With the United States election less than a week away, we examine the differences between the two candidates, focusing on key policies and current issues. If former President Donald Trump wins the election, there could be drastic repercussions for the United States, foreign policy, and United Nations efforts. Factual evidence and statements from Trump himself represent his will to withdraw from critical foreign entities and support wars that will lead to devastating humanitarian crises. For instance, Trump has highlighted the “right deal” could solve the Russian-Ukraine war, indicating Ukraine should hand over the territory requested by Putin.
Donald Trump has been tied to a plan, Project 2025. Although he denies direct involvement in this plan, Trump has laid out policy initiatives that align with Project 2025. These include, but are not limited to, eroding the independence of the Justice Department, ending the federal Education Department, cracking down on illegal immigration, raising tariffs, increasing presidential power, undercutting relations with NATO, and highlighting reluctance to send further military aid to Ukraine. Trump has highlighted his dissent with the United Nations, stating, “The United Nations is not a friend of democracy, it's not a friend to freedom, it's not a friend even to the United States of America where, as you know, it has its home.” Trump has also highlighted his concern about the United States providing significant funding for the United Nations. His vows to cut foreign spending and create an isolationist United States of America could lead to a large cut in financial support to the United Nations. These actions have significant implications for foreign relations. For instance, Trump has vowed to push other countries to take would-be asylum seekers from the United States. On his official website, he highlights “plans to fundamentally re-evaluate NATO’s purpose,” sparking concerns about a potential United States exit. Trump’s ultimate plan to create an isolated United States could spark a potential foreign relations crisis with significant implications for individuals worldwide.
In contrast, current Vice President Kamala Harris has run on what some call a polar opposite agenda compared to former President Trump. As a former district attorney general in California, Harris describes herself as a “progressive prosecutor.” She has long supported abortion rights and continues to run on a ticket focused on equality for women and racial minorities. Furthermore, As Vice President, she has taken a larger role in foreign policy engagements and has vowed support for Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” She also reiterated the importance of relations with NATO and rejected Trump's plan for isolationism. Harris has also long recognized the importance of the United Nations. Specifically, under the Harris-Biden administration, the United States rejoined the UN Human Rights Council after the Trump administration left in 2018. One of the key issues affecting the support for Harris is the current immigration increase within the United States. According to the New York Times, voters rank immigration as one of their top concerns surrounding the 2024 presidential election. Harris has begun to take a more moderate stance on immigration issues and even supported a bill that House Republicans vetoed under the advice of Donald Trump, which would increase hundreds of millions of dollars for border wall construction. However, many voters view the drastic uptick in immigration as a problem created by the Biden-Harris administration, which could be hurting her campaign.
Furthermore, one of the major issues surrounding the current presidential election is the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. As Israel expands its war on Lebanon and Iran, the upcoming presidential election could see a shift in foreign policy and diplomatic pressure toward Prime Minister of Isreal Benjamin Netanyahu. However, with either candidate winning, it is presumed that not much will be done in the potential arms embargo against Israel. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has expressed sympathy for the Palestinians but has reinforced her stance on Israel’s right to defend itself. This issue remains contentious among U.S. voters, with some unwilling to support Harris due to her reluctance to condemn actions in Israel, prompting many to withhold their votes in this election. Trump is also unlikely to cease providing Israel with material assistance in the form of armaments. Still, his handling of the issue may lead to a more tumultuous diplomatic relationship with Netanyahu—in typical Trump manner. While both candidates have criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the war, it is unlikely they will stop supporting Israel in their military and financial endeavours.
Based on the facts above, there has never been a more critical time to take a political stance as young women living in the United States. Overall, the United States has numerous controversial and large-scale problems that must be addressed. The current political climate is contentious. Neither candidate will ever fully be able to create a country where every citizen feels heard and supported. However, analytically comparing the two candidates, we have decided to vote for Kamala Harris in this election. Harris supports an America where people no longer need to live in fear of their fundamental rights being infringed upon. Where children have access to library books, where women can receive essential healthcare, especially after the reversal of Roe v. Wade, where those part of the LGBTQ+ community can thrive, where our 237-year-old constitution is not at risk of being terminated, where there is a continued balance of executive power, where young couples can have access to IVF to create a family, and where long-held foreign relation alliances can be continued. This is the United States we choose to support—one built on inclusion, stability, and opportunity for all.
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