The 2020 Presidential Election: Trump And Biden's Approaches To Governance

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Economic Policy: Divergent Paths to Economic Growth

The 2020 election showcased dramatically different economic philosophies. Trump championed economic nationalism, while Biden advocated for a more pragmatic and inclusive approach.

Trump's Economic Nationalism:

Trump's economic policy prioritized deregulation, significant tax cuts, and the imposition of tariffs. His administration aimed to boost domestic industries and manufacturing through protectionist measures.

• Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017: This legislation significantly lowered corporate and individual income tax rates, aiming to stimulate economic growth through increased investment and job creation. While GDP growth initially increased, the long-term effects remain debated.
• Deregulation: The Trump administration rolled back numerous environmental and financial regulations, arguing that they stifled economic activity. Critics countered that these actions harmed the environment and increased financial risks.
• Tariffs on Imported Goods: Trump imposed tariffs on goods from several countries, notably China, aiming to protect American industries and leverage trade negotiations. This led to trade wars and increased prices for consumers in some sectors. Keywords: Tax cuts, deregulation, tariffs, economic nationalism, GDP growth.

Biden's Pragmatic Approach:

Biden’s economic plan focused on investments in infrastructure, strengthening worker protections, and addressing income inequality. This approach aimed for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

• American Jobs Plan: This ambitious infrastructure plan proposed significant investments in roads, bridges, public transit, broadband internet, and the power grid. The goal was to create jobs, modernize infrastructure, and boost long-term economic competitiveness.
• Raising the Minimum Wage: Biden advocated for raising the federal minimum wage, aiming to improve the living standards of low-wage workers.
• Addressing Income Inequality: His plan included measures to expand access to affordable healthcare, affordable childcare, and education, aiming to reduce income inequality and promote social mobility. Keywords: Infrastructure investment, income inequality, worker protections, economic recovery.

Healthcare: Contrasting Visions for Healthcare Reform

The 2020 election also highlighted stark differences in approaches to healthcare reform. Trump sought to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while Biden aimed to expand access and affordability.

Trump's Attempts to Repeal and Replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

Throughout his presidency, Trump repeatedly attempted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. These efforts faced significant political obstacles and ultimately failed to achieve complete repeal.

• Challenges in Congress: Republicans failed to pass legislation to repeal and replace the ACA, highlighting the partisan divide on healthcare reform.
• Executive Actions: The Trump administration took executive actions to weaken certain provisions of the ACA, such as reducing the scope of the individual mandate and weakening protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Keywords: Affordable Care Act (ACA), healthcare reform, healthcare access, pre-existing conditions.

Biden's Plan to Expand Healthcare Access:

Biden proposed expanding the Affordable Care Act and addressing rising healthcare costs through various measures.

• Public Option: Biden's plan included a public health insurance option, allowing individuals to buy into a government-run plan, increasing competition and potentially lowering costs.
• Lowering Prescription Drug Prices: His plan aimed to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs, a significant cost driver in the US healthcare system.
• Expanding Medicare: Biden advocated for expanding Medicare benefits to cover more services and potentially lowering the eligibility age. Keywords: Medicare expansion, affordable healthcare, public health insurance, healthcare costs.

Foreign Policy: Different Approaches to International Relations

The 2020 election showcased fundamentally different approaches to foreign policy, with Trump emphasizing "America First" and Biden prioritizing multilateralism.

Trump's "America First" Approach:

Trump's foreign policy was characterized by an "America First" approach, prioritizing American interests above international cooperation.

• Withdrawal from International Agreements: The Trump administration withdrew from several international agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Iran nuclear deal.
• Bilateral Deals: Trump prioritized bilateral trade deals over multilateral agreements, often using tariffs as leverage in negotiations. Keywords: America First, isolationism, international relations, foreign policy, trade deals.

Biden's Emphasis on Multilateralism and Alliances:

Biden's foreign policy prioritized restoring alliances and re-engaging in multilateral diplomacy.

• Rejoining International Agreements: Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change and expressed intentions to re-engage in the Iran nuclear deal.
• Strengthening Alliances: His administration focused on strengthening relationships with traditional allies and working through international organizations. Keywords: Multilateralism, international alliances, diplomacy, global cooperation, foreign policy.

Conclusion: Understanding the 2020 Election's Impact on Governance

The 2020 Presidential Election presented a clear choice between two distinct visions for American governance. Trump's approach emphasized economic nationalism, deregulation, and a more transactional approach to foreign policy, while Biden advocated for a more pragmatic, inclusive, and multilateral approach across economic, healthcare, and foreign policy domains. Understanding these contrasting approaches is crucial for comprehending the trajectory of US policy in the coming years. To further your understanding of the 2020 Presidential Election and the long-term implications of Trump and Biden's governance approaches, explore specific policy areas in more detail. Resources on Presidential governance and political analysis can be found at reputable academic institutions and think tanks. Continue your research into the 2020 Presidential Election and the lasting effects of these differing governance strategies.