasizes energy independence as a cornerstone of economic growth. The plan includes expanding domestic oil and gas production, reversing restrictions on drilling, and promoting the development of nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors. By focusing on cheaper energy, the administration aims to reduce costs for manufacturing, improve the competitiveness of U.S. industries, and provide a direct benefit to consumers through lower utility and gasoline prices.
Cheaper energy is not just an economic talking point—it’s the backbone of national growth. Reduced energy costs empower industries to scale production, improve margins, and remain globally competitive. By unleashing American energy potential, Trump’s vision is to turn the U.S. into an energy powerhouse, fostering job creation and stability. Furthermore, this policy aims to position the U.S. as a leader in nuclear innovation, preparing the nation for a future where electricity needs, driven by electric vehicles and tech advancements, demand reliable and inexpensive sources.
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3. Government Efficiency
Trump’s platform on government efficiency is as ambitious as it is aggressive. Drawing inspiration from figures like Argentina’s Javier Milei, Trump’s vision includes eliminating or streamlining government departments that fail to justify their existence. The goal? Dramatic reductions in federal headcount and spending.
Elon Musk’s name has even been humorously associated with this vision, leveraging his reputation for bold, ruthless efficiency. When Musk bought Twitter, he famously cut the workforce by 80%, a move that Trump supporters argue showcases the potential for substantial public sector reform. “Cutting the fat” in government is more than a slogan—it’s a central tenet of Trump’s economic plan, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and that government operations are aligned with national priorities.
While discretionary spending forms only a portion of the federal budget, Trump’s supporters argue that reforms here set a precedent. Departments will be expected to justify their roles and contribute measurable value, laying the groundwork for a leaner, more productive government.
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4. Tax Reduction and Economic Growth
Trump’s strategy to address the deficit centers on economic growth rather than purely on spending cuts, which may not be sufficient to reduce the deficit significantly. By expanding the economic “pie,” Trump plans to grow the GDP and increase tax revenue without raising tax rates.
This approach will likely include broad personal tax cuts, potential exemptions for specific groups like first responders, and reduced corporate taxes to incentivize multinational companies to relocate operations to the U.S. His previous tenure saw a similar move with tax forgiveness on repatriated earnings, which injected significant funds into the domestic economy. In economic terms, more money in Americans’ pockets translates to higher consumer spending, which fuels economic growth and generates revenue.
Trump’s long-term vision may extend to eliminating personal income tax entirely. While bold, this would free up an enormous amount of capital for consumers and could lead to a spending boom. Critics point to the $2 trillion in revenue that personal income taxes currently generate, but proponents argue that if the economy expands rapidly, the resulting gains would offset this loss. Lower taxes encourage investment, stimulate innovation, and reward companies for job creation—cornerstones of Trump’s economic philosophy.
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5. Deregulation
Deregulation is set to be a major focus, addressing what Trump describes as the suffocating burden of compliance that stifles business growth. Regulatory policies can sometimes impose higher costs than taxes, affecting everything from operational flexibility to product development timelines. “We’re going to get the government out of the way,” Trump has said, capturing the essence of his deregulation stance.
A reduction in regulations would unleash businesses to innovate, scale, and operate with more agility. This freedom is seen as vital for maintaining a competitive edge globally. Trump’s previous term saw significant deregulation efforts, which were credited by supporters with spurring growth, especially in industries like energy and finance.
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6. Tariffs and Trade Policy
Trump has long supported tariffs as a tool for economic policy. The proposed model is to impose significant tariffs on foreign-made goods to encourage domestic manufacturing. This approach could stimulate job creation and production within the U.S., aligning with the goal of reinvigorating the manufacturing sector.
However, this protectionist stance is not without challenges. Critics argue that tariffs can be inflationary, leading to higher prices for consumers in the short term. The balancing act will involve managing public perception during the initial phase, where foreign goods become more expensive while domestic capacity scales up to meet demand. “We’re bringing manufacturing home” may come with temporary discomfort, but Trump’s aim is a robust domestic economy where American workers benefit.
The plan is to shift the supply chain back to American soil, ensuring that production costs remain competitive and that the U.S. can respond more quickly to market and technological shifts. While tariffs may initially strain consumer prices, the long-term goal is to foster a self-sufficient economy, less vulnerable to global disruptions.
7. Addressing Inflation
While inflation is last on this list, the measures listed above are intended to focus on reducing core kitchen table costs as a priority. Inflation is a multifaceted issue, and Trump’s policies touch on its key drivers. Measures like curbing illegal immigration can reduce demand pressures on public services and housing. Increased energy production aims to lower costs, feeding into reduced inflation across the board. By fostering economic growth and improving productivity, Trump’s plan seeks to mitigate inflationary trends.
In Trump's mind, growth is the only real antidote to inflation realistically available to us. Reducing government spending is important but insufficient to be able to address the national debt. The administration’s approach aims to generate more supply—not just in energy but across the economy. “More goods, lower prices” isn’t just Trump's rhetoric; it’s a principle embedded in his economic philosophy, to be coupled with unleashing ingenuity and technological advancement to increase innovation and productivity. Reducing government spending and eliminating waste further supports the goal of aligning economic output with fiscal prudence.
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Conclusion: The Only Way Out is Growth
Trump’s economic vision is built on the belief that the U.S. can grow its way out of deficits and inflation. The plan emphasizes leveraging American strengths—resource abundance, entrepreneurial spirit, and technological prowess—to create a resilient economy. By cutting taxes, eliminating unnecessary regulation, boosting energy independence, and reshoring manufacturing, Trump’s strategy seeks to drive a period of sustained economic expansion.
“We don’t need to just survive; we need to thrive,” Trump’s plan suggests. Growth isn’t just a pathway—it’s the lifeline. With policies that aim to bolster productivity, create jobs, and incentivize domestic investment, Trump’s roadmap is clear: unleash American potential and let growth pave the path to prosperity. Only time will tell whether he will be able to execute on his plans or if they will have the desired effect but it is my sincere hope that he succeeds in improving the economic standing of all Americans in the next 4 years.
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