USA's Increased Inclusiveness in Policy as President Trump Takes on Oval Office

The dynamics of American politics and policy underwent a significant transformation following Donald Trump’s presidency. Known for his populist rhetoric and "America First" doctrine, Trump challenged the long-standing priorities of American politics, notably reshaping the balance between domestic and international concerns. While the Trump era is often associated with isolationism in foreign policy, his administration set the stage for a growing emphasis on inclusiveness and the prioritization of domestic issues—a trend that has continued in the years following his presidency.

This article delves into how America has increased inclusiveness in policy after Trump's tenure, with a noticeable pivot towards addressing domestic challenges over international disruptions. We will explore this evolution through the lens of economic reforms, social justice movements, immigration policies, climate change initiatives, and bipartisan engagement.

1. The Populist Legacy of Donald Trump

Trump’s presidency (2016–2020) marked a departure from traditional U.S. political norms, emphasizing a populist approach that resonated with a significant portion of the American electorate. His administration's policies centered around:

• Economic protectionism, including renegotiating trade deals like NAFTA into the USMCA.
• Immigration restrictions, such as the controversial travel bans and tightened border security.
• Withdrawal from global agreements, like the Paris Climate Accord and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

While these policies received mixed reactions domestically and internationally, they underscored a shift toward prioritizing internal American interests. This foundation paved the way for subsequent administrations to expand inclusiveness and address long-neglected domestic concerns.

2. Increased Focus on Domestic Issues Post-Trump

The shift toward addressing domestic challenges has been evident in several key areas:

Economic Equity and Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities in American society. Post-Trump administrations have prioritized inclusive economic recovery efforts, emphasizing:

• Stimulus Packages: Programs such as the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act targeted small businesses, low-income families, and essential workers.
• Infrastructure Investment: Bills like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aim to create jobs while addressing critical infrastructure needs, ensuring benefits reach underserved communities.
• Minimum Wage Debates: Conversations around raising the federal minimum wage have gained traction, signaling a commitment to economic inclusivity.

Social Justice Movements

The post-Trump era has witnessed heightened attention to social justice, catalyzed by movements like Black Lives Matter. Policymakers have responded by addressing systemic inequities through measures such as:

(a) Criminal justice reform, including the First Step Act.

(b) Expanded voting rights protections in states like Georgia and Arizona.

(c) Increased representation of minorities and women in government and corporate leadership roles.

Immigration Policy Reform

Trump’s restrictive immigration policies faced significant backlash, prompting subsequent administrations to adopt a more inclusive approach. Key changes include:

• DACA Protections: Efforts to provide legal pathways for Dreamers have regained momentum.
• Refugee Caps: The Biden administration increased refugee admission limits, signaling a return to humanitarian commitments.
• Pathways to Citizenship: Comprehensive immigration reform remains a priority, reflecting a more inclusive vision of America’s identity.

Healthcare Accessibility

Building on pre-existing initiatives, recent policies have sought to expand healthcare access, particularly for marginalized communities.

(a) The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been fortified, ensuring more Americans have access to affordable health insurance.

(b) Increased funding for mental health services and opioid addiction treatment demonstrates a focus on holistic health inclusivity.

3. Climate Change: A Shift Toward Domestic Sustainability

The U.S. rejoining the Paris Climate Accord under the Biden administration marked a critical pivot from Trump’s policies. Beyond international commitments, there has been a significant focus on domestic sustainability:

• Green Energy Investment: Policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act aim to reduce emissions and create green jobs.
• Environmental Justice: Programs target pollution in marginalized communities, addressing long-standing environmental disparities.
• Renewable Energy Goals: States like California and New York are setting ambitious targets for transitioning to renewable energy, creating models for nationwide adoption.

4. Bipartisanship: A New Era of Collaboration?

One of the most notable developments in the post-Trump political landscape is the resurgence of bipartisan engagement, albeit limited. While polarization remains a challenge, key legislative successes highlight growing collaboration:

(a) The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act received support from both parties.

(b) Criminal justice reforms, such as the First Step Act, have united lawmakers across the aisle.

(c) Efforts to regulate Big Tech have fostered rare bipartisan consensus.

This trend reflects a recognition that domestic issues transcend political divisions, necessitating collective action.

5. Challenges to Inclusive Policymaking

Despite progress, significant obstacles remain:

• Partisan Polarization: Deep divides on issues like abortion, gun control, and voting rights continue to hinder legislative efforts.
• Economic Inequality: Wealth disparities persist, with marginalized communities disproportionately affected by inflation and housing crises.
• Global Pressures: Geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict in Ukraine and competition with China, demand attention, risking a return to international disruption.

