|
|
Crime & Justice
|
Con
Should Police Departments Be Defunded, if Not Abolished?
"There won’t be defunding. There won’t be dismantling of our police, and there’s not going to be any disbanding of our police. Our police have been letting us live in peace, and we want to make sure we don’t have any bad actors in there.”
Source: Brett Samuels, “Trump: There Won’t Be Any Defunding of Police,” thehill.com, June 8, 2020
|
|
Crime & Justice
|
Now Con
Should the US Ban Assault Weapons?
"I certainly stand by my opposition to Gun Control when it comes to taking guns from law-abiding citizens. You mention that the media describes the AR-15 as an 'assault rifle,' which is one example of the many distortions they use to sell their agenda. However, the AR-15 does not fall under this category. Gun-banners are unfortunately preoccupied with the AR-15, magazine capacity, grips, and other aesthetics, precisely because of its popularity.
To the Left every gun is an assault weapon.
Gun control does not reduce crime. It has consistently failed to stop violence. Americans are entitled to protect their families, their property and themselves."
Source: Fredy Riehl, "Donald Trump Talks: Gun Control, Assault Weapons, Gun Free Zones & Self Defense," ammoland.com, July 7, 2015
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed a PRO opinion on this question. Read Trump's former position on whether assault weapons should be banned.]
|
|
Crime & Justice
|
Pro
Should Federal or State Governments Implement Ban the Box Legislation, which Prevents Employers from Asking about a Job Applicants' Criminal History?
[Editor's Note:On Dec. 20, 2019, Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FIscal Year 2020. The law includes the Fair Chance Act, which will take effect on Dec. 20, 2021 and will prohibit the federal government and contractors from inquiring about a job applicant's criminal history prior to conditional job offers for most jobs.
Sources:
House of Representatives, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, docs.house.gov, Dec. 2019
Donald Trump, "Statement by the President," whitehouse.gov, Dec. 20, 2019]
|
|
Crime & Justice
|
Con
Should the US End the Cash Bail System?
"So sad to see what is happening in New York where Governor Cuomo & Mayor DeBlasio are letting out 900 Criminals, some hardened & bad, onto the sidewalks of our rapidly declining, because of them, city. The Radical Left Dems are killing our cities. NYPD Commissioner is resigning!"
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Nov. 5, 2019
[Editor's Note: Trump tweeted the above in response to New York ending the cash bail system that released people accused of low-level offenses from jail as of Jan. 1, 2020.
Source: Joseph Spector, "President Trump Joins Critics of New York's End to Cash Bail, while will Free Inmates Jan. 1," democratandchronicle.com, Nov. 5, 2019]
|
|
Crime & Justice
|
Pro
Should the Death Penalty Be Allowed?
"Today, I am also directing the Department of Justice to propose legislation ensuring that those who commit hate crimes and mass murders face the DEATH PENALTY - and that this capital punishment be delivered quickly, decisively, and without years of needless delay."
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Aug. 5, 2019
[Editor's Note: On July 25, 2019, Attorney General William Barr announced that the federal government, under the Trump administration, would again begin carrying out the death penalty for the first time since 2003. ]
|
|
Crime & Justice
|
Pro
Should the Use of Private Prisons Continue?
[Editor's Note: On Feb. 21, 2017, the Trump Administration rescinded an order from the Obama Administration that had directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to reduce the use of private prisons. A memo titled "Rescission of Memorandum on Use of Private Prisons," written by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions and available at bop.gov, stated, "The memorandum changed long-standing policy and practice, and impaired the Bureau's ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system. Therefore, I direct the Bureau to return to its previous approach [of using private prisons]."]
|
|
Crime & Justice
|
Now Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should Universal Background Checks for Gun Purchases Be Made Law?
Q: “Your position on background checks.”
Trump: “So Congress is looking at it very strongly bipartisan. I put in certain parameters, which you somewhat know about. I’m also very very concerned with the Second Amendment. Moreso than most presidents would be. People don’t realize we have very strong background checks right now. You go in to buy a gun, you have to sign up. There are a lot of background checks that have been approved over the years. So I’ll have to see what it is. But Congress is meeting bipartisan. Lot of people want to see something happen. But just remember this big mental problem and we do have a lot of background checks right now.”
Q: “So you’re not willing to support universal background checks right now?”
Trump: “I’m not saying anything. I’m saying Congress is going to be reporting back to me with ideas. And they’ll come in from Democrats and Republicans and I’ll look at it very strongly. But just remember, we already have a lot of background checks.”
Source: Zack Ford, "Trump Drops Support for Enhanced Background Checks Two Weeks after Mass Shootings," thinkprogress.org, Aug. 19, 2019
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed a PRO opinion on this question. Read Trump's former positions on whether universal background checks should be made into law.]
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Now Con
Should Confederate Statues Be Taken Down?
"This cruel campaign of censorship and exclusion violates everything we hold dear as Americans. They want to demolish our heritage so they can impose a new oppressive regime in its place."
Source: Scottie Andrew and Anna Sturla, “A Statue of Frederick Douglass Was Toppled over the Fourth of July Weekend, the Anniversary of His Famous Speech,” cnn.com, July 6, 2020
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed a PRO opinion on this question. Read Trump's former position on whether confederate statues should be taken down.]
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Now Con
Should the District of Columbia Be Given Statehood?
"DC will never be a state. You mean District of Columbia, a state? Why? So we can have two more Democratic — Democrat senators and five more congressmen? No thank you. That’ll never happen...They want to do that so they pick up two automatic Democrat — you know it’s 100 percent Democrat, basically — so why would the Republicans ever do that? That’ll never happen unless we have some very, very stupid Republicans around that I don’t think you do. You understand that, right?... No, it’s not gonna happen. And how many House seats is it? Like four, three or four? Whatever it is. You’d have three or four more congressmen and two more senators, every single day of every single year. And it would never change. No, the Republicans would never do that.”
Source: Steven Nelson and Ebony Bowden, "Trump Says Washington, DC, Will Never Be a State--because of All the Democrats," nypost.com, May 5, 2020
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed a NOT CLEARLY PRO OR CON opinion on this question. Read Trump's former position on whether DC should be given statehood.]
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should the Guantánamo Bay Detention Center Remain Open?
