How Harris, Trump stand on issues in presidential race: Abortion, immigration and more

In this year’s presidential election, voters face a stark choice between two competing visions for the United States, presented by Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, both of whom will appear on the ballots on November 5.

The election outcome will shape not only national identity but also the country's global standing, with potential implications lasting for decades.

After stepping in for President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee, Harris has promised to carve out her own direction while still advocating many of Biden's key policies: tax cuts for the middle class, tax hikes on the wealthy, a restoration of abortion rights, aggressive climate action, and a commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.

In contrast, Trump aims to resume his agenda, disrupted during his previous term by the pandemic. He seeks to enact widespread deportations of undocumented migrants, extend and expand his 2017 tax cuts, increase tariffs, support fossil fuels over renewables, and centralize government power within the White House. He has also targeted transgender rights and made controversial statements regarding the Ukraine conflict.

While both candidates argue their approaches will benefit workers and the middle class, their policies diverge significantly on key issues. They do share a consensus on not taxing workers' tips, but that's where their agreement ends. Here’s a closer look at their positions on ten crucial issues:

### Abortion

**HARRIS:** She advocates for federal legislation to protect abortion rights, a right that was effectively dismantled by the Supreme Court in 2022. Harris highlights how restrictive state laws have harmed women's health care, citing specific tragedies as evidence. She frames her arguments around personal freedom, asserting that the government should not dictate decisions about one’s own body.

**TRUMP:** Trump often boasts about his role in appointing the justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. He has stated that decisions regarding abortion should rest with the states, praising the varying restrictions in Republican-led states. While he claims not to support a national abortion ban, he has also suggested that states could choose to prosecute women seeking abortions.

### Climate and Energy

**HARRIS:** Her campaign reflects a shift, suggesting that fossil fuel practices like fracking can coexist with renewable energy initiatives. While she previously championed the Green New Deal, her focus now is on implementing the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which allocates significant funding for clean energy. Nonetheless, meeting emissions reduction goals remains a challenge.

**TRUMP:** Emphasizing a "drill, baby, drill" philosophy, Trump has dismissed climate change concerns and favors increasing domestic oil production. He intends to accelerate fossil fuel extraction, roll back renewable energy incentives, and exit the Paris Agreement, all while promising to cut energy prices significantly.

### Democracy and the Rule of Law

**HARRIS:** She characterizes Trump as a threat to democracy, echoing sentiments from former Trump officials who labeled him a fascist. Harris emphasizes her legal background to contrast with Trump’s legal troubles and frames his potential return to power as perilous for the nation.

**TRUMP:** Having refused to acknowledge Biden's victory, Trump has cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 2024 election. He pledges to pardon January 6 defendants and has threatened to jail those involved in what he calls “unscrupulous behavior” related to the election.

### Federal Government

**HARRIS:** Like Biden, Harris opposes Trump’s "Project 2025," a conservative blueprint for overhauling the federal government. She supports measures to protect civil service jobs from political reclassification, aimed at preventing mass firings of government employees.

**TRUMP:** While attempting to distance himself from Project 2025, Trump still promises to revamp the federal bureaucracy and reinstate measures that would make it easier to fire civil servants. He aims to dismantle the Education Department and curtail the autonomy of regulatory agencies.

### Immigration

**HARRIS:** In response to GOP criticisms, Harris pledges to revive a bipartisan Senate immigration bill that would enhance border security and asylum processes. She has emphasized her experience as California's attorney general in handling drug trafficking and gang-related issues.

**TRUMP:** Trump has returned to his hardline immigration rhetoric, promising mass deportations and the reinstatement of stringent policies from his first term. He advocates for severe penalties for undocumented migrants involved in violent crimes.

Both candidates clearly articulate their visions for the future, making this election pivotal for shaping the direction of the United States.