US Republicans, 4 Months Before November Election
Incorporate Former President Trump’s Pledges into Party Platform
Foreign Media Focus on Relaxed Stance on Abortion Issue
The U.S. Republican Party officially adopted a platform reflecting former President Donald Trump's pledges on the 8th (local time), four months ahead of the November presidential election. The platform includes promises emphasized by former President Trump, such as increasing traditional energy production, blocking illegal immigrants, and implementing universal tariffs. The party's significant softening of its stance on abortion, an issue it has historically opposed, also drew attention.
Republican Party Platform Released for the First Time in 8 Years Since 2016
On the day, the Republican Party's platform committee under the National Committee adopted a platform containing 20 principles covering inflation and economic policy, industrial and trade policy, immigration and border policy, foreign affairs, and social and cultural policies. The 20 principles are written entirely in uppercase letters, similar to how former President Trump posts on social media. Bloomberg News reported, "Former President Trump drafted and edited most of the platform."
The 16-page platform document's preface is titled "America First: A Return to Common Sense." It includes blocking and deporting illegal immigrants, increasing domestic traditional energy production, large-scale tax cuts and tip tax exemptions for workers. The cancellation of the electric vehicle mandate is also presented as a principle.
Blocking Illegal Immigrants, Universal Tariffs, and More
The Republican Party referred to the influx of illegal immigrants as an "immigrant invasion" and emphasized that "the largest deportation operation in U.S. history will be carried out." Political media outlet The Hill reported, "'Sealing the border and stopping the immigrant invasion' is the Republican Party platform's top priority." The party also stated it would "stop rampant immigrant crime."
The Republican Party described its foreign policy as "peace through strength," stating, "President Joe Biden's foreign policy has made America less safe and a laughingstock in the world," and that "the Republican Party will end international chaos and reduce geopolitical risks." It added, "We will pursue a foreign policy centered on the most critical American national interests" and "make the U.S. military the most modern and powerful force."
Regarding alliances, the party said, "We will ensure allies fulfill their investment obligations for collective defense and restore peace in Europe to strengthen alliances," and "We support Israel and will seek peace in the Middle East." On the defense industry base, the Republican Party stated, "Equipment and parts critical to U.S. security must be made in America."
Regarding trade policy, the Republican Party supports former President Trump's universal tariffs on foreign products and will respond to unfair trade practices. Trump plans to impose a universal 10% tariff on all countries and a 60% tariff on China if re-elected. The policy toward China also includes revoking most-favored-nation status, gradually halting imports of essential goods, and blocking purchases of U.S. real estate and businesses.
The removal of the expression supporting a federal ban on abortion, which had been in the platform for 40 years, also attracted attention. On abortion, the Republican Party stated, "Under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, no one shall be deprived of life or liberty without due process, and each state may pass laws to protect this right." This reflects former President Trump's pledge that abortion issues should be decided by each state.
The platform contains no mention of North Korea or the Korean Peninsula.
NYT: "Less Socially Conservative"
The New York Times (NYT) described the platform as "more nationalist and protectionist than the 2016 platform but less socially conservative." The NYT explained, "The view on abortion has softened, and there was no longer any mention of traditional marriage between one man and one woman."
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