With Donald Trump poised to return to the White House and Republicans securing control of Congress, the GOP is laying the groundwork for a bold 100-day plan to implement its policy priorities. The proposed agenda aims to overhaul taxes, reduce government spending, reverse Biden-era green energy initiatives and push for stricter immigration enforcement.
One of the key plans is the reassessment of the expiring $4 trillion fiscal package from Trump's first term, a policy centerpiece that defined his previous administration. The renewed focus on tax reform underscores the party's intent to shape economic policy, even amid growing federal deficits and debates over the government's role in addressing economic disparities.
“We're setting the stage to hit the ground running on day one,” said House Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise during recent meetings with party members to strategize for the next term.
Fiscal policy in the foreground
Trump's previous tax cuts, passed in 2017, reduced corporate rates and provided individual tax relief, with most of the benefits skewed toward high-income workers. The top 1% saw significant tax savings, with reductions averaging $60,000 per year, while middle- and low-income families gained only modestly. Critics argue that these policies have exacerbated wealth inequality.
For his second term, Trump has signaled plans to further lower the corporate tax rate, from 21% to 15%, while eliminating some individual taxes on extra earnings and overtime. The maintenance of other provisions, such as standardized deductions and incentives for remote working, is also being studied.
However, the financial impact of extending and expanding these measures raises questions. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that continuing these policies could add $4 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade. While some Republicans argue that the resulting economic growth will offset these costs, others recognize the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with political ambitions.
“We need to look at this as an extension of the current law, not a new tax cut,” said Sen. Mike Crapo, set to chair the Senate Finance Committee. He dismissed concerns about deficit expansion as “misguided,” stressing the need to focus on long-term economic gains rather than immediate budget impacts.
Social programs suffer cuts
In addition to tax reforms, Republicans are targeting reductions in social programs, including food assistance and expanded health care subsidies during the COVID-19 pandemic. These cuts are part of broader budget negotiations to address federal spending levels.
Temporary improvements to Affordable Care Act subsidies, enacted as part of President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, are likely to come under scrutiny. While these subsidies have helped millions of people afford health coverage, Republican lawmakers argue they are unsustainable and contribute to unnecessary government overreach.
Similarly, food assistance programs for women and children could see increased eligibility or reduced funding. Conservatives consider these measures essential to rein in federal spending, even as critics warn of the potential harm to vulnerable populations.
Green energy policies in the crosshairs
Reversing Biden-era climate policies is another Republican priority. Tax credits for renewable energy projects and electric vehicles, key components of the Inflation Reduction Act, are likely to be revoked or restructured. Republican leaders argue that these incentives distort markets and impose unnecessary costs on taxpayers.
Lindsay Owens, executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, expressed concern about the long-term consequences of these rollbacks. “These policies are not just about fighting climate change; they also aim to create jobs and position the United States as a leader in clean energy innovation,” he said.
Immigration and border security
Immigration enforcement is expected to take center stage, with Trump promising sweeping changes to tackle unauthorized migration. His administration's plans include mass deportations and increased security measures along both the southern and northern borders.
While the focus remains on curbing immigration from Mexico, there are also proposals to tighten controls at the Canadian border. Critics say these measures could strain relations with key trading partners without addressing the root causes of migration.
Legislative obstacles
Despite their ambitious goals, Republicans face significant challenges in advancing their agenda. The party holds a slim majority in the House and does not have the 60 votes needed to overcome the Senate's filibuster. To get around these obstacles, Republican leaders plan to use budget reconciliation, a process that allows some bills to pass with a simple majority.
This approach mirrors the tactic Democrats used to pass major legislation during Biden's presidency, including the Inflation Reduction Act. However, reaching consensus within the Republican caucus remains an obstacle, particularly on issues such as deficit reduction and cuts to social programs.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a key architect of Trump's legislative strategy, stressed the importance of urgency. “We have an aggressive agenda for the first 100 days,” he said. “There is no time to waste.”
Balance ambition with practicality
The Republican agenda, however bold, raises questions about its feasibility and alignment with public priorities. Critics argue that the proposed policies disproportionately benefit businesses and the wealthy, while undermining social safety nets and environmental progress.
Avik Roy, president of the Foundation for Quality Opportunity Investigations, rejected claims that tax cuts exacerbate inequality. “The average American cares less about Elon Musk's wealth and more about policies that improve their lives,” he said, pointing to other factors such as Federal Reserve policies as drivers of economic disparity.
As Republicans prepare to take the reins, the success of their agenda will depend on their ability to overcome partisan divides, address voter concerns and balance fiscal discipline with economic growth. For Trump and his allies, the next 100 days represent both an opportunity and a test of their governance.