Trump’s second term: full-scale attack on abortion rights, immigration and LGBTQ+ rights?

As newly elected US President Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, his second term promises to bring sweeping changes to many critical aspects of American life, with significant consequences not only for the US, but also for global affairs. From reproductive rights to immigration policies, LGBTQ+ protections, environmental standards and gun laws, the country’s trajectory will change dramatically under his leadership.

Abortion rights under threat

One of the most important issues at stake is access to abortion. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, several states had already passed near-total abortion bans. Under a second Trump administration, there are concerns that federal restrictions could be imposed nationwide. While Trump’s position on a national abortion ban remains unclear, his administration could use existing laws to enforce a de facto national ban. Additionally, Trump could push to weaken key laws such as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which currently protects access to emergency abortion.

Mass deportations and suppression of immigration

Trump has promised to reinstate and expand his controversial immigration policies, with an emphasis on mass deportations. The GOP’s Project 2025 outlines plans to carry out the “largest deportation operation in American history.” This could include using U.S. troops for border enforcement and invoking war powers for immigration control. While the details remain unclear, it is feared that these policies could lead to widespread family separations and other hardships for immigrants.

Rolling back LGBTQ+ rights

Trump’s first term banned transgender people from serving in the military, and a second term is expected to see even more aggressive actions against the LGBTQ+ community. His administration could push for the end of gender-affirming care and federal nondiscrimination policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals. There could be proposals to limit legal recognition of transgender people and promote “heterosexual intact marriage” as a policy position. Marriage equality, which Trump previously questioned, could be in jeopardy if he gains the power to appoint more conservative justices to the Supreme Court.

Environmental setbacks

Trump’s stance on climate change remains a major concern for environmentalists. During his first term, he withdrew the US from the Paris climate accords and is expected to undermine further efforts to tackle the climate crisis in a second term. With plans to expand the fossil fuel industry and roll back regulations aimed at cutting emissions, Trump’s environmental policies could slow progress in the fight against climate change. Continued growth in emissions could accelerate global warming, especially as Trump has dismissed climate change as a hoax and promoted a “drill, baby, drill” policy.

Gun control laws under threat

There could be a rollback of progress made under President Joe Biden, especially the first major federal gun safety law in nearly three decades. Trump’s second term could undo several of Biden’s efforts, including expanding background checks and other protections aimed at curbing gun violence. This could lead to a new wave of uncontrolled gun violence across the country.

Military takeovers of cities

Perhaps one of the most alarming aspects of Trump’s second-term agenda is his potential use of federal power to override local governments. He has threatened to use presidential powers to take control of cities run by Democratic leaders and use federal agents to enforce mass deportations. Trump has also indicated he would unilaterally use the National Guard to tackle urban protests. This has raised concerns about the erosion of local autonomy and the potential for greater militarization of American cities.