Prescriptions for the Trump Presidency
In my 01 November 2024 endorsement of Donald Trump (see here: SDT Presidential Endorsement of DJT | Stephen DeWitt Taylor), I gave four reasons for my support of his election: he would be better on the economy, on restoring US deterrence, on control of the southern border, and on providing a culture of equal opportunity for all Americans. Now that Trump has been elected, I provide some specifics on these four points.
1. Energize indebted, drag ass US economy.
Tariffs to invigorate US manufacturing and US jobs. Tax reductions. Shrink administrative state... shut down DOE etc. Reduce rates of increase and later actual levels of government spending. Embrace AI productivity wave. Attain and sustain 4% GDP growth rate and resultant reduction of debt levels.
2. Restore US deterrence and respect in the world. Multipolar world? Not yet.
Align foreign policy to prioritize Americans. End Ukraine war with treaty ceding eastern Ukraine to Russia, European security guarantee for Ukraine sovereignty, and withdrawal of intent by US to have NATO incorporate Ukraine. Seek reproachment with Russia... space cooperation, cultural exchanges etc... a la Reagan... trust but verify. Neuter Iran threat to middle east peace a la "Solemani strategy"... speak softly, big stick. Support Israel to secure its current borders. Strengthen acknowledgement of now suppressed One China policy. Position US Navy to aggressively protect world trade sea lanes with emphasis in South China Sea ie. "Son of strategic ambiguity." Increase military funding and orient spend to asymmetric warfare. Eliminate social justice training in military and attain military recruitment goals.
3. Control southern border.
Fence. Anduril toys. Increased border guards. Immigration policy: a. Eliminate anchor baby policy. b. Eliminate lottery. c. Eliminate family preferences. d. No path to citizenship for illegal entrants. e. Rigorous, ten-year path to citizenship for DACAs. f. Auto green cards for all foreign students gaining tech PhDs. g. Selective immigrant entry criteria aligned to US interests... ie. more Nigerian accountants... fewer French socialists. h. Biometrically controlled guest worker program. Three-year renewable authorized by employers. Illegal entrants could apply for this program or otherwise be deported. Increase legal immigration quotas by 20%.
4. Climate of equal opportunity.
End all DEI and social justice departments and training in US government organizations. Emphasize merit in US government hiring practices. End the soft bigotry of low expectations and provide an avenue of equal opportunity, not equal outcomes, for all.