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Agenda 47

Here we are. Another political platform. Not that it matters to me. But you asked. And I suppose, in my own way, I’m here to deliver. Just don’t expect me to enjoy it.

Policy platform of the 2024 Donald Trump campaign

This is not to be confused with Project 2025. This is about the specific, if sometimes nebulous, policy proposals of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, a collection of ideas and ambitions presented under the banner of "Agenda 47." It's a manifesto, they call it, a detailed look at what a potential 47th presidency might entail.

Overview

Agenda 47 is Donald Trump's formal policy framework for his 2024 presidential bid. The campaign itself touts it as "the only official comprehensive and detailed look at what President Trump will do if he returns to the White House." Presented largely through videos on the campaign's website, with Trump himself outlining each proposal, the platform has been described as scattershot and responsive to current events, particularly in its earlier stages. Some observers noted a shift in emphasis as his primary lead solidified, with the plans sometimes taking a backseat in public discourse, though they are reportedly a regular feature in the "scripted portions" of his rally remarks.

While Trump's campaign officials have acknowledged alignment with Project 2025, a broader conservative blueprint, Trump himself has repeatedly distanced himself from it. This has caused some friction, as Project 2025 is seen by many as the most detailed articulation of a potential Trump administration. Despite the campaign's efforts to distinguish Agenda 47, the two share significant thematic and policy overlaps. These include an emphasis on expanding presidential power, the reissuance of Schedule F to reclassify certain government employees, substantial cuts to the Department of Education, mass deportations, the death penalty for drug offenses, and the deployment of the US National Guard to cities experiencing high crime rates or perceived disorder.

Agenda 47 itself encompasses a wide array of proposals, including the construction of "freedom cities" on federal land, investment in flying car technology, a "baby bonus" to encourage a baby boom, and stringent protectionist trade policies. Notably, seventeen of these policies are projected to require congressional approval, and some, like the proposed termination of birthright citizenship, could necessitate amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Many of the proposals have drawn significant attention and criticism. For instance, one Agenda 47 proposal advocates for the death penalty for drug dealers and human traffickers, alongside the designation of Mexican cartels as United States list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The campaign website's presentation of these policies has evolved, with a "Platform" section now offering a synthesized overview of the main initiatives.

Policies in detail

As of September 2024, the Agenda 47 policies are detailed across 46 videos, initially uploaded starting December 15, 2022, and concluding on December 22, 2023. These videos are often accompanied by transcriptions and supplementary materials. For example, the proposal "Agenda47: Rescuing America's Auto Industry from Joe Biden's Disastrous Job-Killing Policies" links to reports from organizations like the America First Policy Institute and The Heritage Foundation, as well as news articles from Reuters and Fox Business, and related campaign website entries.

Economy

The economic propositions within Agenda 47 include:

  • Restrictions on Chinese Ownership: A comprehensive plan to prevent Chinese ownership of critical U.S. infrastructure, including energy, technology, telecommunications, farmland, natural resources, and medical supplies. This would involve halting all future Chinese acquisitions and forcing the divestment of current holdings.
  • Energy Deregulation: An initiative to terminate what is described as "Joe Biden's war on American energy." This involves extensive deregulation of domestic production, withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and swift approval for all proposed oil infrastructure projects.
  • Universal Tariffs and Trade Policy: The implementation of universal baseline tariffs on most foreign products, with incremental increases for countries engaging in currency manipulation or unfair trade practices. This is coupled with tax reductions. Specifically, China's Most Favored Nation trade status would be revoked, Chinese imports of essential goods would be phased out, American companies would be barred from investing in China, and federal contracts would be forbidden for companies outsourcing to China.
  • Reducing Trade Deficits: A stated goal to decrease trade deficits, particularly with China.
  • Financial Stability: A commitment to not bail out failing banks, instead focusing on unleashing energy production, slashing regulations, and repealing "Biden's tax hikes" to combat inflation.
  • Trump Reciprocal Trade Act: This proposed legislation would impose equivalent tariffs on goods from any country that applies a certain tariff rate on American-made products. The stated aim is to either compel other nations to remove their tariffs or generate substantial revenue for the United States, thereby aiding agricultural states and manufacturers.
  • Auto Industry Protection: A plan to terminate President Biden's policies concerning emission regulations, fossil fuels, and electric vehicles, specifically targeting mandates that would "force Americans into expensive electric cars" and subsidies for such vehicles. It also calls for full compliance with the USMCA regarding regional auto parts content, an end to delays in federal drilling permits, and the restoration of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Trump has promised "higher wages for auto workers."

