Trump vs Harris: competing visions for construction and infrastructure

With the 2024 U.S. presidential election nearing, the policy platforms for incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump diverge sharply on issues impacting the global construction industry.

Harris was a vocal supporter of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and has pledged to boost spending on emerging industries like semiconductors, clean energy and AI. However, she has not explicitly called for another major infrastructure package. The Democratic platform supports streamlining permitting processes.

Trump made infrastructure a priority during his presidency but failed to pass any major legislation despite attempts at a $1 trillion plan. He has indicated he will cut IIJA and other Biden-era infrastructure funding. The GOP platform vows to reinvigorate infrastructure and manufacturing but lacks specifics.

Labour and Imigration

On immigration, Harris backs reform creating citizenship pathways for undocumented immigrants and expanding temporary worker visas used in construction. Trump promises to seal the southern border and emphasizes deportations.

Harris touts Biden as the most pro-labor president and will sign pro-union legislation if passed. Trump’s prior term saw reduced worker protections.

To bolster domestic manufacturing, Harris supports incentives like the CHIPS Act for semiconductors. Trump proposes raising tariffs up to 60% on certain imports.

Harris seeks $5 trillion in tax hikes, including raising the corporate rate to 28%. Trump aims to extend 2017 tax cuts and further lower the corporate rate.

With divergent visions, the next president’s policies stand to significantly impact global construction markets for years to come.

Source: Construction Dive