"I think it’s crazy. It costs a fortune to operate, and I think it’s crazy. We’re looking at a lot of things. Look, President Obama said that Guantánamo Bay would be closed, and he never got it done... The big decision we have now is we have thousands of people. They came from other countries. We want those countries to take them back. We did them a big favor by stopping them. If they came from France, we want France to take them and to try and do whatever they have to do with them. But that’s a very expensive situation.”
Source: Peter Baker, "Trump Says ‘It’s Crazy’ to Spend $13 Million Per Inmate at Guantánamo," nytimes.com, Sep. 19, 2019
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed a PRO opinion on this question. Read Trump's former position on whether the Guantánamo Bay Detention Center should remain open.]
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should the US Federal Government Honor Treaties with Native Americans?
"Thank YOU Indian Country for being such an IMPORTANT part of the American story! I recently signed 3 bills to support tribal sovereignty...."
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Dec. 27, 2019
[Editor's Note: The three bills were "compensation to the Spokane tribe for the loss of their lands in the mid-1900s, reauthorization of funding for Native language programs and federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Montana."
Source: Anagha Srikanth, "Trump Signed Three Bills Affecting Native Americans. Here's What They Do.," thehill.com, Dec. 27, 2019]
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Con
Should the Federal Government Adopt Net Neutrality Rules?
"We just WON the big court case on Net Neutrality Rules [on Oct. 1, 2019 when a federal appeals court upheld the FCC repeal of net neutrality regulations]! A great win for the future and speed of the internet. Will lead to many big things including 5G. Congratulations to the FCC and its Chairman, Ajit Pai!"
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Oct. 7, 2019
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Pro
Should the Federal Government Mandate Paid Family and Medical Leave for All Americans?
"We have fought for families by securing a doubling of the Child Tax Credit, preserving the Child and Dependent Care Credit, signing into law the largest ever increase in child care and development block grants — a major new investment in child care affordability — and developing a tax credit for employers who offer paid family and medical leave. We continue to call on the Congress to pass a nationwide paid family leave program."
Source: Donald Trump, "Presidential Proclamation on National Family Week, 2019," whitehouse.gov, Nov. 22, 2019
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Con
Should Public Sector Employees Have the Right to Unionize?
"The national security interests of the United States require expedient and efficient decisionmaking. When new missions emerge or existing ones evolve, the Department of Defense requires maximum flexibility to respond to threats to carry out its mission of protecting the American people. This flexibility requires that military and civilian leadership manage their organizations to cultivate a lethal, agile force adaptive to new technologies and posture changes. Where collective bargaining is incompatible with these organizations' missions, the Department of Defense should not be forced to sacrifice its national security mission and, instead, seek relief through third parties and administrative fora."
Source: White House, "Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense: Delegation of Certain Authority under the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute," whitehouse.gov, Jan. 29, 2020
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Now Con
Should Puerto Rico Be Given Statehood?
Geraldo Rivera: "How about statehood for Puerto Rico, isn't that the only way to really fix them?"
Donald Trump: "Nobody's mentioned that recently to me. Nobody's mentioned it recently. I will tell you this, with the mayor of San Juan as bad as she is, and as incompetent as she is, Puerto Rico shouldn't be talking about statehood until they get some people that really know what they're doing... And if you have good leadership, Geraldo, that certainly could be something they talk about. But with people like that involved in Puerto Rico, I would be an absolute no."
Source: FactBase Videos, "Interview: Geraldo Rivera Interviews Donald Trump on Geraldo in Cleveland - September 24, 2018," youtube.com, Sep. 24, 2018
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed a PRO opinion on this question. Read Trump's former position on whether Puerto Rico should be given statehood.]
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should Recreational Marijuana Be Legal Federally?
"Q: Thank you, President Trump. Many studies have shown that legal access to marijuana results in less opioid abuse and fewer overdose deaths. Many states have legalized marijuana. Do you think that it will happen federally during your presidency?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, we're going to see what's going on. It's a very big subject. And right now we're in — we're allowing states to make that decision. And a lot of states are making that decision. But we're allowing the states to make that decision."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump before Marine One Departure," whitehouse.gov, Aug. 30, 2019
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Pro
Should the Government Regulate Social Media Sites to Prevent Fake News and Misinformation?
"[W]e [President Trump and his supporters] had a terrible bias [from social media companies]. We have censorship like nobody has any understanding or nobody can believe...
It’s a collusion between the Democrats and the media and social media and these platforms. It’s a disgraceful thing…
Two months ago, we created a new White House tool to report social media bias, censorship, and discrimination...
I’m directing my administration to explore all regulatory and legislative solutions to protect free speech and the free-speech rights of all Americans...
Big tech must not censor the voices of the American people… [T]his new technology is so powerful and so important, and it has to be used fairly."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump at the Presidential Social Media Summit," whitehouse.gov, July 12, 2019
[Editor's Note: In Aug. 2019, President Trump drafted an executive order that would give the FCC legal oversight over social media platforms and a mandate to develop new rules about decisions to take down content.
Sources: Emily Birnbaum, "Barr Threatens Tech's Prized Legal Shield," thehill.com, Feb. 20, 2020
MIT Techology Review, "The White House Wants to Regulate Social Media Moderation," technologyreview.com, Aug. 12, 2019]
|
|
Domestic Policy
|
Con
Should the Federal Government Provide Universal Childcare?
"In 2018, President Trump signed into law a $2.4 billion funding increase for the Child Care and Development Fund, providing a total of $8.1 billion to States to fund child care for low-income families....
Tax benefits reduce the price of child care for middle and higher income families....
Ultimately, how families balance work and child rearing is a deeply personal decision. It also has major societal implications in terms of employment and economic growth, and just as importantly, for the long-term outcomes of children. Thus, creating a system that maximizes opportunity without interfering with personal family decisions is a vitally important goal for the economy and society as a whole."
Source: Council of Economic Advisors, "Work and the Cost of Child Care," whitehouse.gov, Feb. 25, 2019
|
|
Economy
|
Con
Should the US Economy Be Shut Down again during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic if Recommended by Scientists?
“It’s important for all Americans to recognize that a permanent lockdown is not a viable path forward producing the result that you want or certainly not a viable path forward and would ultimately inflict more harm than it would prevent. Lockdowns do not prevent infection in the future. They just don’t. It comes back many times, it comes back.”
Source: Berkeley Lovelace, Jr. and Noah Higgins-Dunn, “Trump Says Nationwide Lockdown Would ‘Ultimately Inflict More Harm Than It Would Prevent,’” cnbc.com, Aug. 3, 2020
|
|
Economy
|
Con
Should the Federal Government Pay Reparations to the Descendants of Slaves?
