Trump vs. Harris: The Key Issues Defining the Final Stretch of the 2024 Presidential Race

• As Donald Trump and Kamala Harris race toward the November 5 election, five central issues stand out: taxes, immigration, reproductive rights, foreign policy, and climate change.
• Trump, focusing on tax cuts and a tough stance on immigration, seeks to reinstate America’s conservative values. At the same time, Harris aims to build an “opportunity economy” for the middle class and advocate for women’s rights.
• Foreign policy plays a crucial role, with Trump promising quick solutions to global conflicts and Harris committing to enduring support for Ukraine and a nuanced approach to the Middle East.
• Climate change reveals a sharp divide, with Trump rejecting green energy subsidies and Harris focusing on continuing Biden’s green policies to support sustainable growth and climate leadership.

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris are rallying support around five core issues that have come to define the election’s final phase. These include approaches to taxes, immigration, abortion, foreign policy, and climate change—topics likely to influence voter decisions nationwide.

Tax policies present one of the most pronounced contrasts between the candidates. Trump, who championed tax cuts for corporations and high earners during his previous term, has promised to lower American taxes by imposing a 10 percent tariff on all U.S. imports. The former president is also eyeing the financial potential of cryptocurrency, launching his platform alongside his sons, aiming to position the U.S. as a leader in digital currency. Conversely, Harris has her sights set on a balanced approach: modest tax hikes for the wealthiest Americans, coupled with middle-class support initiatives like child tax credits, first-time homebuyer assistance, and small business incentives, forming the backbone of her “opportunity economy” vision.

Immigration policies reveal another stark divide. Trump has pledged mass deportations and revived his rhetoric on border security, even suggesting immigrants “poison the blood of our country.” He remains firm on his plan to build a border wall, a policy central to his first campaign. Harris, aligning with recent Biden administration efforts, promises a stricter border policy, with increased funding for physical barriers, while addressing immigration issues with a more measured approach to ensure accountability and humanitarian standards.

Abortion remains a pivotal topic, especially after Roe v. Wade was overturned, which spurred state-level abortion bans in 2022. Trump has signaled a potential restriction on medical abortion drugs and underscores his influence on the Supreme Court decision that reversed federal abortion rights. Harris, on the other hand, is calling for national legislation to secure abortion rights and seeks to leverage this issue as a driving force of her campaign. For voters in 10 states, constitutional amendments on the ballot could reshape local abortion access.

With current geopolitical unrest in the Middle East and Ukraine, foreign policy perspectives hold significant weight. Trump has voiced his intention to resolve both conflicts quickly, though he has not provided specific solutions. He has criticized the extensive U.S. aid to Ukraine, marking a divergence from the prevailing support within the country. Harris, however, has pledged enduring support for Ukraine and has emphasized a humanitarian perspective toward Palestine while affirming support for Israel. Both candidates are navigating the complex terrain of international relations, recognizing the implications for U.S. alliances and global stability.

Climate change remains a point of contention, reflecting vastly different priorities. Trump, who has long dismissed climate change concerns, plans to slash subsidies for green energy and electric vehicles, which he argues hinder American business. He advocates for increased oil production and has proposed withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement for a second time. Harris, by contrast, aims to build on Biden’s “Inflation Reduction Act,” which has funneled resources into green energy advancements. Her campaign underscores the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in climate action and economic growth through sustainable initiatives.

With these contrasting visions, Trump and Harris enter the final sprint for the White House, each aiming to galvanize their base on issues central to the future of American society.