On January 24, 2025, J.D. Vance made headlines by delivering his inaugural address as the Vice President of the United States at the March for Life event. During his speech, he passionately expressed his desire for an increase in birth rates in America, emphasizing, “I want more happy children in our country, and it is the task of our government to make it easier for young moms and dads to afford to have kids.” These declarations resonated with pro-family advocates and indicated a potential shift in policy direction under the new administration.
In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent rise to the presidency, there is a palpable sense of urgency among family policy advocates. Trump’s administration appears willing to embrace policies that focus on reversing the declining fertility rates in the U.S., a notion that has gained traction within the Republican Party. Proponents are eyeing initiatives to help families, such as baby bonuses and an expanded child tax credit, to support parents financially at crucial moments.
During an address at the Conservative Political Action Conference from March 4, 2023, Trump highlighted his commitment to family policy, stating, “We will support baby bonuses for a new baby boom,” referencing a financial incentive for families upon the birth of a child. Although baby bonuses have varied in efficacy as a family-growing incentive, they can ease immediate financial burdens. Trump expressed his support for a $5,000 baby bonus, aiming to relieve some of the financial stresses associated with welcoming a child.
Family advocates also sought to enhance the child tax credit further, which had previously increased to $2,000 under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, because of inflation, this amount effectively held less value, demonstrating a clear need for adjustments that keep up with living costs.
Amid this backdrop, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was proposed, encapsulating Trump’s campaign promises regarding family policy within a larger tax-and-spending framework. While it did contain some adjustments to the CTC, it ultimately fell short of the expectations set by advocates who hoped for a more robust baby bonus. Instead, the bill introduced “Trump Accounts,” which allow parents to save for their children’s future expenses, but these provisions do not address immediate financial burdens that new parents face.
The divergence of views within the GOP regarding family support is notable, particularly between advocates pushing for direct financial assistance and those favoring assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. The administration’s pledge to improve IVF accessibility found support among some factions, particularly as prominent figures advocated for using such technologies to help offset the drop in birth rates. While Trump signed an executive order aimed at making IVF more affordable, the resulting initiatives did not fully meet the initial promises due to lobbying from various interest groups.
Looking ahead, the likelihood for new comprehensive family policies under the current administration appears diminished, especially with the upcoming 2026 midterms. Nonetheless, there remains a cohort of younger Republicans, including Vance, Marco Rubio, and Josh Hawley, who are increasingly supportive of federal initiatives to bolster family life. The ongoing discourse surrounding family policy suggests potential developments in the future as the urgency to address fertility and support parents continues to gain attention within American politics.
In a hopeful outlook, the increasing awareness and conversations on family support signal a willingness among some lawmakers to ensure that parents receive adequate resources. With organized efforts from both sides of the aisle, a collaborative approach could pave the way for more comprehensive family-oriented policies moving forward.