The former US President spoke on the final day of the 4-day long Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, in his family’s presence. His wife Melania Trump and elder daughter Ivanka Trump also made a rare appearance at the event.
“Drill baby drill”
Trump blamed the Joe Biden administration for the high inflation rates gripping the US since 2020, and said that American economy was “the best in the world” under his tenure. He further claimed that there was “no inflation” during his 2016-2020 Presidential term, and “incomes were soaring”.
“We have an inflation crisis that is making life unaffordable, ravaging the incomes of working and low-income families, and crushing our people. In less than four years, our opponents have turned incredible success into unparalleled tragedy and failure,” Trump asserted.
Biden administration, which was voted to power in 2020, managed to bring down inflation in the US from the peak of 9.1 per cent in 2022 to 3.25 per cent now. Yet, inflation under Trump had peaked at 2.30 per cent in 2018.
“I will end the devastating inflation crisis immediately, bring down interest rates, and lower the cost of energy, we will drill baby drill which will lead to a large-scale decline in prices,” Trump stated.
While inflation has been higher under the Biden administration than it had been during Trump’s time as President, experts believe that disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic make it difficult to compare the economic records under Trump and Biden administrations alike, according to a Reuters report.
“Make America affordable again”
Trump has retained his famous “Make America Great Again” slogan that put him in the White House in 2016. However, in 2024, Trump has made a slight twist to the phrase.
“First, we must get economic relief to our citizens. Starting on Day One, we will drive down prices and Make America affordable again,” Trump said as his supporters cheered him on.
Trump attacked Biden’s administration for inflation again, and said that the Republicans have a plan to curb high rates.
“By slashing energy costs, we will in turn reduce the cost of transportation, manufacturing, and all household goods. We have more liquid gold under our feet than any other country—we as a nation will make a fortune with oil and gas,” said Trump.
No tax on tips
Trump’s current election campaign in 2024 remains focused on attracting low-income tax payers. He has, in previous rallies, claimed that if elected to power, he would completely wipe off taxes on tips earned by workers.
“At the centre of our plan for economic relief are massive tax cuts for workers—and that includes no tax on tips. That means if you are a restaurant worker, bartender, hospitality worker, caddy, barber, mover, driver, or anyone else who relies on tip income, your tips will be 100% yours.” Trump said, while repeating his promise to low-wage workers in America.
The former POTUS made another big promise associated with taxes paid by American employees, and not so subtly used the moment to draw parallels to what Democrats might do if he didn’t win.
“I am going to lower taxes, Democrats are going to raise taxes. I am going to protect Social Security and Medicare, Democrats are going to destroy Social Security and Medicare.”
Trump’s vow to end electric vehicle mandate
Trump has vowed to “end the Electric Vehicle Mandate on day one, thereby saving the U.S. auto industry from complete obliteration, and saving U.S. customers thousands of dollars per car.” He made this statement after Tesla CEO Elon Musk pledged $45 million/month to a Trump Super Political Action Committee, thus backing the billionaire politician’s Presidential run.
“I will bring auto jobs back to our country, through the proper use of taxes, tariffs, and incentives, and will not allow massive auto manufacturing plants to be built in Mexico, China, or other countries.” Trump added further.
A make-in-America campaign?
Trump’s commentary also targeted international manufacturers with a consumer base in the US.
“The way they will sell their product in America is to build it in America, and only in America. This will create massive jobs and wealth for our country.”
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