Donald Trump’s 90-minute address at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, on Thursday, was an address with many facets. It ranged from personal reflections about a recent attempted assassination to economic nationalism.
Trump’s speech in front of a crowded arena was crucial as he tries to win back the White House.
What are some of the main takeaways?
Trade wars and tax cuts: Economic policy
Donald Trump’s economic policy was emphasized at the RNC. He promised to cut taxes and renew wars in trade if he were to be given a second term.
He criticised the way the administration is handling the economy and focused on the inflation.
Other countries have been taking advantage of us for a long time, and they are often considered to be our allies. They gain all and destroy our business while we lose revenue and jobs. It was stopped four years ago and it will be stopped again.
He pledged to “taxes and tariffs” and to provide incentives to boost the US auto sector, as well as to prevent construction of automobile manufacturing plants in Mexico and China.
Trump’s promise to revive trade disputes reflects his commitment to “America First”, a policy that aims to protect the domestic industry through protectionist measures. As in his first term, this stance could upset markets and business around the world.
Border control and immigration
Trump’s remarks included a large section on immigration and border controls.
He promised to carry out the “largest expulsion operation in our history” and he accused Latin American nations of sending violent criminals into the United States.
Trump stated that “the world’s criminals will be coming to your town, and they are sent here by their government, as their government is smarter than us.”
America, tonight, I make a promise: I won’t let criminals or killers enter our country. My sons and daughter will be safe.
Trump’s immigration rhetoric has become a cornerstone in his political identity. His promises at the convention to clamp down on illegal immigration, as well as secure the US-Mexico Border, resonated strongly with the core of his supporters.
Trump’s reflections on national healing and his personal life
Trump’s speech began with a description of an assassination plot that took place recently. This was a change from the usual aggressive style.
At a Pennsylvania rally, he described a close call with a bullet that grazed the ear of his ear as he presented a graph on immigration statistics.
Trump said: “By God’s grace, I am present today.” He praised the Secret Service agents that shielded him.
The personal story set the tone of somberness for some parts of his address and enabled him to call for healing in America and an end “to discord and division.”
Trump referred to God several times, and spoke of his meetings with Billy Graham. He was addressing the evangelical Christian supporters who are loyal to him. He did not, however, mention abortion which is a hot topic in the Republican Party.
Foreign policy and national Security
Trump contrasted the foreign policy of his administration with the policies currently in place, saying that his policies have preserved peace as opposed to wars that have erupted since his departure from office, particularly those that are raging across the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere.
Kim Jong Un is a North Korean dictator who he said “misses” in a reference to Viktor Orban.
Trump has also criticised Biden’s Foreign Policy and pledged to develop a missile defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. Trump pledged that he will restore “peace and stability in the entire world,” but he did not provide any details about how he plans to achieve this goal.
Context and implications of politics
Trump’s address comes at an important moment for American politics. Trump is ahead of Biden, in almost all opinion polls conducted nationally and by swing states with less than four month until November’s election.
It is clear that he will return to the White House despite recent criminal convictions.
Biden faces a revolt unprecedented from his own members who urge him to drop his bid for reelection after he tested positive on COVID-19.
This speech was also a culmination to the four-day Republican Convention, which had been dominated by fallout following the July 13 assassination.
Trump’s allies adopted the rallying cry “fight, FIGHT, FIGHT” after he left the stage following the Butler attack.
Trump’s base is likely to be receptive to his tax-cut promises, trade wars and immigration policy.
It remains to be determined whether he can unite his country and keep these promises.
The post Donald Trump’s RNC speech: From border controls to tax cuts, key takeaways may change as new information becomes available.