"I don’t see it happening. I think it’s a very unusual thing. You have a lot of — it’s been a very interesting debate. I don’t see it happening, no."
Source: Jordan Fabian and Saagar Enjeti, "Exclusive: Trump on Reparations: 'I Don't See It Happening,'" thehill.com, June 24, 2019
|
|
Economy
|
Con
Should Federal Taxes Be Increased?
"Look, when I'm negotiating with the Democrats, I'm putting in... my optimum plan. It's going to be negotiated...
[W]hat I really want is lower on business, because business -- we're the highest taxed nation in the world. And I want lower in the middle class. The middle class in this country is getting decimated. I want -- and I will fight like hell for that.
And I'll tell you what the real concept is. Lower taxes for business, lower taxes for the middle class, lower taxes for everybody and then we're going to start negotiating.
So if I want to get lower taxes, which is very important for me, I'm not going to put in high taxes and I'm not even going to put in what I necessarily want. I'm going to put in lower than I want and we're going to negotiate."
Source: ABC News, "‘This Week’ Transcript: Donald Trump," abcnews.go.com, May 8, 2016
|
|
Economy
|
Now Con
Should the Federal Minimum Wage Be Increased?
"The Administration opposes H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act...
Through its successful pro-growth economic agenda, the Administration has ensured that American workers are taking home bigger paychecks... This strong economy has prompted businesses to remain competitive by raising wages. Compensation is rising at near its fastest pace in a decade. Median household income has reached an all-time high. Wages are also rising faster for production and non-supervisory workers than for workers overall.
A $15.00 an hour minimum wage would reverse this economic progress and hurt workers."
Source: Office of Budget and Management, “Executive Office of the President, Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 582 – Raise the Wage Act," whitehouse.gov, July 15, 2019
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed NOT CLEARLY PRO OR CON and PRO opinions on this question. Read Trump's former positions on whether the federal minimum wage should be raised.]
|
|
Economy
|
Pro
Should Federal Welfare Benefits Have Work Requirements?
"[W]elfare reform — I see it and I’ve talked to people. I know people, they work three jobs and they live next to somebody who doesn’t work at all. And the person who’s not working at all and has no intention of working at all is making more money and doing better than the person that’s working his and her ass off. And it’s not going to happen. Not going to happen."
Source: White House, "Remarks by President Trump on Tax Reform," whitehouse.gov, Nov. 29, 2017
[Editor's Note: On Apr. 10, 2018, Trump signed "Executive Order Reducing Poverty in America by Promoting Opportunity and Economic Mobility." The order includes that "the Federal Government must first enforce work requirements that are required by law. It must also strengthen requirements that promote obtaining and maintaining employment in order to move people to independence," in order to prevent "delayed economic independence, perpetuated poverty, and weakened family bonds."
Source:
White House, "Executive Order Reducing Poverty in America by Promoting Opportunity and Economic Mobility," whitehouse.gov, Apr. 10, 2018]
|
|
Economy
|
|
None Found
Should the US Implement a Universal Basic Income (UBI)?
No position found as of Dec. 10, 2019
|
|
Economy
|
Now Con
Should the US Implement a Wealth Tax?
"This is truly an extraordinary time for America. Our economy is booming like never before, and our people are thriving...
[Y]ou have to vote for me; you have no choice. You’re not going to vote for [Elizabeth Warren], I can tell you that. You’re not going to vote for the wealth tax. 'Yeah, let's take 100 percent of your wealth away.' No, no. Even if you don't like me... And you're going to be my biggest supporters because you'll be out of business in about 15 minutes, if they get it. So I don't have to spend a lot of time on that."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump at the Israeli American Council National Summit 2019," whitehouse.gov, Dec. 8, 2019
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed a PRO opinion on this question. Read Trump's former positions on whether a wealth tax should be implemented.]
|
|
Education
|
Pro
Should Schools Reopen during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic?
“President Donald J. Trump is taking action to ensure schools safely reopen in the fall and empower parents to make decisions about their children’s education.
- President Trump is calling for legislation to ensure that schools have the funding and incentives they need to safely reopen this fall and to empower families with school choice...
- It is vital that parents be allowed to weigh both the benefits and risks of sending their child back to school, including the level of community spread and the makeup of their household, especially for multi-generational households…
- Lengthy time away from school both harms a student’s ability to advance academically and prevents educators from best ensuring the wellbeing of students.
- Furthermore, school closures make it difficult for parents to work, potentially hampering the financial security of millions of working American families...
- While studies have shown that long-term school closures adversely impact students from all backgrounds, they are especially harmful for those with fewer resources…
- Without in-person learning, educators are also unable to monitor important learning deficits, as well as report signs of abuse and address mental health problems…
- Lack of in-person learning also deprives students, especially the most disadvantaged students, of access to important services.”
Source: Donald Trump, “President Donald J. Trump Is Working to Give Students and Parents Flexibility and Schools the Support They Need to Reopen This Fall,” whitehouse.gov, July 23, 2020
|
|
Education
|
Pro
Should For-Profit Charter Schools Receive Federal Funding?
"Charter schools empower families to pursue the right educational fit for their children...
Because of the success of and demand for public charter schools, each year since taking office, I have proposed to increase and improve funding for them as a key part of my Administration's ambitious efforts to expand every family's access to all types of high-quality education opportunities. In my fiscal year 2020 budget request, I called on the Congress to increase funding for the Federal Charter Schools Program to $500 million."
Source: Donald Trump, "Proclamation on National Charter Schools Week, 2019," whitehouse.gov, May 10, 2019
[Editor's Note: The Trump admininstration's 2020 budget would eliminate federal funding for charter schools but would allow states to fund charter schools with other federal funding. A report published by the Network for Public Education found 357 charter schools run by for-profit companies listed in the US Department of Education database of schools that received grants from the federal Charter Schools Program for which Trump previously increased funding.
Sources:
Network for Public Education, "Still Asleep at the Wheel," networkforpubliceducation.org, Dec. 2019
Lauren Camera, "Trump Administration's Budget Would Eliminate Federal Funding for Charter Schools," usnews.com, Feb. 10, 2020]
|
|
Education
|
Con
Should Schools Be Gun-Free Zones?
