2024 Presidential Election: Harris vs Trump Policy Comparison | American Century

Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump present distinct policy proposals aimed at benefiting U.S. citizens, reflecting their differing political ideologies.

I have researched those policies and used their own words to share with you. This is a comparison of their key policies across several critical areas.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

## Economic Policies

### Taxation

- **Kamala Harris** proposes to raise the top corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% and increase income tax rates for individuals earning over $400,000, allowing tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire. This is aimed at generating more revenue to fund social programs and reduce income inequality[1].

- **Donald Trump**, on the other hand, advocates for reducing the corporate tax rate to between 15% and 20% and making the tax cuts from the TCJA permanent. His plan is designed to stimulate business investment and economic growth, arguing that lower taxes will benefit the economy overall[1].

### Health Care

- **Harris** aims to expand Medicare price negotiations and extend the Medicare inflation cap to private-sector drugs, focusing on reducing drug prices for consumers. She supports broader access to healthcare and maintaining protections under the Affordable Care Act[1][5].

- **Trump** has expressed intentions to privatize Medicare and reduce Medicaid spending, with a focus on decreasing payments to hospitals for outpatient care. His approach emphasizes market-driven solutions, which he argues will enhance efficiency and reduce costs[1].

### Economic Growth Initiatives

- **Harris** has proposed measures such as a $6,000 child tax credit, tax reductions for small businesses, and assistance for first-time homebuyers. These initiatives are designed to support middle-class families and stimulate economic activity[5][8].

- **Trump** has not detailed new economic initiatives in the recent debate but has historically focused on deregulation and tax cuts as primary means to foster economic growth. His administration previously emphasized job creation through tax incentives and reducing bureaucratic obstacles for businesses[5][6].

## Trade and Immigration Policies

### Trade

- **Harris** advocates for targeted tariffs against countries like China, particularly on technology products, to protect U.S. industries and promote fair trade practices[1].

- **Trump** has proposed a more aggressive stance, suggesting a 60% tariff on all goods from China, aiming to protect American jobs and industries from foreign competition[1].

### Immigration

- **Harris** supports a more moderate approach, opposing mass deportations and advocating for a path to citizenship for DACA recipients. She has emphasized the need for a humane immigration policy while also suggesting enforcement measures at the border[4][7].

- **Trump** continues to push for strict immigration policies, including building a wall at the southern border and ending DACA. His rhetoric often emphasizes national security and the economic impacts of illegal immigration[4][7].

## Regulatory Policies

### Regulation

- **Harris** plans to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and expand antitrust initiatives to promote competition. Her regulatory approach aims to support workers and consumers[1].

- **Trump** seeks to significantly reduce regulations across various sectors, arguing that fewer regulations will enhance business operations and economic growth. He has previously focused on streamlining processes for mergers and acquisitions[1].

## Conclusion

In summary, Kamala Harris's policies are geared towards increasing taxes on the wealthy and corporations to fund social programs, expanding healthcare access, and promoting fair trade practices. In contrast, Donald Trump's policies focus on tax cuts, deregulation, and a tough stance on immigration, aiming to stimulate economic growth through market-driven strategies. The effectiveness of these policies in benefiting U.S. citizens will depend on various factors, including the political landscape following the election and the composition of Congress[1][2][5].

My primary takeaway from this research, at its most fundamental level, is that President Trump's objective is to foster growth, increase income, and ensure the safety of the populace. His policies are designed to preserve a greater amount of discretionary income for those who generate earnings. In contrast, Vice President Harris intends to selectively determine the beneficiaries of her social welfare programs and raise taxes to fund those objectives, which would burden the taxpayers.

Citations:
[1] https://www.americancentury.com/insights/election/harris-vs-trump-policy-comparison/
[2] https://abc7.com/read-harris-trump-presidential-debate-transcript/15288740/
[3] https://www.as-coa.org/articles/comparing-kamala-harris-and-donald-trump-latin-america
[4] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/comparing-trumps-and-harris-positions-on-immigration-and-border-security
[5] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clylwy33ewxo
[6] https://www.npr.org/2024/09/13/nx-s1-5111649/trump-fact-check-reality
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvkQb7yZlBA
[8] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/comparing-trumps-and-harris-differing-ideas-on-how-to-boost-the-economy
[9] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/09/14/harris-trump-place-their-chips-different-states-win-white-house/