As Trump’s policy proposals evolve, Harris’ begins to take shape in the 2024 presidential election.

 As Trump’s policy proposals evolve, Harris’ begins to take shape in the 2024 presidential election.

Former President Donald Trump highlighted 20 campaign promises on Tuesday through a Truth Social post and an update to his website landing page.

While Vice President Kamala Harris began revealing details of her agenda only on Friday, Trump has been linked to several platforms this election cycle. In 2022, he introduced “Agenda47” through videos and statements. As Democrats raised concerns about Project 2025, the Republican National Committee unveiled its official platform, which included Trump’s “20 Core Promises to Make America Great Again,” alongside other campaign trail proposals like a potential 20% universal tariff, which he mentioned recently in North Carolina.

Northeastern University political science professor Costas Panagopoulos notes that shifts in policy platforms and messaging are common in presidential elections. He explains that these platforms often serve as blueprints for party goals but should be viewed with caution. “The streamlined nature of the Republican platform suggests that Trump sees these documents as largely symbolic, with voters potentially more interested in overarching messages rather than detailed policy specifics,” he said.

Here’s an overview of the evolution of Trump’s platforms:

Agenda47

Trump began detailing his policy plans in 2022 during a primary season where he faced challengers such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. His proposals, including executive actions on crime, education, healthcare, and immigration, drew significant attention, though some areas, like healthcare, remained less comprehensive. The Agenda47 pages on Trump’s campaign sites were eventually replaced by the RNC platform but are still accessible online.

Project 2025 

Published by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation in April 2023, Project 2025, also known as the 2025 Presidential Transition Project, included controversial policy proposals. While Trump has attempted to distance himself from the document, many of its contributors have ties to him and his first administration.

RNC 'Make America Great Again'

Before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July, the RNC endorsed a platform that echoed Trump’s key campaign themes, adopting the “Make America Great Again” slogan. The preamble focused on “America First” policies, such as securing the southern border, reviving domestic manufacturing, increasing energy production, and strengthening the military. Notably, abortion was largely omitted, with policy decisions suggested to be left to the states.

Trump’s 20 Core Promises

Trump’s “20 Core Promises to Make America Great Again” are part of the broader RNC platform, introduced as key objectives to be achieved if Republicans win the White House and majorities in Congress.

Kamala Harris Begins Platform Rollout

Amid Trump’s criticisms of the Biden administration and personal attacks on Harris, she started outlining her policy agenda, beginning with an economic plan. Her proposals include a federal ban on food and grocery price gouging, up to $25,000 in assistance for first-time home buyers, and tax incentives for builders to construct more starter homes.

Panagopoulos notes that the full Democratic platform is not yet available, as it is typically adopted at the convention, unlike the Republicans who endorsed theirs before their convention. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago. Read More..