"Very strong improvement and strengthening of background checks will be fully backed by White House. Legislation moving forward. Bump Stocks will soon be out. Highly trained expert teachers will be allowed to conceal carry, subject to State Law. Armed guards OK, deterrent!....... If schools are mandated to be gun free zones, violence and danger are given an open invitation to enter. Almost all school shootings are in gun free zones. Cowards will only go where there is no deterrent!"
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Mar. 12, 2018
|
|
Education
|
Pro
Should the Federal Funding to Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs) Be Increased?
"For more than 180 years, HBCUs have strengthened our country and called America to greatness. Your institutions have been pillars of excellence in higher education and the engines of advancement for African American citizens. They’ve been incredible, the job they’ve done.
I signed legislation to increase federal funding for HBCUs by a record 13 percent. That was the highest ever done...
In total, over the last two and a half years, through the Capital Financing Program, we have provided more than $500 million in loans to HBCUs."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump at the 2019 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference," whitehouse.gov, Nov. 22, 2019
|
|
Education
|
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should Student Loan Debt Be Forgiven?
"I am proud to announce that I am taking executive action to ensure that our wounded warriors are not saddled with mountains of student debt.
In a few moments, I will sign a memorandum directing the Department of Education to eliminate every penny of federal student loan debt owed by American veterans who are completely and permanently disabled. Incredible.
Nobody can complain about that, right? Nobody can complain about that. The debt of these disabled veterans will be entirely erased. It’ll be gone. And you’ll sleep well tonight.
Altogether, this action will wipe out an average of $30,000 in debt owed by more than 25,000 eligible veterans who have made immense sacrifices — the ultimate sacrifice, in many — in many ways, for our nation."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump at the American Veterans (AMVETS) 75th National Convention | Louisville, KY," whitehouse.gov, Aug. 21, 2019
[Editor's Note: The Executive Office of the President wrote in its Aug. 15, 2018 "Statement of Administration Policy: Substitute Amendment to H.R. 6157 — Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019," available at whitehouse.gov: "The Administration opposes the wasteful $350 million funding level for a temporary benefit in the Federal Direct Student Loan program that expands Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility. In contrast, the Administration proposes to eliminate the PSLF program, which unfairly favors certain career choices over others, and instead focuses assistance on undergraduate student borrowers from all professions through a single income-based repayment plan."]
|
|
Education
|
Pro
Should Title IX Give More Protection to College Students Accused of Sexual Misconduct?
[Editor's Note:The Trump Adminstration published the rule giving more protection to college students accused of sexual misconduct. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos stated, "Too many students have lost access to their education because their school inadequately responded when a student filed a complaint of sexual harassment or sexual assault... This new regulation requires schools to act in meaningful ways to support survivors of sexual misconduct, without sacrificing important safeguards to ensure a fair and transparent process. We can and must continue to fight sexual misconduct in our nation's schools, and this rule makes certain that fight continues."
Source: Jonathan Easley, "Biden Says He'll Reverse DeVos Rule Bolstering Protections for Those Accused of Campus Sexual Assault," thehill.com, May 6, 2020]
|
|
Education
|
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should Public College Be Tuition-Free?
"Well, there's no such thing as free education, because you know that ultimately somebody else is going to be paying for that education. And, so, as a, I can't believe I'm saying this as a politician, I'm not a politician, but as somebody that's now in politics, in the political world, I'd love to say 'free education!' but, again, if somebody gets free education, all of the people paying their rates are going to go up… You take a look at how college costs are rising and there's no reason for it. They are letting them go up and the problem is the students are getting crushed because, again, the government just keeps giving them more and more money and the students give them to the college. So it's not fair. We're going to really look into that because we have to keep it down. We have to keep it down. Some of the colleges do a good job. Many of them, I don't think they even care what the costs are because they get so much money. We're going to do something for the students. We're going to have something with extensions and lower interest rates and a lot of good things."
Source: Fox News Insider, "Trump: 'There's No Such Thing as Free Education,' Bernie," insider.foxnews.com, Apr. 3, 2016
|
|
Elections
|
|
None Found
Should Election Day Be a National Holiday?
No position found as of Sep. 30, 2019
|
|
Elections
|
Now Con
Should the US Abolish the Electoral College?
"The brilliance of the Electoral College is that you must go to many States to win. With the Popular Vote, you go to just the large States - the Cities would end up running the Country. Smaller States & the entire Midwest would end up losing all power - & we can’t let that happen. I used to like the idea of the Popular Vote, but now realize the Electoral College is far better for the U.S.A."
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Mar. 19, 2019
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed a PRO opinion on this question. Read Trump's former position on whether the electoral college should be abolished.]
|
|
Elections
|
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should Former Felons Be Allowed to Vote?
"They're [the state of Virginia] giving 200,000 people that have been convicted of heinous crimes, horrible crimes, the worst crimes, the right to vote because, you know what? They know they're gonna vote Democrat. They're gonna vote Democrat and that could be the swing [in the 2016 presidential election]. That's how disgusting and dishonest our political system is."
Source: Fox 10 Phoenix, "FULL: Trump Rally in Rhode Island - First Event Since Cruz-Kasich Strategy Announced - FNN," YouTube.com, Apr. 25, 2016
|
|
Elections
|
Now Pro
Should 2020 Presidential Election Candidates Accept Support from Super PACs?
"[T]here is one approved outside, non-campaign group, America First Action, which is run by allies of the President and is a trusted supporter of President Trump's policies and agendas."
Source: Donald J. Trump for President, Inc., "Trump Campaign Statement on Dishonest Fundraising Groups," politico.com, May 7, 2019
[ Editor's Note: The Trump campaign formally endorsed the Super PAC American First Action following reports that other groups were raising money from Trump supporters but not spending all of it on political activities. The Trump campaign encouraged authorities to investigate "alleged scam groups for potential illegal activities."
Trump previously expressed a CON opinion on this question. Read Trump's former position on whether candidates should accept support from Super PACs.]
|
|
Elections
|
Con
Should the US Expand Vote-by-Mail?
"I think a lot of people cheat with mail-in voting... It shouldn’t be mail-in voting. It should be: You go to a booth and you proudly display yourself. You don’t send it in the mail where people pick up — all sorts of bad things can happen by the time they signed that, if they sign that — if they signed that by the time it gets in and is tabulated.
No, it shouldn’t be mailed in. You should vote at the booth. And you should have voter ID, because when you have voter ID, that’s the real deal."
