National: Trump Wins 2024 Presidential Election
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign leading up to the 2024 election was defined by a series of bold promises centered around immigration reform, economic revival, and undoing progressive social policies.
Trump’s immigration policy was a cornerstone of his campaign. He pledged to begin the largest deportation operation in United States history, working with military and local law enforcement to arrest and deport immigrants. Trump also pledged to reinstate the travel ban, half refugee admissions, and seal the border. This hardline immigration plan would reverse the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies. Resonating with those who view stricter immigration policies as essential for national security and economic stability.
Trump planned to begin the largest deportation operation in United States history. In April, Trump told Time magazine that he would enforce the arrest and deportation of undocumented migrants through active military and local law enforcement. Trump said on PBS News, “I will restore the travel ban, suspend refugee admissions, stop the resettlement, and keep the terrorists the hell out of our country.”
“My very first day back in the White House, I will terminate every single open border policy of the Biden-Harris administration, and we will seal the border,” Trump mentioned on PBS News, outlining a central plank of his 2024 campaign. This stance established strong support from his MAGA base, many of whom view stricter immigration controls as necessary protecting jobs, safety, and resources.
Voters in the 2024 election are also turning to Trump for his economic policies, hoping he will fulfill his promise to put an end to inflation and create a more consumer-friendly economy. At the 2024 campaign in Grand Rapids, MI, Trump claimed, “I will pass the Trump Reciprocal Trade Act.” Meaning, if a foreign country imposes tariffs or taxes of 100% or 200% on American goods, we will respond by instituting an equivalent tariff or tax of the same rate. ” This promise to the American people was found to increase prices across the United States. CNBC also reported that Trump proposed an “all tariff policy” to replace individual income taxes; however, this idea was quickly turned down by economists, as tariffs were found to actually hurt the middle class and regress the economy.
Trump pledged not to reduce funding for Social Security or Medicare, and he will not raise the retirement age. Yet, experts of all backgrounds said that the United States Social Security’s trust funds are projected to run out by 2035. If current trends continue, senior benefits will be cut by 27 % and Medicare’s hospital trust fund will have been depleted by 2036. Trump affirmed his intentions of replacing the Affordable Care Act, a promise he made during the 2016 campaign and reiterated in his presidential debate against Kamala Harris. Despite labeling Obamacare as “lousy health care,” Trump had yet to find plans for a replacement, only noting that he had “concepts of a plan.”
Trump also aimed to sign an executive order cutting federal funding to schools that promote critical race theory, gender identity issues, and other forms of racial, sexual, or political content he deemed inappropriate for students. These are separate proposals to Project 2025, developed by third-party organizations. This project sets out a couple of main policies. It calls for Termination of federal funding for Medicaid and Medicare that provides gender-affirming care to patients. Trump also plans to ask “Congress to pass a bill establishing that the only genders recognized by the United States government are male and female — and they are assigned at birth.” This is quite the contrast to the Biden administration’s final title IX rule (effective August 1st, 2024), which protects students across all public funded education from sex-based discrimination.
State: Adam Schiff Wins California’s State Senate
On Nov. 5, Congressman Adam Schiff won the state’s Senate seat. Schiff has served 12 terms in the House, representing California’s 30th Congressional District, and is a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, overseeing federal courts and law enforcement. A former federal prosecutor, Schiff fights and preaches for justice, national security, and public safety.
In his victory speech, Schiff vowed to fight for all Californians, focusing on reducing the cost of living, expanding access to affordable childcare, and holding corporations accountable. Schiff led the House impeachment inquiry and served as the Lead Impeachment Manager during the first Senate trial of President Donald Trump. With a strong record on issues ranging from criminal justice reform, to space exploration, Schiff continues to be a leading voice in Congress for upholding democratic values and promoting national and global security.
Ted Lieu Wins California’s 36th District
Democrat Ted Lieu faced off against republican candidate Melissa Toomin while running for reelection for Representative of California’s 36th District, which includes Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, and Redondo Beach. Lieu won with a 69% majority and 240,000 votes, compared to Toomin’s 109,000.
Lieu has had a lengthy career in politics. He started out as a member of Torrance City council in 2002, then moved onto being a state assemblyman in 2005 to 2010. From 2011 to 2014, he served as a California State Senator, before being elected to congress as District 36’s representative.
Not only has Lieu held roles such as legislator but he is also a veteran. In 1995 through 1999, Lieu served in the active duty as a colonel for the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
Lieu plans to focus on community project funding, enhancing public safety, improving public school facilities, and making affordable housing more accessible.
Local: Manhattan Beach City Council
Joe Franklin
Reelected to continue serving his community, Joe Franklin is committed to enhancing public safety and tackling homelessness. As part of his vision for a sustainable future, he supports the Bay Foundation’s Dune Restoration Project to protect the coastline. Franklin also prioritizes a clean city, attracting new businesses, and ensuring overall quality of life for residents.
Steve Charelian
A dedicated public servant with 35 years of experience, Steve Charelian is ready to continue his work for Manhattan Beach. Having led the city’s finance department for over five years, he now seeks to strengthen public safety, expand senior recreation programs, secure funding for street repairs, and address e-bike enforcement.
Nina Tarnay
Nina Tarnay is focused on developing innovative solutions to support the community’s growth. She plans to explore affordable housing options in underused commercial zones and implement a strategic approach to retaining public safety personnel. She advocates for strong enforcement of local ordinances, creating a more business-friendly environment.
Leave a Reply