The Trump administration is actively considering a range of proposals aimed at encouraging Americans to marry and have more children, part of a broader effort to address declining birthrates and promote traditional family values.
According to sources familiar with recent discussions at the White House, officials have been meeting with policy experts and advocates focused on boosting fertility rates. These meetings have produced numerous proposals that range from financial incentives to educational programs.
Among the ideas being floated is a $5,000 “baby bonus” that would be provided to every American mother following childbirth. Another proposal would reserve 30 percent of prestigious Fulbright scholarships specifically for applicants who are married or have children.
Some advocates are also pushing for government-funded programs to educate women about their menstrual cycles, with the stated purpose of helping them better understand ovulation and conception.
The administration has not yet committed to any specific proposals, but the active consideration of such measures signals a potential policy shift that aligns with President Trump’s stated desire for a “baby boom” in America.
Vice President JD Vance and prominent Trump ally Elon Musk have both been vocal supporters of pronatalist policies. Advocates point to the visible presence of Vance and other officials appearing with their children at public events as evidence of the administration’s commitment to family-centric policies. The pronatalist movement, focused on reversing declining birthrates, sees the current administration as fundamentally aligned with their goals and priorities.
However, these initiatives might face obstacles when confronted with other administration priorities. Recent reports indicate that the health department has made significant cuts to the Division of Reproductive Health, which handles issues related to in vitro fertilization and maternal health outcomes.
Despite potential conflicts in priorities, some see opportunities for bipartisan cooperation. For instance, increased federal funding for infertility and reproductive health – an idea supported by some pronatalist advocates—could garner support across party lines, as experts have long noted that women’s health research has been historically underfunded. While some medical experts find certain characterizations of infertility challenges oversimplified, many agree with the call for increased investment in reproductive health research and support services.
As these discussions continue, the administration’s approach to birthrate policies could become a defining feature of Trump’s second term, reflecting a growing focus on demographic trends and family formation that has gained traction among conservative circles in recent years.