Source: White House, "Remarks by President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Members of the Coronavirus Task Force in Press Briefing," whitehouse.gov, Apr. 3, 2020
|
|
Elections
|
Pro
Should Voters Be Required to Show Photo Identification in Order to Vote?
"No debate on Election Security should go forward without first agreeing that Voter ID (Identification) must play a very strong part in any final agreement. Without Voter ID, it is all so meaningless!"
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Aug. 13, 2019
|
|
Environment
|
|
None Found
Should the US Move toward 100% Clean Energy and Net-Zero Emissions?
No position found as of July 24, 2020.
|
|
Environment
|
Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should the US Enforce a Carbon Tax?
[Editor's Note: A White House official stated, "The Trump Administration is not considering a carbon tax" after Trump met with Republicans calling for a $40 per ton carbon tax on Feb. 8, 2017.
Reuters, "Trump Administration Not Considering a Carbon Tax: White House Official," reuters.com, Mar. 21, 2017 ]
|
|
Environment
|
Con
Should American Communities Have the Right to Clean Water?
"I want clean air and clean water and have been making great strides in improving America’s environment."
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Dec. 4, 2018
[Editor's Note: On July 16, 2020, the Trump Administration rolled back rules within the Clean Water Act to limit the definition of federal waterways. The revisions were enacted to "[stop] the egregious abuse of the Clean Water Act, which extreme activists have used to shut down construction projects all across our country." according to Trump. Now, people and companies will no longer need to apply for federal permits to dump potentially harmful substances into some waterways.
Sources: Lisa Friedman and Coral Davenport, "Trump Administration Rolls Back Clean Water Protections," nytimes.com, Sep. 19, 2019
Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump on Rolling Back Regulations to Help All Americans," whitehouse.gov, July 16, 2020]
|
|
Environment
|
Pro
Should the US Expand Fossil Fuel Extraction on Public Land?
"The previous administration tried to put America's vast energy resources under lock and key. 'We don't want energy.' I don't know what they were thinking. And they tried to put energy producers out of business. But no more. It's a great business. It's a vital business for our country.
We're opening up ANWR in Alaska, one of the biggest sites anywhere in the world...
We're unlocking the full oil and gas potential of the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico...
Since I took office, the United States has increased oil production by over 3.2 million barrels per day. That's an incredible number...
Unfortunately, politicians in California, New York, and other states risk our economy and our national security by blocking vital energy resources from being developed and energy infrastructure, like this, from being built. These states could be ports for shipping energy to our friends and allies, but instead of helping our partners, they’re hurting America.
I have a simple message for these politicians that do such damage to our country: We should be producing energy at home, not enriching foreign adversaries abroad."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump on Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth | Hackberry, LA," whitehouse.gov, May 14, 2019
|
|
Environment
|
Pro
Should Fracking Be Allowed?
"The last administration tried to shut down Pennsylvania coal and Pennsylvania fracking. If they got in, your fracking is gone, your coal is gone, you guys — I don't know what the hell you're going to do... We have the greatest resources, which really came about over the last few years. Nobody knew this. Fracking made it possible. Other new technologies made it possible. And now we're the number-one — think of it, as I said — the number-one energy producer in the world."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump on American Energy and Manufacturing | Monaca, PA," whitehouse.gov, Aug. 13, 2019
[Editor's Note: In Dec. 2019, the Trump administration announced plans to open over one million acres of public land in California to fracking.]
|
|
Environment
|
Con
Should the US Adopt a Climate Change Plan such as the Green New Deal?
"The United States does not have to sacrifice our own jobs to lead the world on the environment...
While we're focused on practical solutions, more than 100 Democrats in Congress now support the so-called Green New Deal. Their plan is estimated to cost our economy nearly $100 trillion — a number unthinkable; a number not affordable even in the best of times. If you go 150 years from now and we've had great success, that's not a number that’s even thought to be affordable. It'll kill millions of jobs, it'll crush the dreams of the poorest Americans, and disproportionately harm minority communities.
I will not stand for it. We will defend the environment, but we will also defend American sovereignty, American prosperity, and we will defend American jobs."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump on America's Environmental Leadership," whitehouse.gov, July 8, 2019
|
|
Environment
|
Pro
Should the Keystone XL Pipeline Be Built?
"GREAT news this week regarding the Keystone XL Pipeline – moving forward with fantastic paying CONSTRUCTION jobs for hardworking Americans. Promises Made, Promises Kept! #MAGA"
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Apr. 3, 2020
[Editor's Note: On Nov. 6, 2015, Trump tweeted, "So sad that Obama rejected Keystone Pipeline. Thousands of jobs, good for the environment, no downside!"]
|
|
Environment
|
Pro
Should the US Expand Its Use of Nuclear Power?
"Today, I am proudly announcing six brand-new initiatives to propel this new era of American energy dominance. First, we will begin to revive and expand our nuclear energy sector — which I’m so happy about — which produces clean, renewable and emissions-free energy. A complete review of U.S. nuclear energy policy will help us find new ways to revitalize this crucial energy resource."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump at the Unleashing American Energy Event," whitehouse.gov, June 29, 2017
|
|
Environment
|
Con
Should the US Rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement?
"I withdrew the United States from the terrible, one-sided Paris Climate Accord. It was a total disaster for our country. And I thought when I did that, it would be very tough. And all I do is get applauded for that move, so much. It would've been so bad for our country. They were taking away our wealth. It was almost as though it was meant to hurt the competitiveness — really, competitiveness of the United States. So, we did away with that one.
The Paris Accord would've been a giant transfer of American wealth to foreign nations that are responsible for most of the world’s pollution. Our air right now and our water right now is as clean as it's been in decades. The Paris Accord would've been shutting down American producers with excessive regulatory restrictions like you would not believe, while allowing foreign producers to pollute with impunity. They were allowed to do what they were doing."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump at 9th Annual Shale Insight Conference | Pittsburgh, PA," whitehouse.gov, Oct. 23, 2019
|
|
Foreign Policy
|
Pro
Should the Tariffs Imposed on China by President Trump Be Maintained?
"China has already started buying. They want to buy. They want to make a deal. They really have to make a deal. Their economy has been hurt very badly by what we’ve done and by the tariffs that we’ve charged.
And we’ve taken in tremendous amounts of tariffs. A small portion of them we’ve given to the farmer, which — the farmers — which has more than made up for what they’ve lost...