6. The Future of American Inclusiveness

As America navigates this new era, several trends are likely to shape its trajectory:

• Technological Inclusivity: Bridging the digital divide through investments in broadband access for rural and underserved areas.
• Education Reform: Addressing student debt and ensuring equitable access to quality education.
• Community Empowerment: Strengthening local governments and community organizations to address grassroots concerns.

Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift in American Governance

The post-Trump era marks a significant recalibration in American policymaking, with inclusiveness and domestic priorities taking center stage. This shift reflects the nation’s evolving identity, driven by public demands for addressing long-standing inequities, environmental challenges, and economic disparities. The increased focus on internal issues does not signal retreat from global leadership but rather a recognition that America’s strength abroad is rooted in its stability and inclusivity at home.

1. Economic Inclusiveness: Numbers Speak

The American Rescue Plan Act (2021) was pivotal in addressing economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

(a) It provided $1,400 direct payments to individuals, significantly reducing poverty rates, particularly among marginalized groups. The child poverty rate fell by 50% in 2021, thanks to expanded Child Tax Credits.

(b) $350 billion in funding was allocated to state and local governments to mitigate economic disruption and ensure equitable recovery.

Unemployment also declined sharply after 2020, dropping from a pandemic high of 14.8% in April 2020 to 3.9% by December 2022, driven by inclusive job creation efforts in infrastructure and clean energy.

2. Social Justice: Bridging Historical Gaps

Social justice initiatives post-Trump have made significant strides. For instance:

(a) The Department of Justice launched 40 investigations into systemic police misconduct by 2024, emphasizing accountability.

(b) Representation of women and minorities in Congress reached historic levels, with the 118th Congress comprising 28% women and an increased number of Black and Hispanic members.

(c) The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported a 15% rise in racial and gender-based workplace discrimination cases being resolved in 2022 compared to 2019.

3. Immigration Policy: Inclusion and Economic Gains

Immigration reforms have shifted from restriction to inclusion:

(a) Refugee admissions increased from 15,000 in 2020 (lowest in decades) to 125,000 in 2022, restoring America’s humanitarian commitments.

(b) Studies estimate that granting citizenship to undocumented immigrants could boost the GDP by $1.5 trillion over 10 years while creating 400,000 jobs annually.

4. Climate Action: Localized Impact

The reentry into the Paris Climate Accord in 2021 signaled America’s renewed commitment to combating climate change. Domestically:

(a) The Inflation Reduction Act (2022) allocated $369 billion for clean energy, reducing emissions by an estimated 40% by 2030.

(b),Renewable energy jobs grew by 10% annually, with solar and wind sectors employing over 500,000 workers in 2023.

(c) $3 billion was invested in climate resilience for vulnerable communities, mitigating the impact of disasters like Hurricane Ian.

5. Bipartisan Collaboration: A Path Forward

The passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021) with support from both parties allocated:

• $1.2 trillion to improve roads, bridges, broadband access, and clean water systems.
• $65 billion for broadband expansion, reducing the digital divide for 42 million Americans in rural and underserved areas.

These efforts highlight how bipartisan cooperation can lead to meaningful change, even in a polarized political climate.

6. Challenges Ahead

Despite progress, challenges persist:

• Economic Inequality: Wealth disparity remains stark, with the top 1% owning 32.3% of national wealth in 2022.
• Political Polarization: Key issues such as abortion, gun control, and voting rights continue to divide policymakers and voters.
• Global Disruptions: Rising tensions with China and conflicts like the Ukraine war require balancing domestic priorities with international leadership.

7. The Road to Inclusive Leadership

To sustain progress, America must:

• Invest in Education: Address the student debt crisis (currently at $1.7 trillion) and ensure equitable access to quality education.
• Enhance Healthcare Access: Expand Medicaid in non-participating states, as over 2.2 million Americans remain uninsured in these areas.
• Strengthen Grassroots Movements: Empower local governments and communities to address specific regional needs, fostering greater inclusivity.

A New Chapter for America

The shift toward inclusiveness in American policy reflects the aspirations of a diverse and dynamic society. By prioritizing equity and addressing domestic challenges, the U.S. is crafting a governance model that resonates with its foundational values of liberty, justice, and opportunity for all.

America’s future will depend on its ability to balance internal growth with its role as a global leader. The post-Trump years provide a blueprint for navigating this balance, emphasizing that true strength lies not in domination but in the collective progress of its people. Through inclusive governance, America is not just rebuilding but redefining its place in the world.