Historically, tariffs were a cornerstone of Trump's first term, primarily targeting China, but later extended to other nations. These actions triggered retaliatory tariffs and a significant trade war with China, leading to increased prices for various consumer goods and materials, job losses, and negative impacts on manufacturers and farmers. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has noted that these tariffs imposed "more harm on consumers and businesses" than on China itself.

The economic proposals have faced considerable criticism from economists, including 16 Nobel laureates, the Wharton School (Trump's alma mater), Goldman Sachs, and Moody's Analytics. Despite this, Trump and his supporters have pushed back against these critiques. Following the 2024 election, Trump implemented a series of significant tariffs on nearly all goods imported into the United States.

Education

Agenda 47 outlines a sweeping overhaul of the education system, focusing on federal funding and curriculum control:

  • Curriculum Restrictions: Federal funding would be cut for any school or program teaching critical race theory or "gender ideology." The Departments of Justice and Education would investigate schools for race-based discrimination. The administration would aim to remove "radicals" from the Department of Education and prevent "men" from competing in women's sports.
  • Teacher Certification and Administration: New teacher certification standards would be established, emphasizing patriotism. States and districts abolishing K-12 teacher tenure and adopting merit pay would receive preferential funding. The number of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) administrators would be reduced, and parents would gain the right to directly elect school principals.
  • Higher Education Reform: The college accreditation system would be leveraged to reform higher education. "Radical Left" accreditors would be replaced with those imposing "real standards," including defending "the American tradition and Western civilization" and protecting free speech. Administrative positions focused on DEI would be eliminated, and accelerated, low-cost degrees with robust job placement services would be encouraged. Entrance and exit exams would verify learning quality. Furthermore, schools engaging in "racial discrimination" would face federal civil rights investigations, and those persisting in "discrimination under the guise of equity" could have their endowment taxed, potentially up to its full amount, with seized funds designated for victim restitution.

Critics, such as The Nation, have raised concerns that these actions could infringe upon academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Conversely, Trump's National Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has stated the policies aim to "improve academic excellence for all students" by increasing school choice and parental involvement.

  • "Ten Principles for Achieving Great Schools": This framework emphasizes preparing students for work over "indoctrinating" them with certain social and political ideologies. Key principles include:
    • Restoring Parental Rights: Empowering parents with control over curriculum, notification of violence, access to materials, and information about their child's health and gender identity.
    • Merit-Based Hiring: Enabling parents and local school boards to hire and fire principals and teachers.
    • Focus on Core Subjects: Prioritizing "reading, writing, math, science, arithmetic, and other truly useful subjects," while removing the "left's 'equity' agenda."
    • Patriotism: Reinstating the 1776 Commission and fostering a "love of country."
    • Freedom to Pray: Supporting the return of prayer to schools.
    • Safety and Discipline: Implementing immediate expulsion for violence, using reform schools for disruptive students, allowing trained teachers to carry concealed weapons, and enhancing security personnel. Investigations into the links between transgender hormone treatments, certain psychiatric drugs, and cannabis with aggression and violence are also proposed. Immediate suspension or expulsion for drug use or possession is mandated.
    • Universal School Choice: Allowing parents to choose public, private, or religious schools.
    • Project-Based Learning: Training students for "meaningful work outside the classroom."
    • Internships and Work Experiences: Funding preferences for schools facilitating student internships and jobs.
    • Jobs and Career Counseling: Mandatory career counseling in all schools, coupled with the closure of the Department of Education and the return of educational authority to the states.
  • Homeschooling Support: Allowing homeschool parents to use 529 education savings accounts for up to $10,000 annually per child, tax-free, and ensuring homeschoolers have full access to extracurricular activities.
  • The American Academy: A proposal to establish a tuition-free, world-class educational institution funded by taxing the endowments of private universities perceived as antisemitic. This academy would offer degrees recognized by the government and federal contractors, covering all subjects and trades, and allowing individuals to complete unfinished college degrees. This initiative is intended to compete with the existing university system without increasing the federal debt.

Politico notes that creating such an institution would "drastically reshape American higher education" and likely require congressional approval, potentially impacting millions of Americans with some college credits but no degree.

Expansion of Presidential Powers

Trump's plans to expand presidential authority are heavily influenced by a specific interpretation of the constitution known as the unitary executive theory. Key aspects include:

  • "Dismantling the Deep State": This involves firing government employees and reinstating Executive Order 13957 (Schedule F) to enhance the president's ability to remove "rogue bureaucrats." It also includes reforming FISA courts, declassifying documents related to alleged "Deep State spying," prosecuting "government leakers," making Inspector General offices independent, establishing independent auditing for intelligence agencies, relocating government positions outside of Washington D.C., and barring federal employees from regulating the industries they previously worked for. A constitutional amendment for congressional term limits is also proposed.