And because of the newfound economic power of the United States, because of the fact that we’ve made so many trillions — many, many trillions of dollars in worth of the United States — I call it the 'newfound economic power' — if my opponent would’ve won, China would right now be the most powerful nation, economically, in the world. And, right now, they’re not even close."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump and President Mattarella of the Italian Republic before Bilateral Meeting," whitehouse.gov, Oct. 16, 2019
|
|
Foreign Policy
|
Con
Should the US Ease or Cancel the Embargo against Cuba?
"If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete....
....embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba. Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!"
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Apr. 30, 2019
[Editor's Note: On June 16, 2017, Trump announced, "[E]ffective immediately, I am canceling the last administration’s completely one-sided deal with Cuba... Our new policy begins with strictly enforcing U.S. law... We will not lift sanctions on the Cuban regime until all political prisoners are freed, freedoms of assembly and expression are respected, all political parties are legalized, and free and internationally supervised elections are scheduled...
We will very strongly restrict American dollars flowing to the military, security and intelligence services that are the core of Castro regime. They will be restricted. We will enforce the ban on tourism. We will enforce the embargo. We will take concrete steps to ensure that investments flow directly to the people, so they can open private businesses and begin to build their country’s great, great future — a country of great potential."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump on the Policy of the United States Towards Cuba," whitehouse.gov, June 16, 2017]
|
|
Foreign Policy
|
Con
Should the US Re-Enter a Nuclear Deal with Iran?
"The Iran Deal is defective at its core. If we do nothing, we know exactly what will happen. In just a short period of time, the world's leading state sponsor of terror will be on the cusp of acquiring the world's most dangerous weapons. At the heart of the Iran Deal is a giant fiction that a murderous regime desired only a peaceful nuclear energy program. Therefore, I am announcing today that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. We will not allow a regime that chants 'Death to America' to gain access to the most deadly weapons on earth."
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, May 8, 2018
|
|
Foreign Policy
|
Pro
Does the US Need to Increase the Military Budget to Improve National Security?
"Before I came into office, the military endured deep and devastating budget cuts. Our military, quite frankly, was very depleted.
As a candidate for President, I promised to reverse these crippling cuts, and to ensure our military remains unchallenged and unrivaled anywhere in the world...
The law I am signing today provides $738 billion — that's with a 'B.' Seven hundred and thirty-eight billion dollars in defense funding for the 2020. That's an all-time record. In the history of our country, that's the highest amount we've ever spent on our military."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump at Signing Ceremony for S.1790, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020," whitehouse.gov, Dec. 20, 2019
|
|
Foreign Policy
|
Pro
Should the US Have Withdrawn from the Open Skies Treaty?
[Editor's Note: In a statement from Secretary of State Pompeo the Trump administration announced, "Tomorrow [May 22, 2020], the United States will submit notice of its decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies to the Treaty Depositaries and to all other States Parties to the Treaty. Effective six months from tomorrow, the United States will no longer be a party to the Treaty. We may, however, reconsider our withdrawal should Russia return to full compliance with the Treaty.
...At its core, the Treaty was designed to provide all signatories an increased level of transparency and mutual understanding and cooperation, regardless of their size. Russia’s implementation and violation of Open Skies, however, has undermined this central confidence-building function of the Treaty – and has, in fact, fueled distrust and threats to our national security – making continued U.S. participation untenable."
Source: Michael R. Pompeo, "On the Treaty on Open Skies," state.gov, May 21, 2020]
|
|
Foreign Policy
|
Pro
Should the US Withdraw Troops from the Middle East?
"The United States has spent EIGHT TRILLION DOLLARS fighting and policing in the Middle East. Thousands of our Great Soldiers have died or been badly wounded. Millions of people have died on the other side. GOING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST IS THE WORST DECISION EVER MADE.....
....IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY! We went to war under a false & now disproven premise, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. There were NONE! Now we are slowly & carefully bringing our great soldiers & military home. Our focus is on the BIG PICTURE! THE USA IS GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!"
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Oct. 9, 2019
|
|
Foreign Policy
|
Pro
Should the US Have Withdrawn Troops from Northern Syria in Oct. 2019?
"After defeating 100% of the ISIS Caliphate, I largely moved our troops out of Syria. Let Syria and Assad protect the Kurds and fight Turkey for their own land. I said to my Generals, why should we be fighting for Syria....
....and Assad to protect the land of our enemy? Anyone who wants to assist Syria in protecting the Kurds is good with me, whether it is Russia, China, or Napoleon Bonaparte. I hope they all do great, we are 7,000 miles away!
Some people want the United States to protect the 7,000 mile away Border of Syria, presided over by Bashar al-Assad, our enemy. At the same time, Syria and whoever they chose to help, wants naturally to protect the Kurds....
....I would much rather focus on our Southern Border which abuts and is part of the United States of America."
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Oct. 14, 2019
|
|
Healthcare
|
Now Con
Should Abortion Be Legal?
"As most people know, and for those who would like to know, I am strongly Pro-Life, with the three exceptions - Rape, Incest and protecting the Life of the mother - the same position taken by Ronald Reagan. We have come very far in the last two years with 105 wonderful new Federal Judges (many more to come), two great new Supreme Court Justices, the Mexico City Policy, and a whole new & positive attitude about the Right to Life. The Radical Left, with late term abortion (and worse), is imploding on this issue. We must stick together and Win for Life in 2020. If we are foolish and do not stay UNITED as one, all of our hard fought gains for Life can, and will, rapidly disappear!"
Source: Donald Trump, twitter.com, May 18, 2019
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed NOT CLEARLY PRO OR CON and PRO opinions on this question. Read Trump's former positions on whether abortion should be legal.]
|
|
Healthcare
|
|
|
Healthcare
|
Pro
Should Americans Be Able to Import Prescription Drugs?
".@SecAzar and I will soon release a plan to let Florida and other States import prescription drugs that are MUCH CHEAPER than what we have now! Hard-working Americans don’t deserve to pay such high prices for the drugs they need. We are fighting DAILY to make sure this HAPPENS...
...While we had the first prescription drug price decrease in 50 years, Americans still pay far too much for drugs – other countries pay far less – that is WRONG! We will soon be putting more options on the table..."
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Nov. 22, 2019
|
|
Healthcare
|
Con
Should the US Switch to a Medicare-for-All Healthcare System?
"Dishonestly called 'Medicare for All,' the Democratic proposal would establish a government-run, single-payer health care system that eliminates all private and employer-based health care plans and would cost an astonishing $32.6 trillion during its first 10 years...
