The achievements of Mr. Donald Trump, former President and now President-Elect of the United States, stand unparalleled in recent history. His return to power following a significant defeat in the previous election underscores his enduring ability to garner support across a broad spectrum of the American populace—cutting across lines of race, gender, political affiliations, and other divisions.
Both his popular vote and electoral college victories reflect a mandate that few can dispute.
With such a strong endorsement, one can hope that his administration will focus on enacting transformative policies, revitalizing lawmaking, and restoring the country’s growth trajectory. In my opinion, there are five key areas that demand urgent attention: healthcare, immigration, taxation, innovation, and international trade.
1. Healthcare Reform
The U.S. healthcare system, while advanced, is deeply flawed. Despite its capability to save lives, it is one of the most inefficient systems globally, plagued by excessive bureaucracy, waste, and misuse of grants. These grants, intended to foster innovation, often fail to translate into meaningful healthcare outcomes for the taxpayers who fund them. The U.S. has historically been a leader in medical innovation, driven by science and rigorous decision-making. However, placing individuals who disregard scientific principles at the helm of healthcare only exacerbates inefficiency and disorder. Reforms must prioritize efficiency, accountability, and the promotion of tangible benefits for American citizens.
2. Immigration Policy
Immigration remains a broken facet of U.S. policy, repeatedly altered by political motives rather than comprehensive strategy. Legal immigration, which contributes to the economy and supports the tax base, should never be deprioritized in favor of leniency toward illegal immigration, which burdens public resources. Such policies contradict the foundational American principle of meritocracy. President Trump’s unconventional approach to governance uniquely positions him to address these challenges decisively and craft a fair, effective immigration system that aligns with national interests.
3. Taxation and Fiscal Responsibility
The inefficiencies in various government agencies and departments result in a significant waste of taxpayers’ money. Misallocated grants and unwarranted subsidies not only drain public funds but also encourage a culture of dependency and inefficiency. Addressing these issues would allow for a reduction in the tax burden on citizens and businesses, while simultaneously reducing national debt. A leaner, more efficient system can redirect resources toward productive uses and ensure that taxpayer contributions support meaningful and sustainable initiatives.
4. Promoting Innovation
Declining research and development (R&D) incentives since 2017 have dampened U.S. competitiveness in innovation. By reinstating robust incentives for R&D, the administration can reverse this trend and restore America’s position as a global leader in technological and scientific breakthroughs. This requires strategic policy adjustments to balance taxation and foster an environment where innovation can thrive without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.
5. International Trade Policy
President Trump’s firm stance on international trade has been a polarizing issue, but some of his measures are necessary to protect national interests. While outsourcing to low-cost countries may reduce consumer prices, it often comes at the cost of domestic employment opportunities. For outsourcing to benefit the economy, it must be accompanied by the creation of equivalent high-value jobs and accessible skill-transition pathways for displaced workers. Additionally, anti-dumping tariffs should be implemented judiciously to ensure fair trade practices without disproportionately harming domestic industries or consumers.
A Call for Strategic Leadership
With this new mandate, it is crucial for President-Elect Donald Trump to assemble a team of capable bureaucrats and advisors to address these pressing issues effectively. By focusing on these five areas, his administration can steer the country back toward a path of meritocracy, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
The next term offers an opportunity to enact policies that will not only address immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for a prosperous future.
