Trump vs. Biden: Who Has the Better Plan for Affordable Childcare?
Childcare costs have skyrocketed in recent years, placing a heavy burden on American families.
Childcare costs have skyrocketed in recent years, placing a heavy burden on American families. Under President Biden, the average cost of childcare has increased significantly, making it even harder for working parents to find affordable care for their children. With President Trump back in office, many families are eager to see how his policies will tackle this issue compared to the Biden-Harris approach.
Childcare Under Biden: More Government, More Spending
The Biden-Harris administration focused on expanding federal assistance for childcare through increased funding for government programs. Their policies primarily benefited low-income and lower-middle-class families by:
Capping Childcare Costs: Biden’s plan aimed to ensure that families earning up to 150% of their state’s median income would not pay more than 7% of their income on childcare.
Government Subsidies: The administration allocated billions to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which helps low-income families afford care.
Expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC): While temporarily expanded in 2021, it provided direct financial relief to families but was not renewed at the same level.
Increased Federal Investment: A push for universal preschool and increased public funding of childcare aimed to shift more responsibility onto the government rather than private providers.
While these measures were meant to provide relief, they came at a cost. Increased regulations and government intervention led to rising expenses for daycare centers, which in turn drove up prices for families who didn’t qualify for subsidies. Additionally, many middle-class families found themselves paying higher taxes while receiving little direct benefit from these policies.
Trump’s Approach: Tax Relief and Private Market Solutions
In contrast, Trump’s childcare strategy leans on reducing costs through tax incentives, free-market competition, and economic growth rather than expanding government control. His approach includes:
Child Tax Credit Increase: Under Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Child Tax Credit doubled from $1,000 to $2,000 per child, offering relief to middle-class and upper-middle-class families who don’t qualify for government assistance but still struggle with childcare costs.
Encouraging Employer-Provided Childcare: Trump proposed incentives for businesses to offer workplace childcare benefits, helping parents find more accessible and affordable care options.
Reducing Regulations to Lower Costs: The Trump administration emphasized cutting red tape in the childcare industry, allowing providers more flexibility to operate efficiently, which could lead to lower prices for parents.
Tariff-Funded Childcare Proposal: Trump floated the idea of using tariff revenue to support childcare programs, ensuring that funding didn’t come from higher taxes on American families.
Who Benefits the Most?
Biden’s Childcare Plan Primarily Benefits:
✅ Low-income and lower-middle-class families who qualify for government-subsidized programs ✅ Parents who rely on expanded public childcare options ✅ Childcare providers who receive federal grants
❌ Middle-class families who don’t qualify for subsidies often see higher costs due to increased regulations and taxation.
Trump’s Childcare Plan Primarily Benefits:
✅ Middle-class and upper-middle-class families who rely on tax relief and employer-based childcare ✅ Parents who prefer private childcare options over government-run programs ✅ Businesses that want to offer childcare benefits to employees
❌ Low-income families may have fewer direct government subsidies, but increased market competition could lead to more affordable options over time.
Which Approach Is Better for America?
From a conservative perspective, Biden’s strategy expands government dependency and increases taxpayer burden, while Trump’s approach empowers families to choose what works best for them through tax relief and private sector solutions. Government intervention has historically driven up prices, making childcare less accessible for those who don’t qualify for assistance. By reducing regulations and encouraging economic growth, Trump’s plan focuses on long-term affordability and accessibility rather than short-term handouts.
With Trump back in office, many families are hopeful that his policies will restore a free-market approach to childcare, ensuring that all parents—not just those who qualify for government aid—have the ability to afford quality care for their children.