I also made a solemn promise to our great seniors to protect Medicare. That is why I am fighting so hard against the Democrats' plan that would eviscerate Medicare...
The Democrats' plan means that after a life of hard work and sacrifice, seniors would no longer be able to depend on the benefits they were promised. By eliminating Medicare as a program for seniors, and outlawing the ability of Americans to enroll in private and employer-based plans, the Democratic plan would inevitably lead to the massive rationing of health care."
Source: Donald Trump, "Donald Trump: Democrats 'Medicare for All' Plan Will Demolish Promises to Seniors," usatoday.com, Oct. 10, 2018
|
|
Healthcare
|
Pro
Should the Availability of Naloxone (Narcan) Be Expanded to Help Prevent Opioid Overdoses?
"The Administration has taken steps to expand the supply of lifesaving naloxone to first responders nationwide.
- There has been a 484 percent increase in naloxone dispensed monthly since President Trump took office.
- Naloxone prescriptions jumped 27 percent immediately following the Surgeon General’s advisory recommending that more Americans carry it.
- The VA alone dispensed 121,448 naloxone prescriptions, used to help 321 veterans during an overdose."
Source: White House, "President Donald J. Trump Is Fighting to End the Opioid Crisis That Has Devastated Too Many American Communities," whitehouse.gov, Apr. 24, 2020
|
|
Healthcare
|
Con
Is the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Good for Americans?
"Obamacare is a disaster, but we’ve run it very well... It was a disaster under President Obama, and it’s very bad healthcare. But what we are doing is we want to terminate healthcare for — under Obamacare, because it’s bad, and we’re replacing it with a great healthcare at far less money, and it includes preexisting conditions... But running it [Obamacare] great, it’s still lousy healthcare."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump at Signing of a Proclamation in Honor of National Nurses Day," whitehouse.gov, May 6, 2020
|
|
Healthcare
|
Pro
Should the Federal Government Intervene to Lower Prescription Drugs Costs?
"While we had the first prescription drug price decrease in 50 years, Americans still pay far too much for drugs – other countries pay far less – that is WRONG! We will soon be putting more options on the table."
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, Nov. 22, 2019
|
|
Healthcare
|
Pro
Should the Federal Government Intervene to End Surprise Medical Billing?
"For too long, surprise billings — which has been a tremendous problem in this country — has left some patients with thousands of dollars of unexpected and unjustified charges for services they did not know anything about and, sometimes, services they did not have any information on. They weren’t told by the doctor. They weren’t told by the hospitals in the areas they were going to. And they get, what we call, a 'surprise bill.' Not a pleasant surprise; a very unpleasant surprise.
So this must end. We’re going to hold insurance companies and hospitals totally accountable...
And I’ll go a step further: No American mom or dad should lay awake at night worrying about the hidden fees or shocking unexpected medical bills to come.
Today I’m announcing principles that should guide Congress in developing bipartisan legislation to end surprise medical billing."
Source: White House, "Remarks by President Trump on Ending Surprise Medical Billing," whitehouse.gov, May 9, 2019
|
|
Healthcare
|
Pro
Should the United States Leave the World Health Organization (WHO)?
"On April 14, 2020, I suspended United States contribution to the World Health Organization pending an investigation by my Administration of the organization's failed response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This review has confirmed many of the serious concerns I raised last month and identified others that the World Health Organization should have addressed, especially the World Health Organization's alarming lack of independence from the People's Republic of China... I cannot allow American taxpayer dollars to continue to finance an organization that, in its present state, is so clearly not serving American interests."
Source: Donald Trump, Letter to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Twitter.com, May 18, 2020
[Editor's Note: On July 6, 2020, the Trump Administration sent a letter formally withdrawing from the World Health Organization, effective July 6, 2021. To leave the organization, a member country must give one-year notice and pay outstanding dues. The US owes $198 million as of June 30, 2020.
Source: Pien Huang, "Trump Sets Date to End WHO Membership over Its Handling of Virus," npr.org, July 7, 2020]
|
|
Immigration
|
Pro
Should the US Continue to Build a Border Wall at the US/Mexico Border?
"My administration has presented Congress with a detailed proposal to secure the border and stop the criminal gangs, drug smugglers and human traffickers. It's a tremendous problem...
[A]s part of an overall approach to border security, law enforcement professionals have requested $5.7 billion for a physical barrier. At the request of Democrats, it will be a steel barrier rather than a concrete wall. This barrier is absolutely critical to border security. It’s also what our professionals at the border want and need. This is just common sense.
The border wall would very quickly pay for itself. The cost of illegal drugs exceeds $500 billion a year — vastly more than the $5.7 billion we have requested from Congress. The wall will also be paid for, indirectly, by the great new trade deal we have made with Mexico...
Some have suggested a barrier is immoral. Then why do wealthy politicians build walls, fences, and gates around their homes? They don't build walls because they hate the people on the outside, but because they love the people on the inside."
Source: Donald Trump, "President Donald J. Trump’s Address to the Nation on the Crisis at the Border," whitehouse.gov, Jan. 8, 2019
|
|
Immigration
|
Now Not Clearly Pro or Con
Should the US End the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Policy?
"The deal was done. DACA is going to be just fine. We’re putting it in. It's going to be just fine. And I am going to be, over the next few weeks, signing an immigration bill that a lot of people don't know about. You have breaking news, but I'm signing a big immigration bill...I'm going to do a big executive order. I have the power to do it as president and I'm going to make DACA a part of it. But, we put it in, and we'll probably going to then be taking it out. We're working out the legal complexities right now, but I'm going to be signing a very major immigration bill as an executive order, which Supreme Court now, because of the DACA decision, has given me the power to do that...[W]hat I'm going to do is that they're going to part of a much bigger bill on immigration. It's going to be a very big bill, a very good bill, and merit-based bill and it will include DACA, and I think people are going to be very happy... But one of the aspects of the bill is going to be DACA. We're going to have a road to citizenship."
Source: Rafael Bernal, "Trump Says He'll Sign Order with 'Road to Citizenship' for DACA Recipients," thehill.com, July 10, 2020
[ Editor's Note: Trump previously expressed a CON opinion on this question. Read Trump's former positions on whether DACA should end.]
|
|
Immigration
|
Con
Should the US Decriminalize Illegal Border Crossings?
