Donald Trump Surprises CPAC With a List of Policy Ideas Both New and Old – Elections are about the future and Donald Trump did a different thing at CPAC last night – I was there in the flesh to hear his remarks.
He talked about the future instead of the old dragons he wanted to slay. That is pretty shocking for Donald Trump – to say the least.
Oh sure, he had grievances and complaints about numerous enemies both current and past. He made sure the crowd knew he was being persecuted by zealous prosecutors. But he actually talked about what a future America would look like under his watch. This was a nearly two-hour speech mainly about domestic and foreign policy.
The former president had old ideas and new ideas. He took particular relish in describing a country that he would build if he wins the 2024 general election. And he delivered it mostly off-script with plenty of humor.
Bold Colors of Capitalism
The first thing Donald Trump did was to make a clear distinction between his brand of free market capitalism and the dangers of the country lurching too far left.
“We will never be a socialist country. I shouted out loud that train has passed the station and it never came close to stopping. Marxist and communists are in the government. We are the only ones who can stop our enemies. We will defeat them. They are coming after you and I am standing in their way.”
Will He Be a Different President?
Trump was circumspect in some of his comments.
He admitted that he was inexperienced in the ways of Washington when he first became president. But a new term will be different, he believes. He will still try to exterminate his enemies, but now he knows Washington better and that could make him a more effective president.
“When we win in 2024, we will eliminate this corrupt political class. Now I am experienced, and I know the people of Washington. I know the good ones, the bad ones, and weak ones, and strong ones. There were four previous incredible years when I will put America First every single time and every single day,” he said.
They Want Four More Years
Trump’s speech took on a familiar cadence that mesmerized the MAGA faithful who were yelling “four more years” in a packed convention hall outside Washington, DC.
“America will be free once again we are not free now. I am your warrior. I am your justice. I am your retribution. I will totally obliterate the deep state. I will fire the unelected bureaucrats who have weaponized our justice system and I will put the people back in charge,” he said.
Pot Shots at the Usual Suspects
Of course, he couldn’t resist taking shots at “Crooked Hillary Clinton,” or President Joe Biden’s problems communicating or tripping on stairs or falling on his bike. He spent considerable time complaining about Hunter Biden’s laptop and the alleged censorship of its contents by Big Tech.
Running on a Long List of Programs and Policies
But Trump has elaborate plans. His laundry list of programs and promises were extensive and one could argue that he is running on many different ideas that elicited numerous rounds of applause.
Peace Overall
The first thing he emphasized was the need to stop the endless wars. He believes that Vladimir Putin never would have invaded Ukraine had Trump been president. Trump thinks that we are heading toward World War Three and only the former president can keep that from happening. He said he would solve the war in Ukraine in one day.
Secure the Borders
His second big issue is to defend American borders. He said when he was president the borders were more secure than ever before. He said illegal immigration was low during his presidency and drug dealers found the border “inhospitable.”
Trump painted a dark picture. “Fentanyl is pouring in. Death is everywhere. Millions of illegal immigrants are coming in and overstaying their visas. Spies and terrorists are coming in.”
Trump says he will start the country’s largest deportation program in history and greatly expand ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
Solve the Crime Issue
He blamed crime on Marxist district attorneys and said the public safety problem will be solved when he sends in the national guard to crime-ridden cities that cannot protect their citizens.
Trump talked about homelessness and singled out Washington, DC for being particularly dirty and filled with homeless camps. He said, “The federal government should take over control and management of Washington, DC.”
No More Discrimination
He also said he will end all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government and he will allow victims of “DEI” to make monetary claims against a restitution fund should they encounter discrimination.
Parents Are Number One
Trump will fight for parents’ rights. And he wants to require all principals of K-12 schools be appointed and elected by parents.
No More Gender Re-assignment for Kids
Trump is no fan of gender re-assignment surgeries for children. “I will revoke chemical castration for children and ask Congress to send me a bill to end sexual mutilation of kids and keep men out of women’s sports.” This line elicited rancorous applause.
He will end inflation and lift the low level of labor participation rates.
Tough on China
He reserved China for scorn. Trump said he would force Beijing to pay restitution for creating the Covid-19 pandemic from what he called the “Wuhan Flu.” Trump would also pull out of the World Health Organization that he believes is “controlled by China.” He would also revoke China’s most favored nation trade status.
Unleash American Energy
Trump wants to restore energy independence and slow transition to electric vehicles and windmills that he thinks are problematic.
What Are Freedom Cities?
One interesting idea is that Trump wants to create new cities to give younger people a chance at affordable home ownership. These would be called “Freedom Cities” built by governors with an assist from the federal government. The point is for new people to have a piece of the American Dream. He also wants a “baby bonus,” but he did not offer details on that idea.
Trump was angry at times, but mostly upbeat. He used humor to make fun of his enemies and introduced many leaders of the MAGA movement who were sitting in the audience to the delight of the crowd.
The former president left off with a promise to deliver an America that his fans will be proud of.
“We will make America powerful again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America strong again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. We will make America great again.”
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Author Expertise and Experience:
Serving as 19FortyFive’s Defense and National Security Editor, Dr. Brent M. Eastwood is the author of Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare. He is an Emerging Threats expert and former U.S. Army Infantry officer. You can follow him on Twitter @BMEastwood. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Foreign Policy/ International Relations.
