As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, candidates Kamala Harris (Democrat) and Donald Trump (Republican) stand out with radically opposing visions on key issues in American society. Here’s a look at the main differences between their programs, touching on the topics of economics, foreign policy, the environment, and civil rights.
1. Economy: divergent priorities for growth
Kamala Harris, as Joe Biden’s designated successor, is pursuing a policy focused on supporting the middle and working classes. It proposes increases in social assistance, in particular through an extension of tax credits for low-income families, and professional training programs to strengthen local employment. His approach also includes increased taxation for large businesses and high incomes, with the aim of financing these programs and reducing economic inequality.
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Conversely, Donald Trump focuses his economic program on reducing taxes for businesses and investors. He defends a policy of deregulation to stimulate the market, particularly in the energy and finance sectors. Its approach aims for rapid growth by reducing constraints on businesses, thereby hoping to boost job creation and the competitiveness of American businesses on the international scene.
2. Foreign policy: isolationism versus multilateralism
On the international stage, Harris promotes close cooperation with traditional allies of the United States, particularly in Europe and Asia, to strengthen partnerships in the face of global challenges such as climate change and security. She also emphasizes support for human rights initiatives, seeking to restore the image of the United States after years of geopolitical tensions under the previous presidency.
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Donald Trump, for his part, is resuming his “America First” approach, favoring national interests and reducing American military involvement abroad. It focuses on bilateral economic partnerships and a tougher approach towards China, seen as the United States’ main rival. His position also includes increased support for Israel and a possible reduction in support for Ukraine, if he considers that this does not bring direct benefits to the United States.
3. Environment: climate emergency versus energy independence
Kamala Harris makes climate a central priority, with ambition to accelerate the transition to renewable energy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. She proposes massive investments in green infrastructure, sustainable transport and research to support the technologies of tomorrow, while strengthening environmental legislation to reduce polluting emissions from heavy and automobile industries.
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Trump, by contrast, is focused on achieving U.S. energy independence through increased exploitation of domestic fossil resources. He criticizes environmental regulations, saying they harm businesses and growth. His program plans to revive the coal and oil industries and reduce subsidies for renewable energies, which he considers to be inefficient and too costly.
4. Civil rights and societal issues: inclusion or tradition?
When it comes to civil rights, Kamala Harris takes a position favorable to the rights of minorities, women and the LGBTQ+ community. She advocates an expansion of protections against discrimination, particularly in the areas of work and health, as well as strengthening access to care for women, including reproductive rights. His agenda also includes initiatives to reform the police and the criminal justice system to reduce racial inequality and police violence.
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Donald Trump favors a conservative approach, emphasizing traditional American values and the protection of religious rights. He supports tougher immigration laws, aimed at strengthening border security. On reproductive rights, Trump supports abortion restrictions put in place by some states, aligning with the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. His positions on civil rights also remain more conservative, with a law-and-order approach
This election represents a fundamental choice for Americans between two radically different visions. Harris, spokesperson for an inclusive policy oriented towards multilateralism, tries to unite around progressive social and environmental reforms. Trump, meanwhile, promotes an agenda focused on energy independence and national security, banking on economic growth through increased deregulation and reduced international involvement.