The Associated Press reported that relocating federal employees could cause significant "anxiety" and be "devastating to the region" and the federal government. Larry Hogan, former Governor of Maryland, expressed concerns about the economic impact on the region. Filipe Campante, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, suggested that moving civil servants away from the capital could weaken accountability.

  • Regulatory Reduction: Restoring Executive Order 13771 and making it permanent, establishing a regulatory budget with annual reduction targets, and creating a public database for all regulations. Enforcement actions based solely on "informal guidance" would be banned. Independent regulatory agencies like the FCC and FTC would be brought back under presidential authority. A streamlined regulatory framework for "Freedom Cities" would be created. Federal employees would be required to pass a new Civil Service test focusing on "Constitutional limited government," including rights like due process, equal protection, and free speech.
  • Budgetary Control through Impoundment: Restoring the practice of impoundment, potentially challenging the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Savings would be used for tax reductions to combat inflation and reduce the deficit. Defense, Medicare, and Social Security would be exempt from these cuts and potentially strengthened.

The Washington Post has warned that this policy could "upend the balance of power between the three branches of the federal government" and lead to a "dramatic constitutional showdown." Legal scholars suggest it could be unconstitutional and usurp congressional authority. The New Republic has characterized this plan as "fascist." Conversely, The Hill argues that impounding funds is "common sense" and a crucial tool for presidential foreign policy and national security.

Foreign Affairs

Trump's foreign policy agenda under Agenda 47 includes:

  • Ending the War in Ukraine: A commitment to negotiate an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine within 24 hours.
  • Overhauling Foreign Policy Personnel: A plan to "clean house" of "warmongers and America-Last globalists" within the Deep State, the Pentagon, and the State Department.
  • Reforming Defense and Intelligence: A complete overhaul of the defense bureaucracy and intelligence services to remove "Deep Staters" and implement an "America First" approach. This includes "reevaluating NATO's purpose and mission."
  • Increased Military Funding and European Reimbursement: A proposal to increase military funding and request reimbursement from European nations for the cost of military aid provided to Ukraine. Efforts to restore the "proud culture and honor traditions of America's armed forces" are also mentioned.

During the 2024 campaign, Trump elaborated on these proposals, including the potential deployment of troops to Mexico to target cartel leadership and infrastructure, the deportation of "resident aliens" who sympathize with Hamas, and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

Following his electoral victory, discussions have emerged regarding the potential invasion of Mexico, annexation of Canada, retaking control of the Panama Canal, and the acquisition of Greenland. Trump has also expressed an intent to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

Healthcare and Social Security

Key proposals in this domain include:

  • Preserving Medicare and Social Security: A pledge to keep Medicare and Social Security intact, while cutting other federal expenditures, including foreign aid and programs related to "climate extremism" and "gender programs" in the military.
  • Banning ESG Investments: An executive order to prohibit environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments in retirement accounts like 401(k)s and pensions, with efforts to make this ban permanent through congressional action.
  • Investigating Chronic Illnesses: The establishment of a commission to investigate the rise in chronic childhood illnesses, such as autism, auto-immune disorders, obesity, and infertility. This commission would comprise "independent minds" not influenced by Big Pharma.

Yahoo! News noted that Trump's focus on these issues, without explicitly mentioning vaccines, could appeal to anti-vaccine voters, particularly in light of his primary challenge from Ron DeSantis and the potential candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. Axios suggested that this rhetoric could undermine public health and echoed themes present in other policy proposals addressing DEI and dismantling the deep state. Trump has also stated he would cut federal funds from schools with mask and vaccine mandates, though his spokespeople clarified this referred only to COVID-19 mandates, as no state mandates such vaccines for students.

In July 2024, a leaked phone call revealed Trump questioning the safety of childhood vaccines. Subsequently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent presidential campaign and endorsed Trump, citing free speech, the war in Ukraine, and the "war on our children" as motivating factors. Trump, in turn, reiterated his pledge to establish a panel to investigate the causes of chronic childhood diseases, collaborating with Kennedy. Following his electoral victory, Trump nominated Kennedy to be Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Dr. Mehmet Oz as administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General of the United States.

  • Reducing Drug Costs: An executive order instructing "Big Pharma" to offer the United States the same prices granted to foreign nations, aiming to "REDUCE prices very substantially for American Patients."

