RNC convention: 2024 GOP platform reflects Trump’s MAGA influence

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The new Republican Party platform reflects Donald Trump’s vision for the country, as well as the extent to which he has reshaped his party since its last platform was released in 2016.

It reiterates many of his campaign promises, including implementing “THE LARGEST DEPORTATION OPERATION IN AMERICAN HISTORY” and holding government officials accountable for “unjustly” prosecuting political opponents.

Why We Wrote This

A party platform, while not binding, gives an indication of policy priorities and a road map for governing. The changes since 2016 reflect a populist shift, dialing back long-standing Republican stances on abortion, guns, and fiscal responsibility.

On several major policy issues, there is a marked departure from 2016 in both substance and tone. The document includes only a passing promise to defend “THE RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS.” And it is the first Republican platform in decades that does not call for a national abortion ban.

The GOP’s long-held priorities of reducing entitlement spending and reining in the national debt also aren’t discussed. In fact, the word “debt” doesn’t appear anywhere in the document, and “deficit” appears only once, in reference to the trade deficit.

In many ways, this platform is essentially “a series of outtakes from Trump’s rally speeches,” says Marjorie Hershey, a political science professor at Indiana University. “Trump has completely taken control of the party.”

“MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” headlines the 2024 Republican Party platform

Indeed, it reflects former President Donald Trump’s vision for the country, according to Trump campaign advisers, as well as the extent to which he has reshaped the party since its last platform was released in 2016. 

The platform includes far fewer specifics and policy details than in the past. It reiterates many of Mr. Trump’s campaign promises –  including building an Iron Dome missile defense system over the United States, and implementing “THE LARGEST DEPORTATION OPERATION IN AMERICAN HISTORY.” It also promises to hold government officials accountable for alleged abuses of power, such as “illegal censoring” of lawful speech or “unjustly” prosecuting political opponents.

Why We Wrote This

A party platform, while not binding, gives an indication of policy priorities and a road map for governing. The changes since 2016 reflect a populist shift, dialing back long-standing Republican stances on abortion, guns, and fiscal responsibility.

Delegates to the Republican National Convention, which kicks off Monday in Milwaukee, are expected to adopt the new platform and formally choose Mr. Trump as the GOP presidential nominee. 

What is the purpose of a party platform? 

A party platform is a document that outlines what a political party believes on key issues – essentially a party’s “mission statement.” It is typically written by major party figures as well as representatives from interest groups.

Russell Vought, who headed up the Office of Management and Budget during the Trump administration, is the policy director for the Republican National Committee platform committee. Mr. Vought is also one of the authors of Project 2025, a sweeping presidential transition plan created by the Heritage Foundation that offers a road map for an incoming conservative administration, although Mr. Trump has recently sought to distance himself from it.

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, June 6, 2024, in Phoenix.

Party platforms have been a regular feature of campaigns since 1840, when then-President Martin Van Buren outlined nine major Democratic Party positions in about 500 words. Modern-day platforms are far more complex, running up to 75 pages long. They include a preamble that lays out how the party sees the state of the country and the problems that must be addressed, as well as goals it seeks to achieve on different issues.  



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