"It is the policy of this Administration to rigorously enforce our immigration laws. Under our laws, the only legal way for an alien to enter this country is at a designated port of entry at an appropriate time. When an alien enters or attempts to enter the country anywhere else, that alien has committed at least the crime of improper entry and is subject to a fine or imprisonment under section 1325(a) of title 8, United States Code. This Administration will initiate proceedings to enforce this and other criminal provisions of the INA [Immigration and Nationality Act] until and unless Congress directs otherwise."
Source: Donald Trump, "Affording Congress an Opportunity to Address Family Separation [Executive Order 13841]," whitehouse.gov, June 20, 2018
|
|
Immigration
|
Pro
Should Immigrants Who Entered the US Illegally Be Denied a Path to Citizenship?
"We've issued 40 million green cards since 1970, which means the permanent residency and a path to citizenship for many, many people. But we will not allow our generosity to be abused by those who would break our laws, defy our rules, violate our borders, break into our country illegally. We won't allow it.
Mass, uncontrolled immigration is especially unfair to the many wonderful, law-abiding immigrants already living here who followed the rules and waited their turn. Some have been waiting for many years. Some have been waiting for a long time. They've done everything perfectly. And they're going to come in. At some point, they're going to come in. In many cases, very soon. We need them to come in, because we have companies coming into our country; they need workers. But they have to come in on a merit basis, and they will come in on a merit basis."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump on the Illegal Immigration Crisis and Border Security," whitehouse.gov, Nov. 1, 2018
|
|
Immigration
|
Pro
Should the Federal Government Limit the Number of Green Card Holders by which Immigrants Are Likely to Be Dependent on Government Resources (the Public Charge Rule)?
"I am tired of seeing our taxpayer[s] paying for people to come into the country and immediately go onto welfare and various other things."
Source: Michael D. Shear, Miriam Jordan and Caitlin Dickerson, "Trump’s Policy Could Alter the Face of the American Immigrant," nytimes.com, Aug. 14, 2019
[ Editor's Note: On Aug. 12, 2019, the Trump Administration issued a final rule that stated, "An alien who receives public benefits above a certain threshold is known as a 'public charge.'
- Aliens will be barred from entering the United States if they are found likely to become public charges.
- Aliens in the United States who are found likely to become public charges will also be barred from adjusting their immigration status."
Source: White House, "President Donald J. Trump is Ensuring Non-Citizens Do Not Abuse Our Nation’s Public Benefit," whitehouse.gov, Aug. 12, 2019 ]
|
|
LGBTQ+
|
Pro
Should Adoption Agencies Be Able to Refuse LGBTQ+ Couples?
[Editor's Note: The Trump administration's Justice Department filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in support of the religious nonprofit adoption agency Catholic Social Services in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. The adoption agency barred same-sex couples from adoption, which the City of Phildelphia argued was in violation of the city's non-discrimination ordinances and stopped referring children to the agency. The Justice Department wrote, "“Philadelphia has impermissibly discriminated against religious exercise" and the actions of the City “reflect unconstitutional hostility toward Catholic Social Services’ religious beliefs.”
Source: Aaron Reich, "Trump Administration Argues Adoption Orgs. Allowed to Refuse LGBT Couples," jpost.com, June 7, 2020]
|
|
LGBTQ+
|
None Found
Should Federal and State Governments Allow Nonbinary and Transgender People to Choose the Gender That Matches Their Identity (Including a Third Gender Option) for Government Documents?
No position found as of Apr. 3, 2020.
[Editor's Note: In a 2018 draft memo from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Trump administration stated, "Sex means a person’s status as male or female based on immutable biological traits identifiable by or before birth. The sex listed on a person’s birth certificate, as originally issued, shall constitute definitive proof of a person’s sex unless rebutted by reliable genetic evidence."
Because the final memo did not include this caveat, ProCon.org did not use the statement as Trump's position.
Erica L. Green, Katie Benner, and Robert Pear, "'Transgender' Could Be Definted out of Existence under Trump Administration," nytimes.com, Oct. 21, 2018]
|
|
LGBTQ+
|
Con
Should LGBTQ+ People Have Protection from Being Fired for Being LGBTQ+?
"We've taken action to defend the religious conscience of doctors, nurses, teachers, students, preachers, faith groups, and religious employers."
Source: Donald Trump, "Remarks by President Trump at Dinner with Evangelical Leaders," whitehouse.gov, Aug. 27, 2018
[Editor's Note: The above quote references the Trump administration's support for religious organizations being allowed to make employment decisions that are in line with their religious beliefs. We were unable to find a direct statement from President Trump on the issue of firing protections. However, since Trump has been in office, his administration has sought to limit protections for LGBTQ employees, as shown by proposed rules, amicus briefs, and other statements and actions taken by the Department of Labor and Department of Justice.]
|
|
LGBTQ+
|
Pro
Should the Government Allow Businesses to Deny Services to LGBTQ+ Customers Using Religious Freedom Laws?
"No American — whether a nun, nurse, baker, or business owner — should be forced to choose between the tenets of faith or adherence to the law.”
Source: Donald Trump, "President Donald J. Trump Proclaims January 16, 2018, as Religious Freedom Day,” whitehouse.gov, Jan. 16, 2018
[Editor's Note: The Trump administration's Department of Justice filed a brief in the supporting Jack Phillips in the Supreme Court case, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Phillips is the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Colorado who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex wedding, citing a violation of his religious beliefs.
Source: Robert Barnes, "Trump Administration Sides with Colorado Baker Who Refused to Make Wedding Cake for Gay Couple," denverpost.com, Sep. 7, 2017]
|
|
LGBTQ+
|
Con
Should Transgender People Be Allowed to Serve in the US Military?
"After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow......
....Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming.....
....victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Thank you"
Source: Donald Trump, Twitter.com, July 26, 2017
|
|
Candidate Finances
Did You Know?
How to Register to Vote
Lesson Plans: 2020 Election & Beyond
Differences in Conservative and Liberal Brains
The Electoral College: Top 3 Pros and Cons
Coronavirus: Timeline of Comments by Trump and Biden with Context')" href="https://www.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=007115">Coronavirus: Timeline of Comments by Trump and Biden with Context
Election Day National Holiday: Top 3 Pros and Cons
Top Issues for Voters
US Political Parties
Presidential Election History
How to Become the US President
Impeachment Explainer
Order of Presidential Succession
Positions on the Issues
Finances
Biography
Compare Candidates
Timeline of Statements on COVID-19
Take the Quiz
