By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published November 6, 2024.

Former President Donald Trump secured victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election Tuesday, marking his return to the White House after four years out of office. Trump’s triumph comes with renewed pledges to shift U.S. foreign policy, including his stance toward allies in Asia and specifically, the Philippines, potentially impacting the large community of Filipino Americans.

Trump’s renewed presidency has already sparked statements of support from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who expressed optimism about continued collaboration. Trump and Marcos share a rapport that could lead to closer ties, as indicated by Trump’s previous outreach to Asian leaders during his first term. Under Trump’s foreign policy approach, the Philippines could see strategic cooperation with the U.S. in regional security, focusing on countering China’s influence in the South China Sea and reinforcing military alliances.

"I am hopeful that this unshakeable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force of good that will blaze a path of prosperity and amity, in the region, and in both sides of the Pacific," Marcos said in a press statement.

A shift in U.S. foreign policy may involve a more assertive stance in the Indo-Pacific region, with the Philippines potentially playing a key role as a U.S. ally. With shared interests in maintaining freedom of navigation and countering territorial claims, the Philippines stands as a strategic partner in Trump's vision to curtail China’s regional ambitions. Military collaborations, joint exercises, and economic initiatives could deepen under this administration, leading to strengthened defense commitments and U.S. military presence in the Philippines.

Filipino Americans, the third-largest Asian American ethnic group, are closely watching the unfolding foreign policy approach under Trump. Many see the potential for increased military and economic ties as a safeguard for the Philippines, while others fear that heightened tensions with China could create risks. Trump’s transactional approach to alliances raises questions about whether future U.S. commitments to Asian allies will hinge more heavily on American interests, possibly pressuring the Philippines to play a more active role in regional defense.

For Filipino Americans, this dynamic holds both promise and concern. Advocates say they hope for strengthened diplomatic support and economic aid, which could benefit families with ties to the Philippines. However, some worry about Trump’s hardline immigration stance, fearing more stringent restrictions that could affect family reunification and other immigration pathways commonly used by Filipino immigrants.

With increased U.S. military aid likely on the table, the Philippines could gain resources to modernize its forces and bolster its presence in contested areas. Yet, Trump’s focus on economic reciprocity may require the Philippines to increase its own spending or make concessions, potentially affecting the nation’s budget allocations for healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Filipino Americans with deep ties to both nations feel the complexity of these policies firsthand, weighing potential benefits against the risks of a more aggressive stance in the Asia-Pacific.

Among Trump’s domestic policy proposals, many Filipino Americans are paying attention to his stance on immigration and healthcare. Filipino Americans have historically supported broader immigration reform and protections for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, a category that could impact thousands within the community if re-evaluated under Trump. Additionally, changes to health care access and federal benefits remain points of concern, especially for elderly immigrants and those working in healthcare.

Interest in politics has also begun brewing in Texas, where incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz fended off a challenge from Democratic contender Colin Allred to secure a third term in the Senate in what has been one of the most expensive campaigns in the nation. Cruz’s victory ensures a continued conservative presence in Texas, where he has been a prominent supporter of Trump’s policies. Known for his staunch positions on immigration and conservative values, Cruz’s re-election suggests that Trump may find a supportive ally in Congress as he implements his second-term agenda.

Cruz’s win reflects Texas’s political climate, particularly among conservative and moderate voters who prioritized national security, immigration policy, and economic growth. Cruz’s influence in the Senate is expected to strengthen the Republican majority, paving the way for a smooth rollout of Trump’s proposed policies.

In another closely watched Texas race, state Rep. Angie Chen Button defeated Democratic challenger Averie Bishop in House District 112. Bishop, a former Miss Texas and outspoken advocate on progressive issues, had captured the attention of young and diverse voters across Texas with her platform of inclusion and advocacy for education and healthcare reform.

Averie Bishop, the daughter of Filipino immigrants, had also resonated with Filipino American voters who saw her as a representative of their voices and concerns. Her progressive platform included support for expanded healthcare access, equitable funding for public schools, and policies addressing Texas's growing diversity. She advocated for stronger protections and support for immigrant communities and had raised issues impacting Filipino Americans, such as immigration reform and anti-Asian discrimination.

Despite Bishop’s growing popularity, Button’s victory illustrates the challenges Democrats face in Texas, particularly in districts that lean conservative. Button, who has served in the Texas House since 2008, campaigned on economic growth, job creation, and education initiatives — traditional values that resonated with her constituents. As a longtime representative of District 112, she had the advantage of established support among older and conservative voters, many of whom were wary of Bishop’s progressive stance. Despite a waning control of voters as surrounding districts progressively become more democratic, Button scraped by with 54% to 46% for Bishop with 98% of polling locations.

Button’s win underscores the influence of traditional conservative values in Texas politics, particularly in suburban districts. For Trump and his allies, local victories like Button’s provide a strengthened Republican foothold, which could be instrumental in advancing state-level policies that align with the national conservative agenda.