Rebuilding After Trump: Policy Challenges and Opportunities

The return of Donald Trump to power has reignited discussions about the future of U.S. policy, particularly in the context of rebuilding the administrative state and addressing pressing issues such as climate change and economic resilience. Various think tanks and political figures are advocating for a comprehensive approach to repair the damage caused by Trump's administration while also seizing opportunities for reform.

The American Prospect

Common Wealth, a think tank operating in both the U.S. and Britain, is focusing on public ownership and state capacity as essential components for recovery. Melanie Brusseler, the U.S. program director, emphasizes the need for hope amid political peril, stating, “We’re in a moment where things feel really perilous politically, but also there’s a lot of hope in response.” The organization aims to address the failures that enabled Trump's rise and proposes a leftist response to the affordability crisis, emphasizing the importance of public provision in sectors like housing, education, and healthcare.

The American Prospect

Common Wealth's initiatives also prioritize climate change and industrial policy, building on lessons from the Biden administration's economic strategies. While the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act made strides, they lacked a coherent framework for investment and decarbonization. Isabel Estevez, an industrial-policy expert, notes that the U.S. must learn from China's effective state coordination in production to enhance its own industrial policy. This approach could lead to cheaper, zero-carbon electricity, benefiting various sectors and making essential goods more affordable.

The American Prospect

Historically, U.S. presidents who navigated crises implemented aggressive reform programs that included public provision and ownership. For instance, Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal established Social Security and public works programs. The need for a similar ambitious approach today is underscored by the challenges posed by Trump's policies and the ongoing climate crisis. As Brusseler states, “If we want to structurally lower prices and rationalize the provision of health care in this country, I think that we will need to do much more comprehensive health care planning.”

The American Prospect

Critics of Trump's administration highlight the detrimental effects of his trade war with China, which has raised costs for American families without achieving its intended goals. Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen argues that the U.S. needs a bipartisan consensus on its China strategy to avoid the damaging swings seen in recent years. She emphasizes the importance of rebuilding diplomatic infrastructure and economic ties with allies to strengthen America's global position.

In her op-ed, Shaheen asserts, “America’s messy, imperfect democracy is among its greatest strengths,” but warns that the erosion of bipartisanship has weakened the country's global standing. She advocates for a long-term strategy that includes smart investments in the industrial base and a reformed diplomatic approach to counter threats from China.

As the U.S. faces the aftermath of Trump's presidency, the call for ambitious reform is clear. The integration of public provision, industrial policy, and a focus on climate change will be essential for rebuilding a resilient and equitable society. The lessons learned from past crises and the need for a cohesive strategy will guide future efforts to restore the integrity of American governance and address the pressing challenges ahead.

The American Prospect