The Donald Trump administration in the United States is expected to actively implement policies to encourage childbirth in response to the low birth rate issue. President Trump has emphasized since before his transfer that he would "restore the family as the center of American life," and there are assessments that this stance is leading to specific policies.
On the 21st (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported that the White House is planning various policies aimed at increasing the birth rate. As of 2023, the total fertility rate in the United States is 1.62 children per woman, which falls short of the replacement level of 2.1. President Trump has classified this as a "national crisis" and has emphasized government intervention.
According to NYT, the main policies under discussion within the White House include: a "Baby Bonus" program that provides $5,000 (approximately 7 million won) in cash to mothers who give birth; prioritizing 30% of the Fulbright Scholarship Program for married individuals and caregivers; budget support for educational programs about women's menstrual cycles; and a system to award a "Motherhood Medal" to women with six or more children.
These policies reflect President Trump's stance to strengthen traditional family values of the conservative Chin Young. NYT analyzed that despite the Trump administration's cuts to the federal budget, it shows movement to exception for funding family-centered policies. In fact, President Trump has stated through the "Project 2025" administrative reorganization blueprint, which he disclosed while preparing for re-election, that he aims to "restore family values and achieve an increase in the birth rate."
His actions since taking office also follow the same trend. At a White House event commemorating Women's Month last March, President Trump referred to himself as the "Fertility President" and stated that he would become a president who encourages pregnancy. Vice President JD Vance also emphasized in January at the "March for Life" rally that "more young men and women need to have more babies."
However, there are concerns that the White House may face various internal and external backlash during the policy planning process. Notably, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, which President Trump is promoting, have been criticized by anti-abortion conservative groups due to embryo disposal issues. These groups argue that IVF contradicts the ethics of life and have expressed opposition to public funding for such procedures.
Budget issues could also act as a realistic constraint. The Trump administration closed most departments of the Division of Reproductive Health under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immediately after taking office. As this division is the key agency responsible for IVF and maternal health research, there are concerns that the foundation for advancing related policies may be weakened.
Meanwhile, some officials within the Trump administration are already starting to adjust policies to align with the president's stance. Transportation Minister Sean Duffy stated in February that he would prioritize transportation infrastructure budgets in areas with high marriage and birth rates, demonstrating a commitment to implementing family-centered policies.