JAMA Health Forum commented on the potential impact of the 2024 election on healthcare, noting Trump's inconsistent past positions on drug price negotiations but suggesting his public statements indicate a possibility for bipartisan cooperation.

  • Ending Pharmaceutical Shortages: Returning the manufacture of essential drugs to the United States and implementing tariffs and import restrictions on China.

Immigration Reforms

Key immigration proposals include:

  • Ending Funding for Illegal Immigrant Release: A directive to ban the use of taxpayer funds to release illegal immigrants, with criminal penalties for noncompliance.
  • Ending Birthright Citizenship and Birth Tourism: An executive order to clarify that children of non-citizens will not automatically receive U.S. citizenship unless at least one parent is a citizen or legal resident. This aims to end "birth tourism" and "chain migration", based on an interpretation of the 14th Amendment that citizenship requires being "subject to the jurisdiction" of the U.S. Children of undocumented immigrants would not receive passports, Social Security numbers, or be eligible for certain welfare benefits, nor have the right to vote.
  • Ending Welfare for Illegal Immigrants: This includes reinstating policies making undocumented immigrants ineligible for public housing and terminating all work permits for them. Congress would be urged to block future presidents from abusing parole authority for welfare distribution.

CNN reported that if Congress fails to fund these operations, Trump might redirect funds from the Pentagon, a tactic employed in his first term for border wall funding. JAMA Health Forum noted that Trump's previous immigration policies had a "chilling effect on access to care and benefits among immigrants, including those lawfully present," and that he continues to frame welfare as a "gigantic magnet drawing people from all over the world." Trump has also promised mass deportations, with rhetoric suggesting a potentially harsh implementation.

Infrastructure and Urban Planning

Agenda 47 includes ambitious plans for national development:

  • "Freedom Cities" and Baby Bonuses: A contest to establish up to 10 new cities on undeveloped federal land, aimed at transforming "forgotten communities into hives of industry." This includes initiatives to lower the cost of living, particularly for housing and vehicles, and a call for congressional action on "baby bonuses" to encourage a baby boom. Governors would be challenged to modernize cities and erect monuments to American heroes.

CNN critiqued this plan for its lack of financial details and unclear similarities to Democratic proposals like the enhanced child tax credit.

Journalism, Information, and Censorship

The platform aims to combat what it terms a "left-wing censorship regime":

  • Ending Media and Social Network Censorship: Federal agencies would be prohibited from labeling information as misinformation or [disinformation], particularly concerning the 2020 elections, COVID-19, and alleged "Biden Family's criminality." Federal officials involved in such actions would be fired and potentially prosecuted. Federal funding to universities engaged in such practices would be curtailed.

During his term, Trump himself was a prolific source of false or misleading statements, often disseminated via social media. His subsequent banning from major platforms after January 6, 2021, fueled academic discussions on freedom of speech and disinformation.

Past actions by the Trump administration included an Executive Order aimed at "transparency and free speech on college campuses," threatening federal funding for institutions that restrict speech. The administration also faced accusations of attempting to censor scientific research related to climate change and downplaying the COVID-19 pandemic. A "Tech Bias Reporting tool" was launched to collect reports of perceived social media bias, and an Executive Order was signed targeting Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. After being deplatformed, Trump sued social media companies, alleging violations of his First Amendment rights. He later launched Truth Social.

Law Enforcement

Agenda 47 proposes significant enhancements to law enforcement and criminal justice:

  • Increased Police Investment and Protections: Increased funding for police, strengthened liability protections, enforcement of stop-and-frisk policies, crackdowns on illegal drug use, and cooperation with ICE for deportations. The Department of Justice would investigate "radical left prosecutor's offices" for race-based enforcement, with victims potentially able to sue local officials. Criminal organizations would be dismantled, and the death penalty would be applied to drug dealers and human traffickers. The National Guard could be deployed to restore order in cities with collapsed law enforcement. Federal standards for juvenile discipline would be overhauled, and concealed carry reciprocity would be legislated. Border controls would be intensified.
  • War on Drug Cartels: Use of Title 42 to return trafficked children, a call for the death penalty for traffickers, and a recommendation to watch the film Sound of Freedom.
  • DOJ and FBI Reform: Appointment of 100 U.S. Attorneys seen as opposite to "Soros District Attorneys," and overhaul of the Department of Justice and FBI. Civil rights investigations into "Marxist local district attorneys" in major cities are planned, with scrutiny of their staff and records. A federal inquiry into the prosecution of the Garrett Foster case and the establishment of a task force on the right to self-defense are also proposed. Investigations into alleged "police state tactics" against conservatives and Christians, and confronting "radicalization" in law schools and bar associations are included.
  • Naval Embargo and Financial Sanctions on Cartels: Deployment of military assets for a naval embargo, use of special forces and cyber warfare against cartels designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, and cutting their access to global financial systems. Partnerships with neighboring governments or exposure of their corruption are also envisioned. Legislation demanding the death penalty for drug and human traffickers is sought.

