As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump prepare to face off in November’s election, the contrast in their policy platforms becomes increasingly clear.
With key issues like immigration, healthcare, economic growth, and climate change at the forefront, both candidates offer sharply different visions for America’s future.
Here’s a closer look at where they each stand on these critical issues as voters head to the polls, providing insights into the policies that will shape the country’s direction in the coming years.
Immigration
Kamala Harris advocates for humane immigration reform, prioritising family reunification and offering a pathway to citizenship for undocumented migrants, particularly Dreamers. She opposes Trump’s strict border policies, including child separation.
Donald Trump emphasises border security through measures such as constructing a southern border wall. He supports a merit-based immigration system, prioritising those with skills and education, and opposes pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Healthcare
Harris is committed to expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), focusing on making healthcare accessible and affordable for all, especially marginalised communities. She proposes lowering prescription drug prices and ensuring coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Trump, by contrast, seeks to dismantle the ACA, pushing for a more market-driven approach to healthcare. His policies include expanding Health Savings Accounts and increasing competition among drug companies to lower costs.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Harris’s economic vision centres on rebuilding the middle class, supporting unions, increasing the minimum wage, and investing in green jobs. She promotes policies that address the racial wealth gap and economic inequalities, especially for women and minorities.
Trump prioritises tax cuts and deregulation to spur economic growth. His policies focus on lowering corporate taxes, promoting domestic manufacturing, and reducing reliance on imports. Trump is also a strong supporter of energy independence through the expansion of oil and gas industries.
Foreign Policy
Harris is committed to rebuilding international alliances and pursuing a foreign policy grounded in diplomacy. She stresses the importance of multilateralism and addressing global issues like climate change, cybersecurity, and human rights abuses.
Trump champions an “America First” foreign policy, focusing on renegotiating trade deals, reducing military involvement abroad, and maintaining a tough stance on adversaries like China. He prioritises national sovereignty over global cooperation, often criticising international organisations like NATO.
Criminal Justice Reform
Harris advocates for comprehensive criminal justice reform, aiming to reduce mass incarceration, decriminalise marijuana, and implement bail reform. She emphasises rehabilitation over punitive measures and seeks to address racial disparities within the system.
Trump’s approach focuses on law and order, while supporting reforms like the First Step Act, which provided early release for some federal prisoners. However, his broader stance prioritises tough penalties for violent crimes and bolstering law enforcement resources.
Climate Change
Harris believes climate change is an existential threat and backs ambitious policies, including the Green New Deal, to transition to renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. She calls for corporate accountability and strong federal intervention to combat environmental challenges.
Trump takes a deregulatory approach, rolling back environmental protections to prioritise economic growth. He supports fossil fuel industries and has shown scepticism toward mainstream climate science, advocating for energy independence through oil and gas expansion.
Overall
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer starkly different visions for the future of the United States. Harris advocates for inclusive policies on immigration, healthcare, and economic justice, with a focus on social and environmental responsibility. Trump, on the other hand, emphasises deregulation, national security, and an “America First” approach to foreign policy, promoting economic growth through lower taxes and reduced government intervention. Their differing stances reflect the ideological divide shaping the US political landscape as the election approaches.
