With the national convention set to take place next week in Milwaukee, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has finalized its electoral program under the guidance of former President Donald Trump. The program, which includes the promise of the largest deportation of migrants in U.S. history, focuses heavily on aggressive immigration policies and economic measures. The convention is expected to endorse Trump as the party's candidate for the upcoming November 5 elections.
The RNC's electoral program, dedicated to the 'forgotten men and women of America,' mirrors Trump's campaign rhetoric with 20 promises that are more slogan-like than substantive. The first two points in the program emphasize 'sealing the border and stopping the invasion of migrants' and 'carrying out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.' These points have been reiterated by Trump in his rallies and press appearances.
The program also links immigration to crime, stating the need to 'stop the epidemic of migrant crime, end foreign drug cartels, crush gang violence, and lock up violent criminals.' However, the program offers little in terms of detailed policy explanations. For example, the promise to 'end inflation and make America affordable again' is as vaguely worded as the other points.
In an effort to appeal to undecided and moderate voters, the program softens the party's stance on contentious issues like abortion and equal marriage. Abortion is mentioned only once, with a commitment to oppose late-term abortions. The program no longer refers to 'traditional marriage' between a man and a woman, a shift from the party's 2016 and 2020 platforms.
Cultural issues are also addressed, with promises to limit federal funding for schools that teach critical race theory and to keep 'trans men out of women's sports.' The program maintains a strong nationalist tone with slogans like 'America first' and promises to impose new tariffs to make the U.S. a manufacturing superpower.
The RNC's program also includes a commitment to finish the border wall quickly and cheaply, despite previous analyses showing limited progress and high costs. The document advocates for deporting millions of illegal immigrants, starting with the most dangerous criminals, and links immigration to economic issues like inflation.
To 'seal the border and stop the immigration invasion,' the program promises to restore all immigration policies from Trump's first term that Biden has reversed. This includes redirecting federal law enforcement to immigration tasks and deploying the military to the southern border. The program also aims to reinstate policies like the Remain in Mexico policy and the Travel Ban, and to invoke the Alien Enemies Act to expel suspected gang members and drug traffickers.
The program's promise to initiate the largest deportation program in U.S. history lacks details but includes commitments to cut federal funds for sanctuary cities and prioritize immigration based on merit. The document will be voted on for approval at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
