Election 2016: Where Clinton and Trump Stand on the Issues
A breakdown of their policy differences.
— -- Amid the daily din of the 2016 presidential horse-race and the flurry of comments from each of the candidates, it is often difficult to keep track of something basic -- Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump's positions on the issues.
Toss in the occasional flip-flop, hedging and dodging and getting a sense of where they stand is potentially even more difficult to determine.
Here is a rundown of where Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump stand on 13 key issues:
Abortion
Clinton and Trump have clear differences on their positions. Clinton supports a “woman’s right to choose” and has indicated she would appoint justices to the Supreme Court who would uphold Roe v. Wade. Trump was previously on the record as being pro-choice, but has maintained a pro-life position throughout his presidential campaign. The Republican nominee said during the primaries there should be a punishment for women who had an abortion, but later clarified he meant the doctor who performed the procedure should be punished.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Abortion and Planned Parenthood
Cybersecurity
Both candidates expressed commitment to fighting cyber threats. Trump said he would request a full review of the cyber security policy of the US. Clinton said she would like to avoid a cyber fight with Russia, but would like there to be rules to which all actors adhere.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Cybersecurity
Education
Clinton’s education policy focuses on eliminating student debt and highlighting good practices in successful schools, instead of closing failing schools. Trump is focusing on giving communities more options by supporting school choice programs and eliminating the Common Core.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Education
Environment/Climate Change/Clean Energy
Clinton and Trump have both come out in support of investing in domestic energy sources. Clinton said climate change is a problem and wants to invest in renewable resources. Trump wants to work with “clean coal” and refocus the EPA on clean air and drinking water.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Energy Policy and the Environment
Family Leave and Child Care
Clinton and Trump both announced plans for maternity leave nationwide. At the urge of his daughter Ivanka, Trump’s plan will offer 6 weeks paid maternity leave and various savings and tax-exempt accounts to help pay for child care. Clinton’s plan offers 12 weeks family leave.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Family Leave and Child Care
Gun Control
Both candidates are considering enforcing a “no fly, no buy” policy, where people on the terrorist watch list would be unable to buy guns. Clinton will advocate for "sensible" gun reforms included closing the gun show loophole and the online loophole. Trump has received the endorsement of the NRA and said he intends to protect the Second Amendment.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Gun Control
Healthcare
Obamacare has been at the center of the health care debate for years now, and the presidential campaign hasn’t changed that. The differences between Clinton and Trump’s policies when it comes to health care are very stark.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Health Care
Heroin
The opioid epidemic that has become a deadly problem in a number of states has emerged as an important issue in this year’s campaign. Clinton and Trump have spoken about tackling the issue from a medical and criminal perspective, one placing more emphasis on treatment specifics than the other.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Opioid Epidemic
Immigration and the Refugee Crisis
Millions of Syrians have left their homes seeking asylum from the violence in their home country since the Syrian civil war began. Donald Trump wants to halt the influx of Syrian refugees entering the U.S. while Hillary Clinton wants to increase the number of refugees.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Immigration and the Refugee Crisis
Military Spending
Clinton and Trump see eye-to-eye on one aspect of military spending. They both don’t want to cut defense spending, but how they want to allocate that money differs.
On the Issues: Clinton, Trump Talk Military Spending
Police Practices
Deadly police shootings and attacks on police officers have raised questions and debate over police practices nationally during this presidential campaign. Trump has repeatedly called himself “the law and order candidate” while Clinton has spoken extensively about how there is a need for renewed trust between police and the communities that they patrol.
Presidential Approaces to Police Practices
Syria and Defeating ISIS
The ongoing fight against ISIS has been a frequent talking point throughout the campaign, with each subsequent global attack prompting more discussion about how best to use American resources. Trump has also spoken at length about the role he alleges that the Obama administration -- which included Clinton for some years -- had in creating the atmosphere where ISIS was able to form.
Clinton, Trump on Syria and Defeating ISIS
Trade
Trump and Clinton both oppose the Trans Pacific Partnership deal negotiated by the Obama administration, but split on the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement negotiated in the 1990s under George H. W. Bush and ratified by Bill Clinton.
Clinton, Trump on US Trade
Related Topics
Popular Reads
ABC News Live