Summary
Biden pushes for pro-abortion rights legislation and improved access to contraception, contrasting Trump's stance leaving abortion limits to states. Trump plans the largest deportation in US history and border security measures, contrasting Biden's struggles with record migrant flows. Biden proposes tax increases for the wealthy and corporate tax breaks, while Trump focuses on slashing tax rates and implementing tariffs. Both differ on intervention in wars and climate change policy, with Biden supporting Ukraine and clean energy, and Trump advocating for police forces and against the Green New Deal. Biden aims to cancel student loan debt, opposed to Trump's plans to shut down the Department of Education.
For those who read...
This week, we’re diving into the differences between Biden and Trump on key issues for the upcoming election.
On Reproductive Rights:
- Biden maintains a strong pro-abortion rights stance, vowing in March to try and restore Roe v. Wade in a Democratic Congress. He has also improved access to affordable contraception and education surrounding reproductive health.
- Trump stated on Monday that abortion limits should be left to the states, and declined to comment on when in pregnancy abortion should be banned. Notably, however, the former president previously agreed with a nationwide 15 week ban.
On Immigration and Border Policy:
- Trump plans to launch the largest deportation of illegal immigrants in US history, along with restricting legal immigration. He also promised to close gaps in the wall on the Mexican border, a project he started during his first term, and to detain illegal migrants instead of following the “catch and release” policy currently in effect.
- Biden has struggled to manage the record flow of migrants during his time as president, with over 8 million illegal immigrants entering the US since 2021. Despite this, he recently supported a bill that would add billions in border security funding.
On the Economy:
- If reelected, Biden proposed tax increases for wealthy individuals and large corporations while providing tax breaks for low-income families. However, his presidency has been marked by persistent inflation that has squeezed many household budgets.
- During his first term, Trump slashed tax rates and created millions of jobs in the US through implementing universal tariffs on foreign goods. This time around, he also plans to advocate for lower interest rates.
On Foreign Policy:
- So far, Trump has offered no plans to intervene in either war, and suggests they quote “play out” on their own.
- Conversely, Biden urged Congress to provide more aid to Ukraine during the Russian invasion. He also reiterated America’s support for Israel, sending thousands of weapons along with humanitarian aid to Gaza.
As For Other Notable Issues:
- On crime, Biden hopes to ban assault rifles while Trump plans to strengthen police forces.
- On climate change, Trump wants to end the Green New Deal while Biden has invested in clean energy.
- On education, Biden is working to cancel student loan debt while Trump hopes to shut down the Department of Education.
Biden v. Trump on Abortion Rights (VoA, AP)
Biden v. Trump on Immigration and the Border (Reuters, The Center Square, VoA)
Biden v. Trump on the Economy (Axios, News Nation)
Biden v. Trump on Foreign Policy (News Nation, USA Today)
Biden v. Trump on Crime (CNN, donaldjtrump.com)
Biden v. Trump on Climate Change (The Hill, USA Today)
Biden v. Trump on Education (NYT, Washington Times)