He’s a cultural phenomenon, television showman and billionaire who has businesses that run from real estate to clothing to international beauty pageants. Donald Trump is clearly a magnet for media attention, which many say is a direct result of his willingness to speak his mind – no matter the topic or circumstance. He’s been the front runner of the Republican candidates for months, and recent polls suggest he’s still gaining voter support. Despite his debatable demeanor and morales, Trump is still in a fighting lead, and some are already convinced he’ll have his name on the Republican ballot.
Here is where Trump stands on some of the major issues you might care about:
Budget: Government must cut spending more.
Speaking on Fox News in 2013, Donald Trump said that automatic budget cuts, or sequester, does not go far enough and Congress must reduce spending further to address impending increases in the deficit.
Climate Change: “It is a hoax.”
Trump does not believe climate change is real, tweeting out his skepticism with strong language and calling it a hoax on Fox News in 2014. In a 2012 Twitter post, Trump claimed that the concept of climate change was created by the Chinese to suppress the U.S. economy. In addition, Trump has expressed firm opposition to wind turbines, which he sees as an environmental and aesthetical problem.
Gun Control: Limit restrictions on guns. Ban some assault weapons and extend the waiting period for purchase.
During a 2013 interview with Fox News, the real estate mogul defined himself as, “a very strong person on the Second Amendment.” He believes guns are necessary for self-defense and has written that he generally opposes gun control. In his 2000 book, “The America We Deserve” Trump wrote that he supports a ban on assault weapons and a slightly longer waiting period to buy a gun.
Immigration: No path to citizenship for undocumented workers. Allow more European immigration and a legal status to those graduating from U.S. colleges.
In his January speech to the Iowa Freedom Summit, Trump called for securing the southern border and indicated that he believes half of the undocumented residents in America are criminals. Since then, Trump has also received backlash for making accusation about Mexican immigrants, claiming, “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.”
In 2013 at CPAC, the businessman said Republicans should block any path to citizenship or voting status for undocumented immigrants but should expand legal immigration from Europe. In addition, Trump would give a legal status to foreign students who complete a degree at an American university.
Social Issues: Abortion should be limited. Marriage is between a man and a woman and should be defined state by state.
Describing himself as “pro-life,” Trump told Bloomberg News in January that he believes abortion should be banned at some point during the pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest or life of the mother. In 2011 he explained to the Christian Broadcasting Network that he had changed his mind on the issue. And in “The America We Deserve,” Trump then wrote that he supported a woman’s right to choose. In the same Bloomberg interview in January, the businessman asserted that he personally believes marriage is between a man and a woman. While he sees it as a state issue, Trump indicated that the Supreme Court could issue a ruling to determine the law.
Taxes: End corporate taxes. Lower individual rates. Consider a one-time tax on the wealthy to pay down the debt.
In his 2011 book “Time to Get Tough,” Trump outlined a plan to end corporate taxes and significantly reduce individual taxes with a five-tier income tax system. In his proposal, the lowest earners would pay a 1 percent income tax and Americans earning more than $1 million would pay 15 percent. In his book, Trump proposed a one-time 14.25 percent tax on America’s wealthiest residents in order to pay down the national debt.
Iran and Israel: Walk away from nuclear talks. Increase sanctions.
Trump has said that the U.S. is mishandling current Iran negotiations and should have walked away from the table once Tehran reportedly rejected the idea of sending enriched uranium to Russia. The real estate developer told Fox News that he would increase sanctions on the Persian state. Trump has been sharply critical of the Obama administration’s handling of relations with Israel and has called for a closer alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.