Charting a New Course: Trump’s Chance to ‘Restore America’ by Trimming the Federal Government

Following his decisive win in the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump has the unique chance to reshape the U.S. government

Donald Trump's sweeping victory in the 2024 election has presented him with a unique opportunity to reshape the American economy. One key aspect of his plan involves slashing inefficient government departments, a move that could pave the way for greater economic prosperity and a return of power to local communities.

Charting a New Course: Trump’s Chance to ‘Restore America’ by Trimming the Federal Government

Following his decisive win in the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump has the unique chance to reshape the U.S. government, using Ron Paul’s “Restore America” plan as his guide. Targeting federal agencies like the Dept. of Education, Dept. of Energy, Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Dept. of Commerce, and Dept. of the Interior for elimination, Trump could pave the way for economic freedom and local empowerment—mirroring bold reforms in Argentina under President Javier Milei. This initiative, focused on reducing excessive government, could counteract the nation’s mounting debt, address flagging educational outcomes, and tackle economic sluggishness.

Revisiting Ron Paul's Vision of Minimalist Government

Over a decade ago, former U.S. Representative and presidential candidate Ron Paul called for the dissolution of specific federal departments, a proposal that was met with skepticism at the time. However, as the 2024 election cycle approached, Paul's ideas once again gained traction among certain political groups.

One of the departments targeted by Paul's plan is the Department of Education, which was established in 1979. Despite significant increases in funding over the years, standardized test scores and overall student performance have largely plateaued. Paul and his supporters argue that if the federal government were to relinquish control of education and hand it over to the states, it would allow for more localized and adaptable solutions to be implemented, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes.

This concept of decentralization is already being implemented in Argentina, where President Javier Milei has shifted funds away from the national education department to stabilize the economy and improve other sectors. While this move has sparked some debate, it also highlights the potential impact of prioritizing local control over federal oversight.

In the United States, a similar shift could lead to improvements in education as states are empowered to adopt best practices that are tailored to the unique needs of their communities. For instance, states with a strong agricultural presence could prioritize programs that prepare students for careers in farming and food production, while states known for their technological advancements could focus on STEM education and computer science.

Freeing the Energy Sector to Fuel Economic Independence

Another department that has come under fire for its restrictive regulations is the Department of Energy, which was created to steer U.S. energy policies. Some argue that the department's policies hinder economic growth and efforts to achieve energy independence.

If the Trump administration were to propose dismantling the Department of Energy, it could unburden private energy firms and allow them to innovate and compete more freely in the marketplace. By reducing regulations, this strategy could foster a more self-reliant and competitive energy landscape, enabling companies to adapt more quickly to consumer needs.

Energy independence isn't simply about cutting regulations; it's about enabling competition. With a liberated market, American firms could more readily produce cost-effective domestic energy solutions, benefiting both consumers and national security.

Housing and Commerce: Unleashing Local Solutions

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has also faced criticism for its extensive regulations, which some argue drive up housing costs and limit affordability. If HUD were to be eliminated, private enterprises might be able to create more affordable housing options that respond swiftly to local demand.

By eliminating HUD, the Trump administration would allow local markets to tackle housing issues more effectively, addressing both availability and affordability. For example, in areas with a high cost of living, such as major cities on the coasts, private developers could be incentivized to construct more compact and energy-efficient housing units to cater to the needs of first-time homebuyers and families.

Meanwhile, the Department of Commerce is another federal agency that has been accused of overstepping its bounds with regulations that restrict trade and raise prices for consumers. Removing such barriers could lower costs and expand choices, encouraging businesses to innovate without relying on protectionism.

For instance, eliminating tariffs on imported goods could make a wider range of products available at lower prices, benefiting both consumers and businesses that use these goods in their operations. This strategy could also foster greater competition among domestic firms, driving them to improve the quality and efficiency of their products to remain profitable.

Empowering Environmental Stewardship Through Decentralization

Finally, the Department of the Interior controls vast amounts of land in the United States, but some question whether this equates to efficient or environmentally responsible management. Trump's plan to privatize or return land control to the states could foster better stewardship.

As private owners have a strong incentive to preserve the value of their assets, they are likely to manage the land in a way that ensures its long-term health