National Security

Key national security proposals include:

  • Missile Defense Shield: Building a missile defense system, similar to Israel's Iron Dome, to deter and protect against foreign missile attacks.

Trump has spoken of this idea at rallies, emphasizing job creation. Forbes noted that while an "Iron Dome" system might have some utility for protecting specific assets, a nationwide shield would be immensely costly and technically challenging. Haaretz called the idea a "fantasy," citing similar technical hurdles and the need for congressional support.

  • Countering Chinese Espionage: Reinstating a Department of Justice initiative to target Chinese espionage, which was reportedly terminated by the Biden administration at the request of University of Pennsylvania faculty. The campaign calls for congressional investigation into the university's finances, Chinese donors, the Biden Center, and the Biden family.

The China Initiative, launched in 2018, faced criticism for allegedly targeting academics of Chinese descent. In 2022, the Department of Justice announced the initiative was being "cast aside" due to perceptions of racial bias, reframing it as part of a broader effort to counter threats from China and other countries.

Social Issues

Agenda 47 addresses several social issues with a conservative focus:

  • Reversing DEI Initiatives: Revoking Executive Order 13985, which promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion within federal agencies. The DOJ would investigate alleged abuses, and all related staff, offices, and initiatives would be terminated. A restitution fund for those "discriminated against" by these policies would be established.

Axios reported that Trump allies aim to shift the interpretation of Civil Rights laws to focus on "anti-white racism." Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung stated that Biden's "un-American policy" would be immediately terminated.

  • Addressing Homelessness: A plan to remove homeless individuals from streets using funds redirected from Ukraine aid and by ending "mass unskilled migration." This involves banning urban camping, arresting violators, and offering rehabilitation or commitment to mental institutions. "Tent cities" could be established as temporary relocation sites.

Snopes fact-checked claims about the cost of housing immigrants, noting that hotels have been used for temporary shelter under multiple administrations, and that similar claims made by Trump during debates were found to be false.

  • Combating Drug Addiction: A strategy involving a naval embargo on drug cartels, military action against their operations, cooperation with neighboring governments, and pursuing the death penalty for traffickers. Federal law enforcement would target street gangs distributing drugs locally. Fentanyl would be permanently classified as a controlled substance. China would face consequences if it fails to curb fentanyl precursor exports. Public-private partnerships would support job training and faith-based recovery programs. Family leave would be expanded for those caring for relatives battling addiction.
  • Veteran Support: Cutting funding for immigrant shelter and transport, redirecting savings to provide housing and treatment for homeless American veterans, with a goal of eradicating veteran homelessness.

Snopes reported that claims of immigrants living in "luxury hotels" were false, and that hotel stays for migrant families have occurred under various administrations.

Transgender and LGBT Rights

The platform outlines significant restrictions on transgender and LGBT rights:

  • Ending Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: Termination of all gender-affirming care for minors, cessation of federal funding for transition-related programs, and denial of Medicaid/Medicare participation for healthcare providers offering such care to minors. Physicians performing these procedures could face lawsuits, and pharmaceutical companies and hospitals involved would be investigated for potentially concealing negative side effects. The Department of Education would inform states that suggesting gender transition to a child could result in civil rights violations and loss of federal funding. A bill would establish that only male and female genders, assigned at birth, are recognized by the government.

The Advocate described these policies as potentially "devastating for LGBTQ+ Americans," impacting education, healthcare, and the military. LGBTQ Nation called the agenda "troubling," suggesting it would be "disastrous" whether it encompassed Project 2025 or Agenda 47.

Reception

Commentators have offered varied perspectives on Agenda 47. Anthony Zurcher of BBC News described some pronouncements as "fantastical" and others as "controversial." Margaret Hartmann, writing for New York, characterized some ideas as "unhinged." Barron's noted a potential lack of coherence and feasibility in some proposals, questioning their practicality and potential to exacerbate societal divisions.

Economists and investors have voiced concerns about the economic agenda, particularly the proposed universal tariff, predicting it could fuel inflation. Some columnists have labeled Agenda 47's plans as fascist or authoritarian.