US Election Results: Biden, Trump Oval Office Meet Set For Nov 13 As Focus Shifts To New Govt’s Policy Agenda

Outgoing US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are set to meet in the Oval Office on November 13 as focus shifts to Trump's extensive agenda for his forthcoming administration

File Photos of outgoing US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump

Source : PTI

Outgoing United States President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are set to meet in the Oval Office on November 13, the White House informed on Friday. At the invitation of President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump will meet with him in the Oval Office on Wednesday at 11:00 am, according to a statement released by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

As reported by the Associated Press (AP), Trump has pledged an extensive agenda for his forthcoming administration. Over more than a year of policy announcements, he has put forward plans that combine traditional conservative policies with a more populist approach, particularly on trade and a modified stance on America’s global role. His proposals include substantial changes across immigration, abortion, tax policies, trade, civil rights, regulation, and education.

Donald Trump's Policy Revelations On Immigration, Abortion, Fiscal And Defence Matters

Trump’s immigration policy has evolved from his 2016 slogan, “Build the wall!” to establishing “the largest mass deportation program in history.” He advocates using the National Guard and empowering police forces to target individuals in the U.S. illegally. His approach remains short on specifics but includes “ideological screening” for entrants, ending birth-right citizenship, and reinstating policies like “Remain in Mexico” and restrictions on majority-Muslim nations, AP reported. Trump’s policies aim to curb both illegal and overall immigration.

Despite having played a pivotal role in the US Supreme Court’s decision to end the federal right to abortion, Trump has stated he would not prioritise a national ban in his second term. However, his administration’s stance on defending access to abortion medication like mifepristone and emergency medical procedures remains unclear, AP reported. Trump said he would veto a federal abortion ban if it came to his desk but has not indicated if he would actively oppose further abortion restrictions.

Trump’s fiscal plans favour corporations and affluent Americans. He seeks to extend his 2017 tax cuts, lower the corporate tax rate to 15%, and repeal Biden’s tax hikes on the wealthy. Nonetheless, he has also proposed tax relief for working- and middle-class Americans, such as exempting tips and overtime from income tax, although concerns have been raised about potential loopholes benefiting high earners.

Trump’s trade policies reflect a sceptical view of global markets. He proposes significant tariffs on foreign goods and supports measures to prioritise U.S. production, including a 2020 order on purchasing essential medications domestically. He has repeatedly promised to counter Chinese investments in critical American infrastructure.

Trump’s civil rights agenda includes ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes and tightening policies on transgender rights. He aims to eliminate gender ideology in sports and education, reversing Biden-era protections, as per AP's report. He has proposed redefining Title IX to limit civil rights protections to two recognised genders at birth.

Trump’s regulatory approach includes removing federal oversight in several areas, boosting fossil fuel production, and simplifying firing federal workers. He also seeks to expand presidential control over spending and limit bureaucratic power, potentially provoking legal challenges, the report stated. His ideas involve making the Federal Reserve more accountable to presidential authority.

Trump has reiterated his promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act but continues to lack a comprehensive alternative. He insists on protecting Social Security and Medicare, though his tax plans could affect funding. His administration’s stance on Medicaid remains less defined, with his first term having introduced work requirements for beneficiaries, according to AP.

Trump advocates for a stronger military, but his diplomatic stance leans isolationist and protectionist. He has vowed to end ongoing conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine war, but without specifying a clear strategy. Trump is critical of NATO and has praised leaders like Viktor Orban and Vladimir Putin, summarising his philosophy with the phrase “peace through strength.”