In American politics, social conservatives often feel as though our voices are silenced amid the cultural shifts and policy priorities that favor progressivism. Even though Donald Trump is not someone naturally associated with social conservatism, and there are reasons for disappointment about certain concessions he has made, the reality of a second Trump administration offers a renewed opportunity for the values of social conservatives to be taken seriously as part of the coalition that helped elect him. Social conservatives should resist exiling themselves into irrelevance just because they appear to lack outsized influence in Trump’s orbit. (After all, JD Vance’s Catholicism and incoming OMB director Russ Vought’s Evangelical faith are hardly indifferent to the concerns of social conservatives.) For Christians who view politics not merely as a means to an end but as a platform to advance moral truths, this is a moment rife with potential.
Central to this social conservative vision would be a deep-seated commitment to the sanctity of human life, the priority of the family, the requirements of political freedom, and the rule of law. These principles serve as the foundation not only for Christians but for anyone who recognizes the inherent dignity and purpose of every human being and human community. Government has a moral obligation to promote these pillars as a general disposition toward humane governance.
What could a social conservative platform look like in a second Trump administration?
Policies aimed at redirecting federal support for health care initiatives that uphold life, expanding access to maternal health resources, and fostering adoption initiatives represent more than a political stance — they embody a moral imperative. The reinstatement of the Mexico City policy, ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars are not used to fund foreign nongovernmental organizations involved in abortion, exemplifies a global commitment to life. Coupled with the domestic defunding of Planned Parenthood, these actions demonstrate a comprehensive approach to defending the vulnerable and voiceless.
Equally urgent is the defense of religious liberty and free speech. These twin pillars of democracy are increasingly under threat by progressives, as evidenced by cases like that of the Colorado baker who faced relentless legal challenges for acting according to his deeply held beliefs. Such incidents underscore the necessity of robust protections for individuals and institutions seeking to live out their faith authentically. A second Trump administration could champion these rights through both legislative action and a resolute commitment to cultural advocacy, ensuring that the values of intellectual diversity and religious expression are preserved in the public square. It is essential for believers to recognize that these freedoms are not merely privileges but rights that must be vigorously defended. Furthermore, opposing legislative overreach, such as the Equality Act, ensures that faith-based institutions can operate without compromising their convictions. These proposed initiatives are not about imposing a narrow worldview but about restoring balance and respect in the educational sphere.
The traditional family, the cornerstone of any thriving society, must also be elevated and protected. Rhetorical advocacy should be prioritized in a second Trump administration, one that is not shy about vocally emphasizing that America is best when understood as a patchwork of connected and intact families. Social conservatives have long understood that stable families are essential to the moral and economic health of the nation. Policies that prioritize parental rights in education, promote school choice, and eliminate the imposition of divisive ideologies such as DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in public schools are vital to this effort. Moreover, resisting the normalization of gender transitions for minors reflects a commitment to safeguarding the innocence of children and adhering to biological realities. These measures are not reactionary but restorative, aimed at reaffirming truths that have guided civilizations for millennia.
Economic policies are another crucial dimension of this vision. Eliminating marriage penalties in the tax code, expanding the child tax credit, and providing tax relief for homeschooling and private schooling are not mere economic adjustments. They are affirmations of the family as the primary unit of society. Such measures align with the principles of stewardship and subsidiarity, empowering families to flourish without undue interference from the state. They also reflect a broader conservative commitment to fostering a vibrant civil society, where families and communities, not bureaucracies, drive progress.
Education, too, stands at a crossroads. The proposal to eliminate the Department of Education and return authority to state and local governments is a call to reinvigorate the principle of subsidiarity and family-first conservatism. By empowering parents and educators to shape curricula that reflect their values, this policy could pave the way for an educational renaissance grounded in critical thinking, moral clarity, and civic responsibility. Bringing attention to the increase of classical education and the Classical Learning Test could be transformative.
The judiciary’s role in safeguarding these principles cannot be overstated. Appointing conservative judges committed to constitutional originalism is essential to preserving the rule of law and ensuring that legislative and executive overreach are checked. The long-term impact of a judiciary rooted in these principles extends far beyond any single administration, shaping the legal and cultural landscape for generations.
Beyond domestic policy, the moral crisis surrounding abortion demands decisive action. A second Trump administration could use executive authority to restrict abortion through regulatory measures, ensuring that federal agencies uphold the sanctity of life. Expanding support for adoption and providing resources for expectant mothers could complement these efforts, offering compassionate and practical alternatives that resonate with the broader public.
Addressing the cultural confusion surrounding gender and sexuality is another imperative. Establishing a commission to investigate transgender medical practices and implementing age verification for social media and pornography are steps toward protecting children from exploitation and harmful ideologies. Ensuring fairness in sports by preventing biological males from participating in female competitions underscores the importance of truth and justice in public life. These policies are not about exclusion but about preserving the integrity of institutions and protecting the vulnerable.
Finally, the call for justice and accountability must be heard. Investigating anti-Christian bias in federal institutions and pardoning pro-life activists prosecuted under the FACE (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances) Act are necessary steps to reaffirm the place of religious convictions in the public square. These actions would signal a broader commitment to fairness and the equal application of the law, ensuring that people of faith are not penalized for living according to their principles.
To advance this ambitious agenda, it is imperative that the administration appoint a dedicated adviser for domestic social policy. Such a figure would oversee this portfolio and ensure that these priorities remain at the forefront of the administration, translating moral principles into actionable policies. The stakes are too high for complacency. Strategic leadership is essential to offsetting the free fall of American culture into illiberalism, atomization, and barbarism. We must take meaningful action to reverse these culture-killing trends.
Progressives will undoubtedly portray these policies as regressive, but their true objective is human flourishing. By emphasizing the tangible advantages — stronger families, vibrant communities, and a society rooted in truth and justice — social conservatives can effectively argue that these measures are not only morally right but also pragmatically sound. A culture that values life, liberty, and family is not merely a vision for believers but a necessity for a cohesive and prosperous society.
Consider the long-term cultural impact of a public education campaign to decrease poverty and encourage family formation. What would it look like? Imagine if there were government-funded campaigns, akin to the “The More You Know” commercials of the 1990s, that heralded Richard Reeves’ “Success Sequence,” the idea that if the average American graduates from high school, gets a job, gets married, and has children, in that sequence, their likelihood of ever experiencing poverty dramatically decreases.
A second Trump administration presents a significant opportunity to catalyze a moral and cultural renaissance. By championing the defense of life, liberty, and the family, this agenda has the potential to catalyze a transformative shift in American public life, aligning public policy with timeless truths. For Christians, this is an urgent call to action: to engage in the public sphere with unwavering courage and conviction, fervently praying and diligently working toward the creation of a society that embodies the splendor of God’s design. The potential rewards are far-reaching — a nation that cherishes its heritage and ensures its prosperity for generations to come.
This article originally appeared at National Review on January 5, 2024.
