Top advisers to Donald Trump are working on a significant overhaul of the Republican Party platform, aiming to streamline its size and refocus it around the former president's agenda for a potential second term. A memo from Trump campaign managers criticized past platforms as too lengthy and influenced by special interests and outside groups. The goal is to create a more concise and easily understandable platform that is less vulnerable to attacks from political opponents.
The most recent platform, adopted in 2016 and reaffirmed in 2020, spans 66 pages. The new platform is expected to be much shorter, likely a couple of dozen pages, with clearer language that reflects Trump's key priorities.
Concerns have been raised by conservative groups about the direction of the platform ahead of the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. There is particular worry among anti-abortion groups that the memo signals a potential removal of the platform's commitment to a federal abortion ban and a constitutional amendment granting the unborn the same rights as a person.
The existing platform includes positions against gay marriage, new gun restrictions, and proposed changes to Medicare and Social Security for individuals under 55. Some of these stances have been used by Democrats in recent election cycles for their messaging.
