With a convincing electoral victory, including wins across seven swing states, Trump’s comeback promises an emphasis on domestic issues like immigration and economic policy, as well as a potentially renewed isolationist stance in international relations.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18, key experts and policy observers – including Arun Kumar Singh, Former Indian Ambassador to the US; Neelam Deo, Co-Founder of Gateway House; Brad Staples, CEO of APCO Worldwide; and Ravi Batra, a Lawyer – shared their insights on what this could mean for the US and its global partnerships.
Neelam Deo asserted that Trump’s first priority in his new term will be addressing immigration and inflation. “The issues that resonated with the electorate, especially during his campaign, point to these two areas as key concerns,” Deo said.
Trump’s stance on immigration has always been firm, but with his return, experts anticipate intensifying enforcement. According to Arun Kumar Singh, Trump’s administration will likely push for stricter border measures and the implementation of tougher immigration laws.
Singh explained that the lack of bipartisan agreement during the Biden-Harris administration on immigration would lead Trump’s team to explore more administrative measures, focusing on stricter enforcement at the borders and deportations. This strategy could not only serve to limit illegal immigration but also dissuade future attempts.
However, Singh reassured that this policy shift may be a positive factor for countries like India. India’s primary focus remains on promoting legal migration and securing work visas, such as the H1B, to ensure that skilled workers can contribute to America’s business environment. Given that US companies continue to rely on skilled personnel from abroad, including from India, the long-term impact of these policies on India’s immigration interests may remain balanced, Singh added.
Meanwhile, Brad Staples brings another dimension to the discussion, emphasising the business community’s perspective on Trump’s return. While the protectionist policies of his first term may see a revival, it’s clear that Trump’s economic focus will be on reshoring industries to the US and protecting American workers. Staples predicted that Trump’s second term will see a renewed emphasis on global tariffs, especially those that target goods imported from China. Imposing tariffs could pose challenges for countries like India, which have growing trade ties with the US.
According to Staples, Trump is also expected to continue with his tax policies, particularly extending the 2017 tax cuts to individuals. In addition, a shift in spending priorities, from social security programs to bolstering border security and supporting business, may signal a deeper commitment to his “America First” agenda, Staples added.
Watch the accompanying video for the entire discussion.