Trump and Clinton on the Issues That Matter to College Students
October 24, 2016
By Emily Boyer
The issue of character is at the forefront of this election.
Donald Trump, in particular, has come under fire for saying Mexico deliberately sends rapists across the border, implying Hillary Clinton should be assassinated, and bragging about sexually assaulting women. But how much do you actually know about his policies? A president must have good policies in addition to good character. With that in mind, here are the candidates’ positions on just a few of the issues that matter to college students.
Donald Trump
Racial Issues
Disapproves of Black Lives Matter. Wants to incentivize companies to bring jobs back to the inner city, thereby improving the plight of residents.
Environment
Plans to rescind carbon dioxide regulations, open more land to drilling, and approve the Keystone Pipeline XL.
LGBT issues
Believes marriage and discrimination laws should be decided by the states.
Income inequality
Plans to lower taxes on the middle class while closing tax loopholes for the ultra-rich.
Student loan crisis
Proposes forgiving debt after 15 years and reducing federal regulations on colleges.
Healthcare
Opposes the Affordable Care Act and intends to have Congress repeal it.
Foreign policy
Wants to build up the military and work with allies in the Middle East to defeat ISIS. Plans to tighten screening procedures for incoming immigrants and deport illegal immigrants already living on US soil. Wants to build a wall along the Mexican border, paid for by Mexico.
Gun control
Opposes any limits on the Second Amendment.
National Surveillance Agency
Supports the NSA collecting Americans’ data.
Abortion
Opposes abortion except in cases of incest, rape, or threat to the mother’s life. Plans to defund Planned Parenthood.
Hillary Clinton
Black Lives Matter
Supports the movement and proposes reforming the criminal justice system to mend the racial incarceration divide.
Environment
Considers climate change a pressing issue. Plans to tighten energy regulations, incentivize communities to exceed the regulated standards, and invest in clean energy.
LGBT issues
Supports nationwide marriage equality and a federal ban on gender- and orientation-based discrimination.
Income inequality
Plans to lower taxes on the middle class and raise the minimum wage.
Student loan crisis
Supports free community college and intends to lower interest rates on repayment plans.
Healthcare
Supports the Affordable Care Act and plans to expand it.
Foreign policy
Plans to strengthen alliances across the globe and work with allies to defeat ISIS. Supports a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
Gun control
Proposes expanding background checks and waiting periods. Supports an assault rifle ban.
National Surveillance Agency
Supports the NSA collecting Americans’ data.
Abortion
Supports Planned Parenthood and legal access to abortion.