In a campaign speech delivered in Savannah, Georgia, former President Donald Trump promised that if re-elected, the United States would “take other countries’ jobs.”
Trump outlined his economic agenda, pledging tax cuts, lower energy costs, and fewer regulations for American manufacturers, all aimed at revitalising the domestic workforce and creating a “manufacturing renaissance.”
Speaking to a packed crowd, Trump reiterated his commitment to penalise American companies that outsource jobs overseas. He also promised to impose hefty tariffs on foreign-made goods to protect U.S. industries, a key element of his protectionist economic policies.
“Under my plan, American workers will no longer be worried about losing your jobs to foreign nations. Instead, foreign nations will be worried about losing their jobs to America,” Trump declared.
Trump’s speech comes as he and Vice President Kamala Harris ramp up their economic messaging in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential campaign. With the economy being a top concern for voters, the candidates are presenting competing visions for the future. Harris is set to deliver her own economic proposals in a speech in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday.
Ultra-low taxes
In his address, Trump went beyond traditional protectionist rhetoric, proposing the creation of special federal zones with “ultra-low taxes and regulations” to lure international companies to the U.S. He also introduced the idea of appointing a “manufacturing ambassador” to convince foreign businesses to relocate to American soil.
The former president has floated extreme tariff measures, including a 60 percent tariff on Chinese goods and a 20 percent blanket tariff on imports from other countries. Critics warn that such aggressive policies could raise prices for U.S. consumers, but Trump dismissed these concerns, insisting that his approach would bolster domestic industry.
During his presidency, Trump implemented tariffs on Chinese goods, some of which remain in place under the Biden administration. His economic plan also targets Democrats, whom he blames for rising inflation and increased grocery prices in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the food Consumer Price Index rose by 25 percent between 2019 and 2023.
Despite a cooling of inflation, polls show that voters continue to view the economy as a critical issue. Recent surveys suggest that Trump holds an edge over Harris on economic matters. According to a CBS News/YouGov poll, voters who prioritise the economy favour Trump by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent. However, Harris has seen her numbers improve in recent weeks.
Trump’s visit to Georgia followed a New York Times/Siena College poll showing him narrowly leading in the battleground states of Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina. Both candidates have dedicated considerable time and resources to Georgia, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the election outcome.
What does the future look like?
While the event was billed as an economic speech, Trump also touched on other topics, including recounting alleged assassination attempts and criticising Harris as “grossly incompetent.” He claimed that Harris’s policies would “deindustrialise the United States and destroy our country.”
Shortly before Trump’s speech, the Harris campaign held a press call with billionaire investor Mark Cuban, a longtime Democratic supporter. Cuban slammed Trump’s tariff proposals, arguing they would harm American businesses, particularly those with operations in countries like Mexico.
In the coming days, Harris will continue to lay out her economic vision, focusing on policies aimed at first-time home buyers, family tax breaks, and measures to combat grocery price-gouging. Her proposals include a tax credit for builders of homes for first-time buyers and up to $25,000 in down-payment assistance for eligible purchasers.
Harris emphasised that her plan would invest in the “aspirations and ambitions of the American people” while addressing the challenges they face.
As the 2024 election approaches, both Trump and Harris are positioning their economic plans as key factors that could sway undecided voters in crucial swing states.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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