An Election Like No Other: Moving Forward

Written by: Constance Cullman   |   November 15, 2024

White House, President, Election, Congress, Regulatory

The 2024 election cycle turned into one for the history books—full of twists, turns, and more drama than we’ve seen in years. Regardless, now that Americans did their civic duty and cast their ballots and the rhetoric is done, it’s time for our country to move forward with the certainty we all hoped for – the peaceful transition of power in January. 

Trump's Agenda: The Road Ahead 

As President-elect Donald Trump returns to office, his agenda is ambitious. His campaign priorities have focused on enforcing strict immigration policies and imposing across-the-board tariffs of 10%-20%, with 60% tariffs the floor for products coming from China and triple digit tariffs threatened against Mexico.  He aims to expand U.S. energy production and extend tax cuts passed during his first term.  

On the international front, he’s vowed to get tough on China, end the war in Ukraine and reduce funding to the beleaguered country, aggressively support Israel’s response to Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, withdraw from international organizations like NATO, and roll back climate commitments. He also indicated interest in scaling back or redirecting the Inflation Reduction Act spending, which has the attention of many in Congress. 

After receiving the endorsement of previous presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Trump confirmed that Kennedy, the “Make America Healthy Again” crusader, would have a place in his administration to focus on health and food policy. Kennedy has been an outspoken critic of many modern agriculture and food production practices, leading the industry to question how much his influence will affect the administration’s handling of food and agricultural issues. 

A Republican Sweep 

With Republicans winning control of the House of Representatives, they have now secured a “trifecta” in Washington, D.C., solidifying their influence with control of both chambers of Congress and the White House. This consolidated power bolsters the GOP's ability to advance Trump’s agenda. With a Republican-led Congress, budget-related bills can now be passed through the expedited reconciliation process, and a GOP-controlled Senate is positioned to quickly confirm the president’s political appointees and facilitate the appointment of more conservative judges. 

A Packed Lame Duck Session 

As the current Congress wraps up, the “lame duck” period, which will run from Nov. 12 to Jan. 3, is packed with legislative priorities. Congress must pass critical bills to keep the government funded beyond Dec. 20, approve the National Defense Authorization Act and consider disaster relief funding. The farm bill and other legislation of interest to our sector – including our efforts to see the Innovative FEED Act cross the finish line – could also come into play, making this a busy session with far-reaching implications.  

The Supreme Court’s Chevron Decision 

It is unknown how much the impact the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn the Chevron deference—a principle that allowed federal agencies to interpret statutes—may have on the incoming president’s interest in using executive orders and agency rule to shape government. The ruling means Congress will have to tackle issues head-on with more clarity in legislation, breaking what some call the “easy button” approach to legislation and constrain lawmakers from relying on agencies to fill in the details. 

Looking Forward 

We are ready to jump in and work with this new administration and the 119th Congress to advocate for common sense, science-based laws and regulations and protect our ability to produce safe, nutritious and innovative animal food. With so many policy priorities we are watching, we are eager to get started!